Donald Clark Meares

Donald Clark Meares, 88, of York County, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026.
Born on October 29, 1937, in Walhalla, South Carolina to parents William Booth Meares and Mattie Myrtle Meares, he and his family moved to the Hampton/Newport News area in his youth and he called Virginia home for the rest of his life.

He attended both Hampton and Warwick High Schools and graduated in 1958. While still attending high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve, serving his country until being honorably discharged in 1963. After high school, Donald joined the Daily Press Times Herald apprentice program as a typesetter, and worked for the paper for 41 years before retiring. In June 1963, he married the love of his life, Judith Ann Curfman, and within a few years welcomed daughter Denise and son David.

He enjoyed bowling, country music, cheering for the Redskins, hanging out with his grandkids, and relaxing with an ice-cold Coca-Cola or a Dairy Queen ice cream cone. He treasured every moment spent with his children and grandkids, creating memories filled with love and laughter whether it was playing ball in the yard, catching waves in the Outer Banks, or repeating his ten favorite dad jokes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, J.W., Robert, Cecil, Sylvester, and Virgil Meares; his sisters, Rosa Jean Little and Lucia May “Cookie” Burt (Arnie), and his “mama” Roxie Meares. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy Meares; his siblings, Mary Ann Stoops and Richard Meares; his children, Denise Apple (Jim) and David Meares; his grandchildren, Meghan, Madison, and Ryan Meares, and Henry, Charlie, and Evie Apple; and his great-grandchildren, Braxton and Kade Tisdale, Raelynn, Giovanni, and Azaria Fenton and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also remembered by his former daughter-in-law, Gina Meares, who remains a close and cherished member of the family. Special thanks to the staff at Warwick Forest for care and love over the past two years. His love for family, laughter, and simple joys will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held on May 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Amory Funeral Home, with visitation immediately following the service. After the ceremony, family and friends will gather to share stories, food, and memories of his life at 325 Bunting Point Road, Yorktown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donald’s honor to the Yorktown Hospice House.