Donald Ankabrandt

Donald F. Ankabrandt, 94, a long-time resident of Boiling Springs and, more recently, Strawberry Court and Thornwald Home, Carlisle, went to his eternal home on April 27, 2025.

Don was born on Factory Street in Carlisle in 1931. His grandfather, John Ankabrandt, who lived next door, loudly announced his birth to the neighborhood to the dismay of Don’s mother, Ruth (Wagner) and father, Floyd Ankabrandt. During his childhood, Don walked to a one-room schoolhouse in Middlesex Township as one of 3 first-graders. Don attended the Stevens School and Lamberton School and graduated from Carlisle High School in 1949. In 1989, Don was recognized as the Outstanding Class of 1949 Vocational Graduate.

Don was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran who proudly served as a member of the famed “Screaming Eagles” (101st Airborne Infantry Division) and then under the Alaska Defense Command, stationed at Fort Lewis in Seattle, Washington.

Don was employed by AMP, Inc. (later Tyco) for more than 39 years, and enjoyed his work, first as a tool and die maker, then supervisor, then an engineer.

Don married the love of his life, Faye Shughart, to whom he was happily married for more than 68 years. Don was a loving, supportive husband and father. He often said that he was proud of each of his kids. He enjoyed spending time with his family of 7 including Sunday drives, family hikes, summer days at the Boiling Springs pool and family vacation trips. Don and Faye were recognized by the Sentinel as finalists for the “Carlisle Area’s Finest Parents” in 1994. In the bicentennial year of 1976, Don was honored in a public dedication ceremony for developing the Carlisle Historical Trail, which was very much a family project. Don was very active in the Scouting Program while his sons were Boy Scouts and all four sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Don was the Scoutmaster of Troop 171 in Boiling Springs for a number of years. Don achieved the prestigious Boy Scout Order of Merit, recognizing him for over 25 years of service to the youth in his community.

In addition to his wife, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Merle, and his sister, Doris Weibley. He is survived by his children Gary (wife Bonnie), Steven (wife Nancy), Marla Brown (husband David), David, and Ronald (wife Jody), eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the funeral service. Interment will take place following the service at Westminster Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Don to his church, Carlisle United Methodist Church, 333 South Spring Garden Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. Don was an active member of the church for almost 70 years.