Donald "Don" Schmader, 89 of Leeper, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family and leaves behind a legacy of hard work and devotion to family.

Don was born September 13, 1936, in Oil City, Pa to Bernard and Marie (Weaver) Schmader. He spent his life rooted in the values of faith, family and friendship.

Don was a devoted husband to Ann, his wife of 67 years. Together they created a home filled with love, stories and generations of family. He was a proud and loving father to Brian (Jackie) Schmader, Celeste (Craig) Malm, and Brad (Pam) Schmader, all of Leeper.

Nothing brought Don more joy than his family. He was a proud grandfather to Renee(Ted) Fry, Kent Carroll., Bill (Marlie)Carroll, Nick (Bella) Schmader, Bill(Becky) Malm, Jackie(Nate)Beary, Emily Malm, Josh (Meghan) Schmader, Justin(Olga) Schmader, Jeremy(Kaylee) Schmader, Kelsey (Tyler) Cryder and his bonus grandchildren Brittany(Luke) Alex and Brandon(Steph) McMaster. His love continued through 32 great grandchildren with another on the way. He also leaves behind many very special nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

Don was widely known as the owner and heart and soul of the Leeper Market. He always had a warm smile and firm handshake for everyone who walked through the door. His friendly and outgoing nature made him a loved and respected member of the community.

A man of many talents, Don enjoyed woodworking, carving, and working in his yard, mowing his beloved grass. His hands were rarely still and many of his creations remain treasured by those who loved him. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a devoted member of St. Mary's Church and a member of the Lucinda Antler Club.

One of Don's greatest gifts was storytelling. He had a remarkable way of bringing memories to life and his grandchildren especially adored listening to his stories and sharing the many adventures they experienced together. Those moments created memories that will be carried forward for generations.

Don is survived by his siblings George (Jane) Schmader, Bernie (Marge) Schmader, Faye Larrow, and sisters in law Willie Schmader and Linda McMaster. He was preceded in death by his parents and in laws Paul and Mary Harriger as well as his brother Duane (Butch) Schmader, brother-in-law Doug Larrow, sister and brother-in-law Sandy and Jerry Hyde, brother-in-law Dean McMaster, nephew Debo Hyde, niece Leslie Schmader-Black and great niece Brooke Rice. His beloved dog Sadie is also waiting for him in heaven.

Above all else, Don loved his family deeply. His kindness, laughter, stories and steady presence will be profoundly missed, but the lessons he taught will live on in the many lives he touched. His family will forever remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose life was rich in love and whose legacy will continue through the generations he loved so dearly.

Friends may call Friday, March 13, 2026, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Borland-Ensminger Funeral Home in Leeper. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00am Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Mary's Church in Crown, with Rev. Brandon Kleckner, pastor, as celebrant.

Donations may be made to Clarion Forest VNA, 271 Perkins Road, Clarion, PA 16214 or a charity of your choice.