Donald Eugene Wittekind

Donald Eugene Wittekind, 69, of Riverview Drive, Marietta, passed away Tuesday, (Nov.15, 2011) at his home with his family by his side.

He was born to Lee and Helen Clark Wittekind on Sept. 23, 1942, in Marietta. He graduated from Vincent High School in 1960.

On Aug. 24, 1962, he married Helen Jean Way, who survives. They celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in 2011.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Tom; his wife's parents, Waldo and Virginia Way; brothers in law, Ralph Way and his wife Dot, Jim Way and his wife Jean, and Doug Way.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; two daughters, Kelly Mallery (Doug) of Wheeling W.Va., Lisa Whiteley (Mike) of Whipple, Ohio; and a son, Tim Wittekind (Sherry) of Lowell, Ohio; and his grandchildren, Kayla and Trevon Mallery Samantha and Mikey Whiteley and Lee Wittekind.

Also remaining are his sister in law Dollie Davis and her husband Robert; his brother in law, Harry Way and his wife Veronica; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Ronnie and Sandy Smith and Jim and Betty Venham.

Don was a union brick mason in his early years and then had his own masonry business and built many fireplaces in the area. Later, he owned a scrap and recycling business. He and his son Tim worked together for many years and bought and sold heavy equipment. In his retirement, he spent most days at his son's farm with his constant companion Daisy. He especially enjoyed hunting with his grandsons.

Special thanks to Dr. Dennis, Dr. Vasan, Dr. Cawley and all the staff at Strecker Cancer Center, as well as the caring nurses at Hospice.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, (Nov. 18) at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home with Dr. Lloyd Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at Tunnel Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 p.m. Thursday until the hour of service.