Hale Kiser - LHS Class of 1942

Samuel Hale Kiser, III, 93, of Leavenworth, passed away, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at Providence Medical Center. He was born Oct. 30, 1922, at Cushing Hospital in Leavenworth, the son of Samuel Hale Kiser, Jr. and Elizabeth F. (Carroll) Kiser.
He attended Leavenworth public schools from kindergarten through senior year and graduated with the class of 1942. From 1942 through 1946, Hale served in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning four battle stars during his period of service. He spent 2 years overseas in Australia, New Guinea, The Philippines and served occupation duty in Kure/Hiroshima, Japan.
On July 10, 1954, Hale was united in marriage to Nancy L. Cockrum (LHS Class of 1952) at the Old Cathedral Church of the Immaculate Conception. She survives at the home. He is also survived by his children, S. H. (Andra) Kiser, IV of San Antonio, Texas; Gerald Kent (Melissa) Kiser of Entiat, Wash.; Laurie Leigh (Zen) Kiser Daniels of Leavenworth; a granddaughter, Kayla Anne Veilleux of Woodinville, Wash; and a grandson, Austin Hale Kiser, of Entiat, Wash.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Katherine Lynn Kiser; and two sisters, Mary Elizabeth (Kiser) Rood and Ellen Carroll (Kiser) Weber.
In 1946 he returned to Leavenworth from overseas military duty and attended The University of Kansas. He also worked for J.C. Penney in their Management Training Program. In 1952 he advanced his career by taking employment with McGuire’s Clothing Store in Leavenworth. In 1956 a job opportunity came about with Emery, Bird, Thayer in Kansas City, Mo. where he became Men’s Department Clothing Buyer, advancing to the position of Merchandise Manager. In 1964 Hale decided to move back to Leavenworth and open Kiser’s Men’s Wear. He owned and managed this store for 15 years and raised his family in a wonderful small town environment. Due to economic challenges during this time Hale found it necessary to close his store.
Hale accepted an offer in 1979 from Dillard’s to manage one of their stores in the Dallas, Texas area. In 1981 he advanced his career by accepting an offer to manage another fine men’s apparel store in Tyler, Texas. He remained with Reynolds-Penland for 18 years. It was now time to retire.
In 2003, Hale and his wife decided to retire and move back to Leavenworth where he has made his home ever since.
During the years from 1963 to 1979 he was the First President of the Leavenworth Downtown Association, President of The Rotary Club, Campaign Manager for United Way and President of United Way. Hale also Served on the Leavenworth School Board, Board of Cushing Hospital and the Board of Chamber of Commerce.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Muncie Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the Salvation Army or Disabled American Veterans.

More information about Nancy Kiser.