Donald Louis Fitchett

Donald L. “Donnie” Fitchett, 75, lifelong resident of Melfa, VA, and husband of 51 years to Joan Fitchett, passed away on June 27, 2023 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Born on June 1, 1948, in Nassawadox, VA, he was the son of the late Edward L. Fitchett and Eunice Fitchett of Melfa. Farming was his way of life. He had a good life. He lived doing what he loved, where he loved and with whom he loved. Family and friends always helped in the busy season on the farm. Donnie grew up working on his father’s farm and he then passed on his knowledge to his son, nephew, and grandson. He was a lifelong learner with an endless desire to understand the How and the Why. He was always teaching.

Donnie was an active member of the Melfa UMC and his faith was very important to him. He was a gentle, loving, supportive husband and father to all who knew him. He didn’t travel often from the farm, but many enjoyed sitting around the table swapping stories with him.

In addition to his wife, Joan, survivors include his children: Kathy Stauffer and her husband, Chris Stauffer, of Keller, VA, and their children, Abby, Allison and her fiancé, Sean Abbott, and daughter Arielle; Buster Fitchett and his wife, Crystel Fitchett, of Melfa, and their son, Lil Buster; Elaine Pasternak and her husband, Chris Pasternak, of Charles Town, WV, and their children, Isabella and Jackson; nephews, P.G. Ross and his wife, Jennifer, of Exmore, VA, and their children, and Mark Ross and his fiancé, Carmie Savage, and children, of Painter, VA; sister-in-law, Sharon Fitchett; nephew, Marty Fitchett, and his wife and children; niece, Lori Fitchett, and her children; nephew, Stevie Fitchett, and his wife, Irene, and their children; along with many other family and friends.

Donnie was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Eunice Fitchett; sister, Barbara Ross; and brother, Wayne Fitchett.

Funeral Services will be conducted at Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will take place 30 minutes before the service. Interment will follow at Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Onancock, VA. The Rev. Glenda Turlington will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donnie’s memory may be made to the Melfa United Methodist Church, 19444 Main Street, Melfa, VA 23410.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com. 

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home. 

Final Harvest

He was bound to the land from the day of his birth His roots anchored deep in the fertile earth Nurtured, sustained, by the soil he grew

And his life, like his furrows, ran straight and true.

In faith, each spring, he planted the seeds

In hope, to reap his family’s needs

With patience, he waited for the harvest to come To gather the fruits of his labor home.

Ever turning seasons, the years sped past

Til the final harvest came at last

Then claimed anew by beloved sod

He was gathered home to be with God.

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