Donald Ross Pirtle

Donald Ross Pirtle, known to so many simply as Don, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on August 16, 2026, at the age of 91. A resident of Speedway, Indiana, Don will be remembered as a gentle, devoted man whose life was defined by service, kindness, and a deep love for people.

Born on November 1, 1934 in Sullivan, Indiana. Don was the son of Martha and Milton Pirtle. He graduated from Sullivan High School in 1952 and went on to attend Indiana State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. He was also a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He later continued his education there, receiving a master’s degree in Elementary School Administration. Those accomplishments helped shape a life of meaningful work and steady dedication to others.

Don also served his country with honor, spending 10 years in the United States Army as a finance officer. His years of military service reflected the same reliability and commitment that would mark every chapter of his life.

God was always at the center of Don's life. He was a man of deep faith with a servant's heart. For over 65 years, Don was a devoted member of Speedway Christian Church, where he served in countless ways and held nearly every position imaginable. His commitment to his church and his faith was truly a lifelong calling.

Education was the work of Don’s heart. He spent all of his career in elementary education, beginning with one year of teaching in the Speedway School System before being hired by MSD of Wayne Township. In Wayne Township, he wore many hats over the years. He began as a teacher, became a vice principal, and later served as a principal. Even after retirement, his work was not finished. Wayne Township brought him back to oversee renovations of some of its older schools and to coordinate a new building project that became Bridgeport Elementary School. His life greatly impacted the families he served, the employees who worked alongside him, and the children he loved so dearly. 

Don also loved the town of Speedway and took great pride in the Indianapolis 500. For many years, he served as the Assistant Bursar for the United States Auto Club, a role that reflected both his loyalty to the community and his enthusiasm for a place and tradition he cherished. 

Above all, Don will be remembered for the way he made people feel. Again and again, those who shared memories of him said the same thing: he was such a sweet man. He never seemed to meet a stranger, and more often than not, he “adopted” the people who crossed his path. He loved people deeply and naturally. While others might have named golf, fishing, or reading as a favorite pastime, Don’s true hobby was loving on people. That gift defined him and left a lasting mark on countless lives.

Don is survived by his daughters, Jane Webb and her husband David, and Susan Pirtle. He also leaves behind his grandsons, Blair Webb and his wife Jessica, and Thomas Webb and his wife Vy. His family continued to grow in ways that brought him great joy, and he is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Warren, Fin, Alaina, Cooper, and Ella. He is further survived by his sister, Patricia Devlin; his brother-in-law, Richard Hoerger; and many Hoerger nieces and nephews, all of whom were part of the broad circle of family and affection that surrounded him.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Mims (Hoerger) Pirtle; his son, Michael Pirtle; his parents, Martha and Milton Pirtle; and his brothers-in-law, Robert Devlin, Robert Hoerger, Jack Hoerger, Fred Hoerger as well as his mother-in-law Miriam Hoerger.

Don’s life was one of purpose, warmth, and enduring care for others. He spent the last six years at Westside Garden Plaza where he continued to be a blessing to others. He gave himself fully to his family, to education, to his community, and to every person fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched, in the schools and communities he helped shape, and in the love he so freely gave.

Visitation will be held Tuesday September 15th, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Speedway Christian Church. A service will follow at 4:00 PM. Donations can be made to Speedway Christian Church, 5110 W 14th Street, Speedway, IN 46224 or MSD of Wayne Township Education Foundation, 1155 South High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46241.