Daniel Webster Hale III

Daniel (Dan) Webster Hale, III beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on April 29, 2025 at the age of 81. He was born on August 21, 1943 in Kansas City, MO. Dan, the oldest of five children, took on the role of big brother at an early age. He encouraged and cheered on his younger siblings, and was a source of strength and love for them.

Art, music, athletics, family, and nurturing friendships were constant threads woven throughout Dan's life. Yet his most incredible and enduring quality was his big, beautiful, open, and generous heart.

He attended Paseo High School in Kansas City, MO and participated in school activities, including sports. He was a versatile player on the varsity football team. His success on the gridiron earned his selection to the Interscholastic League's All-Star Football Team for the halfback position. This achievement resulted in a football scholarship to San Diego State University. Unfortunately, his football days ended with a tear to his ACL. About this time, Dan met, dated and married Judye Jones. Alisa Hale, Dan's only child, was born to this union. He paused his education at SDSU and joined the Air Force. He proudly served his country for four years in Minot, ND. Again, sports were important, as he enjoyed playing on a champion baseball team in Minot.

Dan inherited his interest and talent in music from his father, a lifelong professional musician. While at SDSU in the early sixties, Dan was a member of a folk music group called "The Town Criers". They were active in the folk music scene in Southern California and performed in coffee houses, festivals, homecoming and other dances, and at The Troubadour. Decades later The Town Criers reconnected and over a few years recorded a CD "Journey" featuring Tom Scali, Bing Drastrup, and Dan, with contributions by other musicians.

Dan and his young family returned to San Diego after his honorable discharge from active duty in Minot. But his service to his country did not end there as he joined the Air Force Reserves in San Diego for another two-year term. He did this while completing his college education at SDSU, majoring in art and design. After college, Dan moved to the Los Angeles area and took jobs in the art departments at Lockheed Martin, then CBS, and then Warner Brothers. While continuing to make his way in the design world, he returned to complete graduate study at the ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles.

Dan knew he would thrive more if he was his own boss. After a brief partnership with another artist, he launched out on his own and established Dan Hale Advertising Design, which would provide decades of success and satisfaction. Dan's design sense carried over as he enjoyed collecting art and beautifully designed cars and clothes.

As his business grew in Woodland Hills he continued to enjoy sports and music. He was a strong and graceful skier, enjoying both water and snow skiing. Yet, snow skiing became his favorite. Dan took many ski trips over the years with family and friends throughout the U.S.

After Dan and Judye divorced, Dan married twice more before marrying Deborah. They had almost 30 years together.

Dan was a constant member for decades at Mid-Valley (later 360) Health Club where he was often found six days a week. He forged longterm friendships from the gym and especially enjoyed the "Saturday Morning Breakfast Club" with Steve, Fred, Larry and the rest of the gang.

Dan's interest in music continued into his later years when his friend Brian invited him to sing with the San Fernando Valley Men's Chorus, where he enjoyed making more friends and singing in concerts for several years.

Dan is survived by his daughter Dr. Alisa Hale, son-in-law Brian Williams, granddaughter Keenan Williams, wife Deborah Moore, brother-and sister-in-law David and Beverly Moore, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother Virginia Hale Butts, stepfather Harlan Butts, father Daniel W. Hale Jr., stepmother Judy Hale, brother Gary Hale, half-siblings Lynne Butts Olive, Harlan (Lanny) Butts, and Janice Butts Dalton, and niece Julie Olive.

Dan died peacefully at home with Deborah by his side. Cause of death was a form of dementia known as Lewy body disease.

Instead of flowers, think of Dan the next time you visit an art museum, gym or concert and know he'd love to be there with you. Other memorials include:

* Calvary Community Church https://calvarywestlake.org/give/

* Assisted Home Hospice www.assistedcares.com > Foundation > Donations