Mr. Donald O. Prichard, 86, of Greencastle, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at his home, with his wife and daughter by his side.
Born November 9, 1939, in Philippi, West Virginia, Donald was the son of the late Otha and Marceline (Ramsburg) Prichard. He lived a full life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a sense of humor that could brighten any room.
Donald married Shirley A. (Slick) Prichard on August 4, 1978. In true Donald fashion, their love story included a brief detour. They divorced, spent three months apart, and then decided they were much better together. From that point on, they shared many years of love, laughter, and companionship.
Donald worked for many years for the City of Gaithersburg, where he ran equipment, planted flowers, and took great pride in helping make the city look its best. After retiring from that position, he wasn’t quite done working and went on to the Kmart Warehouse, loading trucks. He officially retired for the second (and final) time in 2010 after suffering a heart attack.
Donald was an avid football fan and a lifelong supporter of the Washington Redskins (and you were strongly advised not to call them the Commanders in his presence). He loved classic country music and could often be found singing along and banging on the floor to the beat.
Food was another great joy in his life. His favorite meal was meatloaf, and he never hesitated to ask for it. He once loved seafood, but gout put an end to that chapter rather quickly. He also enjoyed chicken livers, green beans, cornbread, and baked beans…though those around him learned it was best to keep a little distance after he finished a plate of those!
Above all, Donald was a jokester. He loved to laugh, loved to make others laugh, and especially enjoyed good-naturedly picking on people. His humor, warmth, and playful spirit were a defining part of who he was.
In addition to his beloved wife and significant other, Shirley, Donald is survived by his children, who lovingly called him “Pop”: Donald Lee Prichard of Frederick, MD; Sharon Prichard of Silver Spring, MD; Sandra Prichard of Gaithersburg, MD; William Prichard of Frederick, MD; and Margaret Prichard of Greencastle. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew him as “Pop Pop.” He is further survived by his siblings: Ruth; Marshal and his wife, Gladys; Gene and his wife, Tana; Mark; and Linda and her husband, Truman; a sister-in-law, Virginia, widow of his brother June; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.
In addition to his parents and his brother June, Donald was preceded in death by a daughter, Martha Prichard and his siblings, Paul and Helen.
Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald’s name may be made to The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, Greencastle, is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com
