Donald Walter Witmer, 72, of Washington Boro, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at home alongside his loving family. He was the devoted and loving husband of Joan (Hostetter) Witmer for 53 years.

Born in Washington Boro, Donald was the son of the late Walter Witmer and Helen (Kauffman) Biechler.

Donald was a passionate, highly successful, lifelong Manor Township farmer. He transformed a small loan from his grandfather into a 1200-acre business. Donald bought his first farm at the age of 18. He was a pioneer in perfecting the double-cropping of soybeans by building his own planter and was one of the first farmers in Manor Township to preserve farmland. He started farming very early in life where he performed custom work on farms. He oversaw a multi-generational and disciplinary farm that grew corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, and tobacco, and raised hogs, steer, and chickens. Specifically, he raised chickens for Longenecker Hatchery for over 45 years and he appreciated their partnership together. He started the Letort Valley Farms Partnership in 2000 with his son Kevin and family and was most proud of his strong influence on many young adults.

Donald was an Alumni of the Manor Future Farmers of America (FFA) and a member of the Stehman's United Methodist Church where he served as the Greenfield Cemetery Treasurer, and a church trustee. He also served on the Manor Township Planning Board for several years. Donald enjoyed spending time with family and friends, antiquing, attending farm shows, supporting the FFA through the purchasing of Fair Animals, and simply enjoyed talking about agriculture and driving one of his tractors on the farm.

In addition to his wife, Joan, he is survived by his four children: Kevin D., husband of Jennifer (Tomlinson), of Millersville, Kathy W., wife of CAPT Michael Roschel, of Huntingtown, MD, Amanda S., wife of Thomas Taglieri III, of Conestoga, Wendy J Witmer, companion of Jun Kim, of Washington Boro. Also surviving are his 12 grandchildren and his brother, Glenn Witmer of Millersville.

Donald was predeceased by his father, Walter, husband of Arlene, his mother Helen, wife of John Biechler, and his son-in-law, Lee Failla.

Relatives and friends are invited to join Donald's family for a visitation from 6PM to 8PM, Friday, January 17, 2025, at Stehman United Methodist Church, 485 Indian Run Road, Millersville, PA 17551. Funeral Services will be held at the church on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11AM. A visitation will be held at the church, from 9AM until 11AM. Interment will follow the service at Greenfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lancaster Farmland Trust or Hospice & Community Care .