Donald L. Erlston

Donald L. Erlston, age 71, 24 Cooper Street, Danville, died at 5:31 a. m. Friday, March 27, 2015,  in the emergency room of the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.


Born in Danville on October 11, 1943, he was a son of the late John and Mary Ellen (Bogart) Erlston. He was a lifelong resident of Danville and attended the Danville High School.

Don was employed by Montour County as a corrections officer at the Montour County Jail for 28 years retiring in 2002 with the rank of Sergeant. He also served as a part time deputy sheriff for the Montour County Sherriff’s office.

He was a life member of the Washington Fire & Hose Co. No. 1 (Washies), Danville; and also belonged to the Continental Fire Co. and the Friendship Fire Co., both of Danville. Don also was a member of the Danville-Mahoning Lodge 224, F & AM; the Danville Moose Lodge and was a social member of the Danville American Legion Post 40. He loved to hunt, fish, and watch football.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, the former Martha A. Davis on November 28, 2006; by four brothers: Lawrence “Tiny” Erlston, John “Cork” Erlston, Frank Erlston, Robert Erlston; and a sister, Betty Sable.

Surviving are his wife, the former Norma Jean Herring, who he married on October 17, 2012;  six children: Carol L., wife of James Huntington; Donna L., wife of Clair Heath; Maryellen, wife of Tim Rockwell; Donald William Erlston, and his wife Karen L.; Leann, wife of Robert Drumheller; Robert “Moose” Erlston, all of Danville; three step-children: Edward Shaffer, and his wife Roberta; Brenda Jean Shaffer; and Leonard W. Shaffer, all of Danville.

Also surviving are 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; 8 step-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren;  and a brother, Charles “Chas” Erlston, Riverside.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 3 p. m. in the Roat-Kriner Funeral Home, 1715 Bloom Road, Danville, with the Rev. Edmund W. Minnich, retired United Methodist minister officiating.  The services will begin at 3 p. m. with a Masonic Memorial service, followed by religious services.  Interment will follow in Columbia Hill Cemetery. Viewing on Thursday from 1:30 to 3 p. m.