L. DeWitt  Hale

HALE, LOUIS DeWITT (1917 ~ 2018). The following is an obituary for L. DeWitt Hale, former member of the Texas House of Representatives. The obituary was provided by Weed, Corley, Fish Funeral Home of Austin.

L. DeWITT HALE, age 100, of Austin, passed away on Tuesday, February 20th, 2018 from natural causes.

L. DeWitt Hale was born June 10, 1917 in Caddo Mills, Texas. His family moved to Farmersville, Texas in 1918. In 1934, he graduated from Farmersville High School as the salutatorian. He was on the Debate team and placed third in the state championship in 1934.

After high school, he went to the University of Texas where he was a Varsity debater and graduated with honors in 1940. He joined the military in October 1943, as a Private, and discharged in July 1946, as a First Lieutenant. He was assigned as part of the original cadre to activate Strategic Air Command and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

At the age of 21, he was elected to the 46th Legislature and was its youngest member. While in the Legislature he was Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee for eight years. He was Speaker Pro Tempore for the 57th Legislature. He was Dean of the House for four years.

During his time in the House he sponsored or co-sponsored many laws and amendments including the Hale-Aikin School Program, Texas Education Code, Legislative Reorganization Act of 1961, Liquor by the Drink Law, Women on Juries amendment to the Texas Constitution, and the Equal Rights Amendment to the Texas Constitution.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, DeWitt was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He has always looked after the people in his life and everyone who has had the honor of knowing him has felt his generosity. DeWitt was passionate about helping give a voice to those who needed it. His sense of humor and intellect will sorely be missed.

During his distinguished career, Mr. Hale received numerous awards and honors from different organizations throughout the state. He was a member of the American Bar Association; State Bar of Texas; Travis County Bar Association; Corpus Christi Bar Association; Texas State Teachers Association (Honorary Life); League of United Latin American Citizens (Honorary Life); Austin Association of Builders (Life); First Baptist Church; Ex-Students Association; University of Texas; Reserve Officers Association (Life); Retired Officers Association; Air Force Association; and The American Legion.

DeWitt is joining his late wife of over 50 years, Carole, and his daughter, Nancy. DeWitt is survived by his daughter, Janet; his grandchildren, Brandon, Jennifer, and Thomas; and his great-grandchildren, Clara, Bruce, Quinn, and Scarlet.

Services will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 24th at Weed-Corley-Fish, 3125 North Lamar in Austin, Texas, followed by a burial service at the Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota Street in Austin, Texas.