Donald L. Hines

Donald L. Hines, a native of Grand Island, died Jan. 2, 2025, in San Jose, CA., after a long battle with dementia. His death came on his 88th birthday. A Memorial Service will be at 11AM on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Inurnment will follow at the Grand Island City Cemetery with military honors. Online Condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Hines was born in Grand Island and graduated from Senior High School in 1955. For several years he served as its unofficial class historian. A Marine in the post-Korean War period, he was among six members of his family who served in the military, three in the Marines and three in the Navy.

In his final months he was cared for by his niece Mary and her husband Arch Shaw in San Jose.

Hines was a retired counselor of Santa Clara County Social Services which he joined after graduation from San Diego State University.

He loved music and sports, attending numerous jazz concerts in Los Angeles, and cheering on the 49ers, Warriors and Nebraska football. In retirement he was an active traveler and enthusiastic genealogist, tracking several family histories.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Myrtle Hines; his sister Mary Durden, brothers Harold, Robert and Irven; his first wife Judy and second wife Violeta. Survivors include his son Michael of Van Nuys, CA., and brothers Howard of Waldorf, MD., and Ernest of Lincoln, NE.