Allen John Hale

Memorial services for Allen John Hale, 78, of Bettendorf will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Bettendorf Presbyterian Church, Bettendorf. Inurnment and military honors will follow at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. Family will greet friends on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to service time at the church. Allen passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA.

Those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed by logging onto www.bettpres.org/watch

Allen John Hale was born November 10, 1946, in Rockford, IL, the son of Gene and Phyllis (Kasper) Hale. He was raised in Loves Park, IL and graduated from Harlem Consolidated High School. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Westminster College and a Master of Science degree from the Florida Institute of Technology.

He served in the US Army in the Viet Nam Conflict, reaching the rank of Captain and receiving six decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal. He made his career in contracting at Rock Island Arsenal, retiring in 2002 as Chief of Aircraft Armament and Small Arms Contracting for the US Army Tank- Automotive and Armament Command. He was personally recognized by the Secretary of the Army for his innovations.

After retirement, he volunteered with the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library. He also was a broadcast newspaper reader for the visually impaired with Augustana Public Radio Information Service and a high school business instructor with Junior Achievement. He was an elder and deacon of Bettendorf Presbyterian Church, where he was active in the missions area. He was also a member of the Cornbelt Running Club and American Legion Post 26.

He enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, jogging and bicycling.

He is survived by his companion of over 50 years, Lanette Lane, by his sister, Pauline (John) Elwick of Vinton, IA and their children and grandchildren, and by his sister Kate (Keith) McKenzie of Springfield, OR., and also his extended (Lanette's) family Lolita (Neil) Baker, Tina Kress, Michael Kress, and Tammy (Jack) Stoffers, Blue Grass, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Blue Grass Charitable Drop Off Program (BGCDOP) that Allen supported for care and spay/neuter of stray animals or Bettendorf Presbyterian Church. 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.