Donald Eugene McHard M.D.

1940 - 2018

Donald Eugene McHard, MD

Phoenix - Donald Eugene McHard, MD, age 77, after struggling with chronic illness, died peacefully at home with his beloved cat on February 7, 2018.

Don was born in Blackwell, Kay County, Oklahoma, on June 26, 1940, to Ruby Fern Thomas and William Carl "Mac" McHard, where he graduated from Blackwell High School in 1958. Don received a Bachelor's degree Oklahoma State University. He graduated from University of Oklahoma Medical School in 1965, followed by an internship at the Bernalillo County Indian Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. Don then entered the US Army and served as Squadron Surgeon for the 2nd Recon Squadron in Korea, with an Honorable Discharge as a Captain.

After finishing his residency in Family Medicine in Oklahoma City, Don relocated to Phoenix in 1970. Initially, Dr. McHard served as the Assistant Director in the Family Medicine Residency Program at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix before joining St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center. At St. Joseph's, Don worked for many years providing supervision and support in the Family Medicine Residency program. After retiring from St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center, Don enjoyed working with several family medicine practices in the Phoenix area.

Don was active in Rotary International for many years, as well as being an avid golfer. Don also enjoyed camping and fishing throughout his beloved adoptive home of Arizona. Don was also an active member at Chaparral Christian Church.

In later years, Don's favorite pastime was to drive his truck and travel trailer to various camping locations, including participating in archeological digs with his older brother, Dale McHard, and Dale's wife, Mary.

Surviving Don are Don's step-children Steven Oberly, Jennifer Morgenthaler, Robert "Bobby" Oberly, Barbara Mee, Daphenie Baugh, and Eric M. Steven, along with their spouses and children. Don is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary McHard, niece Janet McHard and nephew J. Dale McHard, Jr., and their children and Godchildren. Don is survived by Ruthie Dearing and many friends, patients, and colleagues.

Don's Memorial Service will be on Monday March 5, 2018, at 1pm at All Care Cremation and Burial Service's chapel, 1541 E. Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Alley Cat Allies of Bethesda, MD, or Phoenix East Rotary, Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), which are two of Don's favorite charities, or the charity of your choice.

We will miss Don's sense of humor and joy of life. Don, we love you and are proud of you.