Donald E. Ritter Sr., 78, Syracuse, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 at Mason Health & Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw.

He was born March 7, 1938 in Bourbon, to Floyd Eugene and Rosetta Marcell (Conner) Ritter.

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 married May 26, 1956 in Bourbon, to Evelyn Rose Mevis who preceded him Nov. 30, 1982 and then on Dec. 5, 1997 in Syracuse, he married Sandra C. “Sandy” (Cooperider) Koher who survives. He was former owner and operator of ARS Refrigeration in Syracuse for ten years and formerly worked as a machinist at Wheelabrator Corporation in 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.

He is survived by his wife: Sandy Ritter, North Webster; his daughter: Tammy Ritter, North Webster; twin sons: Donald (Amy) Ritter Jr., Milford; and Ronald (Linda) Ritter, Syracuse; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister: Pam Cole, Plymouth; sister-in-law: Patty Ritter, Plymouth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, great grandson: Bentley Flannery, and brother: Lonnie Ritter.

Visitation will be from 3–5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29, in the funeral home with Pastor Josh Vargas of the church officiating. Military graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the New Oak Hill Cemetery, 124 N Michigan St. Plymouth.

Preferred memorials may be given to Strong Tower Worship Center, 502 W. Diamond Lake Rd., Ligonier, IN 46767 or American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.