Donald (Don) Carl Flaker, Iii

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Donald Carl Flaker, III  (June 2, 1979 ~ July 29, 2024)

It is with sadness, yet extraordinary joy, that the family of Don “Donny” Flaker informs friends and family that he has left his temporary earthly home and is now residing forever in heaven with his Savior, Jesus Christ. There to greet him were his grandparents, Rodney and MaryLu Warstler and Don Flaker, Sr.; uncles, Dave Flaker, and Tim Warstler; and many other saints that had gone before him.

Here to grieve the loss of his earthly presence are his parents, Don, Jr. and Liz (Warstler) Flaker; siblings, Andy (Joanne) Flaker, Nathan (Megan) Flaker, and Allison (Matt) Shipman; nephews, Luke and Zach Flaker; nieces, Nora, Lydia, and Tessa Flaker, and Hannah Shipman, and grandmother, Glenda Flaker. Also grieving their loss are his aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including his best friend for over 30 years, Josh (Erin) Speas, and countless co-workers from Advizex, (too many to name), that loved him and meant the world to him.

Donny was a 1997 graduate of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. His employment career started in high school at the Finast Supermarket in Cuyahoga Falls. Upon graduation from CVCA, he worked his way through college as a server at Grinders, (now Rockne’s), in Stow. He graduated from the University of Akron, (go Zips!), with a degree in accounting. It was in college that he came into his own, playing jokes and pranks on co-workers while still working hard. His accounting career landed him various jobs over the years with companies that included Flight Options, Advizex, Iron Road, and Advizex (again). His work years at Advizex were filled with witty and playful shenanigans (see co-workers for details).

The last several years of Donny’s life were spent battling a plethora of mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression, compounded by addiction to drugs and alcohol. Neither standardized nor self-directed treatments held the solution to his struggles, and he tragically lost his battle in an accidental drug overdose. The heartbreaking manner of his death ought not be repeated; if you know someone struggling with addiction, do not stop fighting for a solution to the underlying problem. Encourage them to seek professional help that can address the root cause of the illness. It may take time; start NOW to get help.

Donny accepted Christ at the age of ten and we thank God that as Christians our sins are forgiven - past, present, and future - when we accept Christ. There is no greater feeling than knowing that the soul of the one you loved is in eternity with Christ. We encourage you to seek out a church or a Christian friend NOW and find out how you can have that salvation through Christ.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday morning, August 10, 2024, at Goss Memorial Church, 2247 11th Street, SW, Akron Ohio 44314. Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. Pastor Matt Skifstad will lead the Celebration of Life at approximately 11:15 AM.

You may dress however you would like, but we are sure Donny would like YOU to wear YOUR favorite sports team attire or one of his favorites. His favorite sports teams were Manchester United Soccer, University of Akron Zips Soccer and Basketball, Ohio State Football, Duke Basketball, Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey, and Cleveland Indians Baseball.

Please, no flowers.  The family desires that donations be made to the Children's/Youth Ministries at Victory Life Church , 3833 Hudson Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224, or to the mental health association of your choice, such as National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1225 Dublin Road, Suite #210, Columbus, Ohio 43215 ( nami.org ), or Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite #412, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 ( adaa.org )