Donald E. Ditmer

Donald E. Ditmer, 79 of Palm Bay, FL ( formerly of Eaton, Ohio) passed away peacefully on Sunday May 1st, 2016 at Palm Bay Hospital after a lengthy illness that began back in 2002 with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Donnie was born on August 24th, 1936 in Brookville, Ohio to Roscoe & Mary Ditmer (Buehner). He was one of seven siblings growing up in Eaton. In 1954 he graduated from Eaton High School after excelling in football, basketball and track. He is a member of the Preble County Sports Hall of Fame. Donnie served in the United States Air Force and was based in Okinawa, Japan among other locations. Upon returning home, he met and married Kay (Barnes) on August 1st, 1959 at Grace Lutheran Church, Eaton. They have celebrated nearly 57 years of marriage. He worked for AT&T, was co-owner of Shaver's Ice Cream Factory and worked as a sales associate for Dale Carter Ford and Rodney Cobb Chevrolet, he also enjoyed driving a school bus for Eaton city schools for many years. Donnie was also very active in the Eaton Community Little League and was a high school basketball official. He was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan. After spending their entire lives in Eaton, Don and Kay moved permanently to Palm Bay, Florida 5 years ago for their retirement. He is survived by his wife Kay: Daughter Donna Ditmer of Richmond, IN: Son Dean (Jennifer) Ditmer of Greenwood Village, Colorado: 5 grandchildren; Natasha Orr of Cincinnati, Ohio; Greg Holland, Terrill Holland & Leneah Holland all of Richmond, IN; and Abigail Ditmer of Greenwood Village, CO: 13 great-grandchildren and Loving dog Tolee: Sisters Mary Brower (formerly of West Alexandria, OH) Shirley Riley of Melbourne, FL; Linda Webb of Brownwood, TX : Brother Kenneth Ditmer of Eaton. He was preceded in death by brothers Eugene & Robert. A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 21st, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Grace Lutheran Church, Eaton. Pastor Warren Reichert officiating. The family will receive friends and family prior to the service from 9:00- 11:00 AM and immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. A private burial will follow at Preble Memory Gardens, 3377 US RT 35, West Alexandria, OH. Arrangements are being handled by Robert L. Crooks Funeral Center at Preble Memory Gardens. Online condolences www.rlcfc.com. The Family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Don's name to the Ohio State University; James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald E. Ditmer please visit our Sympathy Store.

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