Donald John Shawver

HIS EARLY YEARS

Donald John Shawver was born along with his brother, Leslie Shawver (predeceased), in Cincinnati Ohio to Harold Leslie Shawver and Victoria Clara Huber. He was born to a family of humble means who lived through the great depression and World War II. These were experiences that had a lasting impact on him and instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for taking care of what he had throughout his life.

HIS SPOUSE

Donald was a devoted husband to his love, Norma Jeanne, whom he married in 1952. Together they shared 67 years of marriage and love. Norma was his soulmate and they shared every joy and met every challenge of life together. Don was entirely devoted to her, caring for her every need especially during her battle with Alzheimer’s. For 12 years he lovingly looked after her every need, holding her hand as she took her last breath. She predeceased him in 2019.

HIS CHILDREN

Donald was a devoted father to his late daughter, Vicky Lynn, his four sons, Robert, Marc, Rick, and Donald, and his loving daughters-in-law: Nancy, Anita, Isis, and Ingreed.

Don had an immense love for his children and was always seeking ways to bless them. He ensured their financial needs were met and was dedicated to providing for them. Whenever they faced hardships, he felt their pain deeply. He was attentive to every detail of their lives. He took great pride in their accomplishments, celebrating each milestone with joy.

HIS GRANDCHILDREN

Don was a beloved Grandpa to his 14 Grandchildren and their spouses: Rob Jr & Lucy Shawver, Mason & Nikki Shawver, Blake & Allisen Shawver, Logan & Jessica Shawver, Matthew Shawver (predeceased), Caitlin Shawver & Nick, Jenna & Mitch, Nikah & Martin, Amanda & Kris, James Shawver, Cristina & Ben Meyer, Rachel Shawver, Michael Shawver & William Shawver.

He demonstrated his love for his grandchildren in countless ways. He set up a college fund for each one, ensuring their future was secure. He enjoyed teaching them important historical facts and the roots of words. He loved having them over to swim at his pool and enjoyed serving ice cream, watermelon and other snacks during their visits.

HIS GREAT GRANDCHILDREN

Don was extremely proud of his 14 great-grandchildren: Lexin, Gabe, Garrett, Greyson, Brody, Luca, Rhett, Brooklyn, Olivia, Emma Kate, Lulu, Sloan, Delilah, and Obadiah

His great grandchildren were a great source of joy for him especially in the later part of his life. He thought they were so beautiful and wonderful. He treasured the moments when they would come to visit and he loved facetiming them when they were far away. He marveled at the generations that he and his love, Norma Jeanne, had produced together.

HIS EDUCATION AND CAREER

Don began working in 8th grade. He worked in a variety of jobs and trades to help his family and in later years, finance his university studies. His diverse experiences included working in a bakery, wheeling concrete, laying asphalt, serving as a janitor in a factory, selling cookware, driving a dump truck, delivering meat, muddling concrete, and assisting as a construction foreman. He never backed down from difficult jobs and always gave his best effort, no matter how challenging they were.

He attended Riverside Military Academy 1949 and later enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, where he subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.

Don became a business owner in 1959 when he opened the first pharmacy in Lauderdale by the Sea. He later purchased a lot and, in 1964, constructed and opened the Village Pharmacy which became a staple in the community for decades. The pharmacy focused on personalized service with hand delivered prescriptions to homes often carried out by his sons on bikes. Don’s Pharmacy was later featured in the book “Lauderdale by the Sea” written by Frank Cavaioli.

HIS SERVICE IN THE MILITARY

Don was a great patriot and had immense love and appreciation for his country. He served in the Navy from 1955 to 1957, taking on his duties with great pride and honor. Don believed wholeheartedly that the United States was the greatest country in the world. So much so, that he refused to travel abroad believing that the greatest beauty lay in his homeland.

HIS SPIRITUAL LIFE

In 1974, Don accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, a decision that deeply impacted every part of his life. His faith became a powerful testimony to those around him, and he was a devoted follower of Christ. Don was a dedicated member of First Christian Church of Wilton Manors and supported his church until his last days.

