Obituary of Donald J. Ellsworth

Donald J. Ellsworth, 86, of Waymart, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday evening, January 9, 2019 at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou (Eroh) Ellsworth.

Born November 21, 1932 in Honesdale, he was the son of the late M. Joseph and Mary (Hanell) Ellsworth.

Early in his career, Don was an equipment operator for the PA Turnpike and then went on to be a self-employed electrician for many years prior to his retirement. He served his country in the United States Army and was a proud veteran of the Korean War. He was a recipient of the National Defense Medal.  For more than 60 years, Don was an active member of The Waymart Church and served as a Trustee when the congregation was the First Baptist Church of Waymart. He was a faithful member of the Waymart American Legion which he thoroughly enjoyed supporting.  He was also a lifetime member of the NRA, and was a member of the Waymart Masonic Lodge #542 F&AM.  He also served the local community as a First Responder of the former Waymart Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Don enjoyed trapping, and belonged to the Pennsylvania and National Trappers Associations.  Don was the epitome of an outdoorsman and an ardent sportsman of over 65 years. In his passion for trapping, he was named Outstanding Trapper of the Year by the PA Trappers Association, an accomplishment he and his family were very proud of.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all his friends from Laurel Place and those who visited him at Wayne Woodlands; you were a bright spot in his life, and ours. We will be forever grateful for your faithfulness.

A note of thanks is shared to Geisinger CMC ER and ICU personnel for their outstanding care and compassion with our father.

Donald is survived by three children:  Lori Minor and her husband Mark, Teri Butts and her husband Bob, and Matthew Ellsworth and his partner Karla Altmann; ten grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Thornhill; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Ellsworth; several nieces, nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers who were also U.S. Veterans:  Thomas Ellsworth and Robert Ellsworth.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 3:00 P.M. in The Waymart Church, 342 Honesdale Road, Waymart, PA 18472. Calling hours be on Sunday from 2:00 P.M. through the time of service in the church.

Interment will be private, in the Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to The Waymart Church Youth Missions, 342 Honesdale Road, Waymart, PA 18472

Arrangements are entrusted to Jenkins-Howell Funeral Home, Inc., Edward Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.JenkinsHowellFuneralHome.com