M. Donald Waltenbaugh

1935 - 2021

M. Donald Waltenbaugh, 86, of Buffalo Township, went home to his heavenly father Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021. His final days were spent with his family and friends.

Don was born Jan. 9, 1935, in the Laneville section of Freeport. Don was the son of the late Sarah Trithart and Ralph Waltenbaugh.

Don was a graduate of Freeport High School, Class of 1952. After high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country. It was during that time that he met his wife Carolyn (Claypool) Waltenbaugh. Don and Carolyn married in 1956, and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Don enjoyed woodworking and gardening. His favorite hobby was starting flowers from seed and showing them off as they grew. Family and friends meant the world to Don. He adored his grandchildren and cherished their visits. Don was a member of Expressway Baptist Church, where he and Carolyn were warmly welcomed by a wonderful church family, whom he spoke of often and loved in return. His love for the Lord was expressed during the many years of service in his church teaching Sunday school and serving as a deacon. Don was known for being quite the character and enjoyed making people laugh.

Don is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his brother, Raymond (Ethel) Waltenbaugh, of Rochester Hills, Mich.; his four sons: Douglas (Carrie) Waltenbaugh, of Apollo, Brad (Bonnie) Waltenbaugh, of Rural Valley, Craig Waltenbaugh, of Leechburg and Chris (Hope) Waltenbaugh, of Leechburg; and his daughter, Dawn (Dean) Sarver, of Worthington. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Ryan, (Tonya), Justin, Jacob (Mandie), Ashlee, Cassie (Cory), Madison, Tyler Waltenbaugh, Brady and Casey Sarver; and his great-grandchildren: Brianna, Cara, Declan, Maleaum, Angelica and Isla.

Don is preceded in death by his three brothers: Arnie, Philip and Howard Waltenbaugh.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses and healthcare workers who have taken care of Don over the past year. A special thank you to Dr. Amith Shamir of Coordinated Kidney Care Group and the team at the Butler VA, especially Jody, Kristen Shields and Eileen. Thank you as well to the E.R. department at AVH.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, at Redmond Funeral Home, Inc., 524 High St., Freeport, Pa. 16229.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, at the funeral home with Pastor Daniel Mc- Crosky.

A burial with military honors will be held in Freeport Cemetery.

To send a condolence, visit: redmondfuneralhomeinc.com.