Denis Hare

Denis Hare, until November of 2021, a resident of Independence, MO, passed away at Research Hospital in Kansas City, MO on December 22, 2022. Denis was born June 27, 1953, to George Michael and Mary Pearl (Salisbury) Hare. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Independence and graduated from St John’s Seminary in Kansas City, MO. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Creighton University.

Denis served in the United States Army, returning to Independence in 1982. He lived a very different life than he, his friends and family had expected for him. After returning from the service, it gradually became evident that he was severely affected by mental illness. Over the next forty years, through the kindness and support of caring people on and around the Independence Square, he lived a happy and fulfilling life. He could be seen walking many miles daily and knew every coffee pot on the square.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael, Tim and Kevin Hare and his sister Laura Truman. He is survived by nephews Colin Hare and John and Tim Truman as well as many cousins.

Family would like to thank all those who offered their kindness to Denis over the years. We are proud to claim Independence as our hometown, and thanks to you we know there is much goodness to be found in this world.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am, Rosary at 10:30 and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 601 N. Liberty Street in Independence. Family burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family recommends donations in Denis’s memory to The Vietnam Veterans of America or to Community Services League. Carson-Speaks Chapel is handling arrangements and donations can be sent directly to them or offered at the funeral.