Donald Werner

Donald E. Werner Jr., passed away at the age of 85 on Sunday night February 22, 2015 at Grant Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born on June 23rd, 1929 in his beloved South end of Columbus, and he never left. His parents Donald E. Werner Sr. and Dorothy (Cramer) Werner were both born and raised in the South end and never left. At the age of eight Don started working in his father's business, the well known South Side Cycle and Mower. Don worked there until the age of 82 when he turned it over to Mike Powell, who still operates the business today. In 1947 Don graduated from South High School, second in his class (Columbus Mayor Tom Moody, was first). 1948 saw Don enlist in the Navy. He served four years on the carrier USS Philippine Sea. While traveling home on leave he met the love of his life, a nursing student named Myrtle Faye Fyffe from Lexington, KY. They were totally devoted to each other until her death two years ago. In 1954 Don followed his father and uncle Elwood into the Columbus Fire Department. He started at old station 2, Fulton and Pearl. After 5 years he applied for the Lieutenant's test and it was nothing but up from there. Don steadily rose through the ranks. He served 13 years as the executive officer under Chief Ray Fadley. While he was 2nd in command, he spent his time with his beloved firemen, he was always in the station, on the truck, and in the streets side by side with his men. Upon Chief Fadley's retirement he became Columbus Fire Chief, serving from 1984 to 1991. After his forced retirement Don spent his time as a trustee with the C.M.E. Federal credit union, traveling North and Central America with Myrtle in their camper, and working in between at South Side Cycle. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Emerson. He is survived by his brothers Charles, Robert, and his sister Mary Lou. His three sons Thomas (Sherry), Timothy (Dawn), Aaron (Candy), and his grandchildren Mike, Nick (Amy), Christy,Timothy, and Grant, and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation Friday, February 27, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 S. High Street. Funeral service 10 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2015 (with visitation 1 hour prior to service) at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 322 Stewart Ave., Columbus, OH 43206, Pastor Snowden Sims officiating. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family would like to thank the incredible nurses on the 8th floor at Grant, the staff at Wexner Heritage House, and Dr. Sanford Melmed and his staff at Bexley Primary Care, for the fabulous care they all gave Don over the last 20 years. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Don's name. To sign and view Don's online guest book please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com