Byron W. Dare

RICHMOND, IN– Byron W. Dare, age 95, of Richmond, Indiana, passed in his sleep on February 23, 2024, at Friends Fellowship, where he had been a resident for a little more than a year. Born to Ralph and Madge Whitesell Dare, Byron first saw the light of day on July 12, 1928. Byron was a native of Indiana and made a career in farming in Union and Wayne County, Indiana, and Preble County, Ohio. He was a Richmond High School graduate, and in April of 1951 married Dorothy Jane Zuber. She was the love of his life and mother of their four children, until her passing in 2014. His father owned and operated Dare Bus Lines serving Richmond and the surrounding areas. Byron worked in the bus garage during his high school years, and after graduating, began farming for his father in Union County, then also in Preble County, Ohio. He raised hogs and cattle, and cropped corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. Byron worked hard and loved farming, as could be told by his signature whistling. Many times, you could hear him before you could see him, whistling while he worked. Byron and Dorothy enjoyed a good life on the farm, raising Gary, Greg, Jeff and Jimmy. The boys all helped on the farm, and Byron instilled a good work ethic in them. Byron served for many years on the Board of Directors for The Farmer’s State Bank in Liberty, Indiana, as did his father Ralph. Byron farmed officially for 50 years, saying he retired in 1997. But he really wasn’t retired. Most farmers don’t want to retire, and neither did he. Dad, Papa or Barney, whoever you knew him as, kept right on working. He would be at the farm often, offering advice, running machinery, and helping transport the boys from farm to farm during moves. His last day running a combine came in October 2019, and at 91 years old, said it was getting a little hard to climb the ladder to get in. He did continue to help around the farm and was still driving until the very end of his life. Survivors include his son, Jeff (Pam) Dare of Eaton, Ohio; daughter in law, Diane Dare, of Richmond; granddaughter, Katie (Ben) Maffett of Vero Beach, Florida; grandson, Mike (Melissa) Dare, of Eaton, Ohio; granddaughter, Hannah (David) Ayala, of Vero Beach, Florida; 9 great grandchildren; and a very special cousin, Terry (Julia) Whitesell, of Carmel, Indiana. Byron was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Dorothy; and 3 sons, Greg, James, and Gary. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no public calling. Burial will be at Elkhorn Cemetery. Doan & Mills Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Byron W. Dare

July 12, 1928 - February 23, 2024