Donald L. McFarland, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at his home with his family by his side. He was the son of the late Frederick and Hazel McFarland. Don was the devoted husband of Sue Anne McFarland. They were married for 62 years.

After graduating from Mt. Vernon High School in 1955, Don enlisted in the United States Army. Upon discharge, he returned to Mt. Vernon and joined his brothers' hauling livestock. McFarland Brothers Trucking transported livestock from coast to coast and later evolved into McFarland Brothers Sales and Service. In 1980, Don shifted his focus exclusively to selling heavy-duty trucks. He sold Kenworth trucks at Columbus Kenworth, Inc., for over 30 years, retiring in February 2023.

Don grew up on a farm. He was a member of 4-H and FFA as a youth and went on to be a founding 4-H Advisor of the Llamas-R-Us 4-H Club. He loved all animals, but llamas had a special place in his heart. For over 30 years, McFarland’s Farm has been known for its outstanding hospitality, educational programs, and award-winning llamas. In addition to numerous llama & alpaca organizations, Don was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fredericktown, Mount Zion Lodge #9 F. & A.M., 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite, and the Baldwin Shrine.

Don was passionate about his family and delighted in having four generations living on or near the family farm. In addition to his wife, Don is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Mike) Ruckman, grandchildren, Michael (Amanda), David (Eilidh), Ada, and Elizabeth, and great-grandchildren, Emma, Esther, Elyse, and Luna Ruckman, all of Mt. Vernon. In addition, he is survived by siblings, Betty Bechtel of Mt. Vernon, Roy (Linda) McFarland of Valley Center, KS, and Shirley (Dave) Harrison of Iberia; sisters in law, Norma McFarland, and Jane (Larry) McCarthy; brothers-in-law Neel (Barbara) Awwiller and Larry Awwiller, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by brothers, Frederick Jr. and Robert, brothers-in-law, Dean Bechtel, and Charles Awwiller; sisters-in-law Donna McFarland, Sue Joyce Awwiller, and Carolyn Awwiller.

The family received friends from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Lasater Chapel, 11337 Upper Gilchrist Rd., Mount Vernon. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, 17 South Main St., Fredericktown, Ohio. A graveside service was held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Friendship Cemetery near Mount Vernon. Military honors were provided by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council.Special thanks to everyone at Gentiva Hospice for their care and compassion, especially Destiny & Julia.Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Fredericktown’s “Friday Cafe” or the charity of your choice.

To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.The Snyder Funeral Homes are honored to serve the family of Donald L. McFarland.