Donald W. Phares, age 72, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2019. He was born on April 20, 1947 in Massillon, Ohio and graduated from Jackson High School. Don and his brother, Jim, worked at and co-owned the family business, The Quality Dry Cleaners, which was started in 1947 by their parents. On November 18, 1984 Don married Gail Lilley from Canton, Ohio and in 1987 their daughter, Sara, was born. They started their small farm, Galewinds Farm, in East Canton, Ohio where he loved working on the property and growing, cooking and canning their harvest. Don also loved photography and had a great appreciation for art and music. He enjoyed being a 4-H advisor and active in the Stark County horse program.
Don is survived by his wife, Gail and their daughter, Sara and Matt (Schuster). He is also survived by his brother, Jim and Jane (Bethel) and nephew, Jason.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Harley and Ella Phares and his aunts Faye Babetzki and Grace (Jack Elliott).
In keeping with Don’s wishes, no services will be held, and the family will celebrate his life privately.
Gail and Sara….. I’m so very sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I have many fond memories of him from as far back as my childhood. He always had a kind and genuine smile, infectious laugh, and was a generally gentle soul. Much love and prayers to you while your hearts try to heal.
Christy Valentine
(& family)
Very sorry to learn of the passing of Don and his entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. The Phares family gave me my first job when I was in high school and it was a very enjoyable experience. It was a pleasure to have worked for Don. Rest in peace and may your family cherish all the wonderful memories you have created for them
As a teenager, I used to hang out in the upstairs room of Phares Dry Cleaners – where the guys would practice music with the bands. I remember the posters on the wall and the pillows to lie on.
I left Ohio for 20 yrs, but returned in the 90’s and became a customer again at the dry cleaners. I was widowed in 2016. I remarried recently to a musician that ironically used to practice with his band in that same room. ( Roger Latham) I have such fond memories of the brothers, so sorry about Don.
Kathy, Lynn, and children:
Very sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. Your brother Don and my Tom graduated from Jackson together in the class of l965—you and I were in the class of 1972. I’ll never forget the kindness that you and your family showed me after our house fire when you and I were in high school. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Condolences to the entire Phares family. Don, Jim, and I along with fellow band members had lots of good times back in the mid 60’s and early 70’s. Never had the pleasure of meeting you Gail and Sara but please know that your Husband and Father will be remembered fondly by many of us.