Leave a CondolenceSend FlowersPrint
July 24, 1956 - August 13, 2016
Saturday evening, August 13th, 2016, Tank “Superman” Hale slipped the surly bonds of earth at the age of 60, with whatever number of flying miles he last exaggerated. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kendal, his mother Ruth, his 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and 4 dogs. Four years ago, Tank’s doctors delivered his diagnosis of mesothelioma with a prognosis of 6 months, but he continued to live his life in a constant state of courage. Tank was famous for replying to worry or concern with “Don’t worry, I got this.” He truly did live his life to the fullest, and never let his diagnosis get in the way of his or his family’s happiness. Tank created a fundamental truth out of Stuart Scott’s words, “You beat cancer by the way you live”, and gave hope to everyone from his family, to his friends, and even to other cancer patients across the world.
Tank was known for his ease in conversation and his ability to make everyone laugh no matter the situation. Tank possessed a contagious smile that quickly ripped across his face the moment he found the chance to tell one of his infamous dad jokes. Whether it be about fish hitting walls, two firemen in a smoke filled room, or even how Sally couldn’t possibly be the one knocking on the door, Tank’s jokes kept his family and friends laughing for 60 long years.
Tank had a spirit that reached out to everyone in many ways. Most notable was his ability to give great advice. Tank was known for helping steer everyone on the right path, helping to push everyone to new heights and fostering creativity. He was the best person to have late night conversations with, to be a shoulder to cry on, and to be the one who made you laugh, even in times you didn’t think you could. His life was a testament of hope and happiness, and his spirit lives on through all the lives that he touched. Superman may have met his mortal Kryptonite, but he is dancing in the heavens for eternity.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2016 in the Brooks Family Chapel of the North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234. The family requests everyone to wear Hawaiian shirts or Superhero attire in respect to Tank’s spirit. No ties allowed.
If you feel compelled, please make a donation to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation on Tank “Superman” Hale’s Tribute Wall. Go to curemeso.com, click “Donate”, and find Tank “Superman” Hale on (roughly) page 45 of “In Memory Donations”.
Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
To express your sympathy with a flower arrangement please contact our florist.
Important Information
Medical Examiner Release Forms
Additional Information
Founders Message
Click here for a message from the founder, John P. Brooks.
Testimonials
"The Brooks Family has the commitment, compassion, sensitivity, and most importantly, integrity in meeting the family needs which is so crucial in a time of sorrow."
Rebecca Gonzalez
Founder & Chairman of the Board
Parents Against Crimes and Drugs
Dallas Funeral Planning
Uniform Electronic Transactions Act 43.002(8)-"Electronic Signature" means that an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.
Copyright © 2021 North Dallas Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
North Dallas Funeral Home which is owned and operated by John P. Brooks and Family. Texas State License #2461. John P. Brooks #9548 Funeral Director in Charge. | Regulatory Crematory Requirements
Condolences
Please enhance this tribute to Hale, Tank "Superman" by adding your condolences or memories. Click Here
Linda and Meesha at Baylor Plano Imaging Department.
September 19, 2016 1:34PM
So sorry for your loss, we sometimes get "attached" to our patients and Tank was one of the best for us. I remember like yesterday the first time he came to us. He fought the good fight, and can only imaging the void he has left in your life. I know what great care of him you and your family took those last months Mrs Hale, our thoughts and prayer are with you at this time of healing.
Tin Hickey
August 22, 2016 8:51AM
Kendal- I am so sorry for your loss. In reading all the heartfelt notes, Tank had a positive impact on everyone he met. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Tom
Sharon and Will Hott
August 18, 2016 4:25PM
Kendal, We were so sad to hear about Tank's passing. He was so much fun and will be missed so very much. I will never forget when I left Liberty and you, Tank and my family all had dinner together. My daughter fell in love. She would call me and say Mom, Tank just posted something on Facebook and it is so funny!! She would tell me about it and we would always have a good laugh. His way with people always amazed me. I know the Lord will give you His peace and assurance that the Big Guy is doing just fine. If I can ever do anything for you Chicky, just let me know.
