Donald Hackbert

1933 - 2025

Donald Hackbert

March 14, 1933 - August 2, 2025

Bluffton, South Carolina - Longtime Colleton River Club member, Donald "Don" Michael Hackbert passed away peacefully at home on August 2, 2025, at the age of 92.

Don was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 14, 1933. He met the love of his life, Sherele Glenn, when they were children, growing up in the same neighborhood. Don and Sherele were married in 1956 and recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this past January.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Sherele, and their children: Michael (Jean) Hackbert of Sun City, AZ; Ginny Hackbert of Bluffton, SC; and Judy Albright (Tom) of New Cumberland, PA. He was a proud grandfather to Matthew Hackbert, Abby Dunphy, Lauren Albright Brobeck, Jeremy Albright, Emily Albright, and Shannon Albright, and great-grandfather to Patrick, Madison, Elianna, Emerson, and Charlie.

He is predeceased by his parents, Louis and Ruth Hackbert; daughter Joyce Elayne; and brother, William.

After serving in the U.S. Army Security Agency during the Korean War – including 17 months overseas – Don resumed his education and professional pursuits. He briefly played professional baseball for the St. Louis Browns (now the Baltimore Orioles) before his service. Upon discharge, he chose to forgo a baseball career and began a 33-year tenure with R.R. Donnelley, where he rose from apprentice to Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer. He retired to the Lowcountry in 1988.

Don had an insatiable appetite for learning. He continued his education throughout his life, attending Western Illinois University, DePaul, Northwestern, Franklin and Marshall, Carnegie Mellon, and the University of Chicago, where he earned an MBA. He was a wide and curious reader, passionate about history and lifelong learning. Don acquired and maintained a personal library of some 3,000 books and over 50 college level lecture courses.

In retirement, Don enjoyed golf and was active in several clubs throughout his life. He especially took pride in his time as president of the Oyster Reef and Colleton River golf clubs, where he worked closely with Bill Goodwin and Pete Dye during the early development of the Colleton River Dye course.

Don will be remembered for his integrity, intellect, humility, and unwavering commitment to his family.

The family will receive friends beginning at 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd, Bluffton. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, August 15, 2025 at Sauls Funeral Home.

If you would like to honor Don's memory, donations may be made to Hillsdale College (www.hillsdale.edu), Samaritan's Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org), or to a charitable organization of your choice.