Donald D. Ridgway, 87, of Gnadenhutten, died early Sunday, August 21, 2016 in the Community Hospice House. Don was born in Uhrichsville, Ohio on August 2, 1929 to the late John and Minnella (Russell) Ridgway. He graduated from Gnadenhutten High School in 1947. Don entered the army and was in the Korean War. When he came home from the army, Don started to work for Alsco Anaconda and retired from there in 1991 after 34 ½ years. 

            Don was a helping man. He was always helping someone, whether it was family, friends or neighbors. He was a volunteer fireman for Gnadenhutten for more than thirty years and was Chief of the department for more than 20 of them. Don was a member of the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church and served on the Board of Trustees, Elders, and the Diener Corp.

            Don enjoyed hunting, flying, riding his Harley Hog, and his bicycle, playing cards with family and friends, traveling and camping. Don’s family was his pride and joy and loved doing things with them and for them.

            Don was a husband to Betty (Rankin) Ridgway of Gnaden, whom he married 64 years ago on December 8, 1951.

            He was a father to Brenda Parrish of Gnaden, and Barbara (Michael) Watson of Fresno, grandfather to Jason (Brenda L.) Parrish, great-grandfather to Braxtan and Delainey Parrish, brother to Susie Gram of Minerva, and brother-in-law to Rose Ridgway of Dublin.

            Preceding Don in death are three brothers; Bill, Gene, and Roy Ridgway, and two sisters; Betty Gram and Violet Ridgway. 

            Services for Don will be on Friday, at 10:30 AM at the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church, with Rev. Darrell Johnson officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at the Gnadenhutten-Clay Union Cemetery. Calling hours also at the Church will be from 2 - 4 & 6 - 8 PM and also one hour prior to the service. A Fireman’s Service will be held at 8 PM Thursday evening. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County or the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church.