Donald R. Ames

Donald R. Ames, of Leesburg, Florida, passed away at the age of 88 on Aug. 21, 2025, with his loving wife of 66 years, Helen (Ewing), by his side.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Don was affectionately known as "Pappy" by his family. He will be fondly remembered for his sharp and witty sense of humor, his strong devotion to Christ, and his caring demeanor as the patriarch of the Ames family. 

Born in Upper Tulpehocken Township, Pennsylvania, Don was the son of the late Sylvester and Dorothy (Loeb) Ames. A graduate of Conshohocken High School, class of 1955, he served in the Marine Reserve Corps from 1955 to 1959. His dedication to duty and service continued throughout his career, culminating in his role as plant manager at AMSTAT in East Greenville, where he worked until his retirement in 1998.

A passionate man of faith, Don contributed his time and talents as a council member at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Conshohocken before moving to St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pennsburg, where he continued to serve as a council member, assistant treasurer, and eventually as treasurer, making a lasting impact on his church community. Don participated in church choirs for more than 15 years and served as a reader at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Leesburg up until his final months.

An avid Philadelphia sports fan, Don loved country music and Western movies with John Wayne and Audie Murphy. After he retired from AMSTAT in 1998, Don and Helen joined his sister Joan and her husband Wayne in traveling the country for seven years before settling in Leesburg.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by his sons, Donald Ames Jr. and David Ames (Rose), and his daughter, Barbara Grubb (John); eight grandchildren, Karen Ames, Donald Ames III, Blair Ames, Jess Berry, Stephen and Michael Kellar and Erin and Amanda Grubb; three great-grandchildren, Jadon, Connor and Reagan; and two sisters, Joan Davis and Janet Banos. He is predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.

A viewing will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 11:15 AM -12:15 PM at Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, 222 Washington St., East Greenville, PA 18041 with a graveside service to follow at 1:30 PM at Parker Ford Baptist Cemetery, 92 Baptist Church Road, Spring City, PA 19475.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 130 S. Lone Oak Drive, Leesburg, FL 3478.