Ernest E. Hales

Ernest Hales

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Pier Funeral Home for long-time resident, Ernest Hales who passed away on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.

Ernest E. Hales was born March 19, 1922 to Earle and Mary (Finley) Hales in Crawford, NE and attended Pine Knot country school in rural Niobrara County. Ernest was a vital part of his family's ranch growing up, participating in all aspects of the ranch including building dams with teams of horses as a teenager. He entered the United States Army in 1943 and was wounded in battle and honorably discharged on November 8, 1945. The recipient of 3 Bronze Service Stars, Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and the Victory Medal, he was proud to have served his country.

Ernest returned to the family ranch and continued ranching until health forced his retirement in the 1990's. He loved to tell stories and his friends and family enjoyed many tales; in later years Ernest was often spotted on Main Street watching the traffic, always with a camera in his pocket as he never knew when he would find an interesting shot.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ida Doane. He is survived by wife, Janice; sons, Larry (Margie), Mike (Barbara), and George; daughters, Traci (Tom) and Debbie; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters Martha (Hugo) Lenz and Mary James and many nieces and nephews as well as a large extended family.

Memorials may be made to the Niobrara County Library Foundation, Inc. or the donor's choice. Pier Funeral Home is in charge of the services.

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