Donnell G. Hiwiller
Donnell G. Hiwiller passed into eternal life on Monday while in the care of QLS Sugarcreek and Three Rivers Hospice.
He was born Dec. 2, 1928, in Bradys Bend to W. Edward and Ruby (Ferrier) Hiwiller.
He was a graduate of East Brady High School and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, where he was certified as an airplane engine mechanic.
Don married the former Dolores I. McElroy on June 14, 1952; she survives.
Also surviving are two daughters; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a passel of four-footed friends that complete the family.
Don worked for the Bradys Bend Limestone Co. as a young man and again in later years, when he served as the mine's superintendent.
Don proudly served in the U.S. Air Force on active duty as a flight engineer for B-17s for four years, and in active reserves for seven years. Don was stationed at Hunter Air Base in Savannah, Ga., and at Sidi Slimane Air Base, Morocco, where he prepared planes for action during the Korean War.
After his discharge, Don worked for General Electric in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in Philadelphia. He also worked for Magnetics in East Butler.
Don served as the safety inspector at Bethlehem Steel Corp., Fawn Mine. He held the same position for Rosebud Mining until his retirement.
Don enjoyed woodworking and building. He and Dolores built their own home in Sugarcreek Township. He was the “go to” handyman for family and friends.
Don had served as an EMT with the Sugarcreek Ambulance Service for many years.
Don's favorite activity in retirement was regaling everyone with stories from his military experience. He also enjoyed building model airplanes.
Don was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ (now St. Paul's Community Church). He chaired the building committee when a new sanctuary was added in the 1970s.
Don was a lifelong animal lover. His cats, Tiny and Fred, will miss his gentle care.
Don was a member of the Masonic Order, Lodge 540 Chicora, the New Castle Consistory and the Syria Shrine.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 67 years, Dolores I. Hiwiller of Worthington; his daughters, Dr. Karen (Ed) King of New Kensington, and Sue Ann (Galen) Shirey of Mayport; his grandchildren, Dr. Jesse (Jessica) Shirey of St. Mary's, Dr. Emily (Gene) Rapp of Mayport, Lindsay (Mark) Kloepping of Ashburn, Va., and Jordan (Catlin) King of Gibsonia; his great-grandchildren, Grady, Sophia, Stella and Colton Shirey, Jeb and Libby Rapp, Cameron Smith, Noah and Lia Kloepping, and Maris King.
He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Reimer of Lower Burrell; his nieces, Amy Weibel and Lauri (Jerry) Lisanti; and his nephew, M. Dann (Cheryl) Weibel.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his stepfather, Jim Lyon.
HIWILLER — Family and friends of Donnell G. Hiwiller, who died Monday, March 25, 2019, will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home, 832 East Brady Road, Cowansville.Additional viewing will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Community Church with the Rev. Samuel Swick and the Rev. Jonathan Jensen officiating.Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.The family would like to thank Don's personal caregivers and the staff at QLS Sugarcreek and Three Rivers Hospice for their care of Don.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sugarcreek Ambulance Service, 2030 State Route 268, East Brady, PA 16028, or your local animal rescue.For more information or to express condolences to the family, please visit www.snydercrissman.com.
