LOUDONVILLE — Donivan Karl Switzer II (77) passed away on Nov. 14, 2020, at Colonial Manor where he had been a resident for nine years. True to the way Don lived his life, his stay at the facility was one that legends are made of. Thanks to him, the staff can say they have seen and heard it all!
Don was born on his family farm in Howard on May 16, 1943, to Donivan Karl Switzer and Muriel Switzer (Albright). After graduating from Danville High School, he served his country by joining the US Army in 1961. SPC Switzer completed an 18-month deployment to Korea and was honorably discharged in 1964.
After his service, he spent months hitchhiking through Europe collecting memories and coins. In the early 1970s he purchased The Village Inn bar in downtown Loudonville. The bar provided him with friends, memories, and many laughs for years to come. After selling the bar he worked at the Loudonville Water Dept. and later obtained his Real Estate License. He joined Ward Realty in Ashland briefly, before opening his own Oakwood Realty in Loudonville. He bought, sold and rented homes in the Mohican area for 25 years.
Don was a longtime member of the Shriners, Loudonville American Legion, a Freemason of the Hanover Lodge #115, Loudonville Rotary Club and many local service organizations.
Don was quite the character. At his best he was quick-witted, funny, and generous. He believed he was quite the ladies’ man, and took fashion advice from no one. He always looked forward to Easter when he could proudly show off his stunning daffodil collection. He enjoyed life the most when he was outside fiddling with something and accomplishing nothing. He loved telling stories that had a thread of truth to them, and firing at empty beer cans with his 45. Parkinson’s disease be damned.
He is survived by his children, Nicole (Darren) Docherty of Mansfield, Devon (Jeff) Lavinder of Columbia Station, Brooke Switzer of Doha, Qatar, Donivan Switzer III and Mya Switzer, both of Loudonville. He was known as Pops to his granddaughters, Carson, Averey, Erin, Emerson and Ira Joy. His sister, Sharon Drake resides in Mount Vernon with several nieces and nephews in the area.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several loved pets.
A graveside service will take place on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the Loudonville Cemetery. Military honors will be performed by the Loudonville American Legion and Perrysville VFW. A live stream of Don’s service can also be viewed on the Snyder Funeral Homes - Lindsey Chapel Facebook page.
People wishing to honor Don’s lifelong commitment to the community can make donations to the Loudonville Pool Complex in care of the Village of Loudonville, 156 North Water Street, P.O. Box 150, Loudonville, OH 44842.
Snyder Funeral Home - Lindsey Chapel is honored to serve Don’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or a message of condolence to them at Snyderfuneralhomes.com.
