Douglas Dean Hale

Douglas Dean Hale, age 72, died on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at OU Health Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

He was born on September 1, 1953, in Liberal, Kansas to Paul Gene and Loree (Harnden) Hale.

Douglas graduated from Liberal High School in 1971 and went on to further his education at Seward County Community College where he played as pitcher for the first Seward County Baseball Team and Fort Hays State University, where he earned his bachelor’s in science. Throughout his working years, he was dedicated to the cattle industry, cowboying for area feedlots. Douglas was a substitute teacher for USD480 in his later years. His kindness, steady presence, and love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his mother Loree Hale of Liberal, Kansas,

Son, J.D. Hale of Liberal, Kansas,

Two brothers, Dave Hale and his wife, Connie of Liberal, Kansas,

Jeff Hale and his wife, Jana of Eskridge, Kansas,

Sister, Ronda Hale of Liberal, Kansas,

Three grandchildren, Jaeda Villa, Juliette Villa, and Julie Villa, and

Great grandchild, Xaelani.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Gene Hale, and his brother, Den Harrel.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Trinity Faith Church, 2264 S. Kansas Ave., Liberal, Kansas. Sonja Wilkens will officiate.

Memorial contributions are suggested to The Seward County Baseball Team Foundation, in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.