Donal Lee Haire

Donal Lee Haire, born August 13, 1929, in Cunningham, Texas, to Frankie and Arvel Haire, passed away peacefully at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Donal, the second of six children, worked with his parents and siblings as tenant farmers during the Great Depression. Times were hard for the family, and each member was needed to contribute. Because of Donal's commitment to his family, he dropped out of school after the 9th grade so that he could work full time and provide the most support possible.In 1950, at the age of 21, Donal joined the United States Navy where he served during the Korean War aboard the rescue and salvage ship, the USS Preserver. After proudly serving for 1 year, 5 months, and 14 days, Donal was honorably discharged due to illness. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Donal and his wife, Janet, moved to Austin, where his son, Duane was born in 1953. His family continued to grow with the addition of daughter, Donna in 1955, and son, David in 1956. Although Donal's family home was in Austin, his jobs in the oil fields and on construction sites required frequent moves across Texas and New Mexico. Eventually, Donal realized his life-long dream of being his own boss and owning his own business, Santa Fe Water Wells, where he worked until his retirement.Donal married Nelda Dickinson, and gained a step-son, Charles, and step-daughter, Nelda Ruth, in November 1982.Donal is preceded in death by his parents, Arvel and Frankie; his son, David Lee; and his brothers, William Grant, Charles Edward, Harvey, and Robert Norris. He is survived by his wife, Nelda; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Jack Matthews; son, Duane Haire, daughters-in-law, Debra and Emily Haire; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Karl Detjen; eight grandchildren, Mary Shaw, Donald Haire, Jack Haire, Nathan Byars, Christopher Byars, Nicholas Haire, Samuel Haire and Stephanie Detjen; and 15 great-grandchildren.Donal is remembered with love and fondness by his family and friends. A wry sense of humor and "leg pulling" were his trademark. How many remember his teasing threat to "cut off your thumb" or "cut off your ear" with his ever-handy pocket knife? Donal enjoyed country music, pick-up trucks, farming, horses and tractors. He worked with his hands and could repair almost anything. He never shied away from hard work, and he worked hard his whole life. His loved ones are forever grateful for this.Donal was a loving son to his parents, a caring brother to his siblings, and a devoted father to his children. He never met a stranger because he could strike up a conversation with anyone, and he was always willing to lend a hand if there were any need--no matter how big or how small. His children can remember seemingly endless waiting whenever Donal would casually engage in conversation at the gas pump or the grocery line. He never drove past a stranded motorist because he always had his tools at the ready "just in case."Donal succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer's, heart disease and cancer. Despite his fading memory and physical pain, throughout his illnesses Donal continued to joke with his caregivers and was a favorite patient of his nurses. His loss will be deeply felt by the many who loved him.May he rest in peace.