Donald R. Shattler, 1944-2024

Donald R. Shattler, age 80, passed away on August 28, 2024, at Winter Haven Hospital from complications due to cancer.

Don will be remembered for his profound love of family, youthful joy for life, and kindness to all. He was born on January 20, 1944, in St. Petersburg, FL and lived in Lake Wales, FL from 1973 until 2022 when he moved to Bartow. He met his dearest love, Etta Grubbs, at Steak 'N Shake in 1962, and they were married the following year. They enjoyed almost 61 years of love and happiness raising a family together and leaving a legacy.

Don was an active member of West Side Baptist Church and his community in Lake Wales. He was a humble man of God who loved to teach Sunday School class and served as a deacon in his church. In addition, Don had a heart for missions and enjoyed serving on trips to Brazil, Honduras, and Argentina.

He served in the Air Force from 1962 until 1969 before becoming an Orange County Sheriff Deputy, then a Florida Highway Patrolman, followed by his service as the Director of the Police Academy for Polk State College (formerly Polk Community College) for the remainder of his career. In retirement, he stayed very active through farming, working at a fishing store, and acting as local handyman for his friends and family. He excitedly started a new chapter and moved with Etta to her hometown of Bartow in 2022.

He was an avid watcher of NASCAR, enjoyed outdoor sports and recreation with his boys, and loved attending his grandchildren's activities. He was passionate about his family and might widely be considered to be the best grandpa ever. Don's legacy will continue in those he served and loved.

He was preceded in death by his brothers John Shattler and Bill Shattler.

He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife Etta Shattler of Bartow, sons Wes Shattler (Suzanne) & Steve Shattler (Starla), grandchildren Kristy Lindamood (Joe), Kelly Mutters (David), Katie Hansknecht (Joe), Rachel Chiang (Andy), Camille Sigrist (Scott) & Robin Shattler, great-grandchild Nathan Mutters, sisters Ida Burleson, Gay Bass, Melody Warren & Crystal Matthews, loving brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law and many nieces & nephews.

Family will receive friends Sunday, September 1, 2024, from 2:30 - 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Bartow, with the Memorial Service following at 3 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Operation Christmas Child at First Baptist Bartow, as this was one of Don's favorite ministries. The church can be reached at (863) 533-9055. Other condolences to the family can be sent to http://www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com.