Donald Clark Shrader was born on July 14, 1929 in Shelby, Ohio to Ella Marie Clark Shrader and Warren Eastman Shrader. He passed away on October 10, 2023 at the Willows of Willard.
Donald attended all 12 years at Willard, graduating in 1947. Except for 3 years in the U.S. Air Force, he resided in Willard. Donald worked various occupations after leaving the Air Force. He worked on Lake Freighters on the Great Lakes. He met and married the love of his life Nina Holden Brown in 1954. (Best thing he ever did, he said.) They were married for 42 years. Don and Nina enjoyed many years of traveling and square dancing with the Promenaders. Donald was employed as a soda clerk at the Fan Fare, a clerk at Schodorf’s Luncheonette, Willard United Bank and Pioneer Rubber Co. He was an apprentice carpenter on G. I. Bill. In 1960 he began his career at R.R. Donnelley and retired from there in 1990.
Don left his mark on the city of Willard. He was very active in many organizations in Willard. He was a member of Kiwanis, the Willard Historical Society, Railroad Museum (restored the caboose and box car), Willard Tree Committee, Willard Rediscovering, History Book, Habitat for Humanity and Clock Tower Committee. He was very eager to see the Clock Tower completed.
He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and currently attended Grace Methodist.
Don leaves his three sisters, Barbara Chambers of Huron, Ohio; Linda Adams of McHenry, Illinois; and Ruth Felger of Austin, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his wife, Nina; parents, and one nephew.
Calling hours will be on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Secor Funeral Home in Willard from 1:00 PM until the time of his service at 2:00 PM with Rev. Doug Winner officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven, Ohio at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Willard Clock Tower, Willard Historical Society or charity of donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made to Don’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Don Danhoff - Oct 27, 2023
Sharon and I send our deepest condolences. Don was such a nice man…. dedicated to the people and city of Willard. Such a source of stories and information! Rest in peace, Don. Now with your Lord and Savior.
Mark and Susan Groves - Oct 26, 2023
Uncle Don was the nicest man. His stories were so entertaining. Mark remembers that he would sit on the floor and play with Mark's Christmas toys with him. He will be missed.
Charles Eames - Oct 17, 2023
Don was a wonderful guy and life long servant for the Willard community. I enjoyed knowing Don and enjoying his friendship from 1977 to 1982 when I was Director of the Willard Library. My condolences go out to the family on his passing. Charles Eames Waycross, Georgia
Charles Eames - Oct 17, 2023
Don was a wonderful guy and life long servant for the Willard community. I enjoyed knowing Don and enjoying his friendship from 1977 to 1982 when I was Director of the Willard Library. My condolences go out to the family on his passing. Charles Eames Waycross, Georgia
Charles Eames - Oct 17, 2023
Don was such a community servant and I greatly enjoyed his friendship when I was Director of the Willard library from 1977-1982. My condolences go out to his family on his passing. Charles Eames Waycross, Georgia
Bob Ayres - Oct 16, 2023
It was sad to hear the news of Don’s passing. He was an impressive guy, & I admired how much he did to support the Willard community and the various projects he was involved in. His contributions have been and will continue to be appreciated for many years into the future. Kind thoughts and prayers are going out for Don and his family. May God provide strength and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
Kevin Casto - Oct 16, 2023
Don has always had a heart for his community. He was continually involved in improving the life of the Willard area and encouraging others, from children to seniors. I appreciate the example he set of love and encouragement for his hometown and others! Don was a great help as he poured his love and energy into the clock tower project in Willard.
Liz Lidington - Oct 15, 2023
I met Don (and Nina) when we were members of Kiwanis. They both played such an active role(s) in that club. What I remember most about Don was his saying, "There is no "c" in Shrader!"
Marcia Earl Humpal - Oct 15, 2023
I met Don when I was a child who attended the Presbyterian church back in the 1950s. He and Nina were very active in all aspects of the church and were fantastic role models to all who knew them. Many years later when I would visit my family, Don would be one of the first to greet me with a huge smile and a story to tell. One of the kindest persons one could know, Don loved Willard and supported a vast array of local causes. He will be long remembered and missed.
BOB JANSIC - Oct 15, 2023
So sorry to hear about Don. I knew Don as a square dancer
Linda Veletean - Oct 15, 2023
I met Don when I worked as the secretary at the Presbyterian church. He was one of the kindest people there. Always willing to help and he came in the office almost every day. He’ll be missed by everyone in the community that he touched. Players for all his family.
Larry and Fran Smith - Oct 15, 2023
We both worked with Don at RRD and always good to work with. Our condolences to the family and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers 🙏
Paul and Pam King - Oct 15, 2023
Paul and I both worked with Don at RRD. He was a great advisor and always kind to everyone. Our prayers are with his family and friends.
Rick Reed - Oct 15, 2023
I've known Don since beginning the clock tower project some 12 years ago. He was so excited someone took this project on and helped everywhere he could to make it happen. If more people in Willard had half the passion he had on saving historical buildings and history in town, Willard wouldn't be losing buildings and we just might have a more vibrate downtown. Don was one of a kind for sure, but he tried where others just stood back waiting for someone else to do the job and did it at an age when most everyone else would be sitting on a beach relaxing at retired. RIP Don and my condolences and prayers to his family.
Karoleen Wood - Oct 15, 2023
He left treasured legacies to our community. GRATEFUL to have met Don.
Dom Fratta - Oct 15, 2023
Don was a great man!
Caroline Burton - Oct 14, 2023
Don was an amazing man. I met him while taking of Nina. I loved to hear all his stories about Willard back in the day. I think he knew just about everyone.It was such a gift to know him. Prayers to all his family.
Paula Reber - Oct 14, 2023
So sorry on your loss
Janet Hines - Oct 14, 2023
Ruth and family. So very sorry to hear about Don’s passing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
