Delmar R. Hale, age 69, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2012, at his home in Cabool, Missouri. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Delmar was born in Elk Creek, Missouri, January 28, 1943.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hershel Hale; his mother, Christine (Smith) Hale; his father- and mother-in-law, Otis and Betty Grafton; and one grandson, D’Artagnan Durham.

Delmar is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Linda Grafton Hale; his children, Gregory (Julie) Hale and Missy Hale of Cabool, Kevin (Jeannie) Durham, and Brent (Rhonda) Durham of Houston, Missouri. Delmar and Linda had five great-grandchildren, Tucker and Tyler Durham, Hayden Topping, Trenton Campbell and Kaiden Ford, and one on the way. Delmar also had eight grandchildren: Karena Hale, Curtis, Tristan and Talissa Durham, Tabitha Ford, Christina Campbell, Bradley Cook and Nick Masters.

Delmar attended Elk Creek School, later resided in Houston for 18 years and finally settled in Cabool. For the past 20 years, Delmar and Linda have made Cabool their home.

He drove tractor trailer trucks for 27 years for CFI where he reached a prestigious three million miles accident-free award. His CB handle was “Missouri Kid” and trucking was his life for 38 years.

Delmar was liked by everyone and will be missed every day by his close friends and family. He was a member of Ozarks Older Iron Club. After his retirement from CFI, he worked for Hocker Gas Plus in Cabool.

The Hale and Durham families would like to thank all of their friends and family members that helped during this loss of a beloved father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather.