Ira D Hale Jr

Lt. Col. Ira D. Hale Jr Ret., age 92, of West, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, July 15, 2026 at West Rest Haven.

There will be no funeral service, but a simple graveside service for family and friends will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

Ira was born January 24, 1934 in Talpa, Texas, south of Abilene, the son of the late Irne Maye (Richey) and Ira D. Hale. He was a 1951 graduate of Miles High School before receiving a bachelor's degree and earning a commission in the United States Air Force in just three years from Texas A&M University in 1954. On August 29, 1953 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Majors in Bryan. After being married for 66 years, Elizabeth preceded him in death on August 21, 2021. Ira proudly served his country with the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1975 where he was a fighter pilot. He owned and operated Alpha Auto Sales on Bugtussle Lane near West for over 30 years. Ira enjoyed flying his airplanes, traveling in his motor home, and doing missionary work with his wife.

Survivors include his children, Ira David Hale and wife Laura of Boulder, CO, Walter Alan Hale of DeSoto, and Kathryn Elizabeth Hale of West; grandchildren, Lauren Poe and husband Sean, and Kevin Hale; great grandchildren, Tristan and Mila Poe; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.