Donald Gene "Don" Scharnhorst

Donald Gene Scharnhorst, age 81, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed away on August 5, 2025. Born on August 22, 1943, in Cincinnati, he was the beloved son of the late Eugene D. Scharnhorst and Jean A. (Meier) Scharnhorst.

On January 27, 1967, Don married the love of his life, Cordelia Louise Scharnhorst, with whom he shared many cherished years until her passing. He is survived by his younger siblings Terry Scharnhorst (Becky), Linda Fulmer (John), and Mark Scharnhorst (Maureen Miller); children Belinda Alcorn and Vickie Vanwinkle; numerous nieces and nephews; grandchildren Holly, Christa, Brandy, Brittany, Shawn, and Mindy; 16 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Cordelia, his parents, and his son Raymond Craig.

A proud graduate of St. Xavier High School (Class of 1961) and the University of Cincinnati Business School. Don was the proud owner of Scharnhorst Home Furniture for many years until his retirement in 2005. Don was a man of many passions. He loved flying airplanes, traveling the world, attending musicals and plays, and taking long Sunday drives around Cincinnati. Aviation was one of his greatest joys, and he devoted many years as Membership Chairman and trustee for the Victory Aviation Flying Club in Hamilton, OH. His dedication and leadership played a vital role in the club's growth and continued success-his friends often said the club wouldn't be what it is today without him. He was also a member of the Chapter 1236 of the EAA in Weirsdale, Florida.

Well-liked and respected in the flying community, Don was known as a skilled pilot and could often be found at the airport, sharing stories and his love for aviation. His warmth, wit, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Don made friends with everyone he met and he will be missed.