David K. Hallett

David was born October 17, 1932, in Zanesville, Ohio, to Homer Carl and Mildred Lavina Hallett. He married Carol Schulze on June 13, 1953, in Zanesville. The two recently celebrated 68 years together. David and Carol had two children, Mark (Heather) and Bruce (Angela) Hallett. David was a proud and generous mentor to his grandchildren, Graham and Drew Hallett.

David graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University, putting himself through school by working at David Davies’ meat packing plant. Harnessing this work ethic, David went on to work for the United States Department of Agriculture, first in the Chicago stockyards and later in Washington, D.C. While there, he earned a graduate degree from Syracuse University. Over his long career, David traveled extensively and worked his way upwards, becoming deputy director of the Livestock & Seed Division. He is credited with designing the meat grading system for USDA. In 1977, his beloved Ohio State honored him with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

After retiring from USDA in 1990, David and Carol retired to Virginia’s Northern Neck. They opened a travel agency in Kilmarnock, Virginia, operating and managing the business until 2020. Not one to sit, David continued his extensive travels, guiding thousands to far-flung corners of the globe. Along with his business, David kept busy with his passions of gardening, sailing, and finance. Driven by a firm moral conviction, caring heart, and clever wit, David enriched those who knew him. He will be missed.

The Hallett family will hold a private memorial service with only his family in attendance.