Mark Stephen Hale's Obituary
Mark Stephen Hale was born to Dennis G. and Patricia J. Hale on September 13th, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After graduating high school from Central High School in Tulsa, Mark married his first wife, Peggy Lynn Haff and had his only child Lori Ann Moore (Hale). Mark furthered his education at Tulsa University where he played basketball for the Golden Hurricane while working for Shell Oil. He was later drafted to the United States Army where he went on to fight for our freedom in the Vietnam War. After returning home from the Army, he went to work for the United States Postal Service where he retired after 34 years of service. While working for the United States Post Office, Mark met the love of his life, Helen. They were married on June 2, 1990, at Cayuga Mission Church in Grove Oklahoma. From that marriage Mark was blessed with 3 more bonus children, Darla Marutka of Lewisville, TX, Dina Updike of Broken Arrow, OK and Dan Defore of Dexter, KS.
Mark was an adventurous soul who could tell endless stories about his travels around the world with his wife Helen and beloved dog Pierre. When he wasn’t traveling abroad, he loved a good round of golf or a big catch on the lake. Mark was a dedicated Sooners fan who spent most of his Saturdays cheering them on or maybe cursing them…depending on the day. One of Marks many talents included blessing others with his musical abilities on the piano. His talents on multiple instruments including the trombone, led him to travel Europe with the band The Young Tulsans. Through a lifetime of travels, Mark’s warm heart and outgoing personality gained him many lifelong friends who never minded listening to his extravagant storytelling.
Mark was an active member of church from a young age attending Garnett Assembly of God in Tulsa, OK, where his father was the Pastor. His love for God and for his wife Helen led him to become a member of Cayuga Mission Church in Grove, Oklahoma. His Christian life was as beautiful as the music he played so well, and his influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him. He quietly departed this life for his next adventure in Heaven on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the Claremore Veterans Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dennis G. Hale and Patricia J. Hale of Tulsa OK, his Aunt Lena Sessions of Tulsa, OK, his first wife Peggy L. Haff of Sand Springs, OK, and great granddaughter Emmerson O’Rourke of Owasso, OK.
His beautiful life will forever be cherished by his wife Helen Hale of Broken Arrow, OK, his children, Lori Ann Moore and husband Jimmy H Moore of Milton, FL, Darla Marutka and husband Mark of Lewisville, TX, Dina Updike and husband Todd of Broken Arrow, OK, and Danny Defore and wife Melesa of Dexter, KS. Mark and Helen have 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren with two more on the way soon. Mark will be missed greatly, and we look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven!
Visitation will be held 10:00 AM ~ 12:00 PM, Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Floral Haven Visitation Suites in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00 PM, Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
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