Donald Wayne Wittmer

Donald W. Wittmer, age 85, a Wellington resident for the past 21 years, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at The Elms Retirement Village, Wellington after a prolonged illness. He was born on January 10, 1939, in Lorain and graduated from Clearview High School in 1957.

Donald served with pride in the United States Army in the Artillery Unit and later pursued a career as a licensed auctioneer for over 30 years, having attended the Northwestern Institute of Auctioneering and the Missouri School of Auctioneering where he received his appraiser's license. Additionally, he obtained a real estate agent and appraiser license after attending Lorain Community College.

An avid racing enthusiast, Donald built and drove race cars at various circle tracks in Ohio and neighboring states. Notably, he considered Ashfair Raceway in Ashland and Lakeville Speedway in Loudenville as his home tracks. His love for racing was highlighted by a memorable incident on June 5, 1966, when he went end over end at over 100 mph and got married the next day thanks to Lorain Ohio's Flying Fireman, Lex Olexen.

Donald was actively involved in community service, contributing to Lorain County 4H where he started the parents committee, Belden Boys Club, Huntington Future Leaders, and serving as the founding advisor of the Lorain County Draft Horse 4H Club.

He worked in various capacities at different companies, including Fruehauf Trailer Co, MTD in Valley City, Cleveland Steel, Anvil Attachment in Wellington, and Chalfant in Elyria.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Donald had a passion for carpentry, framing homes, and participating in the "Ohio Wagon Train" wihere his family took many week long trips in their covered wagoon.   More recently, he operated a machine and welding shop, specializing in a buggy business and building a horse-drawn hearse.

Donald is survived by his wife, Leona Mae (nee Gailliez) Smith Wittmer, whom he married in 2003; his son, Timothy Wayne (Lisa) Wittmer of New London; stepchildren, David Smith, Karen Smith, Judy Lemke, Michael Smith, Nancy Darnell, Stephen Smith, William, Carl, and Jerry Graham, Carol Weaver, Detra Jacobs, and Darla Johnson, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his previous wife, Helen Georgene Foisey Wittmer,  father, Wayne Windfield Wittmer; mother, Bernice Elizabeth (nee Squire) Wittmer; step-mother, Blanche (Baker-Poyle) Wittmer; brother, Albert Wittmer, sister, June Shawver, stepbrother, Ronald Poyle, step sister, Virginia Thoen, and good friend, Ora White.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 3, 2024 from 12 Noon until the time of a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street Vermilion OH. Pastor Jim Cooper will officiate, and interment will follow at Brownhelm Cemetery, Vermilion, where Military Honors will be presented.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.