Donald Russell Heller, 85, passed on November 2, 2023.  He was born November 5, 1937, in Akron, Ohio, to Russell Wayne and MaeJean Brandon Heller. He was their first child with his identical twin brother, Ronald Wayne, born 20 minutes later. He graduated in May of 1955 from Norton High School. On January 21, 1955, he married Helen Delores Whipkey. She preceded him in death on December 9, 2020.

Don was a 1959 graduate of Cincinnati Bible Seminary, ranking 5th in his class. He began his ministry at the Rushville Church of Christ in 1959 and was their first minister and last remaining charter member of the church. Don began his next ministry at Homer Christian Church in 1964, serving until 1972. Glenwood Church of Christ was his next ministry, serving from 1972 until 2000. He also served as camp advisor of Mahoning Valley Christian Service Camp from 1959 and camp board until 1990.  

Don considered ministry his primary job, but with seven children, he also was employed as a manufacturing engineer at Schnadig Furniture from 1964 until his retirement in 1991. Next, he worked in receiving at Fujitsu 10 for nine years. 

Don was very involved in starting the Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry and still volunteered there until June 2023 when health issues forced him to retire.

Don returned as a member to the Rushville Church of Christ and served as elder, treasurer, and teacher.  The only times he missed church during his entire life was when he was in the hospital. 

Survivors include his children; Cheryl (William) Oakes of Glenwood, Donald (Wilma) Heller Jr., of Speedway, Eileen Pennington of Rushville, Timothy (Bess) Heller of Rushville, Michael (Trudy) Heller of Carthage and Beverly (Jerry) Yager of Clarksburg, 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, and three step-great-great grandchildren. His twin brother, Ronald (Jeannetta) Heller of White Mills, Kentucky, also survives as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, son, Kenneth Heller, parents, brother, Bruce Heller, sister, Marlene Baughman and and step-granddaughter, Beverly Oakes Mays. 

Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023 in the Rushville Church of Christ. Rev. Jim Coyle presided. Friends visited the family Monday evening at the church.

Burial was in the Rushville East Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rushville Church of Christ or to Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry. 

Moster Mortuary, Rushville, entrusted with arrangements.

Paid obituary