Visitation:
Sunday, July 24, 2022
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Secor Funeral Home
202 West Maple St.
Willard, Ohio 44890
Service:
Monday, July 25, 2022
11:00 AM
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
4953 South Street / Annapolis DeKalb Rd.
Sulphur Springs, Ohio 44881
Don E. Metzger Sr., age 79, of Plymouth, Ohio passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022 in The Willows at Willard Nursing Home. He was born January 18, 1943 in Mansfield, Ohio to the late John A. and Dortha M. (Studer) Metzger. Don retired from R.R. Donnelley of Willard after over 41 years of dedicated service and was an active member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Sulphur Springs, Ohio. His other memberships included the Willard Elks and the Right to Life in Willard. Don served in the Army Reserves and the Army National Guard during Vietnam. He enjoyed gardening and most of all, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Since Don was 14 years old, a major part of his life was being "Santa's Helper" for many generations of families and businesses in the area.
He is survived by his 3 sons, Don (Laura) Metzger Jr. of Shelby, Richard Metzger (Sherri Burrer) of Plymouth and Mark (Julie) Metzger of Plymouth; 7 grandchildren, Chase (Tori) Metzger, Skylar (Steven) Rowe, Will Metzger, Kira Metzger, Kira (Matt) Cavanagh, Chase (Hannah) Osborn, Alaina (Corey Zupancic) Osborn and Summer Burrer; great-grandchildren, Barrett, Bristol, Adeline and Nixon; brother, Michael Metzger of Shelby; sister-in-law, Jeanne Metzger of Shelby; numerous nieces and nephews, countless families and friends who he loved serving during the Christmas Season, as well as his beloved Church family.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Ann (Ring) Metzger in 2017; brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Carol Metzger, brother Robert Metzger; sister, Sharon Nedolast and sister-in-law, Kathy Metzger.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 24, 2022 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio with the Rosary recited at 7:00 PM. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Sulphur Springs, Ohio with Fr. Gabriel Lavery, CMRI, officiating. Burial will be at Most Pure Heart of Mary Cemetery in Shelby, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Mother of Perpetual Help for Masses in Don's memory. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Sharon White - Aug 10, 2022
To the family of Don, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I loved Don and his sister Sharon so much. They both bright me joy when I would see them; especially doing their nails. I would of been there if I’d had known to the funeral. Please know I loved them so. I will never forget them. Sending love and hugs to family and friends. He was such a kind man. ❤️
John And Barbara Gosser and family - Aug 10, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Don was a great neighbor and friend to our family and will be greatly missed.
Dave & Heidi Hawblitz - Aug 3, 2022
To all of the Metzger family, we are so sorry to hear of Don's passing, but we also know that now he is healed and no longer in discomfort. We pray that th whole family is comforted by GOD'S Grace and at peace knowing he is now back with his love, Marilyn. God Bless you all.
Linda (Foos) Reyome - Jul 31, 2022
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. I'm sending prayers and condolances to his family. I love and remember fun times as a child with Don coming over on Christmas Eve after his Santa rounds with his friend Rudolph. Always a bag of fun and a fun time.
Mick O'Brien - Jul 31, 2022
Mark, Rich & Don, Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I met your Dad in 1968. He was a good man and I enjoyed talking to him and your Mom.
Arden Kessler - Jul 30, 2022
Don was a great friend. He was always a great Santa for our girls when we lived in Plymouth. He will be missed by many. He always had that sly grin. Heaven just gained.
Clyde and Christine Eldridge - Jul 29, 2022
Our hearts and prayers go out to your family for your loss. He was a great guy and it was fun to be around him. We will miss him dearly.
The Varos Family - Jul 26, 2022
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of a kind and giving person that we remember in so many way. When fondly remember him sharing his baby potatoes that we loved so much from his huge garden and so many other happy memories. RIP Don.
Wilcox/Steinmetz/Niedermier Families - Jul 26, 2022
Our condolences from the Wilcox/Steinmetz/Niedermier families. Don was a very special man. For almost 40 years I can remember Don’s voice as Santa Claus. As a child I was lucky enough to see him at the Niedermier Christmas and then again at the Steinmetz Christmas. He brought so much joy to us as kids as we sang “Jingle Bells and “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”. As an adult, hearing his voice would bring back all of my childhood memories. I am so grateful that my own children were able to experience the joy he brought into our homes. Christmas will never be the same without him but the memories will always be with us. Thank you Don for all the great memories. With love and appreciation from all of us: The Wilcox, Steinmetz and Niedermier families.
