Donald C. Wachtman

Donald Carl Wachtman, age 90, of Reynoldsburg, formerly of Pickerington, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at his residence.

Born Aug. 24, 1934, in Napoleon, Ohio, to the late Ferdinand and Mary (Otte) Wachtman; having one brother, William Wachtman, deceased, and four sisters, Laura Bahler, deceased, Marie Panning, deceased, Martha Young, deceased, and Hilda Green, deceased, all from the Napoleon area.

Don attended Napoleon public schools, graduating in 1952. He joined the U.S. Army in August 1955. After basic training, he was selected to be an honor guard at Arlington National Cemetery, being honorably discharged in 1957.

He then enrolled in Capital University, Bexley, Ohio, graduating with a BS in Education in 1961. He then studied in the Masters program in history and political science at The Ohio State University.

In 1962, Don married the love of his life, Carolyn Herath, whom he had met at Capital. They were married in St. James Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C.

Don and Carolyn lived in Columbus, Pickerington and Reynoldsburg. They had three sons, Stephen (Melea), Timothy (Rachel) and Andrew (Kristi), and were blessed with seven granddaughters, Annika, Jessica (Noah), Elli, Alison (Nick), Melissa, Adrienne and Amanda.

Don was very proud of and dearly loved his entire family, looking forward to family gatherings and other special times on annual vacations at the ocean and trips taken by all. During his life, Don worked as a teacher in the Worthington Public Schools before joining F & R Lazarus & Co. as a systems engineer, later becoming Director of Data Processing. Subsequently, Don joined Electronic Data Systems, Dallas, Texas, as a systems engineer and account manager in Information Technology, retiring from EDS after 20 years.

Don returned to his alma mater, Capital University as Director of Major Gifts for 19 years, retiring in 2013. Through the years, he was very active in Capital University activities, serving on the National Alumni Board including two years as president and the Board of Regents.

Don was very active throughout his over 50 years membership at Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pickerington, serving on committees and the church council, including a term as President of the Congregation. When Carolyn served as Director of the Junior Choir for 40 years, she and Don enjoyed many wonderful years of service as a team in Junior Choir activities, singing in worship services and producing special dramatic/musical performances.

Throughout his life, Don was very active in Epiphany service projects and local charities by volunteering in and supporting many social causes.

The family will receive friends and neighbors with a viewing at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Road N, Pickerington, 43147, on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, from 4-7 p.m., where funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, with Pastor Brad Gee officiating. Interment will take place later at Epiphany Lutheran Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Donald C. & Carolyn L. Wachtman Endowed Scholarship Fund, Capital University Advancement Office, 1 College and Main, Columbus, Ohio 43209, or to the Epiphany Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home & Crematory, Pickerington.

Online condolences at www.spencefuneralhome.com.