Donald E. Mortimer, 87, of Oil City, passed away Friday, May 17, 2019 at Oakwood Heights nursing home surrounded by loved ones.
Born June 13, 1931 in Oil City, he was a son of the late Samuel R. and Mary E. Guth Mortimer.
He was married to Gisela Kiefer on July 1, 1953 in Frankford, Germany. She preceded him in death on October 15, 1991. He later married Lida McDonough on February 14, 1992. She preceded him in death on November 24, 2007.
Don was a graduate of Oil City High School.
He served in the US Air Force as a Staff Sergeant from October 1949 to October 1953. Don served in Germany where he met his first wife, Gisela.
He was an electrician in the Oil City area for many years, owning his own lighting businesses, Mortimer Electric and the Lighting Center.
Don enjoyed wood working and stained glass. He has made many beautiful pieces for family and friends.
Mr. Mortimer attended Grace United Methodist Church in Oil City.
He is survived by a daughter, Janice (James) Pennington of Buffalo, NY, and many nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his stepchildren whom he loved like his own: Jay McKissick Jr. of Clarion, Cathy (Tim) Higbee of Chambersburg, William (Jone) McKissick of Venus, and Beth (Joe) Smith of Williamsburg; his grandchildren who loved him dearly: Chris and Mallory McKissick, Dane and Leah Higbee, Chad (Emily) McKissick, Chase (Stacey) McKissick, Channing (fiancé Julianna) McKissick, Chelsea McKissick, John (fiancé Shannon) Driscoll, and Bailey Smith; and great grandchildren Olivia McKissick, Hailey McKissick, Jay McKissick, and Cora Krahnke.
Don is also survived by his loving companion, Shirley Zacherl, and her children who considered him to be part of their family.
In addition, he is also survived by his brothers, John (Mary) Mortimer, Glenn Mortimer, and Carl (Nan) Mortimer.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, are a sister Betty Mortimer, a brother Samuel Mortimer, and a sister-in-law Shirley.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 21 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the Morrison Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, May 22, at 11 am with the Rev. Byron K. Myers officiating and full military honors accorded by the VETS Honor Guard.
Interment will be in Shaw Farm Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Oakwood Heights for the loving care that Donald received during his stay there. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.
To leave the family a special message, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.morrisonhome.com.
