KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Hallmark announced Tuesday that its longtime chairman and CEO, Donald J. Hall, passed away over the weekend at the age of 96. Hall died on Saturday at his home surrounded by his family, according to a news release. He served as CEO and president of Hallmark from 1966 to 1986, guiding the company through its greatest period of growth. Hall's influence also fueled civic initiatives that changed the face of Kansas City, including the development of the Crown Center in the late 1960s. Park Hill unveils new school district boundary options In 2016, Hall became chairman emeritus, a role he held until his death. He was the son of Hallmark's founder, J.C. Hall. Starting in the late 1960s, the vision of Hall and his father led to the development of the Crown Center complex, a “city-within-a-city,” on the land surrounding Hallmark’s headquarters in Kansas City. He was also known as a philanthropist, leading and serving local charities. Specifically, he chaired the Hall Family Foundation which aimed to help families and improve the quality of life for residents in the Kansas City metro. “My father lived our beliefs and values his whole lifetime, and his ability to translate them in a way that others could understand will remain part of his lasting legacy,” Hall’s son, Donald Hall, Jr. said. “He truly believed that Hallmark’s purpose was to enrich people’s lives, and you continue to see that reflected in our brand and our people today.”