Don Ensminger

On April 8, 2026, Don Ensminger, age 89, slipped the surly bonds of this Earth and transcended to kiss the face of God and join his beloved son Tim in the everlasting hereafter.

Don was born in Suffield, Ohio; February 10th, 1937; son of Allan and Gladys Ensminger. He attended High School in Waverly, Nebraska where he met and married the love of his life, Shirley in 1955.

He received a Bachelors degree in Business and Agriculture from The University of Nebraska and shortly after accepted a position with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, moving Shirley and their three boys Mike, Tim and Pat near company headquarters in Akron, Ohio. This quickly led to the adventurous assignment of managing some of the largest natural rubber plantations in the world, first on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines and then the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Then, it was back to Goodyear in Ohio to fulfill an executive position in the Goodyear Plantations Division.

Don and Shirley were pioneers at heart and soon wanderlust got the better of them and Don purchased a Goodyear Tire and Auto Center, moving the family to Port Angeles, Washington. Some years later he was lured back to larger executive positions in Ohio, first with Goodyear and then with Firestone/Bridgestone, leading him to cap off his career as manager of the world's largest rubber plantation in Liberia, West Africa.

In retirement, Don and Shirley worked as volunteers in some of western America's most beautiful parks, allowing Don to pursue his passion as a fly fisherman and naturalist.

They eventually settled in to more permanent retirement digs, first in Lakeland, Florida and then Mountain Home, Arkansas until the passing of their son Tim; at which time they made their final move to Ohio to be near their sons Mike and Pat and their families.

Waiting to be with him again someday, Don is survived by his wonderful wife of seventy years Shirley; his son Mike and wife Jan and granddaughters

AJ and Marci; his son Pat and wife Carolyn and grandchildren Samantha and Justin as well as granddaughter Donnay, daughter of deceased son Tim. He also leaves behind for now his one surviving sibling, Rich Ensminger and wife Dot.

Don's earthly remains were lovingly attended to by Arnold Funeral Home in Canton, Ohio; owned by longtime family friend John Arnold.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. No flowers please. Don was a masterful gardener and grew enough lovely flowers to satisfy us all. Cards to Shirley and family can be sent to:

Dr. Pat Ensminger, 260 Niles Cortland Rd. NE., Warren, Ohio 444784

Rest in peace loving husband, father, pioneer, adventurer, fascinating amazing man. His place is in heaven, and a cold, trout-filled stream runs through it. 

Dr. Pat Ensminger