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Dad lived by example. There was a sincerity to his kindness.

Donald Gilbert Blazer, age 95 formerly of Canton, died Saturday, September 5, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones.

He was the beloved son of the late Carl and Vesta (Blazer) Goldsmith.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life Mary Lou (McGhee) Blazer, his grandson, Samuel Crawford and many other loved ones.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Patricia A. Feemster, Lynne M. (Brad) Dutton, Beverly K. Blazer (Dale Crawford); grandchildren, Kristina (Matt) Beliveau, Roman (Dana) Feemster-Marshall, Curtis (Staci) Dutton; great-grandchildren, Kate and Julia Beliveau, Alex and Jesse Crawford.

How do you begin to describe this man’s life? Even from our limited view- Donald Blazer was special.

The depth of his patience, compassion, humor, wit, and love of music and humanity was out of the ordinary.

Don “Gib” Blazer went to Augusta School thru 1949. He and Mary Lou got married in 1950. He was 19, she was 17. From then onward they were their own country.

They lived in Augusta with their parents, then Minerva. In 1956, they bought the house on 14th Street SW, where they lived the rest of their married life.

Dad worked at many jobs- Good Roads, B & W, and a couple of others before he went on to sell Life Insurance for 45 years. He retired at 65 and immediately started to deliver “lost luggage” from Akron Canton Airport to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Day or night, rain or shine, and even snow- off they would go! On the Road Again!

Dad driving, Mom navigating. A box of Red Maps and away they went. More than once a Police vehicle or State Patrol officer stopped only to learn these old folks in the night just needed some directions to a nearby address.

Besides working and visiting “down home” almost every weekend, Don was busy in our community. He was an Elder at Perry Christian Church, a band booster at Perry H.S. and a Lions Club member. He loved to travel, especially to Florida, camping many places until they found a permanent home for the camper at Springwood Lake! Swimming, fishing and ALWAYS - a camp fire!

Dad lived by example. There was a sincerity to his kindness. He believed in the “Golden Rule” - “Treat others as you would want to be treated yourself.” Also “To each his own”. He had a generosity of spirit. He gave the benefit of the doubt. And people responded to him- they knew he could see the potential in each of them. He was always interested in anyone’s name, story and person- he practiced the art of connection.

And you know he did not despair. He maintained a positive attitude throughout his life. He would not want us to despair that he is gone. He would remind us that we were not a strand of lights in Series, just because his light is out doesn’t prevent the rest of us from continuing to shine on.

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He would remind us that we were not a strand of lights in Series, just because his light is out doesn’t prevent the rest of us from continuing to shine on.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Heitger Funeral Home - Massillon Chapel, 639 1st St NE, Massillon at 5:00 pm with Chaplain Karen Drennen officiating.

Calling hours will be held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

His final place of rest will be at Augusta Christian Church Cemetery in Augusta.

A special thank you and appreciation to the people at Country Lawn in Navarre for the loving care they provided our Dad over these last few years.

In lieu of flowers please fill up your tank, turn on some music and go for a drive in the country. Stop for ice cream.

Condolences to the family may be made here on our website.

Heitger Funeral Home and Crematory 330-833-3248