January 2, 1939 – December 18, 2025
Lanny Ross Hale was a native of Noblesville, born on January 2, 1939. He passed peacefully into eternal glory on December 18, 2025.
The son of LaFairie Hale and Ruth Elizabeth (Blazier) Hale, his parents preceded him in death in 1986 and 1999, respectfully. Also, a precious stepfather, Forest O. Smith, from age 6 years to adulthood reared Mr. Hale, after marriage to his mother in 1945. His stepfather preceded him in death in 1985. Lanny has one child, Rhonda Michelle Berry, via a marriage union to the former Sherolyn Ann Lambert, who also preceded him in death in 2025. His daughter is married to William (Kenny) Berry, and they presently reside in New Market, Ala.
Lanny had five siblings, three brothers and two sisters, consisting of Robert Joe Smith, who resides in Westfield, and who served as Fire Chief there for 30 years, as well as being a council member for that city; Richard Lee Hale of Ralston, Ind., who preceded him in death; and Dwight Elsworth Smith of Noblesville, who also preceded him in death. He is survived by his sisters Sandra Sue (Hale) Warner, who resides in Kokomo, and Delcie Rose (Smith) Loller, who resides in Noblesville.
Lanny was married to Margaret (Zook), who preceded him in death, and he had a very special lady friend, Martha Douthitt, also preceding him in death. Lanny is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Lanny graduated on May 19, 1957, from Jackson Central High in Arcadia. After graduation, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy for four years. During this time, he graduated from Class A Hospital Corps School, Great Lakes, Ill. He served eight months at Oakland, Calif., Naval Hospital as a surgical orderly, specializing in Operating Room Techniques. He spent the last 18 months of his military service as a Navy Corpsman aboard the U.S.S. Bennington, CUS-20, stationed out of San Diego, Calif.; he often recanted stories of assisting fellow servicemen who affectionately called him “Doc.” He received a good conduct medal and an honorable discharge on July 24, 1961. Lanny also served two years in the reserves.
Lanny worked for General Motors (Delco-Remy) located in Anderson for 31 years and retired from GM on November 31, 1995. After his retirement, he relocated to the state of Tennessee to be close to his daughter, Rhonda. He resided in the Nashville area for right at 30 years.
While living in Tennessee, he was affiliated with the First Free Methodist Church (Smyrna, Tenn.), Creekmont General Baptist Church of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Hillview Community Church (LaVergne, Tenn.), and the Lighthouse Wesleyan Church also in LaVergne. Lanny was active in these churches as a song/worship leader, a Sunday School teacher, and he often brought messages to these congregations; however, he said his love for children was where his heart was and he made a lasting impression upon the little ones as a puppeteer using puppets and ordinary objects to bring moral lessons and to point them to Christ Jesus.
Although he was a great example and happy to serve in the churches, Lanny’s hope of eternal life and salvation was placed solely in His Savior Jesus Christ, through His shed blood on Calvary, His death, burial, and victorious resurrection unto life eternal. Lanny completely trusted in Jesus as being the only way, the ultimate Truth, and Life everlasting. Truly, he will be remembered as a man of wisdom, great faith, compassion, and unsurpassed generosity.
Visitation and funeral services for Lanny were held Monday, December 22, 2025, with Paul Featherstone officiating, at Hartley-Dunnichay Funeral Home, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero. Burial followed in Arcadia Brethren Cemetery.
Those who were touched by Lanny’s life are invited to share their memories and photos on his memorial page. Lanny Hale’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those he loved and those who loved him.
Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com