Donald C. “Ham” Eicher, age 89, of Delta, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, September 11, 2016 at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania. He was born in Wauseon on June 7, 1927 to the late Edward and Flossie (Wentz) Eicher. Donald attended Swanton Schools and graduated from Lyons High School. After graduating he served in the Marines from 1945-1946 and then moved to Delta when he married Phyllis Aumend on November 28, 1948.
Donald worked for Kroger in Swanton, built and ran the Taystee Freeze in Delta, co-owned the Family County Pride Market in Delta, worked for Baker Furniture and helped build the Fayette County Pride Market, he retired in 1993.
Donald was a proud member of the Delta Fire Department where he was active for 37 years and served as a rescue chief for seven years, the Lyons VFW Post #7574 and the First Church of God in Wauseon where he was very involved in the men’s group. He enjoyed cake decorating, clowning, wood burning, and spending time with family and friends.
Left to cherish in his memory is his wife of 67 years, Phyllis; three children, Douglas (Candy) Eicher of Delta, Bruce (Joan) Eicher of Indianapolis, IN and Karen (Dave) Arnos of Stryker; eight grandchildren, Katie Serna, Holly (Andrew) Wright, Mandy (Derek) Atwater, Mike (Beth) Arnos, Matt (Hannah) Arnos, Chris (Lauren) Arnos, Alison Eicher and Andrew Eicher; ten great grandchildren; three brothers, Lowell (John) Eicher, Joe Eicher and Larry (Skeet) Eicher; four sisters, Donna Johnson, Gertrude (Toot) King, Peggy Warren and Luella Markley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Archie Eicher and two sisters, Annabelle Erford and Janice Hein.
Friends will be received from 3:00 PM -8:00 PM on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109 in Delta where a Fireman’s Service will be held at 7:30 PM. A funeral service celebrating Donald’s life will be held at 11:00 on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the First Church of God in Wauseon. Pastor Paul Flores will be officiating. Interment will be private at Greenlawn Cemetery in Delta.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to the First Church of God, 507 North Fulton St., Wauseon, Ohio 43567 or to the Open Door of Delta, 104 Monroe Street, Delta OH, 43515 in his memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.
