Donald L. Brindle, 90, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at home.
Born in Newville, PA, on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1936, he was the son of the late Alfred Oliver and Erma Mae Keefer Brindle. Paternal grandparents were Ulysses S. Grant Keeter and Alla May Shade, and maternal grandparents were John Q. Brindle and Emma R. Oliver.
Don was a 1955 graduate of the former Chambersburg High School, where he was on the track and field team.
He completed basic training and combat engineer training at "Fort-Lost-in-the-Woods," Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
He served in the 377th Engineers and 439th Engineer Co. at Frank M. Parker USAR Center in Chambersburg until they disbanded, then served in the 357th Transportation Co. (helicopter maintenance), repairing Cobra attack helicopters at Edgewood, MD, retiring after 26 total years of service in the Army Reserves. He played softball for the 357th Transportation team.
Don worked at James River Corp. in Chambersburg for 36 years as a maintenance mechanic, retiring in 1998. Known as the "tinkerer" for reconstructing broken machine parts from a handful of pieces, his welding talents were highly valued.
After retirement, he worked as a groundskeeper for Letterkenny Golf and South Mountain Golf Course for ten years, although he was allergic to grass and trees.
A long-time member of Cushman Club of America, he took his 1959 Cushman Truckster (three wheels) to Cushman shows in several states.
He was a former member of the Chambersburg Rod and Gun Club, where he served on the Timberline Sporting Clays Committee, Board of Directors, and volunteered at the Franklin County Fair. When still working, he took a week of vacation to work at the fair. Don was awarded "Sportsman of the Year" twice, each time for dedicating ten years to the club and performing a lot of volunteer hours.
Don enjoyed golfing, deer and turkey hunting with long-time friend Al "Junior" Burge at the "Hilton On-the-Hill" hunting cabin. He bowled in several ten-pin leagues in Chambersburg for 20 years. He shot .22 pistol competition with William Penn Pistol League, where he earned several awards for high average. He also shot .45 competition for Army Reserves, and was known for his .410 shotgun shooting with Timberline Sporting Clays.
In his free time, he enjoyed following southern gospel group Daystar Vocal, attending car shows, browsing flea markets, dining out, attending local festivals, spending time outdoors, watching westerns, traveling to other states, reunions with friends, feeding peanuts to squirrels, watching birds, and attending Greencastle Senior Activity Center.
He had many cars over the years, his favorites being a 1954 red Corvette and a 1959 yellow Ford convertible.
Don spent his final eight months under the compassionate care of Hospice of Washington County. He fought his kidney disease with strength, optimism, and determination.
He had many canine companions during his life. Benji, the Shetland Sheepdog, and Rascal, the chocolate doodle, held special places in his heart and will be waiting to greet him at the Rainbow Bridge.
Survived by his wife of 47 years, Iva (Duttinger) Brindle, married May 26, 1979; two sons, Leslie Brindle (Leigh, "Lucy") of Raleigh, NC, and Troy Brindle (Gloria) of Smithfield, NC; daughter, Penny Robertson (Chip) of Snohomish, WA;
Grandchildren: Nathaniel Brindle and Genevieve Brindle of Smithfield, NC; Trevor Brindle (Clarrisa) of Dunn, NC; Codi-Alyssa Southerland of Newton Grove, NC; Jenna Rae Roane and Brandon Byers (Natalie) of Monroe, WA;
Great-grandchildren: Gianna, Vivian, Aubrie of Dunn, NC; Junia Roane of WA; Cameron, Jackson, and Dillon of Monroe, WA. Dillon was born October 28, 2026.
Sister, Emma Mae Divelbiss of New Franklin, PA, and Joanne Brindle Snyder (Charlie) of Waynesboro, PA, mother of his three children.
He was preceded by brothers: Kenneth E. Brindle, Harold E. "Bud" Brindle, Melvin R. "Whitey" Brindle, and William A. "Bill" Brindle. Also survived by nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Don will be laid to rest in Bakersville Cemetery at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boonsboro, MD.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Hospice providers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Washington County, 1710 Underpass Way, Ste. 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740, or Hagerstown Aviation Museum, 18450 Showalter Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21742.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brandenburg and Stein Funeral Parlor, 3045 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325.