STRAYER – Aaron Donald, 94, Hampton, Va., found peace and comfort in the arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ as he left us Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, just 20 days shy of his 95th birthday (Feb. 26). He was a native of Johnstown, and lived in Hampton since 1948, until moving to Newport News, Va., in October 2009 to live with his youngest (favorite) daughter, Pam, and son-in-law, Ralph Wood. Preceded in death by his parents, Charles C. and Grace J. Strayer; his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary “Toots” V. Banich Strayer; brothers, Carl (Hallie), Ken (Mary), Billy and Bryce; sisters, Irene Gehl (Gerald), Fern Brosius (Edwin), Mildred Naugle (Fritz), Emily Forney (Charles) and June Gindlesperger (Paul); and his special friend, Jane Garner. Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughters, Donna Powell (Bill), Kathie Green (Wayne) and Patricia Brown (Jerry), all of Hampton, Va.; and Pamela Wood (Ralph), Newport News, Va. Also survived by grandchildren, Gary Powell, Henry Powell, Chad Green (Jamie), Heath Green (Michele), Jill Green (David Teel), Dustin Brown (Shanna), Brandon Brown (Stephanie Nachilo), Amy Joy Revere (Mike) and Tara Morgan (Hank), all of Hampton, Va.; and Julie Christesen (Jason), Newport News, Va.; great-grandchildren, Danielle Jackson (Chris), Surry, Va.; and Haven and Cohen Green, Bryant and Brayden Green, Wyatt Brown, Cheyenne Brown, Allison and Kristen Revere and Callie and Trey Morgan, all of Hampton, Va.; great-great-grandson, Brodie Jackson, Surry, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Kay Strayer, Mineral Point. Don owned and operated with Toots a confectioner’s store named Don’s Place in Johnstown, before moving to Hampton, where he worked a short time at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. and then retired from Teledyne Hastings Raydist. He was the oldest male member of Memorial Baptist Church (MBC), Hampton; enjoyed being the church photographer from 1976 until 1991 (had a hobby of collecting cameras); was the former secretary of the Schmelz Sunday school class; and served on the history committee. The church fellowship was special to him. He never knew a stranger and loved to share a joke with anyone who wanted to hear one, even if they’d heard it before, especially his pastors and friends at MBC. He had a wonderful sense of humor and the sweetest smile and had a sharp mind from his childhood to the present and loved his family. He was an avid bowler at Century, Circle, Sparetimes, Newmarket and Classy Classic Lanes and was called “Coach” by his bowling friends. He was presented the Charles W. Wood Award of Merit in March 2006 and was proud to have played against and beat the Hall of Fame PBA Bowler, Earl Anthony. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton. A celebration of his life will be conducted by the Rev. Lawrence Biermann at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Memorial Baptist Church, with a graveside service following at Parklawn Memorial Park on North Armistead Avenue. Our family would especially like to thank Personal-Touch nurse, Cindy; Aide Lakisha; and other aides, who assisted, for the wonderful care Dad (“Pops” “Don”) received during his illness. Also, thanks to everyone who prayed for the family, called, sent cards and e-mails, or came to see him especially during these last few months. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to General Fund of Memorial Baptist Church, 317 Lee St., Hampton, Va. 23669, or Personal-Touch Home Care and Hospice, 733 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite 150, Newport News, Va. 23606. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/ guestbooks.
