Donald F. Tommer, age 81, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.

Don was born November 27, 1941, in rural Waterville to Francis V. and Amy I (Fisher) Tommer.  He graduated from Waterville High School in 1959, then joined the US Navy.  He married Dixie L. Thornton in 1971.

Don was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 38 years.  He was a member of St. Monica and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and was also a member of Springer Post 332 of the American Legion in Waterville.

He was an avid outdoorsman loving to hunt, fish, garden, and watch birds.  He also had a passion for collecting historical items.  In years past he and Dixie loved to square dance and play cards.

Survivors include Don’s wife Dixie, his three children:  Rebecca, Robert of San Diego, and Wayne of Newton, a brother, William, and wife Sandy of Silver Lake, four grandchildren:  Phillip and wife Lauren of Manhattan, Sarah, Hayden and Kerstin, and two great grandchildren: Ella and Fisher.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, November 10, 2023, at St. Monica and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Blue Rapids with Father Anthony Chendumalli as the Celebrant. Rosemary Forst will be the organist. Honorary Bearers are Martin and Linda Merrill.  Inurnment with Military Honors by Springer Post 332 of the American Legion and an Honors Detail from the US Navy, will be at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Cemetery in Marysville.

Memorials are suggested to the Don Tommer Memorial and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.