Father James McGilloway - Jul 25, 2022
I would like to express my sympathy to the children of Don Metzger at the loss of their devoted father. I was the pastor between 1996 and 2008 at the church Don attended at the churc I would like to express my sympathy to the children of Don Metzger at the laws of their devoted father. I was the pastor between 1996 and 2008 at the church in Sulfur Springs that Don attended. Don was my right hand man and jack of all trades. A generously assumed many duties in the parish from setting up for the Mass the priest offered, being the primary altar server to assist the priest at Mass, doing much of the maintenance including cleaning toilets and mopping floors, providing flowers for the altar on a regular basis. Whenever there was a physical need or problem in the pairs most of the time it was Don who was called upon. I never heard him complain once. Furthermore he often led the public prayers at the church. I, as well as the other pastors at the parish, are all very grateful and appreciative of the self-sacrificing service and support of Don. Surely these words of Jesus apply to Don: "He who humbles himself will be exalted... Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord"!
Jerome and Penny Heydinger - Jul 25, 2022
Prayers to you Mark and all your family, our sincere condolences to all.
Allen Sizemore - Jul 25, 2022
To family and friends of Don. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He was the first person I worked for on the sewers at RRD. He was a great person to work for. He was a kind man and friend. He will be missed. Rest in peace sir.
Jim, Sandy, Luke and Ben Blum - Jul 25, 2022
Sorry for your loss. Prayers.
PAUL AND SHIRLEY ZIMMERMAN AND AMY SWEET - Jul 25, 2022
Mark, Julie and families so sad to hear of your dad's passing. I (Paul) remember him as a great guy. Our sincere sympathy to you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Greg and Diane Swartzmiller - Jul 25, 2022
Mark, Rich Don and Families. We are sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Kathleen V. Miller - Jul 25, 2022
Donnie, Mark, and families. I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing and to have missed the viewing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Steffanie Ream - Jul 25, 2022
Rich and Mark I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. He was such a sweet man. Love and hugs to all of you.
Tim & Yvonne Kaple - Jul 25, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to Mark and the entire Metzger family on the loss of your Father. May he rest in peace.
CARLA HILLABRAND - Jul 25, 2022
I was shocked to see Don's obit in the paper. You guys had the nicest dad. I always enjoyed talking to him he was so sweet. He will be greatly missed. God Bless each and every one of you.
Linda King and Dale - Jul 25, 2022
Mark and Metzger family you have our deepest sympathy.Prayers to all of you.God bless
Linda and Frank Mendoza - Jul 24, 2022
Our deepest condolences to all the family. May he RIP. and May God bless each of you on this day
Denis & Roberta Rapp - Jul 24, 2022
Dear Metzger family you have our deepest sympathies. Don was a wonderful person, very caring gentle person. GOD BLESS.
Donna Myers - Jul 24, 2022
When I think of Don I think of a faith-filled man leading us in song at mass. He was always such a polite and friendly person. I remember chairing a "Breakfast With Santa" at SFX. and how Don just memorized the youngsters as Santa. What a kind and giving man. RIP Don!
Jeff and Marsha Danhoff - Jul 24, 2022
Sorry about your loss. He and your Mom were wonderful people.
John Dannemiller Family - Jul 24, 2022
Our deepest sympathies to the all who mourn and will miss Don. What a wonderful, cheerful, giving soul. Don went out of his way to visit and pray the rosary with Andy at the nursing home many many times. What a great and faith filled man! I also remember his Santa days. What great memories having Don and family in our neighborhood growing up. May Don see God as He is, face to face!
Ken and Donna Hay - Jul 24, 2022
The Metzger family is in our thoughts and prayers. I always enjoyed talking to and joking around with Don. He was a great guy.
Bryan and Courtney Carnahan - Jul 24, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers for peace and strength during this sad time.
Tom Shank - Jul 24, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Don was a great guy and I always enjoyed our talks.
Bishop Gregory Griffith - Jul 24, 2022
Rene and I offer our deepest condolences May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds until the day Christ reunites us again Love and prayers - The Griffith’s
Bill, Jamie, and Olivia Krabill - Jul 24, 2022
Metzger family - we are so very sorry for your loss. Don was a wonderful person and we are glad to have known him!
Corrine Couter - Jul 23, 2022
Don, Richard, Mark and family, Sending hugs and prayers your way. I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s death., he will be missed.
Joe and Janene Reiderman - Jul 23, 2022
Our heart is broken 💔 God is receiving a great man. So many great memories have been made during the holidays. He will truly be missed. But knowing that he is pain free and with your mom is very comforting. Many prayers and thoughts for all of you.
Phyllis and Ray Bays - Jul 23, 2022
Thoughts and prayers for each and everyone.
Ike an Nick Costein - Jul 23, 2022
Don was cantor/song leader at St. Francis in Willard and a good friend. May he rest in peace and sing with the angels in Heaven!
