Don E. Ertel

Don Ertel, a man of deep faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 30, 2025, at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center, where he had been a resident since December 2023. He was 76.

Born in Washington, D.C. on February 4, 1949, to Elmer and Dorothy (Wiggins) Ertel, Don was the beloved middle child between his siblings Lawrence (Larry) Ertel and Mary Jane Dinnis. Raised in the D.C. area, he grew up surrounded by the values of hard work and service to others—principles that would shape his life’s work.

Don’s childhood was full of joyful memories, particularly of racing horses at Rock Creek Park and delivering newspapers for the Washington Daily News at the age of seven, an early sign of his natural charisma and entrepreneurial spirit. His father, Elmer, a diligent IRS employee and door-to-door salesman, passed on a gift for connecting with people. His mother, Dorothy, worked closely with General George C. Marshall and was a keen observer of the political world—her attentiveness and intellect left a lasting impression on Don.

After graduating high school in Bowie, Maryland, Don earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland. He worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center during the Vietnam War era, contributing to rocket projects and the Black Hawk helicopter. But it was a viewing of Billy Graham’s film The Restless Ones that stirred a new calling in Don’s heart—one that led him to leave his engineering career and pursue ministry.

He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he embraced a new life in theology and faith, despite the academic and spiritual challenges it brought. It was through this journey that he found his life's mission: serving God and others.

While working at WLD Ranch, a Christian camp, Don met the love of his life, Barbara Halter. Though once a self-proclaimed “confirmed bachelor,” Don and Barbara fell deeply in love and were married on June 5, 1982. Their honeymoon to Israel, including a baptism in the Jordan River, was a treasured experience they shared as they began their life together.

Don and Barbara raised three children—Nathan (Sonya) Ertel, Bonnie (Joseph) Crites, and Laura (Daniel) Wardzella—moving across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia as they followed God’s call. Don’s devotion as a father was evident in every moment spent with his children, from golfing and watching sports to his unwavering spiritual guidance. “The most important thing a father could do is share Christ with their child,” he once said. “I did pretty well on that.”

In 1997, Don was called to missionary work, becoming Director of Missions for the WV Convention of Southern Baptists in the Potomac Highlands. He and Barbara made their home in Grant County, where Don continued to impact countless lives through ministry.

Barbara passed away in 2017 after 35 years of marriage, and though Don struggled with the loss, he remained devoted to his faith, his family, and his six grandchildren, Annika Wardzella, Micah Ertel, Madyson Ertel, Blaize Crites, Niko Crites, and Hanson See-Crites, who were a source of great joy.

Don retired in 2021 and was a cherished member of Living Hope Baptist Church. He enjoyed Bible study, puzzles, classic TV shows, singing in worship services, and quality time with friends and family. Even in retirement, his life remained centered on fellowship, encouragement, and sharing God’s love.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will be cherished by all who knew him.

In accordance with Don’s wishes, his body will be cremated. A celebration of life service will be on Friday May 2, 2025 at 4pm at Living Hope Baptist Church, 1011 North Fork Hwy, Petersburg, WV.

Memorials may be made to the Ertel Family c/o Nathan Ertel, 2 Tyson Court, Petersburg, WV 26847.

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