Donald "Don" Earl Hale

Donald “Don” Earl Hale, 97, of Bartlesville, died Friday, February 6, 2026, in Bartlesville. Don was born the son of Silas Caleb and Lily Mae (Mason) Hale on January 26, 1929, in Dewey, OK. He was raised in Dewey and some may say (or as Don would say) he put Dewey on the map, most likely for his winning charm and his athletic ability. Don was very athletic and was all state in three sports. He even went on to play professional baseball. Don graduated from Dewey High School in 1947. While at a Christmas party, Don met the love of his life Joella Faye (Jo) Niswonger. They united in marriage on December 11, 1948, in Bartlesville. Don started his career with Phillips Petroleum Company in 1950. At first he was in sales for the plastic division and the family moved numerous times with the company. They lived in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Houston, Neosho, Missouri, then back to Bartlesville. Don retired in 1984 after 34 years with the company. The couple enjoyed 68 years of loving marriage until Jo preceded him in death on May 27, 2016. Don continued to be active throughout his life and enjoyed golf, fishing, gardening and yard work. While his sons were young, he coached their ball teams. His favorite teams to watch were the Oklahoma Sooners and OU Softball. His passions in life centered around his wife, children and grandchildren, and he loved them dearly. Don is survived by his children, Steve (Leslie) Hale, Cindy (Steve) Still and Scott (Barbara) Hale; eight grandchildren, Chris, Kerry, Aaron, Sara, Travis, Matthew, Zachary and Laura; twelve great-grandchildren, Jordan, Elizabeth, Avery, Kai, Asher, Austin, Landree, Lucy, Owen, Mason, Daisy and Charlotte. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and siblings, Charles Hale, Opal Caffey, Daisy Gofourth and Charlotte Thaxton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Journey Home, 900 Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, at 2 p.m., at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Donald "Don" Earl Hale

January 26, 1929 - February 6, 2026