FINAL SALUTE – March 11, 2018

Lt. Colonel Arthur Maxwell Hale began service to his country when he joined the US Forestry Service in the 1930s.  In 1937 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps.  His early service included the USS San Francisco 1938-39, Midway Island defense force 1942-44, and the tank company in China 1944.  After a few years stateside, in Camp Pendleton, CA, Syracuse, NY, and Quantico, VA, Art led the Tank Campaign in Korea 1950-52, and served as Commander of the Tank Battalion on Okinawa 1957-58.  He received high distinction for his service, with decorations including two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars, and a commendation from the President of South Korea, among others.  Back at Quantico, he headed the Tracked & Armored Vehicle Section, while earning his Master's Degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

After retiring from the USMC, Arthur was accepted into the Stanford University PhD program, then decided to take a position in the Personnel Office at the brand new Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  Art became Director of the Personnel Office in 1972, with his first major assignment to classify staff under Civil Service criteria.

One day at the barber shop, Art heard about a new development being planned outside Edwardsville.  He and his wife explored the area and bought the first (and best, they still believe) plot of Holiday Shores.  Fittingly, Art became the first President of the Holishor Association at Holiday Shores Lake.  A self-taught tree steward and animal enthusiast, Hales' Acre Point is its own wildlife preserve, where small animals and many birds find homes in and among the many trees and plants Art planted and maintained.

Art is remembered for his love of family, dry sense of humor, passion for being outdoors, amazing physical strength, and quiet demeanor.

Art is survived by his wife of over 67 years, Betty K Hale, daughters Janet and Carol Lynn, granddaughter Hilary, and sons-in-law, Dale and Edwin.  He was predeceased by his son, A M. Hale, Jr. (1953-73).

Semper fi, Art/Daddy/Pop/Grandpa.

Sunset Hill Funeral Home in Glen Carbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family through this online guestbook.