Donald Leslie Bare
1929-2023
Donald Leslie Bare, 93, of Martinsburg, W.Va., passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at home under Hospice care.
Born on September 6, 1929 in Frederick County, Maryland to Alice E. Bare, he was raised by his grandparents, Leslie Harrison Bare and Elizabeth Adele (Koogle) Bare.
Mr. Bare was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving on the USS Leonard F. Mason during the Korean War. Before serving his country, young Donald enjoyed his job as usher at Henry’s Theatre in Hagerstown, Maryland. After three years in the Navy, he worked as an inspector at Fairchild Industries where he met and married the love of his life, Joyce. They were married almost 55 years at the time of her passing. He continued his career at Manbecks Bread Company for 27 years. Mr. Bare then became owner of Superior Ice Cream, which he operated for 10 years. He was also employed by Weis Markets in Hagerstown and Martinsburg. Donald was a member of Bedington United Methodist Church for many years and loved his church family.
Donald loved his family dearly. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and fishing. He was very passionate about his vegetable and flower gardens and was blessed with a green thumb. He loved woodworking and painting and made many beautiful pieces of furniture and crafts over the years. Fishing provided many fun adventures with his buddy, Rodney.
He is survived by two sons, Brian L. Bare and wife Robin of Shanghai, W.Va., Scott W. Bare and wife Julie of Sharpsburg, Md.; two daughters, Kathi J. Draper and husband Brian of Fairplay, Md., Elizabeth A. Reedy and husband Rodney A. Strawderman of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; eight grandchildren, Donald E. (Kammie) Bare, Jessica B. (Ryan) Downey, Jeremiah W. (Sara) Draper, Colton M. Bare, Ellie K. Bare, Samantha J. (Sergio) Arredondo, Jordan E. (Anthony) Angeloro and Allyson K. Strawderman; nine great-grandchildren, Tyler Bare, Jack Downey, Luke Downey, Emmie Downey, Saylor Draper, Blakelee Draper, Taylor Compton, Ava Compton and Isaiah Arrendondo; one great-great grandaughter, Rylee Bare; and one brother, Roger Rothenhoefer of Thurmont, Md.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Elizabeth White Bare; two brothers, James F. Harrison and Robert W. Darby; one grandson, Keese L. Bare.
Visitation for Donald’s family and friends was held on Monday, February 27 from 6-8 p.m., at Brown Funeral Home, King St. in Martinsburg.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 28 at 11 a.m., at Brown Funeral Home, Kings St. in Martinsburg.
Interment was in Pleasant View Memory Gardens. There was a reception after the burial at Bedington U.M. Church, Bedington Rd., Martinsburg.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Care Ministry of Bedington U.M. Church, 580 Bedington Rd., Martinsburg, WV 25404.
Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.
