Herb Hale

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Herb Dean Hale, 89 of Loma Linda, MO passed from this life on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, MO.

Herb was born February 11, 1936 in Wichita, KS to the union of William E. Hale and Myrtle (Moody) Hale. After high school  Herb served in the United States Army. He was united in marriage to Jo Hale on March 6, 1958 in Wichita, KS.

Herb enjoyed golfing, fishing, woodworking and playing the keyboard, organ, and guitar. Since the day Jo and Herb met, he has chronicled every moment of their life on DVD’s. Herb spent many years in the management position with the trucking industry. 

Herb was known for his love for the Lord and devotion to his family.

Herb is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Fern Hale, Billie Hale, Chester Hale, and Ruthanne Hale.

Herb leaves behind a legacy of love and a 68-year marriage that was an inspiration to all that knew him, his wife Jo of the home; two children, Mike Hale (Kathy) of Mustang, OK, and Beth Johnson (Jack) of Baxter Springs, KS; brother, Johnny Hale of Wichita, KS; sister, Donna Ard of Wichita, KS; five grandchildren, Karissa Busse (David), Jarod Hale (Kendra), Justin Weeks (Cheryl), Nic Hale (Tasha), Aubrey Johnson; 11 great grandchildren, Elijah Busse, Emma Busse, Josiah Hale, Payton Weeks, Berkley Weeks, Lydiah Hale, Alexandriah Hale, Macaiah Hale, Paislee Hale, Jaxon Weeks, Maddox Hale.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Hornet Christian Church. Ron Thomure will officiate. Burial will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, rural Columbus, KS. Family will receive friends Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 5:00-6:00 p.m., at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel, Baxter Springs, KS. 

Pallbearers for the service are Mike Hale, David Busse, Jack Johnson, Nic Hale, Jarod Hale, Elijah Busse. Online condolences maybe expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.