Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Donald E. Pifer

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12.

No better verse could describe God’s faithful servant, Donald E. Pifer, who passed from this life into the arms of his heavenly Father on August 27, 2019 at his home in Shelby.

Don was born August 2, 1928 in Elm Grove, West Virginia. He attended Grafton WV High School and Schenley High School in Pittsburgh before enlisting in the United States Marines. He served his country for six years in Guam and Northern China during the Korean Conflict before returning to Grafton to attend Taylor County Vocational School.

Don owned and operated bridal shops in Ashland and Wooster after 25 years of working as a pressman at UFORMA/Shelby Business Forms.  After retirement, Don worked as Shelby City Park Superintendent from 1990-2004. During his tenure, Don was instrumental in many beautification projects. Through his determination, the parks and Playscape were enhanced with benches, flowers, and trees.

Don was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Elder, and Board member.  Most recently, Don attended the First Baptist Church. Don was also a member of the Shelby Masonic Lodge for over fifty years. He played in a golf league until the age of 89, was an avid puzzle worker, and loved nature, especially gardening, landscaping, and bird watching.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Beulah Pifer; 3 children; Donald E. (Diana) Pifer, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Judy (Stephen) Bidgood of Chardon, and Kim (Steve) Stover of Shelby;  step-children: Gregory (Julie) Martin of Streetsboro and Rhonda (Carl) Ridenour of Shelby; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather: Eugene and Mildred Ebbert; the aunt who helped raise him: Minnie (Floyd) Poling; cousins whom he considered to be brothers: Robert, Derald, and Gerald Poling; and beloved dog Sam.

Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church, 185 South Gamble Street, with Rev. Walter Keib officiating.  Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail.

In honor of Don’s dedication to the parks and helping others please consider donations to Shelby Parks, 43 W. Main Street, Shelby Helpline, 29 Walnut Street, or First Baptist Church instead of flowers.

To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: www.PenwellTurner.com

Memories & Condolence

  1. Linda Wetz LaGoy says:

    Your father was such a kind person. I am so sorry for your loss. May you all cherish the memories.

  2. Phyllis fogarty says:

    Don was a great man who was loved by everyone in the “Little” family. Thinking of u and family during this sad occasion. WE LOVE U BO!
    Phil, Tina, Beatrice

  3. Marilyn Hopkins says:

    Kim, Thinking of you and your family.

  4. Jackie (Hohler) Tomasich says:

    Judy, Hugs and prayers to you and your family on the passing of your father. Hopefully you have many memories from his long life. Cherish them and use them as a guide. They will soften the loss. Bless you and yours. ,Jackie

  5. Tina fogarty says:

    Sorry that we can’t be there,mother is sick and can’t make the trip. We are with you in our prayers.

  6. Chuck Pitsch says:

    Judy, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

  7. Mary Ann Snow says:

    Prayers with the family God Bless

  8. Martha Bender says:

    Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, Judy. So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I am sure you will have many good memories of him in your heart always.

  9. Peggy Elliott says:

    We loved this man … he was a gentle sweet kind man with a wonderful smile and kind eyes … he loved the Lord God

  10. Steven Haverfield says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. We hope and pray you feel God’s comfort all around you.

  11. JoAnn Andrews says:

    Don,Judy&Kim, So many great memories of your Dad growing up on 39. What a special sweet Man ♥️ You are all in my thoughts and prayers. We have lost such a precious Soul ♥️

  12. Mary Troxell Ruckman says:

    Sorry about the loss of your dad, Kim.

  13. Dale Baer says:

    Beulah and your whole family: May the Good Lord comfort you all in this time of loss. (Psalm 23)

  14. Tom Hadley says:

    My deepest sympathys to all Dons family. Don was the best. When you work with and for someone , as I did with Don, you soon learn what kind of a person they are and he was, the best.

  15. Christi Coleman says:

    I am so sorry! Don was a wonderful person and he will be missed deeply! Sending you love and prayers of strength!

  16. Vicki (Carlson) Miller says:

    Judy, Don,and Kim,
    So sorry to hear of your dads passing. Been long time since we played on West Park Dr. Lots of good times to remember. Hope your dad and my grandparents and parents are all heavenly neighbors now! Still remember when his family came and played music. God bless you all
    Vicki (Carlson) Miller

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