Clarence Edvin Hale

Born in Ontario, Oregon to parents Guy and Dora Hale, Clarence joined his older brother Terrence to make the family complete. Clarence was raised in Ontario and attended Ontario schools through the 11th grade, when he left school to obtain his GED and join the military. Clarence had a distinguished military career, proudly serving in the US Navy for 23 years. He served in the Vietnam War, facing danger with strength and courage. His role in the Navy was primarily that of a ship fitter, responsible for making sure that all the necessary repair and structural maintenance work on a ship was done properly and efficiently. He became an accomplished welder, known for his ability to work quickly and cleanly and to produce a sturdy weld. During his time in the Navy, Clarence traveled around the world three times! He reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer before retiring in 1978. After retiring from the Navy, Clarence returned home to his family. He met the love of his life, Barbara "Bobbie" Earls in Payette, Idaho in 1980. They were married in Elko, Nevada on May 16, 1986. In addition to gaining a wife, Clarence also gained four teenage children when he married Bobbie. Clearly he wasn't afraid of a challenge! Clarence was a hard-worker, a good provider, a loving husband, and a dependable father. The family lived in Payette during those years where Clarence enjoyed time with his family, cooking (especially Chinese food), and making homemade wine. At least one of his children has confessed to occasionally sneaking sips from Clarence's wine, refilling the bottle with water or juice. When Clarence would open the bottle to taste it, he would wonder why that batch tasted so weak. Clarence supported his family working for Hale's Sheet Metal in Ontario with his father. They worked together for 20 years, fabricating and installing heating and cooling systems in homes, churches, and businesses in the local area. In his later years, Clarence enjoyed pointing out the places that he had worked at and they were many! Clarence's work had a significant impact on the local community, helping it to become what it is today. When Clarence retired, he and Bobbie moved to Mann's Creek where they turned a bare, hillside lot into their own private oasis. Clarence had a large garden he was very proud of, had chickens, and raised cattle. The couple would live there for fifteen happy years. In 2005, Clarence and Bobbie moved to Elk City, fulfilling a desire of theirs to live in the mountains, surrounded by forest land. Clarence proudly proclaimed that he finally had his dream home! He loved feeding and observing the deer, elk, and other wildlife surrounding their home. The couple remained there until Clarence's failing health forced a recent move back to Weiser. Throughout his life, Clarence enjoyed being an outdoorsman - camping, hunting, and fishing. He and Bobbie made several trips to the Oregon Coast to go deep sea fishing and crabbing. Nothing made him happier than those adventures with his beloved wife. Clarence was also a family man who enjoyed spending time with his kids, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was always tickled by the antics of the little ones and he loved to teach them to fish as they grew old enough. At family gatherings, everyone was careful to avoid the topic of politics in order to prevent Clarence from giving them an earful! He had strong opinions on the state of our nation and wasn't shy or quiet about sharing them. When Clarence passed away on Sunday at his new home in Weiser, Idaho he did so peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by the family he held so dear. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Bobbie Hale. He also leaves behind his children: Randy Bowles and wife Tracy of Greenleaf, Idaho; Theresa Elliott of Weiser, Idaho; Judy Fiorello and husband Alan of Williamsburg, Virginia; and Andy Bowles of Kansas. He was the proud grandpa to 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly. He will never be forgotten. A memorial service to honor Clarence will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the American Legion Hall, 301 Iowa Street, Payette, Idaho. The family hopes everyone will join them for a potluck dinner in celebration of Clarence's life to be held immediately following the service. Clarence E. Hale was born September 21, 1940 and passed away March 18, 2018 at the age of 77 - between those two dates, he was a man who lived a full and wonderful life.

Service Details.

Service

When: Saturday, March 24th, 2018
Location: Funeral Home
Address: