John M. Hale, 66, of Distant, died Tuesday afternoon, November 29, 2016, after fighting a courageous eleven month battle with cancer surrounded by his family at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning.
Born on April 23, 1950 in Brookville and son of the late Elgie L. and Vira G. (Copenhaver) Smith. On December 31, 1976, he married Patricia J. (Wetzel) and she survives.
John worked for the Keystone Salt Service from 1969 to 1977. He then started to work in the coal mines with several coal companies including R N P Coal Company and Console from 1977 until he retired in 2002. He was a proud card carrying member of the United Mine Workers of America Local 2283. He was a life member of the NRA and taught Hunter’s Saftey classes for over 20 years. John had a passion for hunting which he instilled in his son Jamie. Father and son hunted together for 35 years. His other passion was going to The Sea Kove at the Outer Banks. He considered the people there his one week a year family. He will be missed by all.
John is survived by his wife, Patricia J. Hale of Distant, a son, Jamie Hale and his fiance’, Brianna Bailey and her son Hayden of South Bethlehem, a sister, Sharon G. Travis and her husband, Henry of New Bethlehem. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Two nieces and their families had a special place in his heart. Tamela J. Smith and her husband, Steve and their children, Nicholas and Brooke of New Bethlehem and Andrea L. Baker and her husband, Chris and their daughter, Nicole of Clarion. He also had a great niece, Keira Faith Carlson who could light up his eyes and melt his heart.
In addition to his parents, He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Charlie, Wayne, and Jim.
John’s wishes were to be cremated and no services of any kind.
The family suggests that memorial donations may be made in memory of John to the A H N Cancer Institute at One Nolte Drive Kittanning, Pa. 16201, the Down Syndrome Center of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC: Emergency Room at 4401 Penn Ave. # 3000, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15224 or a charity of one’s choice.
The Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.alcornfuneralhome.com.
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