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BORN
1933
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
1184 Sagamore Parkway West
West Lafayette, Indiana
Donald Shidler Obituary
Donald Robert Shidler, 84, of Otterbein, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at IU Health Arnett Hospital. He was born August 15, 1933 in Lafayette to the late Ray and Helen Kerker Shidler.
Donald was a 1952 graduate of Montmorenci High School. Following high school, Don served in the United States Army, serving from May 1954 until May 1956.
On September 16, 1952, he married Joan C. Steely in Lafayette and she survives. They would have celebrated their 64th anniversary this year.
Don worked at Dean's Food and Prairie Farms for 40 years until his retirement. He then worked for Brost Farms for several years. He was a member of the Otterbein Faith Lutheran Church, upon its closing he attended Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette. He was also a 53 year member of the Otterbein American Legion Post 125.
He was an avid IU fan. He enjoyed fishing, vegetable gardening and sports, but above all he cherished his time he spent with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
Surviving are wife, Joan C. Shidler of Otterbein; daughter, Teresa Fliflet of Lafayette; 2 sisters, Helen (Richard) Lester of West Lafayette and Mary (James) Smith of Lafayette; a foster brother, John (Bonnie) Fleming of Jackson, MS; 3 grandchildren, Heather Reifel-Stovall, Jenna Jones (husband Nicholas), Curtis Shidler (wife Megan); and 2 great granddaughters, Lani Rae Stovall and Ryann Marie Shidler; and a very special daughter-in-law, Tam Shidler.
Donald was preceded in death by son, Michael Shidler; grandson, Joshua Reifel; and 2 brothers, Joe and Richard "Butch" Shidler.
Visitation will be Friday, September 1, 2017 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with service to follow at 1 p.m. at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel. Burial at Montmorenci Cemetery.
Family requests in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to The Otterbein Fire Department or The Greater Lafayette Honor Flight, which he was lucky to be a part of with his grandson in 2013. You may sign the guest book, leave memories and photos at www.soller-baker.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Shidler
Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – West Lafayette Chapel.
Deb Musser
August 24, 2019
I still have such great memories of Don "the gentle giant" from my childhood days and frequent good times spent with him and of course Joan, Mike and Terri!
A part of my past which I enjoy so very much. Time spent with myself and Mom,
Dad and Steve. Now Don has been reunited with them in heaven. Most certain they are flying high!
Cheryl (Georgi) Davison-Seay
September 3, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tom Budreau
September 2, 2017
Our deepest sympathy Joann. You are in our prayers. Tom and Patti Budreau
Norma Gray
August 31, 2017
You are in my prayers, Joan. You have had a long, happy life. I know that Don will be missed. Love to you and your family.
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Deb & Martin Musser
August 31, 2017
Joan, Terry and families,
Sending our deepest sympathy to all of you at the
passing of Don. Quite certain my parents and brother were at Heaven's gate to welcome their
fellow Morenci Tiger and friend. What joy Don
brought to our families gathering on Indy Race Day, Monticello Lake trips on July 4, along with those weekend card games. I have such fond
memories of all those times. May your cherished
memories comfort in difficult times and allow Don to remain with you always. Yes, as life
happened, we never had our get togethers but those times never faded . Now, RIP Don.
Stacey Johnston
August 31, 2017
So much love, hugs and prayers. Please let me know of anything I can do. We Love you, Stacey, Britt, Jake & Bentley
Lewis, Carolyn and Abi. ( Rossi and Justin) Watson
August 31, 2017
Our prayers for the family. May you know he is in a better place with God. You will always have an angel watching over you. I am so happy I got to see him last Friday at the fish fry and help him with his plate, and talk to him a little bit. All our love
Donna & Eric Wiley
August 31, 2017
So very sorry for your loss! Hugs and prayers are with your family in the coming days!
Marilynn Shonkwiler
August 31, 2017
Joan and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Don was a super friend and neighbor.
Rick & Marilynn Shonkwiler
August 31, 2017
Joan and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Don was a super neighbor and friend.
Rick and Marilynn Shonkwiler
Bud Kitterman
August 31, 2017
Jodie, you are in our prayers, Bud and Gin Kitterman
Rose Mikels (Wilkinson)
August 31, 2017
My Sympathy to the Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold your memories close.
WILLIAM PLATT
August 31, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Desiree Winter
August 30, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss, Don was a very special man and will be greatly missed by all of us. Your family is always in our hearts and prayer. Love and hugs to you all from the Winter family
Joe, Dawn, Kaity, Sarah, And Richard Shull Shull Scanlan JR.
August 30, 2017
Joan and family we are so sorry about your loss. There are no words to say , to take the pain away of losing someone so dear. Where do we begin! Don and Joan, you were very much apart of our childhood. It takes a village to raise a child! You all were part of our village. Ice cream runs after school! Rides to the pool. Great memories at the Sheriffs department while Joan and mom , and all of the officers worked ( Milley and Tilley) can't remember if Joan was milley and mom was Tilley); Vicki and I played at the sheriff department. It was our second home. You all were such great friends to Dad and Mom, and everyone you met. You will be greatly missed gentle giant Don. You were larger than life in our eyes! What great memories we have! God bless, with much love to Joan and family. Thank you Don you will never be forgotten in our hearts!
Chasity Usher
August 30, 2017
Thoughts and Prayers to Joan and the family.
Vicki Shull Schroeder
August 30, 2017
I am sad to hear about Don's death. Joan and Don were family friends. My sister and I have so many good memories of them. Both are good, good people. Sending love to the family, especially Joan.
Russell Fliflet
August 30, 2017
Sovery sorry for the loss and passing of Don, he was a warm and wonderful person, he will greatly be missed.
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