William Donald Shisler's Obituary
William Donald Shisler, affectionately known as Don by friends and family, was born on July 12, 1938, in Delaware, Ohio, to Harry V. Shisler and Georgia M. (Sanderson) Shisler. He had a twin brother, David Shisler, older brother, Jimmy Shisler, and older sister, Virigina Stroup. In 1941, Don and his family relocated to Washington, DC, where his father worked in the Navy Yard during World War II.
Don attended Anacostia High School and began working for the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM&AW) in 1958 where he initially worked on programming the Univac III computer, later being promoted to the Administrator of the 2200 Computer Systems. He continued in that position until retiring in 1998.
It was at the IAM&AW he met the love of his life, Dianne (Ferber) Shisler. Don and Dianne married on June 16, 1962. They moved to Prince Georges County and their daughter, Suzanne, was born in 1966; their son, Eric, was born in 1968. In 1971 the Shislers relocated to White Plains in Charles County Maryland.
Don was a devout Lutheran. He and Dianne first joined Oxon Hill Lutheran Church in 1962. When they moved to Charles County, they became members of Grace Lutheran Church. They were active members, and both of their children were confirmed at Grace Lutheran.
Don loved sports and was an avid fan of all sports at Ohio State, the Washington Redskins, and the Washington Nationals. He was an early supporter of SMYO, helping to build their current field and clubhouse. He coached and umpired SMYO baseball for over 17 years. He was also a staunch supporter of the Red Cross. Over his lifetime he donated 137 pints (17 gallons) of blood and worked for their blood donation program after he retired.
Don was also active in the community, working as a chief election judge for over 20 years. He loved his community and the people he served. He also had a love for animals and the environment, working to preserve Zekiah Swamp and other watershed areas. He regularly fed the deer and other wildlife and adopted numerous stay cats over his lifetime. He supported the Charles County Humane Society and the Tri-County Animal Shelter. He was also a lifetime supporter of the State Troopers Association, the Sheriff’s Association, and other police associations around the state.
A lover of art, Don completed seven semesters of art courses at The College of Southern Maryland. He excelled in sketching and painting; his artwork was exhibited in several shows within the County. Other interests included his love of Country. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, supported the Second Amendment, and was well read in the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Bible. He loved God, his family, his Country and his flag, supporting the Marine Corps Foundation as his son, Eric, had served as a Marine for four years.
Don is survived by his wife Dianne, his children Eric and Suzanne, his grandchildren Amberly, Vinny, Madison, and Taylor, and other nieces and nephews around the country. He will be greatly missed and was greatly loved.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Don's name are asked to Grace Lutheran Church, 1200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646 or Charles County Humane Society, PO Box 1015, Waldorf, MD 20604.
Visitation
APR 1. 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (ET)
Grace Lutheran Church
1200 Charles Street
La Plata, MD 20646
Service
APR 1. 11:30 AM (ET)
Grace Lutheran Church
1200 Charles Street
La Plata, MD 20646
Interment
APR 1. 1:00 PM (ET)
Trinity Memorial Gardens And Mausoleum
3221 Mattawoman-Beantown Road
Waldorf, MD 20601
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