J. Donald Witmer

J. Donald Witmer, 83, of 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, formerly of Denver, PA and Pequea, PA, died Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at the Mennonite Home. His wife, R. Naomi (Shank) Witmer, survives.

Born in West Lampeter Twp., he was the son of the late Arthur G. and Katie H. (Landis) Witmer. He graduated from Penn Manor High school in 1948.

He was a farmer in southern Lancaster County for 35 years. He was also employed in the housekeeping department of Willow Valley Restaurant (1969-1980) and Millersville University, from 1980 until retiring in 1997, and part time at Weaver’s Store, Fivepointvillle from 1999-2009.

Over the course of his life, he was a member of Willow Street Mennonite Church, River Corner Mennonite Church, and New Covenant Mennonite Fellowship, New Holland.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Ruth Ann married to John D. Kulp, Harleysville; Dennis E. Witmer married to Rachel Brubaker, Spokane, WA; Marian J. Witmer, Schwenksville; and K. Sue Witmer, Lancaster; five grandchildren; one great granddaughter; five siblings: Anna E. married to John H. Miller, VA; A. Clyde Witmer, Lititz, Lois A. Witmer, Lititz; Ethel married to Elwood Swartzentruber, IA; and Dorothy M. Hess, OH.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth L. Garman.

His funeral will be held on Monday, November 4 at 10 a.m. at Eckenroth Home for Funerals, 209 E. Main St., Terre Hill with Pastor Luke Martin officiating. Interment will be in New Covenant Mennonite Fellowship Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and on Monday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Eckenroth’s. Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be sent to Hospice & Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.