Donald "Gus" Boyd Hazen

In the heart of a small Pennsylvania town, Donald "Gus" Boyd Hazen began each day by raising the American flag and ended each evening by lowering it-a quiet ritual that embodied his lifelong commitment to duty, diligence, and enduring strength. These values took root early, even in the absence of a father, and became the foundation of a life shaped by hardship, steadied by love, and guided by faith. After nearly a century of living in his hometown of Springfield Township, Gus spent the last few years of his life at Manchester Commons in Fairview, Pennsylvania, where he passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at the age of 98.

Born on September 21, 1926, in Miles Grove (now Lake City), Pennsylvania, Gus spent most of his childhood in North Springfield, surrounded by the fields, woods, and warmth of a close-knit community. He was the son of Melville Leroy Hazen, a decorated World War I veteran who succumbed to his war wounds after returning home. Gus was just one year old when his father died, leaving his mother, Arlene Ball-a devoted postmaster and woman of strength-to raise Gus and his siblings. She later married Gus's uncle, Maurice Chester Hazen, and together they provided the children a home filled with family and friends.

Gus's childhood was full of adventure and mischief. He roamed the countryside with family, friends, and classmates, soaking in the beauty of Western Pennsylvania and forming enduring bonds-among them his best friend, Gordon "Cap" Griffey, and many others who remained close throughout his life.

Gus graduated from West Springfield High School in May 1944, though he did not attend his graduation ceremony, having enlisted early to serve at the end of World War II in the United States Army Air Corps. He achieved the rank of corporal and traveled to many of the famed cities of Europe, gaining a firsthand view of a continent rebuilding after war. He also enrolled at Gettysburg College, where he studied Basic Engineering, furthering his lifelong interest in mechanics and problem-solving.

He first met Ruth Almeda Smith as a child and they later reunited and fell in love. On August 5, 1949, they married. Gus often said that everything good in his life and everything good about him was because of Ruth. Together, they raised three daughters: Theresa, Judy and Dawn. Gus was deeply proud of his daughters and loved them dearly, especially cherishing their musical talents. He wished for each of them to be educated, pursue meaningful careers, and have the strength to stand on their own. He valued that they grew into strong, loving, and courageous women-qualities he admired and nurtured. Gus was shaped by the strength and support of the women in his life-his mother Arlene and his wife Ruth-and he made sure those values were instilled in his three beloved daughters. He extended

this love to his sons-in-law-William Bonnett, Dayle Keefer, and Richard D. Keefer-whom he treated as the sons he never had.

As a young father, Gus moved with Ruth and their daughters to East Springfield, where they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. He also welcomed into his household his nephews Chris and Jeff Blood, sons of his deceased sister, Frances, treating them with the same love and care as his own children.

Professionally, Gus worked for 38 years on the railroad, beginning as a yardman and later serving as a conductor for Norfolk and Southern Railroad. He often worked late nights, weekends, and holidays to provide for his family. He was precise in everything he did-neat, meticulous, and deeply committed. He had an extremely high work ethic and a strong sense of duty, valuing respect, hard work, patriotism, and perseverance.

Gus served his community for 12 years on the Northwestern School District school board during the 1970s. He proudly participated in the building of the new Northwestern High School and even more proudly handed the diploma to his youngest daughter, Dawn, at her High School graduation. He was also active in several fraternal and service organizations, including the Scottish Rite - Valley of Erie, the Odd Fellows, and the American Legion Post 494 in Girard.

A man of simple faith, Gus attended throughout his life the Federated Church of East Springfield, where his family had worshipped for generations. His roots in Erie and Western Pennsylvania ran deep, and he carried the values of hard work, kindness, and integrity throughout his life.

Gus found joy in the everyday: gardening, caring for his lawn, completing crossword puzzles and riding his bike daily. After he retired, he became an avid golfer. Gus had a deep love for animals and shared his life with several beloved dogs over the years. He and Ruth were known for their warm hospitality, often hosting friends and family for games of pinochle, dominoes, and other card games. In his later years, Gus cherished breakfast gatherings with his school friends, remaining the last surviving member of his graduating class.

He lived well within his means-never extravagantly, but never cheaply either. He invested and saved wisely, and his careful stewardship has left an impressive legacy that will continue to benefit generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth; his daughter Theresa Ann Bonnett and her husband William Bonnett; his parents, siblings; and many dear relatives of his generation. It is interesting to note that he passed away on the birthday of his grandmother, Margaret Hazen (née Harris).

He is survived by his daughters Judith Esther Keefer and Dawn Arlene Keefer; his sons-in-law Dayle Keefer and Richard D. Keefer; his grandchildren Julie Lynn Dinger (née Bonnett), Jody Boyd Bonnett, Jennie Rebecca Johnson (née Bonnett), Amanda Jo Henneberry (née Bonnett); Jamie Dayle Keefer, Kevin Donald Keefer, Brian Lee Keefer, Emily Joy Keefer; Laurie Noel Tanner (née Keefer), Richard Ryan Keefer, and Lacey Ruth Wilson (née Keefer); 30 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing hours will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home in East Springfield, Pennsylvania. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Federated Church of East Springfield, officiated by the Reverend Ed Huntley. A graveside committal service will follow, with military honors including the presentation of the American flag to the family in recognition of Gus's service to his country. In recognition of Gus's deep roots in the community and his faithful service, memorial contributions may be directed to the Federated Church of East Springfield.

Though Gus lost his father as a baby, he never lacked the love and example of his Heavenly Father. The duty, diligence, humble service, and enduring strength that defined his life he received and learned from the One who watched over him. Gus' life was marked by quiet trust and simple faith, and he lived as one who knew he was cared for, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1