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Dudley Archives - The Dudley Experience

The Hearse Song – Two Years On

It’s been two years now, and Dudley still pops up in thoughts and conversation. I know he loved this song, so here it is, on this your second death-day.

Lyrics for your eyes, while they are still in your head.
The Hearse Song – Harley Poe

Don’t you ever laugh as the hearse goes by,
For you may be the next to die.

They wrap you up in a big white sheet
From your head down to your feet.

They put you in a big black box
And cover you up with dirt and rocks.

All goes well for about a week,
Then your coffin begins to leak.

The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out,
The worms play pinochle on your snout.

They eat your eyes, they eat your nose,
They eat the jelly between your toes.

A big green worm with rolling eyes
Crawls in your stomach and out your eyes.

Your stomach turns a slimy green,
And pus pours out like whipping cream.

You spread it on a slice of bread,
And that’s what you eat when you are dead.

Flat Top Mountain, Lake Powell

Over Dudley's shoulder in the background is Flattop Mountain which we landed on in the helicopter
Dudley flying up to Flattop Mountain
On top of Flattop Mountain
Dudley and Stafford on Flat Top Mountain, Lake Powell

Dudley flying us to the Top of Flattop mountain. We were the 62nd and 63rd people to have ever landed up there. Not sure if it was legal. Dudley in his mickey mouse tee, shorty shorts and tevas. Official pilots attire.

Memorial Services

Memorial Services for Dudley were held 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, AZ. Full military honors where accorded.

He was buried not twenty miles from Tombstone, AZ—an appropriate spot for such legendary men as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and Dudley Hale.

A wake is scheduled to be held at the home of Dudley and Dian in Tucson, AZ March 29—31 to celebrate Dudley’s rich life of friendship, story and adventure. Feel free to stop by and share in the celebration of his life. Beer, whiskey and rocketage are always welcomed guests of honor.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation made on behalf of Dudley G. Hale to the charitable Veterans organization of your choice.


View Larger Map

Headstone of Dudley G. Hale
Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery
1300 Buffalo Soldier Trail
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Lest We Forget—Lest We Forget

God of our fathers, known of old—
Lord of our far-flung battle line—
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies—
The Captains and the Kings depart—
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

—Recessional by Rudyard Kipling