Don read the Word of God with deep devotion, holding it close to his heart and striving to live by its principles. He marveled at the power and beauty of Scripture. Even in his 90s, he continued to learn about God’s word through his favorite online site, charcoalfire.org, studying diligently until his death. His favorite verse was Acts 16:31 ““Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Don was a man deeply devoted to prayer. He rose faithfully each day at 5:00 each morning to talk to his God and lift up his family and friends. He kept long, detailed prayer lists to ensure he prayed for every need. His prayers were a powerful blessing to everyone he cared for.

Don was committed to sharing the Word of God with everyone he met, often carrying booklets of the "Daily Bread" devotionals wherever he went, determined to give them all away before returning home. Even in his 90’s when he was more homebound, he brought tracts and the devotionals to doctor’s offices. He would also sit out in his garage and try to share the gospel with the neighbors passing by. He served Jesus with pure devotion and great love. Even in his last days, he expressed regret for not being able to continue sharing the good news of salvation with others. His number one priority in life was ensuring that everyone he knew would have eternal life through God’s plan of salvation. He wanted every to know:

#1 God loves you and has a plan for your life

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

#2 We are all sinners in need of a Savior

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

#3 Christ paid the penalty of our sin

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

#4 We receive the gift of eternal life through faith Jesus as our Lord and Savior

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

HIS SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY AND OTHERS

Don had a deep love for others and genuinely lived out God’s commandment to “love others as yourself”. He would do anything to help a neighbor or someone in need. He could never say no. Even when walking became difficult for him, he would use his walker to help his neighbor and collect their mail when they were out of town.

He deeply cared about the needs of others around the world as well, donating each month to different charitable organizations. His two favorites were: Mercy Ships and Operation Smile. He loved the feeling of making a difference in someone’s life, even if they were from another part of the world.

Don loved giving to others, whether they were family, friends or simply acquaintances. After retiring, instead of looking for ways to relax, he looked for opportunities to serve others. He enjoyed grocery shopping for his kids. He formed a friendship with a local Baker in the community, delivering left-over bread at the end of the day to people in town. He also built a relationship with a bookstore, gathering books to give away, carefully sorting them by interest. He never tired of serving others and lived by his motto of “do something good for someone today” until his last days.

HIS HOBBIES AND INTEREST

Donald’s favorite hobby was fishing and he built a house in Tavernier in the Florida Keys where he and his family spent countless days on the water. Together, they caught nearly every species of fish in the Atlantic waters. His passion for angling was passed down to his sons and grandchildren, becoming a cherished family pastime.

In his later years, Don’s favorite hobbies included carpentry, and Horticulture. He loved working with his hands, crafting things like birdhouses with care and precision. His love for plants and trees was just as strong, especially mango trees, which he grew and generously shared with others. His passion for creating and nurturing reflected his kind and giving nature.

Don was a true lover of words. As an avid reader, he often had several books going at once, reading each with enthusiasm. He especially enjoyed studying the origins of words and their meanings, something he loved to share with his grandchildren. His love for language and learning made him exceptionally well-read and knowledgeable. His grandchild, James, often said, “Just ask Grandpa, he knows everything”. He remained insightful and sharp-minded well into his 90s, continually impressing everyone with what he knew and remembered.

Don had a deep passion for learning and lived by the motto "learn something new every day." Even into his 90s, he sought opportunities to grow and expand his knowledge. In his later years, he found joy in tackling word puzzles and anything that challenged his mind. His passion for learning never diminished.

HIS LEGACY

Donald Shawver was many things to many people—a scholar, entrepreneur, businessman, landowner, carpenter and fisherman. He achieved much in life, but his legacy is best summed up in five words: Love, Gratitude, Hard Work, and Humility. He never took credit for any of the things he accomplished. He gave all glory to God. He was a man who was authentic in every way. A man of character who walked in integrity. Through every challenge, he lived with immense gratitude for all that God provided, embracing life with a heart full of thankfulness and grace.

Donald Shawver left an incredible imprint in the life of every one that knew him. He leaves a lasting legacy of love, faithfulness, devotion, and hard work that continues to live on in the lives of the generations that follow him. Donald made this world a better place and his tender heart and his love for everyone around him will be greatly missed. Yet, we rejoice in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved bride and now stands in the presence of his Savior, hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."