Donald Kevin Shaner, Sr. “Donnie”, age 58, of Smyrna, DE passed away on Monday, April 18, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born in Easton, Maryland on August 16, 1957 the son of the late Merle S. Shaner, Sr. & Beverly (Collier) Shaner.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Carol S. Dillmore, a brother David R. Shaner, a sister-in-law Diane Shaner & a brother-in-law William Robert Carter, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cathy (Cassell) Shaner, his children D. Kevin “Bunk” Shaner, Jr. (Nichole) of Smyrna, S. Nicole “Nicki” Shaner Shirey (Aaron) of Clayton, Michael C. “Tater” Shaner (Tyler) of Smyrna, grandchildren Isaac, Jimmie, Kevin, Haley, Meghan, Lily, Christopher & Shane, brothers Merle S. “Sandy” Shaner, Jr. (Pauline) of New Port Richey, Florida, Stephen F. “Steve” Shaner of Smyrna, Robert E. “Gene” Shaner (Debbie) of Smyrna & Terry Bratton (Patty) of Milton, sisters-in-law Robyn F. Shaner of Clayton, Cheryl C. Hurlock (Jeff) of Clayton, Carla Cassell-Carter (Jeff) of Smyrna, Carol Jean Rhodes (Harry) of Smyrna, Rochelle Finfinger (Dave) of Magnolia, in-laws Charles W. “Bill” & Nancy Cassell of Smyrna & Betty D. & Jack Flowers of Smyrna, fifteen nieces & five nephews. He is also survived by many loving great-nieces & nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends, softball players & his dog Sam.

Donnie & Cathy own & operate Main Street Market (formerly Graham’s Market) where he enjoyed entertaining customers & staff.  He retired in 2004 from the Department of Corrections/Probation & Parole.  Prior to his correctional career, he worked for Tank Services (a refinery service), Rigby’s (a masonry company), Rothwell’s, Phillips 66 & Dairy Queen (where he met his wife).

During his high school years, Donnie proudly wrestled for Coach Ron Eby.  He played semi-pro football for the Wilmington Raiders, many years of “hometown” & fire company (recreational league) softball, traveled the coast with a Class A men’s slow pitch softball team (Schreppler Chiropractic), & went town-to-town playing competitive basketball & old-fashioned “sandlot” football.

Donnie was a faithful Smyrna Eagles, Philadelphia Eagles & Phillies fan.  He was exceptionally proud of the Smyrna Lady Eagles Softball Team for whom he coached for 9 years.  Donnie enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, playing cards & spending time with his family. 

His unconditional love for his family was evident through his actions & words.  Donnie was very proud of his “Eastern Shore” heritage – he spent many summers with his grandparents in Grasonville, Maryland.

Visitation will be from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at the Faries Funeral Chapel located at 29 S. Main Street in Smyrna.  Funeral services will begin at 1 pm.  Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Smyrna.

Flowers are welcome and contributions in his memory can be made to The Gift of Life Family House - 401 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 (www.giftoflifefamilyhouse.org), or Smyrna High School Athletic Boosters/Softball – c/o Bill Shultz 500 Duck Creek Parkway, Smyrna, DE 19977 or Clayton Fire Company P.O. Box 1050, Clayton, DE  19938.

Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.

https://www.fariesfuneralhomes.com/notices/Donald-ShanerSrDonnie