SYRACUSE – Donald E. Ritter Sr., 78, Syracuse, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 24, 2016, at Mason Health & Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw. He was born March 7, 1938, in Bourbon, to Floyd Eugene and Rosetta Marcell Conner Ritter. On May 26, 1956, in Bourbon, he married Evelyn Rose Mevis, who preceded him in death Nov. 30, 1982, and then on Dec. 5, 1997, in Syracuse, he married Sandra C. “Sandy” Cooperider Koher, who survives in North Webster. He attended Bourbon High School and was a United States Navy Veteran. He lived most of his life in the Bourbon, South Bend and Plymouth area before moving to Syracuse in 1983. He was former owner / operator of ARS Refrigeration, Syracuse, for 10 years and formerly worked as a machinist at Wheelabrator Corporation, Mishawaka, for 21 years and Goshen Rubber as an inspector. He was a member of the Strong Tower Worship Center in Ligonier and he enjoyed fishing and woodworking. Also surviving are one daughter, Tammy Ritter, South Bend; twin sons, Donald (and spouse Amy) Ritter Jr., Milford and Ronald (and spouse Linda) Ritter, Syracuse; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Pam Cole, Plymouth, and one sister-in-law, Patty Ritter, Plymouth. He was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandson, Bentley Flannery, and one brother, Lonnie Ritter. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Owen Family Funeral Home, Syracuse, with Pastor Josh Vargas of the church officiating. Military graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. at the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth. Calling will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. ***** Preferred memorials may be given to Strong Tower Worship Center, 502 W. Diamond Lake Road, Ligonier, IN 46767 or American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. To send condolences to the family in Mr. Ritter’s memory please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
