Donald Jack Hare

Donald Jack Hare was born in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on December 2nd, 1931. He was called home by his Heavenly Father on March 16th, 2021. Don, along with his three brothers and one sister, spent his childhood in Pennsylvania and Ohio until he joined the Air Force at the age of 19. While serving his country, he traveled the world on assignment to Morocco, the South Pacific, and England. Toward the end of his Air Force career, he was stationed in Topeka, Kansas, where he met his second wife, Gwen. The couple later moved to Bakersfield, California, Gwen’s hometown.
In 1967, Don joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As a member of the church, he found joy and purpose and served in many callings over the years, developing close friendships and lifelong bonds. He loved the Savior and the Gospel.
Don also dearly loved his family. Almost everything he did was for their benefit. He was a devoted husband to Gwen for 51 years and a loving father and grandfather to his three children, Cindy, Karen, and Brock; ten grandchildren, Shane, Aimee, Beau, Ashley, Justin, Ian, Ryan, Tiffanie, Dustin, and Derek; over 35 great grandchildren, and two great-great children. Over the years, he spent innumerable hours taking kids for donuts, attending games, and supporting school events and recitals. An amateur golfer, he introduced Shane and Beau to golf when they were in junior high, taking them golfing at Valle Grande and Stockdale Country Club’s courses; both boys continue to enjoy golfing. He attended birthday parties, graduations, and celebrations—you name it—if the family was going to be there, so was he.
Don had a strong work ethic. After leaving his 10-year stint in the Air Force and moving to Bakersfield, he worked for Greyhound Bus Lines in Packing Express and later started his own janitorial company, contracting with Stockdale Country Club for 18 years. After his “retirement,” he worked for Timeless Furnishings three to four days a week until he was 88, only leaving because of COVID last year. He would have returned had his heart not given out. Out of all the careers he had, this was his most fulfilling.
A people person, Don never met a stranger. He made friends at his favorite donut shop, at every restaurant in which he dined, and with all his customers at the store. He was happiest when he was visiting and helping others. Silly songs, funny stories, or even goofy dances—he knew how to make people smile, and he would do whatever it took. Many of you probably have a “Don story.”
Don Hare touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be missed by many, but most of all by his family.
Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
March 26th at 10:30 AM
9900 White Oak Drive
Bakersfield,CA 93311

for Zoom https://zoom.us/j/93208483689?pwd=a3BseVV0VlIveklVSFNFUWk4cTB1dz09