Don Shilling

Funeral services for Funeral services for Don Shilling, 81, of Knoxville, were held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at
11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. A luncheon was held
following the service for a time of fellowship. Interment was at the Greenwood
Cemetery.
Visitation was held Monday, May 11th, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher
Funeral Home in Knoxville.
Memorials may be made to the Marion County Humane Society, National Sprint Car
Hall of Fame, or to the Family.
Donald Ray Shilling passed away May 6, 2026, in Knoxville, at the age of 81 years, 7
months, and 10 days. Don was born on September 26, 1944, in Knoxville, to Raymond
and Thurlene (Agan) Shilling. He attended school in Knoxville and was very active in
sports, having a passion for football. He graduated with the class of 1963. Don was
connected to Knoxville throughout his life, devoting many years of hard work to the City
of Knoxville Street Department. His commitment and reliability reflected his values and
pride in his community.
Don was married to Nancy Findley in 1963 and to this union two daughters were born:
Kelley Jo and Lori Kay. They were later divorced. On December 19, 1986, Don was
united in marriage to Linda Jones, they later welcomed a son, Kyle Robert. He was a
loving grandfather to Stefanie, Scottie, Blaine, Brooke, Kasey, and Zander. His love
extended into the next generation as well, as he was blessed to know his great-
grandchildren: Taylor, Reed, Vivian, and Fitz. His family was his greatest joy, and he
treasured the relationships he shared with each of them.
He remained active in athletics throughout his life. Playing slow pitch softball and co-ed
volleyball for many years. Don enthusiastically rooted for the Hawkeyes, rarely missing
games and always sharing his passion with those closest to him. He loved sprint car
racing, even though in his later years he couldn’t attend in person, he would listen to the
radio broadcast on his headset.
Don’s passion for sports and life left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Don and his
son-in-law, Kent, both played football for Ralph Capitani, Ralph once told Kent, “You
may be good (as Kent was All-State) but Donnie was better and hit harder. He was a
5’7” missile!” Don was a legend!
Don left a lasting impression on all his family and friends. He lived life to the fullest,
even after being diagnosed with MS in 1993, and having a stroke in 2019, Don
remained full of life, positive, and never complained. His passion for life will be carried
on in all his loved ones.
Don is survived by his wife, Linda Shilling; children: Kelley (Larry) Hall, Lori (Kent)
Chrisman, and Kyle (Tina) Shilling; grandchildren: Stefanie Ethell, Scottie Ethell, Blaine
(Lexi) Chrisman, Brooke (Cody Stierwalt) Chrisman, Kasey Freeland, and Zander
Shilling; great grandchildren: Taylor Ethell, Reed Ethell, Fitz Derby, and Vivian
Chrisman; brother, Tom (Sue) Shilling; mother-in-law, Bev Jones; and many nieces,
nephews, relatives, and friends.
Preceding Don in death were his parents: Raymond and Thurlene Shilling; sister, Nancy
Turner; brothers: Gary Shilling and Richard Shilling; nephews: Corey Shilling, Rodney
Shilling, Rick Shilling, and Jeff Shilling; and niece, Kristie Norton., 81, of Knoxville, were held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at
11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. A luncheon was held
following the service for a time of fellowship. Interment was at the Greenwood
Cemetery.
Visitation was held Monday, May 11th, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher
Funeral Home in Knoxville.
Memorials may be made to the Marion County Humane Society, National Sprint Car
Hall of Fame, or to the Family.
Donald Ray Shilling passed away May 6, 2026, in Knoxville, at the age of 81 years, 7
months, and 10 days. Don was born on September 26, 1944, in Knoxville, to Raymond
and Thurlene (Agan) Shilling. He attended school in Knoxville and was very active in
sports, having a passion for football. He graduated with the class of 1963. Don was
connected to Knoxville throughout his life, devoting many years of hard work to the City
of Knoxville Street Department. His commitment and reliability reflected his values and
pride in his community.
Don was married to Nancy Findley in 1963 and to this union two daughters were born:
Kelley Jo and Lori Kay. They were later divorced. On December 19, 1986, Don was
united in marriage to Linda Jones, they later welcomed a son, Kyle Robert. He was a
loving grandfather to Stefanie, Scottie, Blaine, Brooke, Kasey, and Zander. His love
extended into the next generation as well, as he was blessed to know his great-
grandchildren: Taylor, Reed, Vivian, and Fitz. His family was his greatest joy, and he
treasured the relationships he shared with each of them.
He remained active in athletics throughout his life. Playing slow pitch softball and co-ed
volleyball for many years. Don enthusiastically rooted for the Hawkeyes, rarely missing
games and always sharing his passion with those closest to him. He loved sprint car
racing, even though in his later years he couldn’t attend in person, he would listen to the
radio broadcast on his headset.
Don’s passion for sports and life left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Don and his
son-in-law, Kent, both played football for Ralph Capitani, Ralph once told Kent, “You
may be good (as Kent was All-State) but Donnie was better and hit harder. He was a
5’7” missile!” Don was a legend!
Don left a lasting impression on all his family and friends. He lived life to the fullest,
even after being diagnosed with MS in 1993, and having a stroke in 2019, Don
remained full of life, positive, and never complained. His passion for life will be carried
on in all his loved ones.
Don is survived by his wife, Linda Shilling; children: Kelley (Larry) Hall, Lori (Kent)
Chrisman, and Kyle (Tina) Shilling; grandchildren: Stefanie Ethell, Scottie Ethell, Blaine
(Lexi) Chrisman, Brooke (Cody Stierwalt) Chrisman, Kasey Freeland, and Zander
Shilling; great grandchildren: Taylor Ethell, Reed Ethell, Fitz Derby, and Vivian
Chrisman; brother, Tom (Sue) Shilling; mother-in-law, Bev Jones; and many nieces,
nephews, relatives, and friends.
Preceding Don in death were his parents: Raymond and Thurlene Shilling; sister, Nancy
Turner; brothers: Gary Shilling and Richard Shilling; nephews: Corey Shilling, Rodney
Shilling, Rick Shilling, and Jeff Shilling; and niece, Kristie Norton.