James Howard McHale

McHALE, HOWARD JAMES 1919  2005 Born in Cleveland an Irish citizen, raised in Detroit, married to Harriet June for 60 years.  Worked 30 years as an Engineer Procurement Quality Assurance for the Defense Department TACOM Tank Division from 1947 to 1977, then worked for General Dynamics Tank Division from 1977 to 1986.  James tested the Hell Cat tank, made at Buick in Flint and worked on the final design of the M1 Abrams battle tank.  James did three tours in Vietnam from 1969 to 1972, and traveled to over thirty different countries for the United States Government.  James was an Old News Boy, and a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Surviving are:  wife Harriet June McHale; seven children Michael, Mary, Karen McHale Cherveny and husband Jerry, Bonnie, Patrick, Robin, and Duke McHale; grandchildren Patrick Tony McHale, JacLynn Cherveny, Michael and wife Jeanene McHale, and Michelle Raybon; great grandchildren Megan McHale, Jesse and Melea Raybon; sister Helen Barrett.  Preceding him in death were brother Richard McHale and sister Mary Frattini. Eternal rest and perpetual light grant onto him O Lord.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 706 Beach St., Flint, Rev. Fr. Frederick Taggart celebrant.  Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery, Flint.  Visitation at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd. (just south of Hill Rd.) from 3 to 8 PM tonight, with a Scripture Service at 7:00 PM.  Wednesday, James will lie in state at the church from 9:00 AM until service time.  Memorials to James may be given to the Old Newsboys.  Friends may share an online condolence or post a tribute for the family at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.