Lawrence Hale, 94, of Springfield, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on September 13, 2025. He was born October 10, 1930, in Billings, Missouri, to Darl and Myrtle Hale.

A proud veteran, Lawrence honorably served his country in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War with the 335th Fighter Squadron. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Sue Wallace, on September 14, 1957. Together they shared a beautiful life of nearly 68 years, just one day short of their anniversary.

Lawrence devoted his career to serving the community as a United States mail carrier in Springfield for 30 years, retiring in 1990. He found joy in walking his route each day, visiting with patrons, and building lasting friendships along the way. His service extended beyond his work, as he made 156 visits to give platelets at the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks—a legacy of compassion and care that touched countless lives.

He accepted Christ as a young boy at Immanuel Baptist Church and lived his faith daily. At the time of his passing, he was a faithful member of National Heights Baptist Church.

Lawrence found great joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved spending time at Table Rock Lake, especially fishing with Kenny and Sue, and treasured every moment shared there with his granddaughters, Allison and Lindsey. His smile would light up the room whenever he saw his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy. A devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, he rarely missed a game and faithfully cheered on his team each season. Family and friends will also fondly remember his "famous" potato candy, a sweet reminder of his love and warmth.

Lawrence is survived by his beloved wife, Sue (Wallace) Hale; son Kenny Hale and his wife, Charlotte; granddaughters Allison Hale and Lindsey Michael, her husband Jared, and their children Eden, Judah, and Titus. He was preceded in death by his son Kevin Hale, daughter Kathy Hale, his parents Darl and Myrtle Hale, his brother Shirley Hale (declared missing in action during the Korean War), and his sisters Virginia and Sue.

He will be remembered as a friend to all, a man who never met a stranger, and a source of kindness and compassion to everyone blessed to know him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Missouri Veterans Home for the exceptional and compassionate care Lawrence received over the past two years. Lawrence and Sue were treated above and beyond with kindness, dignity, and love, for which the family will always be grateful.

A visitation will held from 10:15-11:00 AM on Thursday, September 18,2025 at the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 with funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Full military honors will be conducted at 1:00 PM at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd., Springfield, MO 65804.