Sidney Baxter Hale Jr.

Sidney Baxter Hale Jr. age 82 of Bonham, TX made his final flight into Heaven on January 21, 2024. He passed away at Clyde W. Cosper State Veterans Home.

Sidney was the 2nd of nine born to Sidney Baxter Hale Sr. and Willie Belle Taylor Hale on April 8, 1941 in Mercedes, TX. Sidney attended schools in Louisiana and Ivanhoe, TX. Reaching the age of 17 he joined the United States Army 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles where he was a paratrooper. After being honorably discharged he began employment with General Cable Corp of Bonham, TX. He faithfully worked for them for over 40 years as a machinist. Sidney's love for flying continued after his years in the army. He earned his certified flight instructor rating and began teaching student pilots. He later earned his airframe and powerplant ratings as a certified aircraft mechanic then went on to earn his inspector authorization. He opened H&M Aircraft Service as his business at Jones Field in Bonham in 1975 and worked there until his passing. He could almost always be found at Jones Field Airport working or visiting with lifelong aviation enthusiasts. Sidney was blessed with his two sons, Steven Baxter and Feldon Clint Hale from the marriage to their mother, Rena Joy Dover Hale. He married the love of his life, Mary Gail Messenger on July 27, 1995. Sidney will be fondly remembered for his love of family, service to country, and passion for flying. He was most at home in the clouds. Sidney was always a committed husband and father. His family was the most important part of his life. Sidney was a Master Mason with local Constantine Lodge 13 of Bonham. He was also a member of the Baptist Faith.

Sidney is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Don Hale, Barbara Wildburger, Doris Robertson, Laverne Nelson, brother-in-law, Sonny Messenger, and grandson, Patrick Lantz.

Those left to cherish his wonderful memories, loving wife, Mary Gail, devoted sons, Steven Hale, Clint Hale, brothers, Jerry Hale (Beth), Albert Hale (Peggy) sisters, Martha Compton (David), Vera Brown (Billy) brother-in-law, Joe Messenger, son, Jody Lantz, daughter, Sarah Haggard (Devin), grandchildren, Ryan Lantz, Dylan Haggard, Parker Haggard, Ella Haggard, first wife and mother of his sons, Rena Joy Hale, bonus grandson, Brayden Crutcher who lovingly called him Mississippi.

Please join the family for visitation on Monday, January 29th from 6pm to 8pm @ Wise Funeral Home. The funeral service is Tuesday, January 30th at 1pm @ Wise Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mark Posey and Bro. Cody Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Willow Wild cemetery in Bonham, TX. Military Honors and a Masonic Tribute will be rendered for Sidney's lifelong dedication to country and his local lodge. Pallbearers will be, Ed Tillman, Jerry Hale Jr., Nathan Hale, David Hale, Chris Crutcher, Bryan Compton, Darrell Sanders, and Mike Porter. Honorary will be Jim Jarvis, Rick Lingelback, Ryan Lantz, Dylan Haggard, Parker Haggard, and Brayden Crutcher.

The family would like to send a special thank you to everyone at Clyde W. Cosper and to Hospice Plus for their special care during his brief stay.

"I am an old fashioned, honest-to-goodness, flag waving patriot." - John Wayne