Dr. Daniel D. "Doc" Hall

To make a long story short, Dr. Daniel DeWitt “Doc” Hall, 81, died on March 2, 2025 of complications from cancer. He was born on the family farm near Pennsboro, West Virginia to Ray and Edna Hall on November 14, 1943. After a wonderful childhood exploring the hills of West Virginia, and devouring any book related to chemistry, physics, mineralogy, or Sherlock Holmes he could find, the family moved to Marietta, Ohio where he graduated high school. A degree in Chemistry from Capital University in Bexley, Ohio soon followed, along with an invitation to pursue his Doctorate in Chemistry at Princeton University. Moving to Princeton, New Jersey, for graduate school, he met his future wife, Joanne Huot, at church. The minister who introduced them married them on June 15, 1969. They eventually settled in Columbus, Ohio after enjoying a year at the University of Bristol, England for Post-Doctoral studies.

A natural and passionate teacher, Doc taught science, primarily Chemistry and Physics, at the Columbus School for Girls, directed their science department for 34 years, and established their Robotics Team. He believed that a teacher should not just teach their subject well but also invest in their student’s lives and futures. Easily spotted in his deerstalker cap, his teaching extended far beyond the classroom. He influenced many generations of scientists, doctors, teachers, bibliophiles, rockhounds, and pebble pups throughout Ohio, the US, and around the world.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Joanne Marie Huot Hall and his brother, Ray Robert Hall. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Hall, Lt Col, USAF Ret., and numerous friends, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of a funeral service or memorial Doc requests that you spend time with your loved ones, read a good book, and eat copious amounts of chocolate. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the below organizations:

The Orton Geologic Museum at The Ohio State University: Memorial donations may be made online at ortongeologicalmuseum.osu.edu or by check payable to The Ohio State University (Orton Museum Support Fund #308759). Mail to: Orton Geological Museum, School of Earth Sciences, 155 South Oval Mall, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, Attn: Prof. Loren Babcock.

A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum: Memorial donations may be made to the Michigan Tech Fund, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931 to support the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Please indicate Fund 2957, Mineral Specimen Purchase. Gifts can also be made online at https://give.mtu.edu/project/45128.

Columbus Rock and Mineral Society's Ohio College Geology Scholarship Fund: To donate to the scholarship fund in Dan’s memory, write "Dan Hall" on the memo line and mail your check to: Columbus Rock and Mineral Society, PO Box 163984, Columbus, Ohio 43216. Further information is available at https://columbusrockandmineralsociety.org/.