Patty Blum-Stephens - Jul 23, 2022
So Sorry of Donnie's passing. He was a great person. Worked with him at Donnelly's. He will greatly be missed.
Doug & Sharon Snipes - Jul 23, 2022
What a wonderful guy Donnie was. He was the best! Sympathy to all the family.
Beth Fenner - Jul 23, 2022
Mark, Rich, Don and families, so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda weisenauer - Jul 23, 2022
So sorry for your loss sons and families. What a nice guy. Of course so was his dad. My mom was Joan Miller- 1st cousin to your grandma Dortha
Chris Daniel - Jul 23, 2022
Mark and family, My condolences to you on the loss of your father. May your strong faith and the love of family and friends be of comfort to you at this time. God Bless.
Mike and Linda Veletean - Jul 23, 2022
To Mark and all of Don’s family our deepest sympathy. Your dad was a very special person. Prayers for all of you
Greg and Diane Swartzmiller - Jul 23, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a sweetheart, as was your mom! Big hugs to your entire family.
Pace - Jul 23, 2022
The Pace family sends well wishes to all the Metzger families. “Mom and dad” have had a special place in our hearts!
Marty Smith - Jul 23, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Metzger family.. Nothing but fond memories of Don from RRD Lots of laughs and good times. Thoughts and prayers to you all. God bless..
Marsha Ganni, Ashley and Ethan - Jul 23, 2022
Mark, Julie and family, Sorry for your loss. keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Andrea Zeigler Falter - Jul 23, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Don worked with my father Tom at Donnelly's and played Santa every year when I was a child and for many years when my children and nieces were little. May your memories always bring a a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Shelley Hershiser - Jul 23, 2022
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a very sweet person. He helped "Santa" out at my stores for several years. He will be truly missed by many.
Shelley Stevens Roberts - Jul 22, 2022
I have never met a man like Don. He was one of the sweetest people ever. You could tell the type of man he was through his sons. I will never forget my memories with him. My thing was rubbing his forehead with my thumb. I will miss you so much Little Man!! Love you!! I am so sorry for your loss Rich, Don Jr. and Mark.
BARB JONES - Jul 22, 2022
Sending, love, Prayers and lot of Sympathy. We all loved Don, such a nice person.God BLESS BJ and family.
Cindy Phillips Lynch - Jul 22, 2022
Dear Metzgers Sorry to hear of Don's passing. I have only good thoughts andmemories of Don and Marilyn. Peace and prayers
JH & Maggie Barnett - Jul 22, 2022
Our condolences to the Metzger Family! Our sympathy and thoughts are with you through the months ahead!
Larry and Francine Smith - Jul 22, 2022
Our condolences to Donnie’s family. Such a great guy with a great personality, he will always be remembered not only as Santa but also how fun it was working with him. May you know we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers and may you hold dear all the cherished memories he gave us all. God bless🙏
Al and Ruth Sharp - Jul 22, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers to the Metzger family during this time of loss. Don was such a kind man and such a great friend and neighbor to my brother Joel.
Maryand Lenny Branham - Jul 22, 2022
Mark and family. So sorry to hear of Donnies passing. He was a great guy and so much fun at work. He was a Santa for us. Love and prayers for you all.
Rebecca L Byrd - Jul 22, 2022
To the entire Metzger family, our deepest condolences for the loss of your father, grandfather, brother uncle, friend. We prayed for Mr. Metzger to pass peacefully and quickly and to enter into heaven to be reunited with all his loved ones, and our Lord and Savior.
DON CARR - Jul 22, 2022
Deepest condolences to the boys, and extended families! Just a whole lot of memories, with your parents, my parents, and joe and carol! Can you imagine, the get together, there having? Just like old times ! Praying, for, each, and everyone of you
Tina Carr - Jul 22, 2022
Don was such a nice man loved to carry on a conversation with him. We always loved when he played Santa for our family. He will be missed by many but is happy now that he is with Marilyn.
Pete & Nanci Sehnert - Jul 22, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Please know the entire family are in our players . He was such a kind and caring man.
Denise Ewing - Jul 22, 2022
I've known Don Sr. since I was a little girl. He had the sweetest smile and such a gentle personality. As I grew older and got to know him even more, he felt like an Uncle, like family. He was such a wonderful fellow parishioner and so cherished by us all. May he rest in peace. My condolences to the Metzger family.
Kay Carr - Jul 22, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. This will be a loss to many, as he was a big part of the community for so many years. Prayers for all the family.
Jim & Deb White - Jul 22, 2022
We are so saddened to learn of Don Sr's passing. He had such a pure heart and soul. He always had a kind word. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for the entire Metzger family.
Roger and Mary Harmon - Jul 22, 2022
So very sorry to hear of his passing. We both worked with him at R.R.Donnelys. Such a nice man