Donald Short Obituary

Donald Richard Short

Donald Richard Short, 97, husband of Evelyn (Lyn) Short of Summit Square Retirement Community, Waynesboro, Va., departed this life on July 17, 2025.

He was born May 3, 1928 in Laurel, Del., to the late John L. and Anna M. Short, Sr. After graduating from Laurel High School, he attended Drexel Institute of Technology (Drexel University) on an academic scholarship, graduating with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. He started working for DuPont at the Seaford Nylon Plant in 1951, and then served two years in the Corps of Engineers during the Korean conflict. Upon returning from Korea in 1953, he married Evelyn (Lyn) MacDonald, whom he had met at college, and continued his employment at the Seaford DuPont Nylon Plant. In 1961 he was transferred to the Waynesboro DuPont Plant during the start up of the Lycra Plant and worked there until his retirement in 1985.

He was an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday School class president, Administrative Board member, Worship Chairman, Maintenance Chairman, and Food Pantry member. He was a member of Masonic Lee Lodge No 209 after transferring his membership from his home lodge in Laurel, Del. As an active member of the Waynesboro Lions Club, he held the positions of President and Zone Chairman before serving as Treasurer of the club. While at Summit Square, he spent several years coordinating and presenting movies twice a month for the independent residents. He enjoyed assisting his wife in her activities at Summit Square.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, James and Evelyn MacDonald; his brother, Lester Short and wife Elsie of Dagsboro, Del., and his brother, John L. Short, Jr. and wife Virginia of Laurel, Del.; daughter, Donna Lyn Phillips and husband Don of Gainesville, Va.

In addition to his loving wife, Evelyn (Lyn), of 72 years, he is survived by son, James M. and Jeanie Short, with grandsons, Shawn and Amy Fields, Joel and Erica Short, and step-grandson, Michael P. Goulet; son, Gary C. and Diane Short, with grandsons, Daniel and Sara Short, and Stephen and Ashley Short; son, Jon E. and Riqua Short, with grandsons, Donald and Tonya Short, Jonathan and Kerrie Short, and Richard and Julie Short. He is also survived by grandchildren, Julia Phillips and Richard Phillips (children of Donna and Don Phillips).

He is also survived by five great-grandsons and four great-granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in memory of Donald R. Short to Main Street UMC or to Sunnyside Community's Fellowship Fund.

A Memorial service will be held at Main Street United Methodist church on July 26, 2025 at 1 pm. The family will receive friends and loved ones from noon until 1 p.m. with a luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

McDow Funeral Home is assisting the family.