Donald Jefferson

Donald “Jeff” Jefferson, age 76, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord on November 16, 2025. Born on July 19, 1948, in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Jeff lived a life rooted in service, compassion, and deep, unwavering love for his family. Though he accomplished many things in his lifetime, those who knew him understood that his truest legacy was the people he loved—his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and every family member he welcomed with genuine warmth.

Jeff was a slow storyteller—his stories could stretch on for days, and chances were you had heard them a few times already—but he was always quick to tell you how proud he was of his family or how deeply he loved his wife, Milli. For 45 years of marriage, theirs was a partnership built on devotion, humor, and a shared desire to serve others. They first met at the Bethel Township Fire Department, a fitting beginning for two lives shaped by care and service.

Those closest to him knew he was easy to tease—just call him “Dawnie”—yet nearly impossible to truly anger. He lived with a gentle spirit, a steady kindness, and a heart that remained open to everyone. Jeff didn’t just belong to his church; he lived its mission. He cared for the marginalized, listened without judgment, and showed up for people in ways both quiet and profound. His service through church, the military, firefighting, parenting, and grandparenting was not a list of accomplishments but the natural overflow of who he was.

Jeff was proudly welcomed into heaven by his father Melvin, stepmother Georgette, sister Mary, grandson Gabriel, and father-in-law Dwight Whipp—who, no doubt, he is fishing with again until the good Lord calls them back in.

He is survived by his wife, Milli Jefferson; his mother-in-law, Millie Luttrull; his brother, George Jefferson; and his brother-in-law, Dwight Whipp (Hope). He leaves behind his children: Stefanie Crowell, Tiffanie (Allen) Jones, and Justin (Lindsay) Jefferson. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Doug (Tarah) Jefferson, Annabelle Crowell, Nicholas Crowell, Emily Jones (Davonte), Elianna Jones, Liam Jones, Lola Jones, Charlotte Jefferson, and Bennett Jefferson; and by his great-grandchildren: Makinly, Gannon, Scarlet, Jack Jefferson, and Peyton and Raven Crowell. Uncle Jeff loved his nieces Kacey (Grant) Widmeyer & children and Hannah Whipp. He leaves an extended family: Paula & Ted Priest, Greg & Barbie Luttrull. He will be missed by his K9 companion Jack who stayed with him through his journey.

Jeff lived a life of service. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and in Vietnam. He went on to serve as a Civil Service Firefighter from 1975 to 1999. He was a dedicated member of Medway Church, served on mission trips to Haiti, New York, and Red Bird, took part in the Emmaus Community and Kairos prison ministry, and participated in the Honor Flight—an experience he cherished deeply.

Despite all he accomplished, the role he was most proud of was that of husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medway Church or Ohio’s Hospice, whose compassionate care gave comfort to Jeff and his family in his final days.

May his memory be a blessing, and may the stories he loved to tell continue to echo in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar and Fraley Funeral Home, New Carlisle, Ohio. A service to celebrate Jeff's life will be held the following day, Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at trostelchapman.com.