Obituary of Donald R. Shriver

Donald Roy Shriver left this Earth at 63 years of age to join his Heavenly Father. Don's journey on Earth was a difficult one and focused for many years on his FGS diagnosis, a chronic and progressive kidney disease and the medical treatments needed to stay alive. That is over now and Don is in Heaven with a new body and undoubtedly marveling at all the colors there. Don is survived by his parents, Ken and Winnie Shriver; his sister and brother-in-law, Joy and Stew Bennett; his brother, Rick Shriver, Rick's girlfriend, April Edwards; and his nephew and niece, Mike and Marykate Bennett. Don's passion in life was art, teaching, creating, sharing, observing and discussing or as some would describe it, "a good healthy debate". He completed his undergraduate studies at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, followed by attaining a Master's Degree of Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee. Don was blessed to return to his alma mater, Asbury College, and be hired as an Assistant Art Professor. He moved up within the academic system attaining Associate Professor status and then Art Department Chairman and Gallery Coordinator. Don was able to show his art in Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and New York and identified himself as specialized in American Abstract Expressionism. In 1991, after a debilitating car accident, Don left Kentucky and returned to live in NYS. He continued to paint as he was able, around his trice weekly dialysis treatments at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. Don's caretakers in the Dialysis Unit became his second support system beyond his family. Don's health continued to deteriorate resulting in seizures, massive pneumonia, near fatal drug interactions and numerous surgeries. Don's strength of will kept him going through many adversities, he was truly a survivor. He compared himself to Job at times, and wanted to emulate Job's faith in God's greatness. Funeral services will be held at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, LLC, 300 East Main Street in Endicott, NY on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 6PM. A viewing will precede the funeral service at 5-6PM. Burial services will be private at Vestal Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Gideon's International. As a memory of Don, take some time to look at a wooded hillside and name all the different shades of green you see.