June 21, 2016

Donald George Ritter, age 89, Linn Valley, Kan., passed away on Monday, June 20, 2016, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.  He was born at Granville, Penn., on Nov. 6, 1926, the son of William and Laura Wheeler Ritter. 

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II.  He married Helen Deel on March 20, 1947, at Charleston, S.C.  He worked in the construction industry for several years before retirement and was a member of the Laborers Union Local No. 663.  Don loved his family and enjoyed sports and traveling.  His favorite teams were the Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Eagles and the Missouri Tigers.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jack and Dickie; and three sisters, Betty, Nancy, and Frances.  

Don is survived by his wife, Helen; a son, Don Ritter Jr., and wife Barbara; three brothers,  William Ritter Jr., Sam Ritter and Danny Ritter; one sister, Mary Ann Crosse; two grandchildren, Dawn Shaw and Amy Ritter; and five great-grandchildren,  Dustin, Storm, Riley, Drake and Kirstie.   

Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, La Cygne Chapel.  Burial with Military Honors will be in the Trading Post Cemetery.  The family suggests contributions to the Cancer Centers of America, in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences for the family can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.  Arrangements:  Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, La Cygne Chapel.