Donald W. Shilt

Donald Warner Shilt, age 88, of Winchester, Indiana, formerly of Greenville, Ohio, passed away peacefully with his beloved wife by his side on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Don was born on March 5, 1937, in Piqua, Ohio, the only child of Hurshel and Viola (Warner) Shilt. At just four years old, Don lost his father, a loss that instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility. From a young age, he took on the role of “man of the house,” a title he wore with pride and dedication throughout his life.

By the age of 9, Don was working odd jobs around town to help support his mother. In 1946, the family received only $27.00 per month from his late father’s Social Security. Determined to help, Don began working for local painters at age 13, eventually earning the “Dutch Boy of the Year” award for his hard work and talent. At 16, he started his own painting business and bought his first truck. He also worked part-time for the Street Department and Water Board in Gettysburg. Don ultimately left high school to care for his mother, who was blind for the last 40 years of her life—a testament to his loyalty and compassion.

Don’s career path reflected his tireless work ethic and heart for service. At 18, he began working full-time in a factory paint department, later joining the State Highway Department. His journey in law enforcement began with the Greenville Police Department, where he worked nights as a beat cop. In 1965, he transitioned to the Darke County Sheriff’s Department, marking the beginning of a long and devoted law enforcement career. That same year, Don began playing Santa Claus—a role he cherished and fulfilled with joy for over 30 years.

In October 1969, Don was featured in Front Page Detective magazine, alongside Sheriff Jim Irwin, for his involvement in solving the Coppess Apple Orchard homicide. He helped bring closure to a case that led to the arrest of four individuals one year later.

In the late 1970s, Don stepped away from law enforcement and accepted a position with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) as Maintenance Superintendent, managing 43 employees. He later transferred to the Utilities Permit section in Sidney, overseeing eight counties. After 32 years of public service, he "retired" on April 30, 1988.

However, Don wasn’t one to slow down. A few years into retirement, he accepted the role of bailiff for Judge Lee Bixler and Judge Jonathan P. Hein at the courthouse. He served faithfully until October 2001, when he officially retired.

In 1993, Don’s mother Viola passed away at the age of 99½. A few years later, Don met Debbie Collins at Walmart. The two began dating and were married on April 3, 1999. Together, they shared 26 years of love and partnership. They were members of the Sunlife Broadcasting Network (Jimmy Swaggart Ministries).

Don is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Shilt; his stepson, Chad Laughman; and a few cousins. He was a proud member of nearly every lodge and club around Greenville—though his favorite by far was the “Liars Club,” where he could showcase his lifelong love for pranks and shenanigans. Making people laugh was his true hobby—just like his father before him—because he believed laughter could make life’s troubles a little lighter.

A celebration of Don’s life (and his shenanigans) will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus. Burial will follow in Gettysburg Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved mother. There will be no visitation prior to the service.

The family invites all who attend to bring their favorite story or memory of Don to share during the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to AseraCare Hospice, 4427 Garwood Place, Richmond, Indiana 47374.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.