Dana R. Hales

Dana Richard Hales died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on August 6, 2023, at 1:30pm. He was born on March 7, 1950, in Champaign, IL, the son of Marshall Palmer Hales and Helen (Wilson) Hales. He married Cathy (Carr) on August 15, 1970, at the First Christian Church of Newman, IL, she survives. They would have celebrated 53 years of marriage in a few days. His sons, Wade (Amy) Hales and Matt Hales (Danielle Kusman) of Newman also survive. He is survived by one sister, Karen Riddell of Villa Grove. Dana was blessed with four grandchildren: Austin (Katie Queen), Howard, Hayden, and Kenzie Hales of Newman. He was also blessed with a great granddaughter, Randy Lynn, the daughter of Austin Hales and Katie Queen. Dana was a life-long member of the First Christian Church of Newman.

Dana graduated from Newman High School in 1968. He received his associate degree from Parkland College on June 16, 1970, as well as a certificate in mechanical drafting. He continued his education at Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Industrial Arts on March 2, 1973, and Master’s in Educational Administration on August 10, 1989.

Dana spent 35 years in education. He taught Industrial Arts, Drafting, Woodworking, Metalwork, and Welding. He spent his years teaching at Homer High School, Newman High school, and Paris High School. He served as the principal of both Newman High School and Catlin High School.

Dana also proudly served his country in the Illinois National Guard for 23 years. He retired from service as a Major. He continued serving by being the longest running adjutant of the Newman American Legion Post and rarely missed a meeting. Dana loved all things history and especially military history. He was a founding member of the Sons of Union Veterans, Douglas County Chapter. His passion was collecting different pieces of military history, especially bayonets, guns, and various pieces from the war. His specialty was the Civil War and World War II. He loved to talk history with anyone that would listen and did yearly presentations at Shiloh High School. Dana was a member of the “Cornfield Mafia”, a group of local collecting buddies that attended different trade shows together.

Services to honor Dana and his life will be Thursday, August 10 from 5 to 8pm at Joines Funeral Home in Newman. Funeral Services will be on Friday, August 11 th at 10am at the funeral home. The family would love to continue the love of military history by requesting donations to the Newman American Legion Post 201 or the Douglas County Museum in lieu of flowers.

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