Vernon Charles Hales, Longtime Kansas City Resident, Dies at 89

Hales spent most of his career as an electrician at the TWA overhaul base before retiring in 1998.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Vernon Charles Hales, a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area, passed away on February 5, 2026 at the age of 89. Hales was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1936 and spent his career as an electrician at the Trans World Airlines overhaul base, from which he retired in 1998. He is survived by his wife, daughter, siblings, and numerous other family members.

Why it matters

Hales' obituary highlights the life of a long-time Kansas City resident who dedicated his career to the local aviation industry. His passing marks the end of an era for the TWA overhaul base, which was a major employer in the region for decades.

The details

Hales grew up in the Fairmount-Sugar Creek area of Kansas City and attended Carlisle Grade School and Northeast High School. After graduating from Central Missouri State College (now University of Central Missouri) in 1960, he spent most of his working life as a shop electrician at the TWA overhaul base in Platte County. Hales was married twice, first to Ilene Dessert in 1959 with whom he had a daughter, and then to Mary Jean Rose in 1995. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by siblings, nieces, nephews, step-children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Hales was born on March 28, 1936 in Kansas City, Missouri.
He graduated from Northeast High School in 1954.
Hales graduated from Central Missouri State College in 1960.
He worked as an electrician at the TWA overhaul base from which he retired in 1998.
Hales passed away on February 5, 2026 at the age of 89.

The players