Donald D. "A.J." Hahne

Donald Dan Hahne, inexplicably known as "AJ" to anyone who worked for the Missouri Department of Mental Health from 1962-2008 (when he finally finished that "1 year" of part-time work he agreed to after retiring in 2001) passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, February 20th, after a brief battle with renal cancer.
Donald spent his childhood on the family farm in Stony Hill, MO and graduated from Hermann High School in 1962. Donald was an extremely talented woodworker and gardener. He would spend every spring at the local nurseries looking for the plants that caught his eye and giving new lives to ones that were thought to be lost. He spent a lot of time outside with his plants and playing the "the boys" his loving dogs, Casey and Dusty.
Anyone who knew Donald knew him as a quiet but generous man who not only would give a stranger the shirt off his back but take them to the store to buy matching pants and socks. Although Donald was one of the kindest men you could ever meet, he was also one of the strongest. He was a man of fierce intelligence and wit, and when he spoke people listened. The only time he would argue with you would be if you tried to pick up the check.
Donald was preceded in death by his mother Elsie Hahne (Benz), his father Daniel Hahne, 15 aunts and uncles, and his best friend Robert Holt. Donald is survived by his partner Joshua Dunne, his godchildren Dale Kurrelmeyer, Vicki Benz, and his adopted godchild Amanda Benz, many cousins and their families including Larry Benz, Carol Koestner (Benz), Debbie Kottwitz (Kurrelmeyer), Doug Kurrelmeyer, and his long-time friend Harry Braun.
Donald will be missed by everyone who knew him and especially by the people who loved him. To paraphrase him, "We love you babe" and we know that we will see you again.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association or Building Community Bridges.
Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Entombment will be at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com