DONALD A. KOHLER

Donald A. Kohler, 82, of York, PA, formerly of Lancaster, died on Friday, September 2, 2011 at his home. Born in Lancaster he was the son of the late Edward B. and Helen McGowan Kohler. His wife Sarah Shank Kohler preceded him in death in 1993. He spent 30 years, 1947-1978, in the US Marine Corps and retired as 1st Sergeant, E-8, in the Infantry. He earned two Purple Hearts from 1950-1951 in the Korean War. He was a Marine Corps Drill Instructor from 1959-1960. He began working for UPS and for the US Postal Service. Finally, he worked at The Lancaster County Prison as a Correction Officer in the work release program until his retirement in 1994. Donald was a Life Member of AM Vets, VFW and G-3-1. He was past Commandant of the Marine Corps League Lancaster County. He loved traveling with his sister to the G-3-1 Reunions. He volunteered for Bingo at the Lebanon VA Hospital and Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. Donald is survived by his daughter Tina wife of Jerry Bradley of York, his son Donald A. Kohler, II of Lancaster, sister Mary Ellen Gerhart of Elizabethtown and brother Edward B. (Diane) Kohler of Rothsville. Additional survivors are his three grandchildren: Staff Sergeant Christopher Brown of Colorado Springs, Heather (Traves) Gift of Wrightsville and Kelsey (Matthew) Krout of Windsor, PA and four Great Grandchildren Julius Brown, Owen Gift, Colby and Tessa Krout. He was preceded in death by his daughter Deborah Kohler and sister Betty Jane Fissel. The family would like to thank all the staff of Renal Dialysis at the LGH Health Campus and Hospice of Lancaster County. Family and friends are invited to Donald’s Funeral Service at The Groffs Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 528 W. Orange Street (on the corner of Orange & Pine Sts), Lancaster on Friday September 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet friends at The Groffs both Thursday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Service. Interment will be in Riverview Burial Park. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made in Donald’s name to Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, c/o Art Hall, 30 W. Main Street, Salunga, PA 17538.

DONALD A. KOHLER

September 3, 2011