John Elza Hale Jr.

John Elza Hale Jr., 97 of Zanesville, went to be with the Lord on January 14, 2023.

He was born on April 28, 1925, in Zanesville, Ohio, son of John Elza Hale Sr. and Tinsie (Hill) Hale. John was a graduate from Lash High School. He was a veteran of the Navy, serving in WWII and the Korean War. John attended Ashland College and later owned National Janitorial and Window Cleaning Company and Hale’s Music Studio in Newark. He was a member of the Church of God International in Columbus, Ohio, and the Muskingum County Hall of Fame for his music. In his spare time, he enjoyed giving guitar lessons and gardening. He was known for giving fruits and veggies from his massive garden. Above all, he loved his time spent with his family and the Lord.

He is survived by his sons, John A. Hale, Gary (Gena) Hale; daughters, Angela (James) Sharrer, Christy (Mark) Mattingly, Karen (Mike) Mundy, Carmen Swihart; 18 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; lots of special friends; special musician friends, and many church friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Mary (Rutter) Hale, brother, Theodore Hale, Harry Hale; sisters, Marjorie Williams, Ruth Saunders, Marilyn Williams, Merriam Jewell, Dorothy Marshall; and son-in-law, Edward Swihart.

Calling hours will be held on January 20, 2023, from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home. Services will be held on Friday January 20, 2023, at 1:00 PM at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home with Pastor Tony Burkhart and Pastor Len Martin officiating services. Full military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy in conjunction with the VFW George Selsam Post 1058. Burial will follow services at Rose Hill Cemetery in Roseville, Ohio.

DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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