Colonel (Ret.) Dwight Hair, born in Scottsburg, Indiana, and longtime resident of Elkton, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on December 11, 1941, Dwight lived a life marked by steadfast service, integrity, and dedication. After graduating from Valley Forge Military Academy, he answered the call to serve his country, embarking on a distinguished military career that spanned over 30 years. Enlisting as a private in 1961 and rising to the rank of Colonel, he served with honor and earned the enduring respect of his fellow soldiers.

His overseas deployments included service in the Dominican Republic in 1965 with the 82nd Airborne Division and in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 with the 101st Airborne Division. Of all his military experiences, he most cherished his time in recruiting command, where he served as both a battalion commander and later as the professor of military science at Loyola University Maryland. He took immense pride in guiding young men and women toward paths of service and purpose, seeing his role not merely as a job but as a calling — an opportunity to shape lives, build futures, and strengthen the nation he loved.

His exceptional service was recognized with numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. These honors reflect not only his leadership and bravery both on and off the battlefield, but also his unwavering dedication to his fellow soldiers and to his country.

Following his retirement from the Army, Colonel Hair made his home in Elkton, Maryland, where he remained an active and devoted member of the community. Though not his hometown, he embraced Elkton as his own, pouring his time, energy, and passion into its growth and well-being. Through several business ventures, including Elkton Florist and Colonel DBM Properties, as well as tireless volunteer work, he left an indelible mark on the town he came to love so deeply. Dwight was known for his unwavering patriotism, his generosity, his deep devotion to family and friends, and his love for the daily “Coffee Club” meetings on Main Street. His life was defined by quiet strength, a profound sense of duty, and a kind helpful heart.

Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ruth Johnson, and his brother, Jay D. Hair. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Diane Hair of Elkton, Maryland; his son, Major Richard Hair (Ret.) US Air Force, and his wife, Maureen, of Macon, Georgia; his daughter, Dawn Hair, and her partner, Keith Bender, of Elkton, Maryland; and his sister, Paulette Pyle and her husband Phillip of West Grove, PA. Dwight was the proud and loving grandfather to Christopher Hair and his wife, Evan, of Macon, Georgia; Jeffrey Hair and his wife, Morgan, of Phoenix, Arizona; Brittany Schwartz of Elkton, Maryland; and Captain Michael Schwartz, US Army, and his partner, Talor Gerety, of Annapolis, Maryland. He was also blessed with five cherished great-grandchildren: Rosaleigh, Arbour, Desmond, Charles, and Michael James, each of whom brought him great joy and pride. His memory is further cherished by countless cousins and extended family back in his beloved Indiana, to which he longed to return in the last several months before his passing.

A visitation with the family will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 105 N. Bridge Street, Elkton, MD. A service celebrating his life will follow at 11:00 a.m., presided over by Rev. Dr. Nicholas N. Sichangi. Burial with full military honors will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, with family in attendance.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to “Trinity Episcopal Church” in Elkton, Maryland, and “Amedisys Foundation,” who provided compassionate care in his final days. Please send in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A. to 259 East Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921.

“Old soldiers never die; they just fade away”