David Witmer
June 23, 1935 — May 19, 2021 (age 85)
COLUMBIANA — David Witmer, 85, passed away Wednesday (May 19) at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on June 23, 1935 in Columbiana, a son of Ezra and Lulu Shaum Witmer.
David had worked as a farmer all his life and was the founder of Witmer's Feed and Grain in Columbiana.
He loved farming and had an appreciation for animals that started at an early age. It came as no surprise when David started raising exotic animals. People would come from miles away to see the animals on the Witmer farm.
David took great pride in the appearance of his farm and his beloved flower beds. He had a passion for flower gardening and it gave him great joy to see his flowers grow.
He also had a great sense of humor and was known for his mischievous pranks.
Mostly, David will best be remembered as a Godly man. He was a lifelong, active member of North Lima Mennonite Church and the Gideons. He served as both an elder and worship leader at his church and helped supervise many church building projects.
David also spent many hours passing out Bibles and spreading the word of God.
On Feb. 19, 2016, David lost the love of his life and his wife of 59 years, Joanna R. Steiner Witmer, whom he married Sept. 29, 1956.
He is survived by his children Terry (Tammy) Witmer of North Lima, Denise (William) Niemi of Salem, Mike (Laura) Witmer of Salem, Michelle (Andrew) Dula of Lancaster, Pa., Sharyn (Jim) Iwaniec of Portland, Ore., Jenelle (Rodney) Alderfer of Harrisonburg, Va., and Beth (Jonathan) Bowman of Lancaster, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Jan Witmer of Englewood, Fla.; 18 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
David was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and siblings Vernon Witmer, Anna Mary Weaver, Martha Bacher, Warren Witmer, Arlene Weaver and John Witmer.
His family will receive friends Wednesday (May 26) from 5 to 8 p.m. at the North Lima Mennonite Church. A "Celebration of Life" will be held Thursday (May 27) at 11 a.m. at the North Lima Mennonite Church with Pastor Robert Wengerd officiating. Burial will take place at Midway Mennonite Cemetery, Columbiana.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, a private meal will follow services.
Memorial donations may be made in David's memory to Gideons International, P.O. Box 74, Columbiana Ohio 44408.
The Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home in Columbiana is handling arrangements.
Family and friends may send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.
This story was originally published May 21, 2021 at 3:07 PM with the headline "David Witmer."