Dwight “Teddy” Watson Bare passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 86. Teddy was born April 17, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa to Harold and Margaret Bare. He grew up with his sister, Phyllis, in the farming communities of Iowa and Illinois. Upon graduation from Waterman, Illinois High School, Teddy pursued his lifelong interest in auto racing and a career in the automotive industry.
Teddy served honorably in the United States Army as a technical draftsman from 1960 to 1962.
After discharge from the army, he moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he began a career at General Motors.
Teddy married Virginia “Ginny” Louise McElhaney on August 25, 1968. Teddy and Ginny were blessed with twins, Matthew and Yvette, in 1973.
Teddy retired from General Motors in 1991 and continued to work on cars in his back yard for the rest of his life.
In addition to being a loving father, Teddy had a passion for classic car restoration, boating, waterskiing, and nurturing friendships.
Teddy is survived by his son, Matthew Bare; daughter, Yvette Korpan; sister, Phyllis Haworth, and grandchildren, Tyler Bare, Elizabeth Bare, Paige Korpan, and Nathan Korpan. We celebrate his life and his transition to eternal peace.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 2:00pm at Grace Church, 8701 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ 85207. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa, Arizona.
A good friend who was always willing to come to the rescue of us “wannabe garage mechanics”! Always had a smile on his face, and never lacked for a story from the past that had me listening with both ears. Knowing both Matt and Yvette, he was a good father and a hard worker. He will be remembered and missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out. Love, Jeff and Jennifer Cassaday and family.
My sympathy to Dwight’s family, he was a classmate of mine from Waterman High School .
I remember meeting Teddy and Jenny shortly after Jim started working at the proving grounds. He had a race car and Jim was on his pit crew. After that we had a race care and Teddy drove for us. I have heard many stories of the racing days relived! I will miss seeing him at car shows. Prayers to your family 🙏