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Remembering the Life and Legacy of Kansas City Philanthropist Donald J. Hall

Kansas City recently bid farewell to a true icon and community leader, Donald J. Hall, who passed away at the age of 96 surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri, Don was a pivotal figure in the city’s history and development.

Don’s journey began as the son of Hallmark founder J.C. Hall, where he learned the ropes of the family business from a young age. After serving in the U.S. Army, Don returned to Hallmark and eventually rose to become the company’s president and CEO. Throughout his tenure, he instilled the values of enriching people’s lives through Hallmark’s products and services.

Beyond his contributions to Hallmark, Don’s influence extended to various philanthropic endeavors. As the chairman of the Hall Family Foundation, he helped enhance the quality of life in the Kansas City area through charitable initiatives. His commitment to the community was evident in his support for numerous civic projects and organizations.

Don’s impact on Kansas City’s landscape was profound, most notably through the development of the Crown Center complex, a thriving hub of retail, residential, and entertainment spaces. His dedication to revitalizing the city and fostering inclusive prosperity was unwavering, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape Kansas City today.

In addition to his professional and philanthropic achievements, Don was a devoted family man, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His love for his family and his hometown of Kansas City was evident in everything he did.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Donald J. Hall, we celebrate a man who dedicated his life to making a positive impact on his community and the world around him. His contributions will be remembered for generations to come, serving as a beacon of inspiration for all who follow in his footsteps.

Who was Donald J. Hall?

Donald J. Hall was a prominent civic leader and philanthropist from Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on July 9, 1928, to Hallmark founder J.C. Hall and his wife, Elizabeth. Growing up in the family business, he officially joined Hallmark at age 17 and later became a key figure in the company’s growth and success.

Source: Hallmark

What were Donald J. Hall’s contributions to Hallmark?

After serving in the U.S. Army, Donald returned to Hallmark and held various leadership positions, eventually becoming president and CEO in 1966. He played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and oversaw the development of new product lines and the acquisition of Crayola in 1984.

Source: Hallmark About Us

How did Donald J. Hall impact the Kansas City community?

Donald was deeply committed to his hometown, Kansas City, and believed in its potential and future. He was involved in numerous civic projects, including the development of the Crown Center complex, which transformed a blighted area into a thriving retail, residential, and entertainment hub.

Source: Kansas City Star

What philanthropic endeavors was Donald J. Hall involved in?

Donald chaired the Hall Family Foundation, which supported various charitable initiatives in the Kansas City area. He was a strong advocate for organizations like the United Way and played a key role in establishing the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

Source: Hall Family Foundation

What were some of Donald J. Hall’s notable achievements and recognitions?

Throughout his life, Donald received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts, philanthropy, and business community. He was recognized for his dedication to organizations like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Midwest Research Institute.

Source: Nelson-Atkins Museum

What was Donald J. Hall’s family life like?

Donald was married to Adele until her passing in 2013 and had three children, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was a devoted member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and left behind a lasting legacy in both his personal and professional life.

Source: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church