Donald Edward Ritter, 92, of Peachtree City, Ga., passed away on December 28, 2016 after complications from a fall.
Don was born in Aurora, Ind. on October 23, 1924 to the late Harry and Ruth Ritter. When he graduated from high school, he enrolled at Indiana University in 1943. His college experience was interrupted by World War II, where he served in the Pacific Theater as a B-24 Bomber Navigator. Upon his return from military service he continued at Indiana University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1949. A prolifically talented athlete, Don played both varsity baseball and basketball at Indiana University, achieving national All-American status in each, and giving IU its first All-American award in baseball. He was sought after by professional baseball teams, but decided not to sign. He was inducted into the Indiana University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.
Don was married to his beloved wife Joan Hunter in 1949, the marriage lasted 50 years until her death. He was remarried in 2000 to Carol Trexler until her passing in 2009. Don worked in textile manufacturing for more than 25 years, eventually becoming manager of five operating plants in the company printing division. He was a passionate sports enthusiast, and was an outstanding and avid golfer. He contributed to many charitable organizations, and was an active participant in the United Methodist Church. Despite his accomplishments, he considered his most important duties the cultivation of the love of his family (who adored him), generosity to a fault, and finding the good in everyone he met.
He is preceded in death by his parents Harry and Ruth Ritter; and his sister, Marge Glass; brother, Harry Ritter. Don is survived by his two children; Steven E. Ritter and his wife Cindy, Gary D. Ritter and his wife Suzanne; his five grandchildren Steven Ritter, Aaron Ritter, Jeremy Ritter, Jessica Fenn and Lance Ritter; great-grandchildren Jedidiah Boerger, Jack Boerger, and Edward Ritter; and his nephews Michael Tucker, Kirk Ritter, and niece Karen Wilson.
The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Mowell Funeral Home in Peachtree City. Reverend Sean Robinson of Peachtree City United Methodist Church officiatied. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on January 2, 2017 at Mowell Funeral Home. Burial followed the funeral at Westminster Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers; the family request that donations may be sent to the United Service Organization (USO) at www.uso.org.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City –www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
