Donald L. Chalmers

Donald L. Chalmers passed away peacefully Monday, July 3, 2017, at Cadia Capitol Healthcare in Dover. He was 83. Born at home on October 11, 1933, Donald grew up in Bridgeville and Greenwood. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1952, where he met and fell in love with his late wife, Louise E. Chalmers, whom he married in 1954. After living in Bridgeville, they purchased a home in Greenwood, and then later their cherished family farm in Harrington, where Donald had resided from 1963 until recently.

Donald served 10 years in the Delaware National Guard as a Sergeant First Class.  For several years he worked as an insurance agent and was a textile worker at the DuPont plant in Seaford. He enjoyed farming and tilled the family farm for many years.  Donald was most well known through Dons Barber Shop in Harrington, which he owned and operated for over 50 years, touching many lives in the area.  Donald always had an avid interest in aviation.  He had obtained his student pilots license and continued pursuing his interest in flying with model aviation. He was an excellent marksman and enjoyed hunting and trap shooting. He was a member of the Harrington American Legion, the Greenwood Alumni Association, and the Harrington Moose Lodge. He and his companion, Lena Paskey, frequented the Moose Lodge where they enjoyed dancing, especially when The Jones Boys were playing.  Donald was a member of St. Bernadette Knights of Columbus and St. Bernadette Catholic Church of Harrington, where he and his late wife, Louise, had the distinction of being the first couple married in the newly constructed church .

Donald cherished his family dearly and will be remembered as being strong willed with a loving and generous spirit.  His warm character was one of his most endearing qualities. Those that met him would say that he was a sweet, kind, and caring man.  Even with the recent health challenges, his warm character had an impact on others.  He will be greatly missed by all.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, John Chalmers and Ruby Chalmers, and brothers Robert Chalmers, Sr. and William John Chalmers. He was also recently preceded in death by his son-in-law, Clifton S. Short, III.

He is survived by his daughters, Donna Short of Dover and Rebecca Chalmers of New Castle; his son, Gregory Chalmers and his wife, Jennifer, of Newark; and five grandchildren, Andrea Ascencio Evia and her husband, Juan; Kyle Short and his wife, Jessica; and Nathaniel, Alexander, and Caden Chalmers. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Kara and Kaley Ascencio Evia; and companion, Lena Paskey.

The family expresses special thanks to State Street Assisted Living and Griswold Home Services for their dedication to his care. A thank you is also extended to Bayhealth Medical Center for their continued care and support, to Cadia Capitol Health Services for his care during his last days, and to all local physicians who cared for him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 noon, Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 109 Dixon St. Harrington, DE with interment following at Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington DE.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy, Harrington, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Donald Chalmers may be made to St. Bernadette Catholic Church.

Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, DE.  Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to sign the condolence book.

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