Allen R. Hale, age 93 of Ridgeway, went on to his heavenly home on Saturday, January 6, at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton. He was born on July 12, 1930 to Mabel (Smith) and Rufus N. Hale in Elyria, Ohio.

He was a 1948 graduate of Ridgeway High School where he was an excellent baseball pitcher even beyond high school and was recruited by several semi-professional ball teams. His baseball career was ended when he suffered a triple-fracture broken leg in a local game. On the same day, he was to have his first date with the girl who turned out to be his life-long partner. Needless to say, their first date was spent in a hospital room.

On June 17, 1950, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Vermillion, in Winchester, Indiana. Their life together spanned over 73 years and they were blessed with five children.

Surviving Allen is his loving wife Dorothy and his five children Mike Hale (Bev Marquart) of Belle Center, Gary Hale (Wanda) and Marc Hale (Kendra) both of Kenton, Kathy Elsass (Bob) of Findlay and his daughter-in-law Susan Hale of Hanna, Indiana. His beloved son, Pat, preceded him in death in 2019 and was one of the hardest things he ever had to endure.

They were blessed with 14 grandchildren including Bryan (Mindy Summit) Hale , Jodi (Charlie) Mault, Tiffany (Brett) Retterer, Brandy (Brian) Sibold, Brittany (Josh) Rudasill, Wes (Nicki) Hale, Travis (Lish) Temple, Tracy (Anne) Temple, Kelli (Drew) Bauman, Nicholas Elsass, Colton (Kristin) Hale, Carter Hale, Nicole (Chris) Bivona, Patrick (Naomi) Hale. He was also blessed with twenty-one great grandchildren.

A great-granddaughter, Ashley Deardorff, preceded him in death in 2017 from a tragic car accident. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws Chance and Elsie Vermillion whom he had taken care of in their later years by purchasing and remodeling a house next door so they could be close and taken care of. He was the last living sibling of nine children. He had eight brothers who all passed away many years ago including, Garland, Clifford, Grayson, Claude, Rex, Norman, Howard and infant Raymond. He also lost his sister Marian over twenty years ago.

Allen and Dorothy lived in Ridgeway for over 65 years and had many friends and close neighbors in that little community. They attended many school events over the years and enjoyed seeing their kids and grandkids play sports. Allen spent summers tending his gardens every year and was always helping someone in the family with a project. He loved watching the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Allen retired from Arvin Meritor (formerly Rockwell) in Kenton after 42 years of service. He enjoyed going into the plant and working with many good friends over the years. After retirement he and Dorothy were able to spend some time traveling and toured many states and national treasures. They also loved it when their growing family came to visit and he adored all his kids and grandkids. The best Sunday afternoons were spent around the dining room table for a good game of euchre and maybe taking a break to have a piece of Dorothy’s homemade pie.

Allen faced some serious health problems during his later years in life but he was a trooper and always came through with the loving care of his wife Dorothy. He never complained about anything and took everything in stride. Even until his final months they were able to make a few trips with family. They were inseparable and grew old together in the most wonderful and caring way. Where you saw one, you always saw the other. They took care of one another and cherished each day they had together.

A funeral service will be at noon Thursday, January 11, at the Schindewolf-Stout-Crates Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. Thursday, until the time of service. Cremation will take place at a later date according to Allen’s wishes and interment will be in the Fairview McDonald Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Allen’s son, Pat, to the American Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting stoutcrates.com.