Jerry Curtis Hale

Jerry Curtis, son of Joseph Cecil and Marthella (Honey) Sallee Hale, was born August 30, 1942, in Enid, OK, and passed away in Woodward, OK, on September 12, 2025, at the age of 83 years and 13 days. He graduated from Sedan High School, Sedan, KS, in 1960. In December 1960, he was united in marriage to Leona Lee Cummings at Sedan, KS. To this union three daughters were born: Rhonda Kaye, Jerri Lynn, and Christa Lee.
In 1961, Jerry joined the USAF. He attended training at Sheppard AFB in Texas, then served as a Missile Facility Technician at Shilling AFB, Salina, KS. He was honorably discharged in 1965, having obtained the rank of A1C E4 and earning the Good Conduct Medal and the AF Longevity Service Award. In 1971, he received his BS Degree in Geology with an econ minor from East Central State University in Ada, OK. He also attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK.
After his discharge in 1965, he was employed by the Lorillard Tobacco Company for several years. He then bought and worked in the grocery stores in Marshall and Covington, OK. He also built houses, including his own, in Marshall. He served as a volunteer firefighter and was a member of the Masons. After selling the grocery stores, he went to work for Western Tank in Hennessey, OK, then started his own hot oil business, Lee J Hot Oilers.
In Enid in December 1990, Jerry met Rosalie Bliss, who became his life partner, then his spouse, and was with him to the end. As a result of extensive hearing loss, he had to retire from the oil business. When Rosalie transferred her employment with OK DOC to Woodward in 1996, he moved to be with her. He and his best fishing buddy, Mr. Howland, spent many hours bringing home the catch. Jerry also was an avid reader and OU football fan, and enjoyed gardening, boating, and playing golf and guitar.
Jerry was proceeded in death by his grandparents, parents, in-laws Leon and Ida Howland of Freedom, OK; sister Joelle Gray and husband Gaylon of Purcell, OK; great grandson Brantly Maddox Taylor of Perry, OK; and great niece McKinzie Cheyenne Claussen of Custer City, OK.
Jerry is survived by his spouse and partner of 35 years, Rosalie Howland Bliss, of the home; daughters and their families, Rhonda (Tim) Brand, Jerri (Troy) James, and Christa (Jimmy) Rouse, all of the Crescent area; his sister 's children and their families of Purcell, OK; brother Doug (Jana) Hale and their families of Weatherford, OK; sister-in-law Gwen (Gaylen) Winn and their families of Fairview, OK; brother-in law-Brian Howland of Freedom, OK, and his families of Kiowa, KS; 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Jerry chose to be cremated, so no services will be held. GOD saved him, and he will eventually rest with his family at the Freedom Cemetery, Freedom, OK.