Donald L. Schindel

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Donald L. Schindel

Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

Donald L. Schindel went home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2025. Donald (“Don” to his family and friends) was a native of Aurora, Illinois, and a resident of Yorktown, Virginia, for 27 years. Don was a devoted believer in Jesus Christ and shared his faith with everyone he met. His life reflected that faith—rooted in a deep love for God and a heart of service to others. From an early age, Don was a gifted athlete, excelling in football, baseball, competitive speed skating, track and field (setting school records), and basketball. His baseball talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Nebraska, where he played varsity baseball while earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was active in his fraternity, Sigma Chi, and completed the ROTC program. Don was even recruited to try out for the Chicago White Sox but instead chose to honor his commitment to the U.S. Air Force—beginning a distinguished military career that took him across the world. Serving tours in Okinawa, Japan; Ramstein, Germany; and throughout the United States, Don found his calling in the Medical Service Corps. It was during his posting at Columbus AFB in Mississippi that he met his wife, Penny. They married on June 17, 1967, and shared 58 wonderful years together.

Throughout his career, Don earned the titles of Commander, Administrator, and Consultant to the Surgeon General’s Office. He completed Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School, and earned a Master of Business degree from Central Michigan University. His many decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with three devices, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with one device, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with five devices. Don retired as a full Colonel on June 30, 1990, after more than 26 years of dedicated service. Following his military retirement, Don continued serving others as President of Coastal Government Services, followed by a relocation to Yorktown, VA, to start the TriCare Program for North Carolina and Virginia, and later pulled out of retirement after 9/11 as an independent contractor for disaster preparedness planning for VCU Medical Center and hospitals across Virginia. Don’s heart for service extended deeply into his community. A longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Poquoson, he served as President from 2002–2003, received the distinguished Hixon Award in 2015, and helped lead the Empty Stocking Fund for several years.

He and Penny also shared a lifelong love of music, singing together in church choirs throughout their marriage, and were active members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Yorktown. Don was the second of five children born to Adolf Jacob Schindel and Bernetta Elie Marie Schindel. He is survived by his beloved wife, Penelope A. Schindel (née Patterson); his son, Kevin F. Schindel (Allyson); his daughter, Kimberly S. Braine-Tillem (Michael); and five cherished grandchildren—Kaeler B. McCollough (Cameron), Nathaniel D. Braine, Garrett D. Braine, Jake D. Schindel, and Riley Schindel Krakowiak (Alex). He is also survived by his siblings Betts Stolins, Joan Mesmer (Bob), Ruth Shupe (Rick), and Thom Schindel.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s honor to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club of Poquoson, or the Journey House Foundation in Richmond, Virginia. A local memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at the Poquoson Yacht Club.

A full honors service and burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

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