Rev. Donald L. Hare

The Reverend Donald L. Hare went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 21, 2023.  He was 84 years old. 

Pastor Hare was born April 30, 1939, in Celina, to John and Matilda (Steggeman) Hare.

He attended Capital University in Columbus, and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He attended The Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, where he graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree.  He interned at Faith Lutheran Church in Cincinnati.

Don's first call was as Pastor of a two-point parish at St. John Lutheran Church (ALC) in Fort Jennings and at Christ Lutheran (LCA) in Continental.  In 1975, he was called to serve the Peace Lutheran Church of Arnheim  (Georgetown, Ohio), which he served until retirement in 2003.  He served the Southern Ohio Synod on the Goal 8 Committee, supply pastor, called as interim pastor to St. Paul Lutheran, Botkins, and then was called as stated supply pastor at New Salem Lutheran, Bellefontaine, which he served for 6 years until his second retirement in 2013.  

He and Barbara Doesken were married in 1964 in the chapel of the Lutheran Seminary by her father, Rev. O.E. Doesken and by Don's pastor, Rev. Donald Bachman.  By God's grace they celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in 2014 with their four children and their families - Beverly, David, Belinda, Becky, and other family members and friends.  

Pastor Hare was also active in human and community services as a 52-year member of Lions International and was awarded Life Membership status.  He received the State's Council of Governor's Award, served several years as District Chaplain, Zone Chairman for five years, 100% Club president, and recipient of the District Governor's award.  To help others with visual needs, he collected and boxed used eyeglasses to be distributed worldwide, and worked in local club activities to fund community projects. Pastor Don was a Charter member of the Fort Jennings Lions Club, was a member of the Mt. Orab Lions, and a current member of the Celina Lions Club.

Pastor Hare is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years.  They have four children: Beverly, David (Holly) Hare, Belinda (John) Powell, and Becky.  There are four grandchildren: Adam, Andrew and Heather Hare, and Joshua Powell.  He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Jeannette Hare, a brother-in-law, Nolan (Kathy) Doesken, and brother-in-law, Jonathon Perry.    

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bob Hare, and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Perry.     

Pastor Don enjoyed fishing, and had his Amateur (Ham) Radio License. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 26, at St. John Lutheran Church, Celina, with Pastor Jeff Gramza, officiating.

Burial will follow at Buck Cemetery, near Celina.     

Calling Hours are at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Thursday, May 25, and at the church on Friday, May 26, an hour prior to services.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: St. John Lutheran Church, 1100 N Main St., Celina, OH 45822, New Salem Lutheran Church, c/o Richard & Ellen Patrick, 3695 County Road 20, Rushsylvania, OH 43347, or Peace Lutheran Church, 10581 Day Hill-Arnheim Rd., Georgetown, OH 45121.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Donald L. Hare, please visit our floral store.