Donald James Setar was a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather or "Papa", and great-grandfather; a caring shepherd, gifted musician and teacher, zealous preacher, adoptive and spiritual father to many, many people, and most importantly, a friend to his loving God, Jehovah.
Don, of Troy, IL, was 91. He was born on March 25, 1934, in Palmerton, PA, and fell asleep in death on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Belleville Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL. He was very proud of the fact that he had "special mightiness" (Psalms 90:10) and would often round his age up to the next year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Catherine (née Bruno) Setar; and his brother John Setar. Surviving is his wife, Patricia (née Price) Setar; his children, Mark (Denise) Setar of Highland, IL, Jennifer (Robert) Harland of Marion, IL and Stacia (Jeff) Carson of Troy, IL; grandchildren, Kelly, Christopher and Krystal Setar, Noah (Madison) Carson and Faith Carson; great-grandchildren, Lyric and Kyrie Setar and countless dear friends and spiritual family.
Don grew up in the Hazelton, PA area and had fond memories of playing in high snow drifts and being close to an extended family. He played the drums and the piano from an early age.
At 15, he won a statewide competition and played the piano on the radio. As a teenager, he would commute by train to New York City every week to take piano lessons from jazz musicians in Harlem. On one of these trips, he went into a used bookstore and found a book called The New World that would eventually end up changing his life.
He received his bachelor of music from Penn State University, served in the United States Army as a musician, and then earned his master’s in music from Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL. He worked his way through school by being a professional jazz pianist with his signature song being Misty. It was at Illinois Wesleyan that he met his precious "Pat", who he was married to for 64 years. After their marriage he continued to work as a jazz pianist and teacher but started thinking seriously about what he learned as a young man in Pennsylvania. Don and Pat had the privilege to study the Bible with missionaries in the Effingham, IL area and he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on October 10, 1961, with Pat also doing so four months later. He continued to work teaching music, elementary education, including fifth grade at Dupo Schools for 24 years, and after retirement remedial math to at-risk youths. Many of his students would come back at the end of the year or as adults to tell him that he had been their favorite teacher.
His most beloved thing to teach was the Bible. He conducted countless volunteer Bible studies with hundreds of people over the years and was a full time volunteer minister for almost 40 years. Don enjoyed many privileges over the years including conducting the theocratic orchestras for assemblies and conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses. He also directed two Bible Dramas, gave many discourses to large audiences of up to eight thousand or more.
Don was part of the Stand Firm program that would educate school children on the persecution and faithfulness of Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi Germany. He was also a member of the Hospital Liaison Committee of Jehovah's Witnesses for 26 years and considered this one of his greatest privileges. He worked tirelessly to get his spiritual brothers and sisters the medical help they needed and was a source of comfort to numerous people. He would also go to universities and colleges to present programs educating nursing, pre-med, and medical school classes on medical treatments.
Don knew no stranger. He loved to talk to everybody. Even in his later years when his health was failing, his zeal never did. He conducted Bible Studies on the phone and would keep lists of people to call, encourage, and check up on. He fondly kept mementos, newspaper clippings, and letters in his prized white binder that he enjoyed sharing with his visitors.
Don enjoyed playing games including checkers and especially spades. He also liked sports, notably the St. Louis Cardinal Baseball team.
Don savored his coffee, and had a well-known sweet tooth. He would delight in any sweet treat that someone would bring him with glee.
His positive attitude about life encouraged everyone he came into contact with. He had many common sayings including: "Hang in there", "That's the key", and "Keep up the good work".
Memorial discourse is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at The Saint Louis Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 953 Laredo Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63138. Family and friends will gather from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and after the memorial service.