Sfc Jered Maurice Hale

Jered Maurice Hale, 57, of Waynesville, MO, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Jered was born on January 17, 1968, in Nuremberg, Germany, to Iris and Jack. As the son of an Army officer, he moved every couple of years, with stops in Germany, South Korea, Virginia, and Nebraska. He graduated from Bellview West High School in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1986 and subsequently earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
It was in Waynesville that Jered met the love of his life, Jena Laughlin, in 1991. He liked to tell the story of Jena first approaching him while he was working at Pine Steak House. It was so loud in the room that he nearly missed his chance. Fortunately, they developed a friendship that evolved into a loving relationship and ultimately marriage on October 9, 1993. Over the course of their 32-year marriage, they supported each other through deployments, career changes, and the joys of raising children.
He held multiple jobs over his career, most notably with the Waynesville Police Department and the Missouri National Guard, where he deployed twice as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Outside of work, Jered was a master hobbyist. He loved discovering something, researching it, and then diving in. If you can think of it, chances are he had a stint practicing it: scuba diving, woodworking, meat smoking, beekeeping, raising dogs, hunting and fishing, fireworks, photography, and more. More than any job or hobby, Jered would often say that his greatest achievement was being a father and grandfather.
Mr. Hale is survived by his wife: Jena Hale of the home; four children: Ryan Kelley (Amelia) of St. James, MO, Sara Ren (Eric) of St. Charles, MO, Dr. Jacob Hale (Mackenzie) of St. Louis, MO, and Jace Hale (Izzy) of St. Joseph, MO; six grandchildren: Peyton, Ryder, Charlie, Henry, Teddy, and Harrison; mother-in-law: Marvelle Laughlin of Waynesville, MO; sister-in-law: Jana Keeling of Waynesville, MO; several other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
To his family, Jered was more than a husband and father; he was the resident storyteller and comedian. His humor, advice, and presence will be remembered and cherished through the stories that his loved ones will now tell in his absence.
"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." - Clarence from It's a Wonderful Life
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.
A time of reflections, remembrances, and fellowship will be held following the graveside service at the Mt. Gibson Baptist Church of Waynesville, MO.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in memory of Jered Hale to the Waynesville R-VI School District Snack-in-a-Pack and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.