Donald (Don) Haymart

Donald (Don) Haymart, age 82, passed away at Memorial Community Care in Aurora, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, after a lengthy illness. 
A memorial service will be held at the Aurora United Methodist Church, 1104 A. Street, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29.   Pastor Michelle Reed will officiate. The family will greet friends from 9-10:30 a.m. before the service, with a lunch served afterward. Knowing that Don would never want anyone to dress up for him, the family suggests casual dress. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be designated later.   Condolences may be sent to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Don was born to Laurel (Chief) and Edna (Dickey) Haymart on February 25, 1944, at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings.   Growing up, he and his parents were very close. They lived in a variety of places, including Hastings, York, and Waco before settling in what Don considered his hometown: Giltner. He attended Giltner High School for four years, graduating in 1962. 
In 1965 Don joined the Nebraska National Guard. He served six years in Company C, Second Battalion, 134th Infantry based in Hastings. His service in the Guard was important to him; he often shared stories of the events and friends he experienced there.
Don was united in marriage to Dawn (Annie) Thompson on August 9, 1975, at the United Methodist Church in Aurora. They enjoyed their time as a couple before celebrating the birth of a daughter, Taylor, in 1984 and a son, Clay, in 1987. 
During high school Don worked part-time at a variety of jobs, but he loved to talk about helping his father care for cattle on the site of the Army Ammunition Depot near Hastings. After graduation, he worked at Giltner Coop and he spent several years working for the Hamilton County Roads Department. Later, Don worked at the “Ball” west of Aurora for Phillips Petroleum until it was sold out. He then worked for Aurora Public Schools until his retirement in 2003 after a diagnosis of MS. 
After retirement, Don worked hard to retain his mobility, exercising and walking in the pool at the Merrick County Fitness Center. He also became a voracious reader, keeping Dawn at the library regularly. He would read at least two books a week. Reading filled his time. 
Don had several interests. He loved 20th century military history. If a trivia question involved WWII, he was sure to be able to supply the answer. He collected military artifacts and weapons. He was proud of an uncle who served and was wounded in France in WWI, displaying his picture, the picture of his company, dog tags and his commendation from Woodrow Wilson for serving and being wounded in action. He also enjoyed vintage tractors and tractor shows were a family thing for several years. Taylor and Don had a special bond over the John Deere B that is now hers. Anyone who knew Don knew his love of animals, especially cats. The Haymart home was never without pets.
In August of 2025, Don and Dawn celebrated 50 years of marriage. Their children and families joined them at Memorial Community Care for a family celebration. It was a joyful time to be together. 
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Chief and Edna, his in-laws, Vic and Maggie Thompson, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. 
Those living to remember him are Dawn, his wife of 50 years, daughter Taylor and Daniel Olsen of Phillips and their children Norah, Evelyn, Joseph, and Emily and son, Clay and Haley Haymart of Pender, and their children Harper, Atley, and Lillie. He is also survived by a special aunt, Elsie Sullivan of York and several cousins, nephews and nieces, and many friends.