Donald R Willow

The family of Donald and Nancy Willow invite the community to join them in celebrating the impact that Don and Nancy have had in Perry County.  This Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 22 at the Blain Picnic Grounds.  A Memorial Service will be officiated by Rev. Elaine Moyer at 11:30 AM.  Family members will be available to greet, reminisce and accept condolences both before and after the Memorial Service.  If the weather is permitting, the Celebration will be held outside, so bring your chair!  This is a Celebration and all family members are welcome – especially the children!

Donald R. Willow of Loysville, age 80, died on April 14, 2021 after a courageous battle with COVID.  Born on April 2, 1941 at home to the late Raymond and Jean (Hoffman) Willow, Don is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 59 years, Nancy (Christian) Willow.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Debra Metz (Doug Knouse) of Elliottsburg, a son, Raymond Willow of Columbia, PA, and an “honorary son”, Jeff Metz of Loysville, four grandchildren:  Joey Dupert, Kaitlin Beck (Chris Beck), Terra Jo “TJ” Metz, and John Raymond Willow.  Great grandchildren include a diverse mixture of children and fur-babies.  Don is also survived by a sister, Mary Wagner (Wayne Wagner) of Mexico, PA.

Don is best known as “the coin guy” and “the computer wizard”.  For years, Don has handed out coins to young gents and ladies and explained to them that this coin was for them – a prince or a princess – just to see the smile light up their faces.  These coins had the magical powers to calm fears and promote self-confidence.  Don was also the local computer wizard.  He would assemble salvaged computer hardware and install relevant educational software for children who had a need for a computer.  He would also come when called to help with computer problems or to “fix” whatever item seemed to be broken.  He provided these services at no charge.  Don assisted local organizations with his technical abilities, such as West Virginia University with the Golden Eagle Project.  Pictures that he edited were posted on the Pa. Game commission website. This was his way of contributing to his community.

During his lifetime, he received awards for excellent work and supervision from Reeves Hoffman of Carlisle, from which he retired and good citizenship award from Madison Grange.  He proudly served his country in the US Navy. Don was a member of Blain Sportsman Club and the NRA. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting with friends and family.

The Memorial Service for Don will be held later, when Family and friends can gather safely.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Don’s name to the Blain Fire Department, 4 W. Main St, Blain, PA  17006 or to St. Jude’s Children Research online at https://stjude.org/give.html

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald R Willow, please visit our floral store.