Donald W. DeArment

Donald W. DeArment, 90, of Martinsburg, formerly of Bedford, was welcomed into heaven on Sunday, August 31, 2025. He was born on January 15, 1935 in the small town of Howard, a son of the late Harry B. and Beulah M. (Foss) DeArment. On October 14, 1957 in Bedford, he married Margaret “Margie” G. (Koontz) DeArment, and they have enjoyed nearly 66 wonderful years together. Carrying on their legacy is their son, Daniel DeArment and wife Rena of Bedford; two grandchildren: Elise and Evan; and nieces and nephews, Shirley Gates, Carolyn Montgomery, Jeffrey Weight, Robert L. DeArment Jr., Richard DeArment, Joan Coppes, Linda Shaub, and Debbie Koontz.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert L. DeArment and a sister, Beulah Weight.

Donald graduated from Howard High School in 1952 and went on to attend Penn State University in the fall of that year. University life wasn’t the right fit for Don, so he decided to enlist in the U.S. Naval Reserve in January of 1953 during the Korean Conflict. He served aboard the Navy Destroyer, U.S.S. Laffey from 1955 to January 1957 and was honorably discharged after serving four additional years in the Naval Reserve. His commitment to serving his country continued in 1960 when he was the Director of Veteran Affairs for Bedford County until 1963.

After serving in the Navy on the U.S.S. Laffey, Don returned home and quickly found his life’s passion and vocation in the insurance business. His father owned and operated DeArment Insurance Agency in his hometown, but Don set out to forge his own path by working as an insurance adjuster for Penn National Insurance Company for several years. The work brought him to Bedford, where he met the love of his life, Margie. That same year, Don opened his own insurance agency in Bedford, DeArment Insurance Associates, Inc., where he would serve as President and CEO for the next 40 years. A few years after opening his insurance agency, Don joined Friends Cove Mutual Insurance Company where he would serve as a claims adjuster, working his way up to the general manager position, and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1971. In the subsequent years, he served as Friends Cove Mutual’s President and CEO and ultimately Chairman of the Board. Overall, his insurance career spanned 66 years, culminating in his retirement from Friends Cove Mutual’s Board of Directors in December of 2023.

Don’s career was not only limited to Insurance. In 1985 he embarked on a parallel career in investments and financial advising. He spent 38 years helping his clients plan and save for retirement. He loved this work deeply because he was able to help so many members of the community grow their investments to enjoy their retirement. In his later years, one of his greatest joys was to simply sit with his clients and enjoy long conversations about their families and their lives.

Don cared deeply about the community and the people of Bedford. He was active in many service organizations over the years, including Bedford Masonic Lodge No. #320, F&AM.   Perhaps his greatest contribution to the community was his desire to form a community bank. In 2006, Don reached out to other community leaders and worked together to form what would become Hometown Bank of Pennsylvania. He believed that banking should be a local activity and that the people making decisions at a bank should be members of the Bedford community. The concept resonated with the community and nearly 20 years later, Hometown Bank continues to be a bank for the community.

Donald was more than just a business owner and community leader. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being in the great outdoors. He also had a penchant for country music and enjoyed playing his mandolin with family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bedford Methodist Church, with Rev. Robert Marsh officiating. Friends will be received on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the Bedford Methodist Church. Those wishing can make a memorial contribution in Don’s name to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.

Operation Smile
3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach VA 23453
Web: https://operationsmile.donorsupport.co/page/FUNYWHDJFPF?s_src=cpc&s_subsrc=Google&utm_campaign=paid&