Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Paul Hale, 83, of Birmingham Ohio passed away Saturday December 23rd at New Life Hospice Lorain, Ohio.
Paul was born March 8th, 1940, in Salyersville, Ky.
Paul moved to Birmingham, Oh. while in grade school and spent the remainder of his life there. Paul attended Firelands High School completing through the 11th grade. Paul knew he had many opportunities in life and was anxious to get started so he decided to leave school before graduation and start his life's adventures. Paul eventually became a very successful businessman owning many different construction companies. Paul owned and operated Hale Steel Erectors, Hale Leasing, H&L Construction and Leno Enterprises for many years.
Paul worked mainly in the Lorain County area on many construction projects throughout the years. Paul is also a retired Ironworker Local 17 and had been a farmer for many years. Paul also served as township trustee for Florence Township for many years. Included in his services for the community, Paul was a volunteer firefighter for Florence Township and eventually became Fire Chief of a few years. As he was involved with the fire department, Paul and his close working partners engineered and manufactured a movable on wheels chicken grill. During local parades, volunteers would barbecue chicken on the wagon that would then feed the parade goers at the firehall once the parade was finished. Paul had also celebrated over 50 years as a member of the Masonic lodge where he had held the rank of Past Master of the Gibson Lodge 301 formerly located in Wakeman, Ohio/
Paul was a trusted friend to many as well as a mentor to anyone who needed advice on building and construction, farming, machine repair and maintenance, land improvement and development as well as many engineering and other endeavors. Paul knew and achieved so much in life that he was always willing to offer his knowledge to others. For those who knew Paul they would say his advice would always come with a story or two. For his knowledge, his only compensation was you had to listen to him tell his stories. And to listen closely to Paul you would learn a lesson or two through his experiences.
Paul was an avid collector of many things. Paul had a passion for vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles and could not have just one. He also had a passion for firearms and knives, he had hoped one day to be able to open his own outdoor store and proudly display the Hale name once again in his new adventure.
If you knew Paul, you knew he had a love for his dogs. He had many dogs over the years and every one of them was his favorite. To see Paul with one or more of his dogs you would see him in constant contact with them, petting, talking to them and giving them too many treats. Paul even would take all his dogs in his truck whether it be to see what's going on in the township or to commute to Florida where he lived as a snowbird later in life. His dogs were always by his side.
Paul lived an adventurous life and had many, many stories to tell. His greatest achievement and what he was most proud of was his family and the involvement with each one of them. If family was around, he was always happy and smiling. He was so very proud of all his loved ones and that's what brought him the most joy.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Faye W. (Greene) Hale. Paul and Faye met when they were both in elementary school. Faye tells the story of seeing Paul near the general store where he would yell at people walking by to buy him some candy. Faye's mother told her to ignore that boy and stay away from him. Later, once in high school Paul and Faye met again and Faye did not take her mother's advice and they began dating. Paul decided Faye was the one for him. They were married in July of 1958 and went on to have 4 children. Additional survivors include Theresa (Hale) Reeves and partner Michael Born of Oberlin, Grandchildren Paul Robert Reeves, Joseph Reeves, Maelissa Robinson (Hale), Ben Harrison, Jon Harrison, Angel Johnson, Paul Joseph Hale, Daughter in Law DeEtta Hale as well as many great-grandchildren.
Paul was sadly preceded in death by his three son's Randy Hale, Jeffery Hale and Bradley Hale as well as his Parents Gobel and Anna (Allen) Hale and Father-in-law Howard Greene and Mother-in-Law Bessie Green (Brewer); his brother, Doug (Pard) Hale as well as his business partners that were beside him from the beginning of his venture of Hale Steel Erectors, these individuals became family as well, Moe, Bill and Jim.
Visitation will be held on Thursday December 28th at 10 am with a Memorial Service immediately following at 11 am at Toft's Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, 16 Cooper St., Wakeman, Ohio. Burial will immediately follow at the Birmingham Cemetery, all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in the Hale name to a local shelter or animal protective organization.
Toft Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, Wakeman, OH, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.
