Donald L. "Don" Liggett

Donald Lee "Don" Liggett of Strasburg passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025 at the Ohio Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia. Don was born May 18, 1945 in Canton, Ohio. He was the son of the late Wilbur and Cedara (Feicht) Liggett of Strasburg.

Donnie and his older brother Dale spent their earliest years as ornery farm boys in Dundee before moving with their parents to a farm outside Strasburg. He graduated from Strasburg High School in 1963, and although he would never claim to be a star student, he was an avid reader throughout his life. He enjoyed reading about history, outdoor sports, horseracing, and stocks.

Don was known as a dedicated and hardworking individual with a wicked sense of humor that could make anyone smile or just shake their head in disbelief. He was a talented, meticulous craftsman, and worked for 55 years at the Gordon Printing Company in Strasburg as a press operator and printer extraordinaire. In addition, he worked at Raven's Sales and Service in Dover for 47 years where his integrity and work ethic were well-regarded by colleagues and customers alike. After retiring, Don cherished his time working within nearby Amish communities with whom he formed deep friendships and found joy in helping those who needed transportation and other assistance.

Don was a farmer at heart, and nothing fed his soul more than planting and tending to his vegetable gardens and marveling at what grew. He was particularly proud of his many varieties of tomatoes, potatoes, and garlic. Don always loved being outdoors, whether it was mowing acres of land, plowing and planting his gardens, making homemade sauerkraut, running his bird dogs, grouse hunting, or just sitting by a fire in a field. And even though Don was an Ohioan born and raised, his home state was sandwiched between his two real passions: the blue lakes of Michigan and the blue grass of Kentucky. He owned a hunting cabin in Michigan’s Huron National Forest, and it was the joy of his life to be able to share it with family and friends. He also was a rabid Michigan Wolverines fan much to the chagrin of some family members!

In his teenage years, Don worked in the horse stables of local racetracks and rode farm horses and quarter horses for fun. But that created an interest in thoroughbred horseracing which eventually led to one of his most unique accomplishments that not many others can claim: Don Liggett attended FIFTY Kentucky Derby races, the last in 2024. And to the very end, his knowledge of Kentucky Derby history—races, horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners—was impeccable. The first Saturday in May will never be quite the same without him.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia A. (McWilliams) Liggett, whom he married on October 12, 1996. He also is survived by his children: Lori (David Jackson) Liggett, Lisa (Ken) Edie, Leanna (Mike) Gardner, Jason (Leigh Ann) Liggett, Jeremy (Bremy) Liggett, Josh (Erika) Liggett, Stephanie (Dan) Stratton, and Bryan Gray; his grandchildren, Brianna Grillon (Quentin Paulik), Kenny (Michelle) Edie, Ethan (Abby) Edie, Joshua Liggett, Braden Liggett, Miranda McCoy, Aiden Liggett, Harley Miller (Branden Diehl), Riley (Travis) Miller, and Mason (Meagan) Miller; his great-grandchildren Zara and Brynn Paulik, Owen and Kenny Edie, Aiden Diehl, Nahla and Aubree Liggett; and he was expecting Oliver Miller who will be arriving in September. He also leaves behind his sister in-law, Janet Liggett; and nephews, Shannon (Jessie) Liggett, and Shawn (Amy) Liggett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Liggett, and his great-grandson, Zayne Paulik.

Friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Strasburg, 140 S. Bodmer Ave, Strasburg, Ohio, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at the funeral home on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 am with Pastor Jason Rissler officiating. A meal will follow at the funeral home. To sign an online guestbook for Don, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website.

Memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607 https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/ or the Ruffed Grouse Society https://ruffedgrousesociety.org.