Donald Shoaf

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER DONALD RAY SHOAF, U.S. NAVY (RET.)

Chief Petty Officer Donald Ray Shoaf, U.S. Navy (Ret.), 70, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025 at his Hawthorne residence following a brief illness.

Born in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, Donald entered active duty in Naples, Italy and served honorably as an electrician in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of chief petty officer (E-7) before retiring from active duty in 1994. Among his many military awards and decorations were the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medals (2), Marksmanship M-16 Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Navy Achievement Medal.

He had resided in the Hawthorne area for 39 years coming from his last military posting at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After retiring from the military, he worked as a long-haul truck driver for 20 years, driving for Walmart 15 of those years. He was known as “Mr. Fix It” by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard “Bud” and Maggie Shoaf; and his two brothers, Richard Shoaf, Jr. and Jeffery Shoaf.

Surviving are his wife of 14-years, Sharon Shoaf; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Amber Shoaf and Brian and Irina Shoaf; two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Shayne Bean and Jennifer and Johnathan Hanson; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Delores and William Ballentine and Cathy and Dave Druschel; 13 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Eliam Cemetery in Melrose with Pastor Mike Stanley officiating and full military honors rendered by the U.S. Navy.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814 or online at: cff.org/donate

Messages of sympathy may be shared on Donald’s online tribute page at: themastersfuneralhome.com.

Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.