Charles Mustaklem
August 18, 2016 2:24PM
I will always remember waking up to the sound of Tank and my dad eating breakfast and laughing like two little kids. Godspeed, Tank. I hope heaven has good cigars.
Pat Dealey
August 18, 2016 12:15PM
Hi Kendal, my heart goes out to you and your family. Please know my door is open anytime you need someone to talk to , cry with, or whatever... I only got to know Tank through other people, but he sounded like a true Superman!
Terresia Williams
August 18, 2016 12:09PM
Kendal, you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your hearts be comforted by the wonderful memories of your "Super Man" and knowing he is at peace.
Mike Cooper
August 18, 2016 11:14AM
I have so many memories of Tank during our days in the Air Force, everyone of them good...many are hysterically funny.
He truly lit up a room when he entered.
It was a pleasure knowing him, and I'll never forget him.
Jeanne and Luke Eichner
August 18, 2016 7:26AM
Sending prayers and our deepest condolences.
Jeanne and Luke Eichner
Angela McCoy
August 17, 2016 7:02PM
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I will surely miss the presence of a truly loveable and kind person.
Myrna Estrada
August 17, 2016 5:25PM
Truly one of a kind! He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to you and the kids Kendall.
Robert Schupp
August 17, 2016 11:59AM
Hi Kendal, BT, and family:
I only met Mr. Hale once when BT and i graduated law school, but he was an absolute blast to be around. I know that y'all loved him a great deal, and my heart breaks for all of you for your loss. I am thinking and praying for you!
Sue Brown
August 17, 2016 10:24AM
Kendal and the Hale family I am so very sorry for your loss. Tank once sat in the cubicle next to mine. I remember his humor throughout the day and found myself smiling and enjoying being at work. He will be missed.
Ann Houser
August 17, 2016 9:50AM
I was so saddened by the loss of Tank. What a great man/dad/husband/friend he was to us all. We will all miss his quick whit and fun demeanor. May you Rest in Peace my friend.
susan daproza
August 17, 2016 8:57AM
Hi Kendal,
I have been following along on Tanks page and am so sorry to hear this news. I always enjoyed Tank and loved working with him. even though you two made me go to GOLDEN CORRAL for lunch!! :-) you are all in my thoughts. Remember the good times!
Mark Fifer
August 17, 2016 7:43AM
Kendal, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family. I never, not a single time, left a conversation with Tank without a smile on my face. What a great guy.
Kevin and Patti Seei
August 16, 2016 8:09PM
Kendal and the Hale family, you have our deepest sympathy for the loss of Tank. Although we knew him for a short time the experience will stay with us for a lifetime. We have never met anyone that could put you at ease, converse with anyone the way Tank could. He was a true pleasure of a man. These are many of his character traits in his three boys which will live on.
teresa allen
August 16, 2016 4:02PM
Hi Kendal, I am so sorry about Tank's battle with cancer and his passing away. I know you LOVED him very much and you will miss him terribly. My heart aches for you.
Jessica Simon
August 16, 2016 12:32PM
Kendal-my deepest condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Janetha Smith
August 16, 2016 11:55AM
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. I did not get the opportunity to meet him, but I hear he was a outstanding man. We are praying for your strength during this time.
Steve Rainey
August 16, 2016 11:38AM
Tank was great to be with and always made me smile. I remember fondly the back the head tapping in the taxi as Kendal, Tank and I were on our way to dinner. I am sure the driver thought we were all crazy but what fun. I will miss him.
Paul Bichsel
August 16, 2016 11:32AM
With great sadness I learned that Tank had recently went to spend eternity with the Lord. It warms me to know that he will be up there advocating for all his friends here on earth. Kendal, you have been a champion and the answer to Tank's needs over the past years. God bless you. I remember back to the days on Collins where we all got to know each other, Tank was a great guy and fun person to have a conversation with. I will truly miss him. God's love to the entire family. Theresa and I will continue to offer prayers for your comfort. Paul
Keith Thompson
August 16, 2016 10:56AM
My deepest sympathy for Kendal and all of Tank and her family. I only really knew Tank through Kendal, but that was enough to know what a wonderful loving person he was. You could see it in hers eyes and hear it in the way she spoke about him and how he lived his life. What a wonderful thing to have a life so well lived.