Donald E. Ankney, Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 3, 2017 in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on June 20, 1954 to Barbara and Donald E. Ankney, Sr. in Defiance. Don proudly served our great country in the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed fishing and was a professional painter for McBride Brothers in Elida, Ohio for the last 16 years. Don was a gentle and kind hearted man who enjoyed his family very much. He loved playing games with his grandson and playing cards with his siblings on the weekends.

Don will be greatly missed by his significant other, Karen (Roeder) Ankney, stepson Christopher L. (Angie) Ankney, and grandson Kye Daniel Ankney, all of Defiance, brothers Bernard "Gene" (Cynthia) Ankney of Defiance, and Samuel Ankney of Paulding, sisters Rose (Thomas) LaFountain of Paulding, Rebecca Osborn of Defiance, and Shelby (William) Anderson-Southam of Paulding.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sarah Miller, infant brothers Richard and Robert Ankney, nephews Joshua Ankney and Andrew Roeder, and niece Tiana Bishop.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on  Friday, September 8, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home, with Deb Miller, officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery, with graveside military rites accorded by VFW #3360.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center, to the family, or to a charity of the donor's choice.