Donald E. Launer, 62, of 642 Dill Hill Rd., Johnsonburg, died early morning Thursday, May 31, 2018, surrounded by his wife and two children at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh after a valiant effort in his fight with Mantel Cell Lymphoma.

He was born on July 11, 1955 in Ridgway, son of Kenneth Launer Sr. and the late Naomi Huckabone Launer.
On June 3, 1978 in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg Donald married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Haupricht, who survives. He was a Johnsonburg resident all his life and graduated from Johnsonburg Area High School in 1973.

Donald was a member of the James W. Brown Lodge #675 F&AM. He enjoyed babysitting his grandchildren and baking, especially for birthdays and holidays. He designed and built his own home. He was an avid sports fan and participant. He was an excellent high school athlete in both track and football. He was an exceptional baseball player from Knothole through his years playing American Legion Baseball. He is still one of only a very few players from Johnsonburg to play on the State All-Star American Legion Baseball Team. He was a longtime member of the PennTech softball team and was an assistant defensive football coach for the Johnsonburg High School football team when his brother Tom Launer was the head football coach.

Donald worked at Domtar, Johnsonburg Mill for 33 years retiring in 2010. He had also worked as the head baker at the Johnsonburg Market Basket for four years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his father, Kenneth Launer, Sr. and step-mother Rose Launer of Johnsonburg; one daughter, Kristyn (Eric) Lowry of Johnsonburg and a son, Brian Launer and his wife Jacqui of Ridgeley, West Virginia; four grandchildren, Elizabeth and Emma Lowry, and Cora and Cameron Launer; two brothers, Kenneth Launer Jr. and his wife Bonnie of Johnsonburg, and Shane Launer and his wife Missy also of Johnsonburg; and by a sister-in-law, Gail Launer of Johnsonburg.

Donald was preceded in death by his mother; his brother Thomas Launer; and his nephew, Josh Launer.

A Funeral Service for Donald E. Launer will be conducted at the Anthony Ferragine Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10 a.m. with Rev. David J. Wilson, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, JBG officiating.
Interment will be held privately in Holy Rosary Cemetery.
Friends will be received at the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home, 401 Chestnut St., Johnsonburg on Tuesday, June 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
A Masonic service will be conducted at the funeral home on Tuesday afternoon at 4:15 p.m.