Memories of Children's Church led by Don and his autoharp.  Here are some of the songs we sang:

The B-I-B-L-E, If I were a butterfly, Alabare!, Father Abraham, Jesus loves me-this I know . . . the list goes on.

Good friends from Steelton Dean Oberholtzer, Jamie Risser and Jill helped recall the songs and some of the puppets:  Rex the Lion, Effie the Elephant, Kanga and Little Roo, Gerry Giraffe.  We all laughed over texts remembering "You're too bossy, Sue told Pat . . .  "

Don was one of the many adults at Steelton who showed us God, Jesus, and what it meant to be faithful.  Don's commitment to us children then is so lovely to reflect on now.  He helped lay the foundation for faith and safe, trusting adults. 

Don, may God welcome you into the Kingdom for all you have done to bring it about here on earth!

From my cousin Tami McKee, daughter of dad’s brother Ron, who was close in age and close in relationship to dad, and with whom dad is now probably up to shenanigans:

You may be interested to know that my son Evan shared with me that “Uncle Don” was the first person to get him to open his eyes under water.

When we attended the Sheeler retreat at Sandy Cover, MD, when he was about 6 years old, my boys spent a bit of the time in the big swimming pool there. Your dad was great in playing with them and encouraging them in their swimming. At that time, Evan was afraid to open his eyes under water, but your dad encouraged him to try. Evan says he remembers finally doing it and thinking it was “so cool.” He and Connor also remember your dad taking them out in a motorboat on the bay.

Shared by Jonathan Adeyemi, son to Moses, adopted son from Nigeria…

“To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Heaven has indeed gained an angel.

The news of your passing has left a deep ache in our hearts. Yet, no matter how much we love you, we cannot hold you back from the eternal rest and glory you now enjoy in paradise. To us—the Adeyemis—you were far more than a biological grandfather. You were a divine gift to our family.

Our late father grew up an orphan, without siblings, surrounded by hardship and uncertainty. Life took a different turn when he met you in the mid-1960s in Ilorin, where he worked with you as a house help during your missionary journey to Nigeria. You saw beyond his circumstances. You believed in him. You nurtured him.

You sent him to school and stood by him until he completed his Bachelor of Theology, personally funding his education for eight years—even after you had returned to America. Your generosity did not end there. You later brought him to the United States, where you continued to support him, along with our mother and us.

Even decades after we returned to Nigeria, your love never waned. You once again extended your hand—this time to our younger sister—facilitating her journey to the United States for her studies and ensuring she had everything she needed to succeed.

What you did for our family may sound like fiction, but it is our living truth. You were more than a father to us. You were an instrument of God, used to rewrite the story of an entire generation. You embodied what it truly means to be an angel on earth.

Though the pain of your departure will linger, we find comfort in knowing that you are now resting with the Creator you served so faithfully.

Yours was a life well lived—a chapter closed, but a legacy that will echo through generations.

We love you deeply, but God loves you more.

Thank you for saving a generation and rewriting our destiny.

Adieu, Grandpa Don.”

From Aunt Charmaine and Uncle Don (Dad’s sister- and brother-in-law)

Don was not only a family member, but also a talented individual with a passion for music. He loved choral music and possessed a beautiful tenor voice that could move anyone who heard it. His musical talent was a source of joy and inspiration to many.

Reflecting on his personal history, we remember our high school years at Lancaster Mennonite High School when we would double date. Those were cherished times filled with laughter and friendship. He also participated in summer visits to Ocean Grove, NJ, creating memories that we will always hold dear.

At our wedding, Don played a special role as our groomsman, standing by my husband’s side as we began our life together. His presence was a testament to the deep bond and love shared within our family.

Don had a strong heart for missions, which led him to serve for three years in Nigeria, with the Teachers Abroad Program.

His dedication and commitment to helping others was truly inspiring, and he left a lasting impact on the people and communities he served.

As we say goodbye to Don, let us remember the joy he brought into our lives and the legacy he leaves behind. His spirit will continue to live on in our hearts and through the music he loved so dearly.

Don and Charmaine Thomas