Donald William Leifeld, Jr.

Donald William Leifeld, Jr, 56, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Monday, August 14, 2023.

Affectionately known as “Donnie”, “Donnie” was born on November 4, 1966, in Winona, Minnesota, a son of the late Donald William Leifeld, Sr. (Captain Don) of Winona, Minnesota and Judy Buchanan Leifeld of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Donnie has lived in the Charleston area since he was 5 years old. He graduated from St. Andrew’s Parish High School in 1987 in West Ashley. He spent over 47 years serving the Charleston area as the prominent son of the founder/owner of Captain Don’s seafood. Donnie worked tirelessly alongside his father and the rest of his family from before Captain Don’s Seafood even opened the doors for the first time. As his father expanded the business and ventured into other businesses, Donnie dutifully stepped into the managing role at the Seafood market in the early 1990s. Donnie was well known and highly regarded in the Charleston area community from friends and family, to loyal customers, to many local business owners as well as many local fishermen.

In his limited spare time, Donnie loved music. He shared this passion of music with his best friend since childhood, John Strickland and their many other friends. He attended concerts when he could and was known around the Charleston area night club scene as was John who is a part time DJ in the area.

Donnie was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He would do anything for his family and friends.

Donnie was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Van Barriger Leifeld and his parents.

He is survived by his three step-children: Heather Van Barriger of Charleston, SC, Shawn Van Barriger of Charleston, SC and Josh Van Barriger of Charleston, SC; a sister, Lynette Leifeld Mitchum of Charleston, SC; a brother, Ronald Leifeld of Leavenworth, KS; six step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as his loving companion, “Jaws-moon”.

The relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 1:30 PM, Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Hwy, Charleston. The Burial will follow at St. Paul's Episcopal Churchyard, 4981 Chapel Rd, Hollywood. The family will receive friends one hour to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Donald's name to The American Cancer Society, (donate.cancer.org).

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.