Donald John Shehady went to be with the Lord on February 23, 2008 at his home in Smith Valley. "Pappa Don" as he was known to a multitude of family members, friends and neighbors was born in Yerington, Nevada on May 31, 1921 the son of John and Sardie (Kafoury) Shehady, the third of four children. He grew up on the family farm, attended Yerington schools and graduated from Yerington High School in 1940. The highlight of his school career was playing on the championship Yerington High team that played in Las Vegas in 1939. He stayed home to run the family farm when his brother, Jack was sent off to war. In 1948, he moved to Reno with his family and worked at Sanford Tractor Company, where he met his future wife, Teresa Mencarini. The couple were married on July 23, 1950 and moved to Smith Valley in 1951, where they lived out the rest of their lives farming.
"Papa Don" was best known for his involvement in many areas of the local communities. Along with his great love for children, and supporting all events in the community that included kids, he supported many local organizations by selling thousands of raffle and dinner tickets for those organizations. He was a member of the Smith Valley Fire Department for over forty years, a member of the Smith Valley Fire Protection District Board, Smith Valley P.T.A., Smith Valley Booster Club and Masonic Hope Lodge #22. Although not an actual member, Papa worked for the local St. John's/S.V. United Methodist Church Action by selling many raffle tickets.
Papa loved his family more than anything in this world. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Teresa and his sisters, Lucille Shehady and Helena Lommori. He is survived by his brother, Jack (Eldra) Shehady of Sparks; his children, Tosca (Tom) Renner and Daniel (Traci) Shehady of Smith Valley; his grandchildren, Domenic (Mary) Dini of Reno, Brandon Dini of Spring Creek, Joshua Renner and Shaina Renner of Smith Valley, Stevie Jo Shehady of Texas, Daniel Cody Shehady and Donald Ellis Shehady of Reno; and his greatgrandchildren, Hailey and Chandler as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration service will be held Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 11:00am at the Smith Valley High School Gym. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Smith Valley immedieately following the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Smith Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 1 Hardie Lane, Smith, Nevada or to the Smith Valley High School Booster Club.
Arrangements under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, Nevada 89447 (775) 463-2911.
Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.FRFH.net.