Donald Earl "Ducky" Phares Sr., 84, of California, MD passed away on June 7, 2017 at Hospice House of St. Mary's with his loving family at his side. On March 2, 1953 Ducky enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in December 1955. During his service he earned the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Ribbon. He was employed for over 37 dedicated years by Local Union 100 in Washington D.C. in sheet metal until his retirement in 1993.

On September 21, 1957 he married his beloved wife, Charlotte Ann Phares in Washington, D.C. Together they celebrated over 59 wonderful years of marriage. He lived in Prince George's County from 1960 to 1984 when he moved to Virginia until 1998. He spent his retirement years living in Dagsboro, DE until 2016 when he moved to California, MD to be near his children.

He was an avid poker player and enjoyed a good card game. He was on a pool league and was known as a pool shark; he travelled to Las Vegas representing the state of Delaware three times. He was a history buff, and enjoyed reading books on World War II and Pearl Harbor. His favorite travels included Yellowstone National Parks, Hawaii for his 30th anniversary, and Las Vegas. He also enjoyed watching tennis and cheering on the Washington Redskins.

In addition to his beloved wife, Ducky is survived by his children: Donald Earl Phares, Jr. of Chaptico, MD, Mark Allen Phares (Cathy) of Linden, VA, Cynthia Jean Burke (Sean) of Valley Lee, MD, and Wayne Link Phares (Anita) of Chantilly, VA; and Son-in-Law Edward "Clyde" DiVincenzo; his siblings: James Phares, Robert Phares (Charlie Ann), Marlene Culmember, and William Phares (Gracie); 14 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his daughter, Sheryl "Sherry" Lynn DiVincenzo, his Daughter-in-Law Teri Phares and his brothers, John and Thomas Phares.

Ducky's Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Saint Mary's Hospice House. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.