Robert Bruce Hale of Las Vegas, NV, passed away the evening of Dec. 25, 2013, at Desert Springs Hospital.

Bob was born on Dec. 12, 1941, in Sturgis, SD, to James and Mildred Hale. Bob was raised in Sturgis and graduated from Sturgis High School in 1959. After attending college at BHSU, he joined the Air Force in 1965. During his military career he became a distinguished aviator while serving his country both overseas during the Vietnam War and state side. Bob received numerous awards and medals during his military service which included Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and also the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. While stationed in Germany, Bob met Janet Sue Baikie who became his wife in 1969. After retiring from the Air Force in 1987, Bob moved with his family to Las Vegas, NV, where he spent the next 20 years continuing his aviation career with EG&G Special Projects.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis with Pastor Jenene Earl officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Bob is survived by his wife, Janet Hale, Las Vegas, NV; son, James Ward Hale of Omaha, NE; a daughter, Julie Ann Hale of Las Vegas, NV; one brother, Norman Hale of Sturgis; and a sister, Donna Meeker (Nyle) of Sioux Falls. He is also survived by three grandchildren, James D. Hale, Robert E. Hale, and Jack T. Hale; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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