Donald A Vorgert

DONALD A. VORGERT STEELES TAVERN, VA… Donald Allen Vorgert, 70, husband of Shirlene (Rakestraw) Vorgert, of 294 Carson Mill Road, died Thursday, February 16, 2017, at his residence. He was born September 21, 1946, in Moorehead, Minnesota, a son of Arlene J. (Gervais) Vorgert of Moorehead, Minnesota and the late Walter Charles Vorgert. Don proudly served his country by joining the Navy in October 1965 thru June 1986 when he retired with 21 years and one day.  During his active service he did four tours of Vietnam. His two favorite ships were the USS Kearsarge (CVS 33) and the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67).  Of his many tours, his two favorite were going to the Holy Land where he walked the steps of Calvary and Crossing the Equator.   Prior to retirement, he was employed by Augusta Correctional Center with 22 years of service as food service director. His favorite job of all was being a professional Santa Claus. He attended Calvary Baptist Church and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He was a baseball coach and a Boy Scout leader in Norfolk. In addition to his wife and mother, family members include two sons and a daughter-in-law, Scott A. and Heidi Vorgert of Timberville and Mark C. Vorgert and Ashley Heath of Staunton; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Bonnie and Craig Voigt and Mary Ann and Curt Smith, all of North Dakota; sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Art and Diana Bisson of Topsham, Maine and Alice Byers of Pekin, Illinois; five grandchildren, Austin, Brandon, and Jayden Vorgert, Chase and Brienna Clinedinst; a number of nieces and nephews; and his special companion, Kenna.  He was a loving husband, dad, and Pa and will be missed by his grandchildren who were the light of his life, always there supporting them, being at their sporting events which he enjoyed immensely. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2017, in Calvary Baptist Church, 105 Garland Drive, Staunton, by the Rev. Bobby Campbell. Burial will follow in Thornrose Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by Staunton VFW Post 2216 and American Legion Post 340. Active pallbearers will be Scott Vorgert, Mark Vorgert, Austin Vorgert, Brandon Vorgert, Jayden Vorgert, Chase Clinedinst, and Brienna Clinedinst. Honorary pallbearers will be Art Bisson, Gary Smith, Jason Sayre, Tilear Roberts, David Bisson, and Michael Estella. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2017 in the Henry Funeral Home. Special thank you to Dr. Marsh and staff for their care and concern.