Donald Boyle Obituary

Donald C. "Don" Boyle, age 90, of Mount Gilead, passed away peacefully at his home, Friday afternoon, October 6, 2023, surround by his loving family. On January 1, 1933, Don was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Charles A. and Armita Mae (Hanstine) Boyle. He graduated from Mount Gilead High School in the Class of 1951. Don married Mary "Elaine" Browning on August 16, 1971. They shared over 34 years as husband and wife before she preceded him in death on November 7, 2005. Don dedicated 42 years of his life to Marion Power Shovel, where he worked as a tow motor operator, machinist and an inspector in the quality control department. He took great pride in having worked on the Crawlers used by NASA in shuttle launchings. Don retired from there in 1991. For many years, he and Elaine owned and operated an antique and collectibles shop at their home on E. North St. in Mount Gilead, "The Little Shop. "A man of faith, Don attended The Pines Christian Church for many years. He was involved in the community as a V. I. P. at the Mount Gilead State Park. He helped with the playground equipment and put-up Christmas decorations yearly. Don volunteered at the court house for several years on Thursday's, being a bailiff for Judge McClelland and occasionally helped at the health department. He also enjoyed volunteering and participating in events at Seniors on Center. Don enjoyed being outdoors and traveling. He was part of the Happy Wonders Travel Club and went on many trips with the group. He loved camping and took a Dodge van and converted it into a camper. When he was at home relaxing, he always turned on the tv to watch WWE Wrestling and Jeopardy. Don will be remembered as a man that loved everyone and never knew a stranger. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could be a bit of a jokester at times. Don was an extremely independent and determined individual. Left to cherish Don's memory are five children: Jerry (Diana) Boyle of Johnsville, Robert (Nancy) Boyle of Langley, WA, Becky (Rick) Landis of Cardington, Tamie (Tom) Wong of NC, Rhonda VanMeter of Prospect; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Don was preceded in death by two sons: Dale Thomas and Tommy Boyle; a sister, Evelyn Davis; and a great grandson, Jerry "JJ" Boyle III. Don's family will greet friends from 12 - 2 p. m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Mount Gilead Chapel, 67 N. Main St. , Mount Gilead. Services to honor and celebrate his life will begin there at 2:00 p. m. with Celebrant Galen McLeod officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to Seniors on Center, 41 W. Center St. , Mount Gilead, OH 43338. Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Don's family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting www. SnyderFuneralHomes. com.