SALEM, Ohio — Robert L. Witmer, 75, died at home Feb. 20, 2013.
Witmer, son of the late Paul and LaRue Witmer, was born May 13, 1937 in Columbiana.
He is a graduate of Greenford High School, Malone College and also received his master’s degree from Westminster College.
Witmer served as coach, teacher and administrator in various capacities in the Kidron and Columbiana areas. He began his career as a teacher at Central Christian School, and then moved on to principal at South Range Elementary and Middle School.
Over the years he also served as an administrator at Central Christian, Wooster Christian, Kingsway Christian and East Liverpool Christian schools.
In the midst of his career in education, Witmer also co-owned and managed W.W. Equipment, a John Deere dealership, as well as also pursuing a life of farming. His passion for farming began at an early age. He, with his father and family, raised a nationally recognized Brown Swiss herd.
Later in life he was able to share this love of farming with his son, Mark, as they established another herd of record-breaking Brown Swiss cows.
Witmer was known for his love of animals, history and music, including singing in the church choir while he was an active member at Greenford Christian Church. He was also an active member at Leetonia Mennonite Church earlier in his life.
Witmer is survived by his wife, Barbara (Helmuth) Witmer, whom he married Dec. 29, 1962 and recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with; his three sons, Mark, Jon and Mike Witmer; his daughter, Beth Martin; and a sister Martha Jean Mercer; and 11 grandchildren.
Witmer was preceded in death by his brothers, Dean Witmer and Paul Witmer Jr.
Funeral services were held Feb. 24 at Greenford Christian Church with Sean Kelly officiating.
Burial is at the Midway Mennonite Cemetery.
