Monte Hale (Born Buren Ely)
June 8, 1919 – March 29, 2009
Born in Ada, Oklahoma, Monte Hale was best known for his “singing cowboy” roles in many Republic Pictures westerns of the ’40s and ’50s. Prior to that, Hale made his living playing country music at local rodeos and vaudeville shows. He also co-founded the Autry Museum of Western Heritage with Gene Autry. Hale passed away after a lengthy illness at the age of 89.