Donald E. Shawk

Donald E. Shawk, 95, died peacefully early Friday, July 7, 2023 at Orchard Park Assisted Living under the care of Gentiva Hospice.

He was born on the family farm in Liberty Township on February 8, 1928 to the late Russell and Viola (Coe) Shawk. After graduating from Sulphur Springs High School in 1946, Don joined his father in the farming operation and served in the US Army in the early 1950s. After returning, he earned his Bachelor’s in Animal Science from The Ohio State University. While in college, he met Nancy Jane Wolf and they were married on May 26, 1957. Don and Nancy raised their family and have been blessed to see their son and grandsons keep the family farm operating.

Don will be remembered for his work ethic and mechanical mind. He could fix anything and often had it working better once he worked on it. He was active in the Farm Bureau and Cattlemen’s Association and enjoyed their gatherings and trips. He and Nancy were able to visit most of the lower 48 states over the course of their life. Don was a member of Bucyrus United Methodist Church by way of Zion UMC and Grace UMC, where he was active in the Ever-Faithful Sunday School Class.

Don is survived by his bride of 66 years, Nancy Jane Shawk; daughter, Linda (Jon) Stentz; daughter-in-law, Victoria Shawk; grandchildren, Duane (Courtney) Shawk and their son Easton, Dwight Shawk, Sarah Stentz (Jeff Irelan) and their daughter Autumn, Melissa (Carlos) Alegria and their son Enzo, and Laura Stentz (Evan Moriarty) and their newborn twins Weston and Griffin; and his nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his son, Dale Shawk and sister, Lucille Abraham and her husband Edward.

Memorial services for Don Shawk will be held at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus on Saturday, July 15. Family will receive friends from 10-10:55 am and the service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Matt Anderson officiating.

Memorial donations are encouraged to be made payable to Bucyrus United Methodist Church for the scholarship fund. Memories and photos can be shared on Don’s Tribute Wall.