Donald Bruce Newcomer, Sr.
Don was a man of deep and abiding faith.
celebration of Don's life at Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM
There will be no public viewing, however the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens, Columbia, for family.
Donald Bruce Newcomer, Sr., 91, rejoined his Lord and beloved spouse on June 17, 2026. Born January 23, 1935 to Chester and Mary Newcomer, Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Sandra (July 2025) and two brothers, George Schoelkoph and Chester Newcomer, Jr.
Don graduated from Columbia High School in 1953. During his time as center for the school's football team, Don met cheerleader "Sandy the Dandy." Within a few years Don would become the love of Sandy's life and she, his "Sunshine." Don and Sandy married in 1957 and celebrated their 68th anniversary in 2025; their love endures and we celebrate their reunion!
Don worked in manufacturing and quality control for The Bendix Corporation. He received additional training through Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology and rose to the level of Senior Engineer. Don left Bendix in 1970 to embark on his second career of insurance sales. He started with Prudential, achieving $1.3M in sales during his first year. He was promoted to Sales Manager and held the position for four years. Don yearned to work directly with customers and was able to return to this with Nationwide, when he took ownership of an agency for a retiring colleague.
Don completed additional college level training and earned the industry's prestigious Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) status. He served his policyholders with expertise and dedication until retiring at age 65.
Don was a man of deep and abiding faith. Don and Sandy poured their love into several churches through the years, with Don serving as elder when called. Together, they helped establish Emmanuel Christian Fellowship and nurtured its growth for many years. Don also answered the call to missions, making 6 trips to Guatemala in support of People for Missions.
Don is survived by his brother Wayne Newcomer, his four children, and their families: Donald Newcomer, Jr. and spouse Dottie, daughter Susan Newcomer and spouse Shonna Ilgenfritz, daughter Shara Crumling and spouse Ross, and daughter Lauri Kugle and spouse Matthew. Also grandchildren: Danielle Reed, Drew Newcomer, Douglas Newcomer, Kayla Nicholas, Sarah White, Katie Kugle, and Joshua Kugle; and great-grandchildren Joseph and Zoë Newcomer, Janelle and Danicka Reed, and Micah White.
Please join Don's family for a celebration of Don's life at Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc., 519 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jim Herbert officiating. There will be no public viewing, however the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens, Columbia, for family. All guests are invited to join the family for a time of fellowship at the Columbia Crossings River Trails Center following the conclusion of services. Dad loved the old bridge, and the motto "life is uncertain, eat dessert first." We look forward to including both in our celebration of him.
Dad's direct care staff throughout his last chapter were extraordinary and loved him well. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Masonic Village Hospice.
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