LDS apostle Robert D. Hales dead at 85

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 1, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — One of the top leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has died.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles passed away 12:15 p.m. Sunday surrounded by his wife and family.

Hales’ death was announced by LDS Church spokesman Eric Hawkins.

According to an article posted on ldsnewsroom.org, Hales was born in New York City on August 24, 1932.

He graduated from the University of Utah and held a master of business administration degree from Harvard.

Hales also served as a jet fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

He married Mary Crandall, and had two sons.

Hales was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1994 after receiving his original call as a general authority in 1975.

As a general authority, he first served as an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and later as a member of the Quorum of the Seventy. He was Presiding Bishop of the Church from April 1985 until his call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1994.

“He lived his testimony,” said President Henry B. Eyring, a member of the First Presidency. “He knew God. He knew the Savior, and he loved the Savior. … And he behaved as if God was close, Heavenly Father was close.”

Prior to serving as a general authority, Hales was president of the England London Mission in the late 1970s and has served as first counselor in the Church’s Sunday School general presidency, according to ldsnewsroom.org.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be determined.

It is also undetermined when the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be filled.

1 COMMENT

  1. Elder Robert may your soul rest in perfect peace and i know that one day we will all meet at the celestial kingdom

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here