From Ryan Henning

Dear Friends: I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dave Hale, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Dave battled cancer for quite some time but succumbed to the disease last night, on November 30, at 11:26pm. Throughout the years, he was like a second father to me and treated me as though I was his third son. Dave was a very close family friend, my biggest supporter and one of my closest advisors who helped me make many business decisions. He was responsible for teaching me a wealth of knowledge about training animals and he provided me with my first job opportunities after I graduated high school. He helped me manage my personal finances and encouraged me to pursue my paint camel liberty display – a distant dream that thanks to him has now become a reality. He was also a dear friend whose advice served as a personal inspiration that I counted on daily for the past 10 years. His own personal accomplishments motivated me to this point of my life and will continue to motivate me until the day I die. Dave has touched so many lives during his time with us. He provided animals for television, movies, circuses, state and county fairs, nativity scenes and private events all around the world. He generously gave so many people who worked with him the opportunity to learn and advance within the industry. He has also imported rare/exotic animals into the country from around the world. I learned so much from Dave Hale and could never adequately thank him for everything he and his family have done for me. I ask everyone to please pray for Dave Hale and to keep the Hale family in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season. As a personal note to Dave: I will never forget the great times we shared together. I pledge to represent your inspirational legacy in the manner you showed me – First Class. From your third son, God bless you, Dave. Rest in peace. Love, Ryan Arrangements for Dave Hale's service are as follows: Ford & Sons Funeral Home 1001 N Mt Auburn Rd Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Visitation: Monday 4 - 8 pm Funeral Service: Tuesday 1 pm