Donald R. Witmer

1946 - 2016

Donald R. Witmer 1946-2016
age 70 of Massillon, Ohio, died on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016 in Spencer, W. Va. from injuries sustained in ATV accident. He was born in Massillon on June 1, 1946 and was the son of the late Maurice and Blanche (Ward) Witmer. He was a 1964 graduate of Washington High School. He then began his college education before being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving in Vietnam. Following his military service, he enrolled at Kent State University and earned his Bachelor's degree. In 1974 he started his career with the Massillon Police Department and served the city of Massillon for 37 years. He was the second longest serving police officer in the department's history, retiring in 2012 with the rank of lieutenant.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Bud Witmer.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Alice (Parsons) Witmer; his son, Stephen W. (Kathy) Short II, his daughter, Mary C. “Cathy” (Jeremiah) Kemp and his son, Richard B. (Emily ) Witmer. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Stephen W. (Amanda) Short III, Stephanie (Zack) Kieffer, Madison and Ripley Kemp and Bryan and Bailey Witmer, his great grandchildren, Ethan, Shannon and Sophia and his nephew Marc Witmer.
Friends may call at the Paquelet Funeral Home on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 11a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate and honor his life will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. To see an expanded obituary, visit www.paquelet.com
Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory
330-833-3222