Donald Hastings Mears Jr.

He was born on June 25, 1926 at the former St. Barnabas Hospital in Portland, a son of Donald Sr. and Lillian M. (Davis) Mears. Donald attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School. During WW II, he was enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Steinaker. He met Larayne S. Tague and they later married on November 5, 1949. They began raising their family in Portland. He attended law school and graduated from University of Maine School of Law. He worked as a Claims Adjuster for USF&G Ins. Co and Traveler’s Ins. Co. He was also a Private Investigator and a Notary Public. He was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Portland where he taught Sunday school and was a Deacon. He later attended Royal Ridge Church in Scarborough where he continued to be an active member.

His greatest joys in life included time spent with family. He also enjoyed sports, especially boxing. He boxed professionally while in the Navy and continued to be involved in the sport locally after his enlistment.

He was pre-deceased by his wife of 64 years, Larayne S. (Tague) Mears and a grandson, Benjamin S. Herrick.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Diane E. Herrick of Portland; three grandchildren, Nicole, Amy and Bella, and his grand-dog, Mellon.

The family wants to especially thank Kim Tanner for all the loving care she provided, The Cedars for all their wonderful nursing care and the amazing care provided at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

Friends and family are invited to attend a time of visitation from 4-7 pm on Monday, August 31, 2015, at Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A funeral will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, c/o, HSM, 180 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Donald’s online guest book