Donald P. Chestnut, 86, of Carlisle, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital, with his loving family faithfully by his side. He was born on March 20, 1940, at home in Newville during a blizzard to the late Bruce R. and Martha (Armolt) Chestnut. He now rejoices in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved wife Joyce A. Chestnut who preceded him in death on April 18, 2018.

He was a loving and devoted grandfather whose greatest blessings in life were his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rooted in his strong faith in Jesus Christ, he lived with kindness, endless love and he was a simple but humble man. He loved the outdoors and took great joy in teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the love for hunting. On the first day of hunting season you would find him in his tree stand along with a couple of his great - grandchildren.

Along with the love of the outdoors his passion in life was driving and operating large CAT equipment. In 1989 he purchased his first CAT 953C Highlift and that was the beginning of Donald P. Chestnut Excavating. His business was built on honesty, faith and loyal customers. Over the years of owning his own business, he formed meaningful friendships with many of his customers and contractors, sharing not only his work, but stories, laughter and meals together.

He was a faithful member of Opossum Hill Union Church.

He is survived by his three daughters; Debra A. (her husband Mark) Bathavic of Carlisle, Wanda D. (her husband Mike) Wiser of Carlisle and Donna K.(her husband Chad) Seas of Green Cove Springs, FL, three brothers, Robert Chestnut, Barry (his wife Bonnie) Chestnut, and Larry (his wife Sue) Chestnut, six grandchildren; Brooke (her husband Jeff) Rice, Kristen (her husband Mike) Sturm, Bobbi (her husband Brad) Zellefrow, Erin (her husband Scott) Lehman, Drew (his wife Laure') Monismith, Brittany Rinehart, 11 great-grandchildren Chase, Laci, Emma, Taylor, Alli, Kayla, Lucas, Adley, Olivia, Emmitt and Katie and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Don was preceded in death by one brother Harold "Bill" Chestnut and one sister Vada Shughart.

A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, with Rev. Randy Zook officiating. The burial will follow in Westminster Cemetery. A viewing will be held at the funeral home on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Donald P. Chestnut to: Donald Chestnut 550 Opossum Lake Rd. Carlisle, PA 17015 to establish a memorial bench in his honor.

www.EwingBrothers.com.