Louis Dean “Hank” Hale, 87, of Westmoreland died Aug. 28, 2012 at his home.  He was a life-long resident of the area.

Dean was born Feb. 6, 1925, in Manhattan, the son of Ed and Mabel Bothe Hale.  He attended local schools and graduated from Manhattan High School in 1942.  He then attended Kansas State University.

Dean was a heavy equipment operator and worked for Grosshand Peterson and Bayers Construction.  He then owned and operated Roberts and Hale Soil Conservation Construction with his partner, Charles Roberts. After selling their business, he worked for Rock Creek Hardware.  Dean was a member of the Westmoreland Masonic Lodge #257.  He also served as a member of the Westmoreland City Council.

Dean married Lois Eastwood Friesen on Dec. 31, 1968 in Westmoreland.  She survives at their home.

He is also survived by his step-son, Glen Friesen and his wife, Sandra, St. George and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Layton and sister, Charlotte.

Dean requested that all services be private.  His family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice, and those may be sent in care of Campanella-Evans Mortuary in Wamego.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellafuneral.com.