Larry Hales

LARRY A. HALES

Larry A. Hales, age 82, of Hannibal, MO, formerly of Wyaconda, passed away early Sunday, August 30, 2009, in Hannibal Regional Hospital.

Larry was born September 24, 1926, in Mt. Sterling, IA, a son of Paul Emmett and Leona Trealoff Hales.

On August 27, 1950, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Blanche Hesse at the Methodist Parsonage in Luray, MO. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2009.

Survivors include: a daughter, Sheila R. Swafford and her husband, Donald, of Novinger, MO; two sons, Randy R. Hales of Rural Retreat, VA, and Gregory L. Hales and his wife, Cathy, of Maywood, MO; seven grandchildren: Melissa Swafford Davis and her husband, Matthew, of Buckner, MO, Jennifer Swafford Brownell of Novinger, MO, Rebekka Neel and her husband, Bobbie, of LaPorte, TX, Ray Kristopher Michael Hales and Katrina Hales, both of Rural Retreat, VA, and, Victoria Hales and Austin Hales, both of Maywood, MO; two great-grandsons, Trae and Jace Brownell; two step great-grandchildren,

Brayden and Gracen Davis; two brothers, Ernest Pruett of Kimberling City, MO, and Elvin "Dick" Pruett of Wyaconda, MO; as well as nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Clara Louise Hales; his wife; a sister, Pauline Crandal; and, three step-sisters: Mary Alice Smeltser, Norma Johnson, and Carolee Davis.

Larry received his education in Mt. Sterling, IA and Wyaconda, MO. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served until 1946 before returning to Wyaconda where he farmed and made his home until the past year. He and Marilyn were devoted to the City of Wyaconda. They supported their church, Wyaconda United Methodist Church, where he always arrived early with Marilyn and prepared the church for worship as she would prepare the music. He had served as Sunday School superintendent for many years. For over 40 years they supported the Wyaconda basketball teams in attendance and drove the bus for a number of years. He also was actively involved with the Wyaconda Fire Department and instrumental in the efforts to build a much-needed new and spacious facility. Larry loved his family, his friends, and acquaintances. He was known for his spontaneous laugh, his positive attitude and his willingness to help.

Funeral services were held Thursday, September 3, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Rev. Beryl Cragg officiating. Burial with military rites followed in the Wyaconda Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials were suggested to the Luther Manor Restorative Dept. (Luther Manor Village Hannibal, MO.)