Mitchell "Buddy' C. Hale III

December 9, 1946 – July 15, 2026
Mitchell "Buddy" C. Hale III, 79, of Sierra Vista, went to be with the Lord on July 15, 2026.
Born on December 9, 1946, in Salina, Kansas, to Mitchell Cleborn Hale Jr. and Grace Marie
Hale. Buddy lived in Sierra Vista since 1957 and was deeply connected to the community.
After a brief enlistment in the U.S. Navy, Buddy and his brother, Wally, were the first two
brothers to serve as Patrolman at the Sierra Vista Police Department. Buddy continued
his service with distinction and pride ultimately retiring as a Sergeant at the Cochise
County Sheriff’s Office. Later, hearing the call to continue his service, he became the
Communications Lieutenant at the Huachuca City Police Department.
Beyond his professional service, Buddy was a man of many passions. A talented
silversmith and lapidarist, he found great joy in creating unique pieces of jewelry for those
he loved. He also enjoyed the quiet beauty of gardening and bird watching, always keeping
an eye out for cardinals and hummingbirds. When Buddy wasn’t making jewelry or
enjoying nature, he was a passionate student of history and loved the beautiful things our
planet has to offer.
Above all, Buddy was a dedicated family man. He lived his life embracing every moment,
cherishing his faith and the people he held most dear. He shared a beautiful life with the
love of his life, Esther, who still smiles recounting how she first fell in love with his
"bedroom eyes and sense of humor." To his family, he was their greatest pride and joy, and
he considered each and every one of them his own.
Buddy is survived by his beloved wife, Esther; his children: his oldest son, Mitch (Kristen);
his middle son, Gary (Jen); and his youngest son, Corey (Nadia); his cherished
grandchildren: Haali, Mitchell (Alicia), Ayden (Macie), Lucas, Gage, Diego, and Nico; and his
adored great-grandchildren: Emmy, Mitchell (Clay), and Jameson. Buddy’s numerous
relatives and friends were a source of tremendous joy. He was preceded in death by his
father, Mitchell C. Hale Jr.; his mother, Grace M. Hale; and his brother, Wallace S. Hale.
Services
A memorial service will be held at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery on
August 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
1300 S Buffalo Soldier Trail
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the CCSO Employee
Welfare Fund in memory of Buddy, a proud retiree of the Sheriff’s Department.
Please mail contributions to: 205 N. Judd Drive Bisbee, AZ 85603

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