Donald F. Scheidler

Donald Scheidler passed away peacefully in his sleep early in the morning of October 15, 2019 in Gig Harbor, Washington. Don Scheidler's parents were Rollin and Irma Scheidler. He is one of 8 children. Brothers and sisters include Beth Lou, Frances, John, Rollin, David, Irma, and Rebecca. He graduated from high school in Coldwater, Michigan in 1957. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia, oldest son Donald Thomas Scheidler of Gig Harbor, daughter Nannette of Burley, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Don was in the Air Force and spent 25 years as a Navigator with the 8th Squadron at McChord Air Force Base. During the Vietnam War Don flew with the 606th Special Operation Squadron. Nicknamed the "Candlesticks", this unit received a special presidential citation for having the highest enemy vehicle destruction rate during the war. While flying with the 606th Don received several citations and medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters. Don flew over 500 night combat hours with this unit during the war.

During the war Don also flew with the 18th Special Operation Squadron, nicknamed "The Stingers". On the Stinger Gunships Don was the man who operated the forward looking infra red or F.L.I.R Equipment which was used to detect the enemy below.

While in the Air Force Reserve Don went to School and learned welding and pipefitting and ended up working at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Bangor Naval Sub Base until his retirement.

In his spare time, Don enjoyed gardening and fishing in many of the local rivers and lakes with his sons. 

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