For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17, NIV)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7, NIV).
Pastor Donald L. Hare went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the age of 84. He was born on April 30, 1939 in Celina, Ohio. He was a baptized and confirmed member of St. John Lutheran Church in Celina and later ordained in 1967. He attended Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his studies at the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree.
He served his internship at Faith Lutheran Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.His first call in 1967 was a unique call to serve a two-point parish at St. John Lutheran Church (ALC) in Ft. Jennings, Ohio, and to Christ Lutheran Church (LCA) in Continental, Ohio. In 1975, Peace Lutheran Church of Arnheim (Georgetown, Ohio) called him as pastor. He served the congregation until his retirement in 2003. He served the Southern Ohio Synod of the ELCA as a member of the Goal 8 Committee and often accepted calls as a supply pastor. In 2006, the congregation called him to serve St. Paul Lutheran Church in Botkins, Ohio, as an interim pastor. He served as a supply pastor until 2008 when New Salem Lutheran, Bellefontaine, Ohio, called him as a stated supply pastor, serving until his second retirement in 2013. In this retirement period, he interpreted and explained Biblical stories for family and friends. He also provided a framed art print which pictured the Biblical message.
Pr. Hare was also active in humanitarian and community services as a 52-year member of the worldwide service club, Lions International.
Don and his college sweetheart, Barbara J. Doesken, met at Capital University, and married in 1964 in the chapel of the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary, Columbus. Barbara’s father, Rev. O. E. Doesken and Don’s pastor, Rev. Donald Bachman, officiated at the ceremony. By God’s grace the married couple celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2014, thankful to God for their four children and four grandchildren.
Barbara, his devoted and beloved wife of 59 years, survives him. Four children survive him, Beverly Hare of Cincinnati, Ohio, David (Holly) Hare, of Springfield, Ohio, Belinda (Rev. John) Powell of Caldwell, Ohio, and Becky Hare of Circleville, Ohio. There are four grandchildren, Adam Hare, Andrew Hare, 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.
The funeral service will be at St. John Lutheran Church, 1100 N. Main Street, Celina, Ohio, at 11:00 AM, Friday May 26, with visitation one hour before the service. Calling hours are 6-8 PM Thursday evening at Dick & Sons – Hellworth in Celina, Ohio. If desired, send memorials to St John Lutheran Church, 1100 N. Main St, Celina, OH 45822.