Donald Simroth
Donald Wayne Simroth, 91, of Waynesboro, VA, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Don was born in Decatur, IL, on June 2, 1933, to Paul Karl Simroth and Florence (Tucker) Simroth. He married Nancy (Pier) Simroth, his beloved wife of 65 years, in Decatur, IL, on January 26, 1957.
Don graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in Decatur, IL, and earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Perdue University. He was employed for 40 years (1958-1998) at Union Carbide, ARCO Chemical, and Lyondell Chemical, all at the same Tech Center and plant in South Charleston, WV. He was the inventor on many U.S. and international patents during his career.
Growing up, Don was active in the Boy Scouts, traveled to many national jamborees, and earned the Eagle Scout Award. He later served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. He and Nancy loved planning and taking family camping trips with their five kids to state and national parks around the country, and they treasured reunions and visits with extended family. Don loved reading to his five grandchildren when they were little and teaching them to use a jigsaw and other tools in his workshop as they grew older.
Don was an avid reader of history books, biographies, and National Geographic. He enjoyed running until his early 80s and participated in lots of area 5K and 10K races. Even as he was spending more time caring for Nancy, he made time to deliver Meals on Wheels. His real passion was building and repairing whatever needed to be built or repaired, at home and later at his children’s homes. His family and friends admired his natural inquisitiveness, his quiet sense of humor, his patience, his loving support of his wife and family, and his thoughtful, positive approach to life.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; his parents; his brother, Carl (Ann) Simroth, and sister, Shirley (Paul) Hughes.
He is survived by his children, David Simroth, Karen Simroth James, Paul Simroth, Steven (Laura) Simroth, Kathleen (Mike) Dergis; and his grandchildren, Katherine James, Emily Simroth, B Dergis, Rachel Simroth, and Caroline Dergis.
A private graveside service will be conducted with immediate family at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Rockfish Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Nellysford, VA, with Rev. Inger Manchester officiating.
The family would especially like to extend sincere thanks to the caring staff at Summit Square in Waynesboro.
Memorial donations to honor Don’s steadfast love and care of Nancy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Donations in Don and Nancy’s memory may also be made online to the Fellowship Fund (to assist residents) at Sunnyside Communities / Summit Square at www.sunnyside.cc/donate-now/.
Share memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville, VA
