Donald Perry DeLaughter

The staff of Heishman Funeral Home/Valley Funeral Service sends condolences to the family of Donald Perry DeLaughter. Donald Perry DeLaughter passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2024, surrounded by his family at Winchester Medical Center. Don was born on September 17, 1936, in Washington, D.C. to Perry Clester DeLaughter and Katherine Walters DeLaughter. He learned his mechanic skills firsthand from his father at a young age by helping at the DeLaughter’s Texaco Service Station in Fort Washington, MD. Growing up, he spent many summers at the farm home of his uncle Roy Delawder and aunt Fannie Ryman Delawder in Conicville, VA. He attended Oxen Hill High School, and from there enlisted in the Air Force and served in the Air National Guard, retiring as Master Sergent after 22 years of service. In 1957, Don met his wife of 64 years Judith Ann Earp and they were married on September 17, 1960. Following his father’s example, Don also married on his own birthday, ensuring he would never forget his wedding anniversary. Don worked as an auto mechanic at Hottle’s Service Center in Mount Jackson, Sabau Chevrolet in Luray, and Koons of Manassas. Even in retirement, Don was never far from an engine, tools in hand, and always sporting his signature cigar. Don was a member of the Mt. Jackson Lions Club for many years. Don was a lifetime member of the Conicville Volunteer Fire Department and helped to organize many fundraising tractor-pulls. Don attended Zion Lutheran Church where he enjoyed the meals and fellowship. In addition to his beloved wife Judy, Don is survived by his children, Donald Jr (Robin) of Timberville, Michael (Christine) of Mount Jackson, and Angela DeLaughter of Conicville; his grandchildren, Jayme (Phillip) Smith, Kim (Adam) Wright, Katie DeLaughter (Nick Louk), Paul and Christopher Delaughter, and Thomas Shamburg; and his great-grandchildren, Archer and Oliver Smith, Cael, Caine, and Cohen Wright, Jude Louk, and Wyatt DeLaughter. Don was predeceased by his sister, Mary Rose Isham and is survived by his sister, Katherine Beeson. Don donated his body for the benefit of scientific research to the Virginia State Anatomical Program. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11am at Zion Lutheran Church, 321 Headquarters Road, Edinburg, VA. Pastor Katie Gosswein will officiate. A reception will follow at the Conicville Volunteer Fire Department. Memorial donations may be made to the Conicville Volunteer Fire Department, 763 Conicville RD, Mount Jackson, VA 22842. Don is remembered by those who knew him as a good father, skilled mechanic, helpful neighbor, and a generous man. He never met a stranger, always had an opinion and a story to share. Online condolences may be left at valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Donald Perry DeLaughter

September 17, 1936 - November 29, 2024