Richard D. Witmer, Sr. 72, of Jackson Township, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2011 at home. He was born October 19, 1938 in Morley, Michigan, to Lowell and Esther (Deacons) Witmer.

He graduated from Morley High School and served with the U. S. Army. He had been an Electrician on the 80 inch Hot Strip at Bethlehem Steel for 37 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and following the local sports teams, but most recently it was the birds and squirrels at his feeder with his cats on the opposite side of the window that brought joy to his days.

On November 24, 1980 he married Connie Reynolds who survives along with children; Debbie (Dave) Cincoski, Kathy Witmer (Gil) Clifford and Rick Witmer, all of Chesterton; Jim (Danell) Witmer of Bloomington; step-children Lynn Reynolds of Ozark, Missouri; Laurie Reynolds (Ed Haas) and Libby (Mike) Stout of Chesterton; Danny Reynolds of Springfield, Missouri, Chris Reynolds of Valparaiso, sisters; Anna Olsen of Michigan, Julie Horn of Hobart, Doug Witmer of Knoxville, Tenn., and grandchildren Chris, Ryan, Andrew, Erin, Ashley, John Eric, Danica, Erica, Curtis, Garrett and Valerie.

Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory a private family service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or VNA Hospice of Porter County.

Posted 3/4/2011