DON FIREBAUGH

Donald W. Firebaugh, retired U.S. Army major, 93, died peacefully on Dec. 7, 2022, at his home in Raphine (Pisgah).

He was born on Aug. 20, 1929, in Baltimore, Md., to the late Charles David and Nannie Margaret (Lotts) Firebaugh.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years, Alma (Plogger) Firebaugh; his second wife of 23 years, Betty (Palmer) Firebaugh; and his brother, Stanley B. Firebaugh.

Upon graduation from Brownsburg High School, he joined the U.S. Army and retired as a major after 23 years of service. He then worked as a Rockbridge parks superintendent from 1972 to 1990 where he oversaw the development of Lake Robertson and the Blue Ridge Recreational Park in Fairfield. Once retired from the county, he started the Grouse Ridge Christmas Tree Farm, which for decades provided many the opportunity to create lasting memories of selecting their special tree.

He was a long-time member of New Monmouth Presbyterian Church and most recently, a member of Raphine Christian Church. He loved nature.

He is survived by his brother Charles D. Firebaugh of Staunton, two sons, Stephen W. Firebaugh of Lexington and Jeffery E. Firebaugh (Deanna) of Monument, Colo.; granddaughter, Erika Fine (Ethan) of Denver, Colo.; grandson, Capt. Hunter W. Firebaugh (Cecilia); greatgrandson, Arthur of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two stepsons, Charles E. Tomey Jr. (Barbara) of Spartanburg, S.C., and Gary Tomey of Greenville; stepdaughter, Claudia Davis (Charlie) of Afton; four step-grandchildren, Chris Tomey, Ali Strickland, Brad Stone and Ben Stone; and four step-great-grandchildren, Austin Tomey, Emma Kate, Charlie Ann and Link Stone.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Raphine Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Raphine Christian Church. N-G