John H. Lare, age 81, Seaford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2024, from the Delaware Hospice Center - Milford. Mr. Lare was born in Federalsburg, MD to the late, John P. and Salley Lare.
Mr. Lare trained horses for over 50 years, and was a leading well known trainer for different racing tracks up and down the East Coast. He truly loved horse racing and loved watching his sons race. Even when his eyesight got bad, he made sure to find out what races they were in and listened in on the races, although he could be their biggest critic, he was also their biggest fan. In his younger days, Mr. Lare also drove a tractor trailer, worked for Melvin Joseph, and even worked in a funeral home for a brief time.
Favorite activities of Mr. Lare included playing cards, running his grader, going to auctions with his "cronies" and buying junk he never used, and eating out. As a young man, he also enjoyed playing golf. Mr. Lare was known as a jokester, he liked to joke around and be the center of attention. Everyone who knew him loved him, he had a one of a kind personality, and would give you the shirt off of his back. He will be sorely missed.
Mr. Lare was a member of the DSOA where he was a past director, and a member of the USTA.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Crystal Lare; sister, Bernice Arner.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Bettejean Lare; sons, Kevin (Maile), Dylan (Megan), Damien (Lori); grandchildren, Tyler, Alyssa (Josh), Shea, Trot, Foxx, Keegen, Kyler; great grandchildren, Brynnlee, Brooklyn, Brenston; and beloved dog, Sassy.
A public visitation for Mr. Lare will take place on Thursday, September 26, from 1 to 3 PM at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE. A private graveside service will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.