Donald Eugene LaFaber

The Reverend Dr. Donald Eugene LaFaber, 76, of Martinsburg, West Virginia passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 in Meritus Medical Center, Hagerstown, Maryland.  He was born March 13, 1946 in Bellaire, Ohio, a son of the late Myles and Virginia Perkins LaFaber. Don grew up in Beallsville, Ohio on the family farm and was a 1964 graduate of Beallsville High School. 

He received a Bachelors of Science Degree from Asbury College and his Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He then received a Masters in Counseling from Ashland Seminary, Ashland, Ohio, and a Doctorate of Science in Holistic Medicine from the American Institute of Holistic Theology, Birmingham, Alabama.

Don went on to Pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in New Springfield, Ohio and Faith United Methodist Church in Akron, Ohio.  He enlisted in the United States military and served 34 years combined active duty and reserve time - 14 years in the Air Force and 20 years in the Army.  He retired in 1997 as a Chaplain Major and worked for the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg until 2008 in the capacity of Chaplain/Substance Abuse Counselor.

Don is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Deanna Miller LaFaber, and one son, Joshua (Jennifer) LaFaber of Charles Town, West Virginia; four grandsons, Christian (Charity) Witt, Gabriel, and Anthony LaFaber of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Pfc. Eric LaFaber of 29 Palms, California; brothers, Denzil (Jane) LaFaber of Bluffton, South Carolina, Wayne LaFaber (David Fawcett) and George (Linda) LaFaber both of Columbus, Ohio; sister, Juanita (Jim) Hamilton of Barnesville, Ohio; sister-in-law, Jan (Clarke) Haren of Columbus, Ohio, and brother-in-law, Jerry Everhart of Upper Sandusky, Ohio; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Valerie and sister-in-law, Beverly Everhart. 

Don was a voracious reader and all who knew him, knew his love of music.  He could be heard singing gospel music any time of the day.  He also enjoyed fishing and woodworking.  His last project was a glider swing, a wedding gift for his grandson, Christian and Charity.  The light of Don's life besides his son, Josh and daughter, Valerie were his four grandsons.  He was a great influence in shaping their lives.  He had a great love for his time spent with his patients at the VA Hospital.  Most recently Don and his wife, Dee, served at Bedington United Methodist Church as the Pastor of Visitation and both were involved in many ministries throughout the church.  Don will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to have ever met him. 

Family and friends will be received Wednesday, October 26 at Wilson Funeral Home, Harper Chapel, Beallsville, Ohio from 11am until the time of the funeral service at 1pm with Pastor Jean Cooper officiating.  Burial will follow in Beallsville Cemetery with full Military Honors by American Legion Post #768.  A dinner will be held for family and friends at the Beallsville First Christian Church Fellowship Hall following the graveside services. 

In keeping with Don's giving spirit, his family requests that in lieu of flowers and keepsakes, donations may be made to the group home where his daughter, Valerie resided:  Echoing Hills, 36272 CR 79, Warsaw, Ohio  43844. 

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