Kenneth Lawson Hale, 91, of St Petersburg, Florida was called Home on May 26, 2023.

Born July 7, 1931, Ken was the son of Thomas Hale, Sr. and Agnes (McNeely) Hale. He was preceded in death by his parents; older brother, Thomas, Jr.; and daughter, Robin Diane Hale. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Ann (White) Hale, and his daughter, Beverly Simoncini (Gaspare) of Tampa, FL.

Ken was a Corporal in the U.S. Army, having served in the Korean War. Ken and Margaret met in church in their teens, fell in love. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in May, 1952. They married September 14, 1952. Two weeks later he shipped out to France where he was stationed for a year and a half during the Korean War. After his return, they moved from West Virginia to Florida to start their new life together. Daughters, Beverly and Robin came along to complete the family picture.

After three years of night school, Ken became a journeyman tile setter. Years later, he started his own business, “Ken’s Tile.” It has been said by many, he left his first-class tile work all over town.

Early on, they attended First Baptist Church in downtown St. Petersburg. Later, they attended Suncoast Cathedral for over 30 years, where Ken served on the Board of Elders for 9 years.

There was nothing this handyman couldn’t fix! Ken loved to bowl, fish, hunt, and play softball. He managed our softball team in a church league. And, he was considered a championship horseshoe player!

He loved Jesus, was a thankful man with a gentle nature, and always a helper to others. Being a man of few words, his character and faith spoke volumes.

How he will be missed!

SERVICES:

Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 10:30 AM Suncoast Cathedral 2300 62nd Avenue North St Petersburg, Florida.       Pastor Tim Suddreth officiating.

Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 1:30 PM Florida National Cemetery 9206 S/W 102nd Avenue Bushnell, Florida Graveside – U.S. Army Military Honors, Pastor Lee Krauss officiating.