Donald Eugene McCune

Donald Eugene McCune, a legendary figure in American ten-pin bowling and a member of both the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Halls of Fame, passed away on February 28, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on October 9, 1936, in Morrison, Illinois, McCune's profound impact on the sport spanned decades, marked by innovative thinking and numerous championship titles.

McCune's journey in bowling began seriously during his time in the U.S. Army, where he participated in all-Army leagues. This early dedication laid the groundwork for a remarkable professional career. He officially joined the PBA in 1963, embarking on a path that would see him become one of the sport's most influential personalities.

His talent quickly translated into success, with McCune securing his first PBA Tour title at the Fort Worth Open in 1968. The same year, he also claimed a Classic Team title at the USBC Open Championships. He continued his winning streak by capturing the Classic Doubles title at the USBC Open Championships in 1969 alongside fellow Hall of Famer Jim Stefanich.

The year 1973 stands as a pivotal moment in McCune's career and in the history of bowling itself. Facing increasingly hardened lane surfaces, McCune ingeniously developed a method of soaking his bowling balls in a chemical solvent to soften their covers, allowing for greater hook and control. This groundbreaking, albeit initially controversial, technique led to him winning six PBA titles that year and earning the prestigious PBA Player of the Year award. The season became famously known as "the year of the soaker," forever changing bowling ball technology and sparking an equipment revolution.

Beyond his individual achievements, McCune was also celebrated for his role in establishing a multi-generational bowling legacy. He is recognized as the patriarch of the first family to produce three generations of national PBA Tour titleholders, a testament to his enduring influence on the sport. His son, Eugene McCune, and grandson, Kevin McCune, have both followed in his footsteps, achieving national PBA Tour victories.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions and stellar career, Donald Eugene McCune was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in the Veterans Category in 1991. His legacy was further cemented with his induction into the USBC Hall of Fame in the Performance Category in 2013.

Donald Eugene McCune resided in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the time of his passing. His innovative spirit, competitive drive, and lasting impact on bowling ball technology and family legacy will be remembered and cherished by the bowling community for generations to come.