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Don was born on September 2, 1937, in Kiski Twp., Pennsylvania, to the late William Reese and Hazel A. (Christy) Lukehart, he attended Elderton High School in PA and served as a Specialist in the United States Army from 1960-1962. He did his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and went on to become a truck driver for an engineering battalion attached to the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  He married Karen Joy Thorne on September 29, 1962, in what is now Green, Ohio, and they were happily married for over 60 years and had 4 children, numerous grandchildren and a few great grandchildren. 

In civilian life, upon leaving active service in 1962, he worked as a dock worker/ yardman at Helms/Burns which was purchased by All States Freight which in turn was later purchased by Pacific Intermountain Express (P.I.E.) and became Ryder-P. I.E when the two companies merged in 1983. It was then that he and his family moved to east central Illinois when he was transferred. In 1987, he was baptized at the mouth of the Jordan River near Fairmount, Illinois in the presence of the Lord and his family. In 1988, he was once again transferred, this time to Cincinnati, Ohio but in 1990, P.I.E filed bankruptcy.  Don eventually hired on with Consolidated Freightways in Columbus, Ohio, driving 2 hours, one way, every day for two years, to be able to get his 30 years in. He retired a proud Teamster in 1992. 

In 1994 Don and his wife settled in Byesville, Ohio and lived there for 21 years. The time came however in 2015 when he moved to his final home in Rittman, Ohio so he and his wife were closer to their children. He would live there until his last days. 

Throughout his life, Don enjoyed working his garden and yard, sitting on his porch, watching westerns and Jeopardy, but most of all visiting with friends and family. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler and Penn State fan. He had the gift of gab and had a contagious smile and if he didn't like you he wouldn't nitpick you. He loved spending time with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Don had a battle with cancer that overtook him in less than a year. He passed on January 13, 2023, 20 minutes before midnight. A life well lived, an afterlife at peace. Sitting on a porch swing in Heaven visiting with those who've gone before. 

At Don's service, his flag was presented to his wife Karen. 

DONALD LEROY LUKEHART

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