Thomas Benton Bare II

Thomas Benton Bare II, 82 years young, died peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Mansfield, Connecticut.
Tom was born July 12, 1942, to Thomas "Benton" Bare and Sue (Hayes) Bare in Ronceverte, West Virginia. Growing up on the family farm close to Union, West Virginia greatly influenced Tom's love for hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, and the joy of being outside. Boy Scouts, 4-H, church youth group, Civil Air Patrol, basketball, swimming, theatre, and photography were favorite activities. The farm was the site of many sledding parties, youth group meetings, turkey hunts, and large family gatherings.
After graduation, Tom attended West Virginia University on a four year Board of Governors Scholarship received for a set design in theatre. He received a B.A. degree, with honors in speech, radio, and television in 1964. Tom earned an M.A. degree in television and radio from Michigan State University in 1966. From 1964 to 1966, Tom served as interim extension television editor at Michigan State. In 1966, he became assistant extension editor for television and radio at the University of Nebraska. It was here that Tom met his wife Jeanette (Hoffman). The couple was married for 54 years. Tom and Jeanette had two sons, Ben and Stacy. The boys learned from their Dad the joys of spending time outside and to always be looking for the next "high adventure."
From 1980-1982 the Bare Family lived in Botswana, Africa. Tom was a part of a cooperative international program between South Dakota State University and The Botswana Agricultural College. In 1982, Tom joined the SDSU Ag Communications Department in Brookings, South Dakota. Here Tom launched the nation's first non-commercial teletext system and developed Garden Line, the most watched locally produced program on South Dakota Public Television. He served 17 years as Garden Line host and producer. As an information specialist Tom's major focus in addition to broadcast was as a photojournalist for the ABS College. Tom's career in Agricultural Communications spanned 33 years.
Upon retirement in 1999 Tom became a travel agent in Brookings, a position he found most enjoyable. His new career included many well planned trips for Tom and Jeanette. In 2002, Tom began a 13 year career as a substitute teacher in the Brookings Public Schools. Tom thoroughly enjoyed working with young people and the camaraderie of fellow teachers. In 2015 Tom and Jeanette moved into their newly built retirement home on the family farm among the majestic West Virginia Hills. In 2022 they moved to Connecticut to be closer to family.
Tom's passions were his family, nature, travel, photography, and telling stories. His favorite subjects were his Grandchildren and their Parents. His pride and love for his family were obvious as he related events of their lives in great detail to all who would listen. Tom eagerly chose throughout his life to be an active part of every community he lived in, most specially in the activities of his sons. Tom had a deep radio/television voice and a love of laughter, celebrations, and collections. He loved a treat, a souvenir, or anything special you could put on your plate or bring home to sit on a stand.
Tom is survived by his wife; Jeanette; his sons Ben (Katie Ward) of Glastonbury, CT, Stacy (Makenzie Selland) of Grand Rapids, MI. Grandchildren: Benji, Tessa, and Wilder, four nieces, one nephew, and sisters-in-law Angie(Gayle) Nelson and Rosalie (Bill) Lurth.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:30 pm, Eidsness Funeral Home, 1617 Orchard Dr., Brookings, South Dakota. Tom's final resting place will be in Union, West Virginia.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given in Tom's name to - The Monroe County Historical Society, Ward Lefler President, PO Box 465 Union, WV 24983, or Boy Scouts of America (BSA) - Sioux Council, 800 West Ave. North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104.