Donald James Sheffel, M.D.

Donald James Sheffel, M.D., departed his earthly body at his home in Mendocino, California, on February 2, 2026, at the age of 96, held in love by his daughter, Lynda, and his minister, Matthew Davis.
Donald was born in 1929 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to Nate and Ester Sheffel. Following the early loss of his mother, he was lovingly supported and guided in his early life by his aunt, Hanna Sheffel, who remained an important and steady presence for him. He graduated from Central High School in Tulsa in 1947 and went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1952.
Following medical school, Donald served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956, including serving as Chief Medical Officer aboard a naval transport ship during overseas deployment in Southeast Asia, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to service. In this role, he provided compassionate medical care under demanding circumstances, including caring for many refugees rescued at sea. Years later, a survivor published a book crediting Donald as the individual most responsible for their survival. He continued his service in the Naval Reserves until 1978.
Donald completed his surgical residency at Kern Medical Center and his orthopedic surgery residency at USC/Los Angeles General Medical Center, where he was chosen as Chief Resident. Board certified in orthopedic surgery, he practiced in Bakersfield, California, from 1960 to 1994. Widely respected for his skill and innovation, he pioneered an anterior approach to cervical spine surgery and adapted techniques from plastic surgery and ENT specialties to advance orthopedic care. He served as President of both the Kern County Medical Society and the California Medical Association. Even after retirement, Donald continued to answer the call to serve, returning to medical practice and providing general surgical care at Adventist Health Mendocino Coast in Fort Bragg until the age of 89.
Beyond medicine, Donald was a skilled craftsman and a passionate aviator who flew for more than sixty years. He was married to Virginia Yvonne Beadle in 1950, to Veronica Carol Little in 1971, and to Darlene Clay in 2024. He is survived by his wife, Darlene.
After the passing of his son, Donald James Sheffel, Jr., Donald developed a deep and enduring relationship with Christ. He devoted himself to the study of the Bible and became a lay minister at Evergreen United Methodist Church in Fort Bragg, where his faith, humility, and compassion guided the latter chapters of his life.
Donald is survived by his daughter, Lynda Anne Sheffel; his son, William Bennett Sheffel; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives, Virginia and Veronica; his sons, Donald James Sheffel, Jr., and Nathan Allen Sheffel; and his daughter of the heart, Wanda Windsor.
A life defined by service, integrity, faith, and quiet devotion, Donald will be remembered for his kindness and the many lives he healed, mentored, and touched. He now rests in peace, sustained by the grace that guided his life.