Breckenridge Texan

Jack Hare, 81, of Breckenridge, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Elliot Street Church of Christ in Breckenridge, with Brian Cope officiating. He will be laid to rest at Rising Star Cemetery under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.

Jackie was born on September 1, 1944, at Olney Hospital and was raised in Throckmorton, Texas, by his parents, Houston and Pauline Hare. From an early age, Jack understood the value of hard work and began working as a young man. He also developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing.

Jack graduated from Throckmorton High School, where he excelled in both football and track. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Susan Diane Cooper. The two were married on December 3, 1966, at First Christian Church in Breckenridge. They shared 54 years of marriage until Susan’s passing. Together, they raised two sons, John Houston Hare and Samuel Nathan Hare.

Jack loved Susan deeply and devoted his life to providing a loving and meaningful life for her and their two boys. His family was at the heart of everything he did.

Jack began his career as a welder at Triple S Dynamics. During his time there, he assisted with the welding and construction of the Buckaroo B that sits atop the bank in Breckenridge. He later spent a short time with the Texas Highway Department before beginning what would become a long and distinguished career in the oil and gas industry. He worked for Texas Pacific Oil and Coal, followed by Sunoco and later Oryx Energy. Jack eventually became a contractor for Kerr-McGee, where he continued working until the company became Basa Resources. Through the years, Jack built a reputation as a hardworking, dedicated man who took great pride in his work.

Jack was a lifelong outdoorsman who found joy and peace in hunting, fishing, and working with his animals. His adventures took him from sail fishing in Guatemala to bear hunting in Canada, with countless memories made in between. When he wasn’t traveling or working, Jack could often be found tending to his horses and cattle. Caring for his animals was something he truly enjoyed and took great pride in.

Jack and Susan were longtime members of Elliott Street Church of Christ. Jack was a devoted Christian who cherished his faith, his church, and his church family. His faith remained an important part of his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susan Hare; his parents, Houston and Pauline Hare; sisters, Freddie Wallace and Rebecca White; and brother, Bobby Hare.

He is survived by his sons, John Houston Hare and wife Amy, and Samuel Nathan Hare and friend Regina; granddaughters, Karlie Mackenzie Whaley and husband Hunter Whaley, Katie Elizabeth Hare, and Jaycie Grace Hare; grandsons, Blaine Whitley Hare, Samuel Cinch Hare and wife Danna Hare, Triston Tawater and wife Raymie Tawater, and Jon Tawater; great-grandson, Cooper Whaley; and his faithful blue heeler, Maggy Marie.

Jack will be remembered as a hardworking husband, devoted father and grandfather, faithful Christian, and lifelong outdoorsman. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, and love that will continue to live on through his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Memorial donations in Jack’s name can be made to the Elliot Street Church of Christ, Foster’s Home for Children, and National Rifle Association may be left at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home office.

Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.