Danny Lee Hare

Danny Lee Hare, 90, of Viola, Illinois, died unexpectedly Sunday October 20, 2024 in the emergency room at Unity Point Hospital, Moline, Illinois.

Danny was born August 26, 1934, in Galesburg, Illinois the son of Edgar Zimri and Mary Violet (Carlson) Hare. After graduating high school, Danny began attending the University of Illinois in the engineering department. While enrolled, Danny married his high school sweetheart, Alice Lucille Price on September 18, 1953 in Champaign, Illinois. He was required to join the ROTC program and served as the Adjutant for his cadet corps. He graduated on February 9, 1957, from U of I with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Following graduation, he went on to serve in the US Army Reserves Signal Corp. After the birth of their daughter, Danny and Alice moved to California where he worked for the state. While there, both of his sons were born. Both Danny and Alice missed the Midwest where they grew up, so Danny applied for a job with the Corps of Engineers. He finished his career there as the Chief of Operations Maintenance and retired in 1994.

Danny and Alice’s marriage lasted 50 years. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2004. Danny is survived by his three children, Cynthia (Thomas Benson) Kermode of Galesburg, Kenneth Hare of Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, and Charles (Marilyn) Hare of Jefferson City, Tennessee, four grandchildren, Julia Hare, Sasha Hare, Gavin Kermode, and Riannon (Josef) Airgood; and three great granddaughters, Jaselle, Dalina, and Katy.

Danny was elected to the Mercer County Board, serving on the county sheriff and county road committees. He was a longtime member of the Viola Lions Club, earned his private pilots license, and was avid in competition shooting. He enjoyed working with his hands whether it be woodworking or when he was helping his children with their projects.

Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery, Warren County, rural Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Hope Cemetery, Warren County.