Clarence Benjamin "Ben" Hale Jr's Obituary
Dr. Clarence Benjamin Hale, Jr., or Ben as many knew him, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the age of 81.
Born on December 9, 1942, Ben's life was defined by a gentle kindness, a love for people, service of his Lord and Grace Bible Church community, and a deep commitment to teaching and inspiring others.
Ben’s lifelong passion for education and helping people communicate led him to a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College (Class of 1965), a Masters in Speech from Syracuse University (Class of 1967), and a PhD in Communications from the University of North Texas (Class of 1980). Beginning his teaching career at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Ben went on to a 33 year tenure with Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas, teaching Mass Communications with service as department chair. Ben mentored and inspired countless students, colleagues, and friends.
He always said his students “kept him young.”
Ben loved his church, serving as an elder, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and attending faithfully. He also loved collecting and polishing rocks, culminating in Christmas gifts pre-made for his family for this Christmas.
Ben earned a Bronze Star for his services as a Lieutenant in the US Army in Vietnam, leading as Battalion Communications Officer and Battalion Civilian Personnel Officer for the 92nd Engineering Battalion. In this work, Ben strove to bring joy and a bit of home to the soldiers under his leadership.
Ben is celebrated by his wife Marcia Hale, his sons Brooks and John, John’s wife Sara, his grandchildren Ben and Grace, and Marcia’s five daughters and eleven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia McClenny Hale in 2014. The extended McClenny and Lapsley families remain a tight center to the family’s community.
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 2pm at Grace Bible Church. Family, friends, and former students are invited to gather and honor his extraordinary life, sharing stories, memories, and gratitude for the profound impact he made.
If it is your wish, the family suggests memorial donations in Ben’s name to the Missions Fund at Grace Bible Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Clarence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clarence?
Share a story where Clarence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clarence you’ll never forget.
How did Clarence make you smile?
