Donald W. Santmyers Sr. (1950 – 2024)

Donald W. Santmyers Sr., 74, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Donald W. Santmyers Sr.

A funeral service will be held for Donald at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, with Pastor Susana Spencer or Tancy Seal officiating.  The family invites guests to visit the funeral home one hour before the service.  Following the service, the burial will take place at Panorama Memorial Gardens.  Following the graveside, the family will be gathering for a celebration of life at Bethel Community Center.

Donald was born in Front Royal on February 7, 1950, to the late Harrison “Sugg” Santmyers and Betty Lee Santmyers.  He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Lou Santmyers, and his sister, Sharon Lynn Santmyers.

Surviving Donald are his sons and their spouses, David and Melissa Santmyers and Donald Jr. and Diane Santmyers; his siblings, Patricia Sours, Marion “Susie” Bell, Mark Allen Santmyers and Terry Ray Santmyers; his grandchildren, Wesley J. Rutherford, Dustin W. Santmyers, Samantha Santmyers, Sara K. Rutherford, Allison N. Santmyers, Kelsey Santmyers and David’s dog, Charlie Wayne; his three great grandchildren; his numerous nieces and nephews and his precious dog, Peanut.

Donald was a United States Army Veteran who served on two tours during the Vietnam War.  Donald started working with heating and air in the 1970s and continued that work until he died.  Years ago, one of his co-workers, Alberto Flores, named him “Old Man” on the job, but the name stuck.  “Old Man” was a Master HVAC tradesman.  Everyone who met him knew him as “Old Man” and could consider him a true friend.  He never met a stranger.  He was humble and enjoyed his peace, family, and cold beer.  In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking in his garage and listening to old-time country music on Smith Mountain Lake.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Santmyers, Josh Gordon, Matt Dugan, Matt Malloy, Tanner Steed, Wesley Rutherford, Alberto Flores and Gonzalo Fernandez.

Honorary pallbearers are the employees of Dave’s Diversified Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Front Royal Volunteer Fire Department at 221 North Commerce Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.