Donald E. Doersom, Sr.

Donald E. Doersom, Sr., age 85 of Gettysburg, died Monday, August 11, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Gettysburg. Mr. Doersom was born May 13, 1929 in Gettysburg to the late Charles F. and Mildred T. (Biddle) Doersom. He was a class of 1947 graduate of Gettysburg High School and a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church, Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg. Mr. Doersom served seventeen years with the Pennsylvania National Guard where he spent fourteen years as the commanding officer of the local Artillery Unit at Gettysburg. He resigned his commission as a major in the U.S. Army Reserve. Don was employed at the New Cumberland Army Depot for twenty-five years and served as Directorates in both Maintenance and Quality Assurance when he retired in August 1984 as an Aircraft Overhaul Inspection Foreman. Mr. Doersom was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Georgia (Alwine) Doersom who died in November 2013. He is survived by his sons, David and daughter-in-law Kelley of Biglerville and Donald Jr.; two grandsons, Stephan and Donald, III and one granddaughter, Jenna Mae, all of Gettysburg; one brother, John C. and one sister, Barbara Ann and husband Daniel Ball of Aspers, PA. Don was predeceased by one sister, Frances Pryor of Palmyra and four brothers, Charles W. and wife Mary of Hummelstown, Richard, Eugene and Frank Doersom of Gettysburg. In 1972, Don, his wife Georgia and boys, purchased the Doersoms' Airport in Gettysburg. They worked as a team improving the facilities and operated the airport until it sold in July 1998. Don continued to stay active in aviation and in June 2000 received the Federal Aviation Administration "Master Mechanics Award" for his dedicated service, safety, professionalism and many contributions to further the interests of aviation in Adams County. Don also held a commercial pilot's license and will be long remembered for sharing his pilot's talents and hospitality with thousands of passengers while supplying scenic tours over Gettysburg Battlefield and the local area. He was a proud member of the Gettysburg Experimental Aircraft Association Barnstormers Club and enjoyed their experiences together. Don dedicated his life to inspiration and education and even in death has donated his body to science through The Human Gifts Registry of Philadelphia, PA. A celebration of his life and memorial services will be private and at the convenience of his family as per his wishes. Dugan Funeral Home, Inc., 111 S. Main Street, Bendersville is assisting the family with arrangements.