Donald Hall Sr

Hallmark announced that its longtime chairman and CEO, Donald J. Hall, passed away in October 13, 2024 at the age of 96. He served as CEO and president of Hallmark from 1966 to 1986, guiding the company through its greatest period of growth. In 2016, Hall became chairman emeritus, a role he held until his death. He was the son of Hallmark’s founder, J.C. Hall. Collects cold cash delivering warm greetings. Father, Joyce C. Hall (d. 1982), founded postcard manufacturer Hallmark in 1910. Donald took reins in 1966, expanded into crayons (Crayola), TV (Hallmark Channel), real estate (Crown Center Shopping Complex). With sisters Barbara and Elizabeth, owns 65% of world's largest greeting card company. Poorer this year; publicly traded cable channel Crown Media down 25% in 2008. Son Donald Jr. runs Hallmark; son David president of e-greeting operation at hallmark.com. Hall Family Foundation donates to Kansas City area: education, health, community building and arts. Endowment: $883 million.