Donald (“Donnie”) Leroy Usner – loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend – passed away on May 5, 2026.

Donnie was the son of Miriam Ewell Usner and Leroy C Usner. The middle of five brothers, he was predeceased by Tim, Dean, and Rodney Usner. He is survived by a half-brother, Richard Montgomery of Lebanon.

He graduated from Garden Spot High School in 1971 and spent more than 45 years working in the home improvement trade. Not one to ever sit still, he went on to work part-time at Fire Line in his retirement.

In 1984, Donnie married Sally (Wenger). And despite Donnie’s talent for driving Sally ‘a little nuts at times’, they remained each other’s constant companion for the next 42 years. They welcomed their daughter, Sarah, whom Donnie adored, in 1989. When Sarah wed Tyler Eby in 2011, Donnie gained the son he never had.

Donnie was a man of many nicknames, including ‘Red Hot,’ and ‘Llama.’ Regardless of what name you used for him, though, everyone received the same treatment: a handshake, a smile, and a laugh. Donnie was a true lover of people, and there were few things he enjoyed more than sitting around with his friends and family shooting the breeze. Whether they needed encouragement, help, a laugh, or support in tough times, Donnie’s friends and family knew that he was always the first in line. The first to lend a hand, the first to celebrate or commiserate, the first to go out of his way for someone else.

In his free time, Donnie also enjoyed mowing the yard, playing softball, and going to the mountains with his friends and family. He also enjoyed going out to eat and traveling with Sally, as long as it wasn’t to the beach.

His greatest joy though was always his family, particularly spending time with his three grandchildren: Carson, Chloe, and Crew. From wild golf cart rides to sports and recitals, to surprise visits, games, and swimming, Donnie’s grandchildren knew how to run him ragged, and he loved it! Everyone who heard him speak about them knew what a truly proud Pop-Pop he was.

Donnie will also be remembered as a former member of Blue Ball Lions Club; attended Mt. Zion church in Narvon; and an enthusiastic member of the New Holland Legion. It’s safe to say that the bars, coffee shops, and restaurants of Eastern Lancaster County will be much emptier places without him.

Services for Donnie will be held on Monday May 11th 2026 at Bethany Grace Fellowship Church, 400 Reading Road, East Earl PA 17519. Viewing will be available from 11am to 1pm with the service immediately following. Interment will be private. Contributions in Donnie’s memory can be made to the American Legion Post 662 in New Holland.

Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.