Donald D. Dare

Donald D. Dare, of Williamsport, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023 at the Williamsport Nursing Home in Williamsport, Indiana.

Don was born August 2, 1931 in Vermillion County, Indiana, to the late Harold E.  and Mildred (Hanna) Dare.  He attended Rileysburg Grade School and graduated in 1948 from Perrysville High School.

Following high school, Don worked driving trucks and equipment until joining the Seabees in January 1952.  He was stationed in the Philippines, where he operated heavy construction equipment and was involved in building the Subic Bay base.  Don was a member of the Fountain-Warren VFW #3318.

After returning from the service in late 1953, Don was self-employed for some years and also worked in construction for various companies including McCalman and Elton Wagner.  Don always loved operating heavy construction equipment and was a very hard worker and dependable.  He was a member of the I.U.O.E. Local 841 for more than 50 years.

As a child Don had a saddle horse and raised a colt from her.  This started a life-long love of owning and working with horses.  Over the years he took pleasure in keeping several horses on their property in addition to buying and restoring buggies.  Don and Barbara also enjoyed two favorite collie dogs.

On March 10, 1962, he married Barbara Jean Anderson in Williamsport, Indiana and they celebrated 61 years together; she survives.  After Don’s retirement, Don and Barb enjoyed taking frequent and extended bus trips, visiting many parts of the continental U.S.  Some of his favorite destinations were Alaska, Banff, and Butchart Gardens, but he especially enjoyed touring the Western states, and fit right in wearing his ever-present cowboy boots, jeans, and Western shirts.

There were very few days when Don didn’t go to the Crossroads Restaurant in Attica for at least an early breakfast with his friends at “the liars’ table.” 

Surviving is a sister, Delores Wilson of Comanche, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Two brothers predeceased:  Marvin and Wayne Dare.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until time of the memorial service at Noon on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Grady Funeral Home, Williamsport, Indiana.  Graveside services with military rites will follow the funeral at Highland Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Williamsport-Washington Township Public Library or the charity of your choice.