Mr. Donald E. “Don” Heerdt, 94, of Hallwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at his home with his devoted wife, Sharon, by his side.
Born Nov. 9, 1931, in Millbury, Mass., Don was the son of the late Peter Heerdt and Maude Thomas Heerdt.
Don answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. A proud Vietnam veteran, he faithfully served for more than 20 years before retiring as a technical sergeant in 1972. His military service was one of the great sources of pride in his life, and he carried the values of honor, integrity, discipline, and patriotism with him long after leaving active duty. He loved his country deeply and considered it a privilege to have worn its uniform.
Raised in a Christian home, Don’s faith in the Lord remained the foundation of his life. He was a longtime member of Pocomoke United Methodist Church, where he found strength, fellowship, and purpose. His quiet faith was reflected in the kindness, patience, and compassion he showed to everyone he met.
Don adored his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who cherished spending time with those he loved.
Don was also blessed with a remarkable musical talent. Able to play the organ and guitar by ear, he developed a love of music at an early age that eventually led him to perform with a band. Some of his happiest moments were spent sharing that gift with his children, filling their home with songs and music that became lasting family memories.
He was an animal lover through and through and had a special affection for cats. They seemed naturally drawn to his gentle nature and could often be found faithfully following him wherever he went. His kindness extended to every creature, reflecting the caring heart that defined his life.
Don will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a proud American veteran, a devoted husband and family man, a gifted musician, and a gentle soul whose love touched both people and animals alike. His legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
In addition to his beloved wife of 42 years, Sharon Heerdt, Don is survived by his children, Darwin Heerdt (Dianna), of Tennessee, Donald Heerdt and Ronald Heerdt, both of Ohio, Michelle Krupkowski (Stephen,) of Buckroe Beach, Amanda Cole (Mark), of Poquoson, Rodney Dudley (Melissa), of Williamsburg, Jeffrey Hendley (Natasha), of Hallwood, and Kathryn Pemberton and Margaret Hendley, both of Kansas; and his brother, Richard Heerdt (Verna), of Massachusetts; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces, nephews, and their families.
Other than his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Eastman and her husband, Floyd, and his granddaughter, Zoey.
A funeral service with military honors was held at Pocomoke United Methodist Church in Temperanceville, on Saturday, July 11, at 3:30 p.m., with the Rev. Maury Enright officiating. The family gathered for a private interment at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Md.
Contributions in Don’s memory may be made to Pocomoke UMC Building Fund, 24406 Saxis Road, Temperanceville, VA 23442.
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
