Donald Larry Berkey

Donald Larry Berkey, 74, of Richville, Ohio, took his life on August 5, 2026. He was born on October 8, 1951, to Otis and Doris Berkey. Don grew up in Wilmot, Ohio, and graduated from Fairless High School in 1969. Following graduation, he began a long and dedicated career as a clerk at The Timken Company, where he remained until his retirement.

In his retirement, Don was deeply committed to his community, serving as a member of the Village of Navarre Council for many years. He also brought his love of sports to life by working as an usher for the Akron Aeros baseball team in Akron, Ohio.

Don was a passionate, lifelong fan of Cleveland and Ohio sports. He spent countless hours cheering on the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Browns, and Ohio State Football. Don found great camaraderie in discussing his favorite teams with anyone he met. He also cherished playing cards with his friends and family. When he wasn't watching sports or playing cards, Don could often be found at the movie theater, enjoying the latest blockbuster with a large bucket of popcorn.

Don was married to Nancy (Cotton) on February 10, 1974, in Navarre, Ohio. They lived, and raised two children, on Park Street until they moved to Richville, Ohio in 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Berkey and Doris Berkey; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dr. Donald and Phyllis Cotton; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Susan and William Eynon; and his beloved granddaughter, Olivia Lee.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Nancy; his children, Don and Rachel Berkey and Dale and Vicki Lower; his sister, Juanita Parks of Columbus; his brother, Ron of Brewster; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeff and Rosa of Wooster and Mike and Carol of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Margaret Cotton; his bonus son, Kyle Wenger; many cousins; numerous nieces and nephews; and an abundance of friends.

A celebration of Donald’s life will be held on August 19, 2026, at Paquelet Funeral Home, located at 1100 Wales Road NE, Massillon, Ohio 44646. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Light After Loss, 3751 Burrshire Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44709, or online at www.lightafterlossstark.org.