KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Donald J. Hall, the longtime CEO and chairman of Kansas City-based Hallmark, died over the weekend at the age of 96, the company announced Tuesday.
In addition to his 20-year run as a leader at Hallmark, Hall was instrumental in countless civic initiatives across the Kansas City area.
His work lives on through initiatives such as the construction of Crown Center in the late 1960s.
Hall, the son of Hallmark founder J.C. Hall, died on Oct. 13 surrounded by family.
"My father lived our beliefs and values his whole lifetime, and his ability to translate them in a way that others could understand will remain part of his lasting legacy," Hall's son, Donald Hall Jr., said. "He truly believed that Hallmark's purpose was to enrich people's lives, and you continue to see that reflected in our brand and our people today."
Hall joined his father's company when he was 17 years old. He would graduate from Dartmouth College before serving in the U.S. Army, with much of his time stationed in Japan.
Hall returned to the company in 1953 and quickly rose through the ranks of the company, becoming president and CEO in 1966 - a position he would hold until 1986.
Hall had served as chairman emeritus since 2016.
“Don led Hallmark through its greatest period of growth, and our brands — Hallmark, Crayola and Hallmark Media — are beloved because of his leadership,” Hallmark president and CEO Mike Perry said in a release announcing Hall’s passing. "He led the introduction of new product lines and development of Hallmark's network of independent retailers.
Hall's contributions weren't limited to the business side. He chaired the Hall Family Foundation for many years with his late wife Adele at his side.
He was a founding member of the Kansas City Community Foundation, helped establish the Kansas City Area Economic Development Council and is credited with bringing the 1976 Republican National Convention to Kansas City. He also served in leadership roles with the Civic Council, the Kansas City Neighborhood Alliance and the Mid-America Minority Business Development Council.
"He was deeply committed to the Kansas City community, understanding the importance of giving back and fostering inclusive prosperity," his son said. "He took special pride in his work with the Minority Supplier Development Council. He firmly believed it was essential for the business community to contribute toward a better future for everyone.
A memorial website has been established for the remembrance of Hall.
Hall served as a member of the Nelson-Atkins Board of Trustees for 31 years, during which he played key roles in securing funding for a roof over Rozzelle Court and oversaw the team that designed the Kansas City Sculpture Park.
The board released a statement Tuesday on Hall's passing, describing his stewardship of the museum as "unsurpassed."
"This is an enormous loss for both Kansas City and the Nelson-Atkins," Nelson-Atkins Board of Trustees Chair Evelyn Craft Belger said. "Don Hall had a profound impact on this entire community and will be greatly missed."
"His committed leadership in the arts made a lasting difference in the lives of generations to come," Craft Belger added. "He was an inspiration to all of us."
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas released a statement on Hall's passing, noting his work to build a "greater Kansas City" by being committed to equality, supporting minority contractors and building business opportunities for all.
"As a leader of Kansas City's most famous global brand, he grew Hallmark's presence in households all over the world," Lucas said. "Closer to home, he was a model corporate citizen, carrying out the construction of Crown Center at a time when major businesses were leaving Kansas City's urban core."
"Today, Crown Center houses major corporate offices and welcomes millions of visitors each year," Lucas continued.
On Tuesday afternoon, Kansas City Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman released a statement on Hall's passing.
"Like a lot of people in this town, I am grateful for people like Don Hall who selflessly look out for and lift those who need it," Sherman said. "Don set a standard of generosity and passion that have helped make our hometown a special place."
"His influence will remain and elevate Kansas City for generations," Sherman added."
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