The friendship between my parents and Uncle Dick and Aunt Vera began when they were young couples in their first homes - they started as neighbors and ended as lifelong friends.  And I am grateful for that friendship. Our families spent many weekends together growing up and I have such fond memories of the Ft. Wayne lake and Uncle Dick taking us water skiing on his boat. The relationship between me and the Doners continued into my adult life in Colorado and even my children now share fond memories of them as well - we spent time at their home in Steamboat and they came to our house in Vail - they were at my son's first birthday party.  It has been an epic friendship between families and Uncle Dick has been a positive force in my life. He was kind, principled and so intelligent. He will live on in the memories I shared with him. I am comforted that he is now in Heaven with my parents - I bet they had quite the reunion and the friendship continues.....
Kim Anderson (Andrews)

When my husband, Larry & I first moved to Ft. Wayne and began attending Trinity, Dick and Vera became our first friends.  We enjoyed many lunches with them, always enjoying Dick's account of how he and Vera met.  Their love for each other, God and their family always being apparent.
I am grateful I was able to know Dick  with his gentle demeanor and ready smile.  
Prayers for his beloved family!
Much love to you, Vera.  

-Peace,
Beth

Dear Vera and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Richard. My sympathy & deepest regrets go out to you at this difficult time. I pray that God brings you peace and comfort. Please know how much I care for you and your family. With love and God's Blessings, Virginia (Shopoff) Hoover.

Looking back on the times I had with Dedo, so many memories from my childhood appear: grace before breakfast in Christmas day each year, catching my first fish off a mickey mouse fishing rod and a piece of bread, playing billards in the basement, snowboarding down the hill by the pool, frolicking in the creek out back. As I grew up, interests evolved, but his desire to know me was always there: a true indicator of his love. We talked about school, swimming, engineering careers, and the like. He shared his experiences with me, and I have learned so much about him and myself through our conversations. Miss him greatly, but know he's in a better place. I love you and Baba so much! 
- Josh

It is very hard to put into words and sum up the life and spirit of my Dad. He had strong beliefs and principles and an unwavering faith. And he lived according to those principles, priorities and faith.  He is one of the most genuine people I believe I have known.  
Despite not having a father-figure in his life, he was raised in a loving home and became an amazing father and leader himself who was always present to Mom and us. He spent quality time with us so many nights, water skiing, swimming, fishing or skating in our backyard. We took amazing family trips together that made such an impression on me and gave me a love for the outdoors.
I never once doubted Mom and Dad’s commitment to each other. We could see it every day by how they lived.
Dad had a successful career but he left it with grace and dignity and then he spent many years working/serving/volunteering in the Ft. Wayne community and spending more quality time with Mom.  I used to talk to him quite a bit about his volunteer work and I admired what he did especially in the food pantry and then for the fathers-to-be in the pregnancy center. He always worked hard and played hard, even in retirement. 
His career was never number one for him. God was number one and Mom and family followed. We didn’t have to talk about the right order of things in life. He just lived them and provided a lasting impression on how to live a life of joyful service (I believe he even approached his career as service). He lived a life of love in action.
I have always looked up to my Dad in a hero-like way and Mom has been my angel and saint. As an adult, he always made me feel so important and loved when I walked in to see him. I will deeply miss the simple things….hearing him say “Hi sweetie”, his big smile and hug.  Rest in peace, Dad. 

Dick and Vera became dear friends almost as soon as we moved to Fort Wayne and joined Trinity 25 years ago this month.
They have influenced our lives so positively with their deep faith, their love for God, and love for their family and many friends. We could not have had better friends nor better Christian role models than Dick and Vera.

We have so many great memories of visits to each other’s homes and sharing Thanksgiving. Those wonderful memories include skiing with Dick in Steamboat.

Dick’s passing leaves a huge hole in our lives too. Our sympathy and love to Vera and their beautiful family. 

Richard Donor was the President CEO of Tokheim Corporation when I worked for Tokheim back in the mid 80's. He used to stop by my office and check in to see how my projects were going. A very thoughtful person. He had a way about him that truly showed he cared about you. He even rode on the Tokheim raft with us for the 3Rivers raft race in 1985. A man of strong character. He will be greatly missed.

Dick was a mentor and pillar of success in our family and community. These things made his disease even harder to bear for himself and for those who loved him and saw him change, especially Vera and his immediate family. Vera has always been one of my ‘go to for advice ’ persons, and I have always aspired to my sister’s knowledge, great strength, compassion, patience, devotion and love, all  traits which were amplified to  super-human in this situation. 
Dick was blessing to all who knew him and is in a better place, finally at peace.  He remains in our memories as he was before the disease took hold, and he will always be in our hearts and minds.  
Peace and Love, 
John & Sue, plus our children, John, Andy, Sarah, Nick & Lauren, 


Years ago, it was a special treat to go to the gasoline/service station…well, only if it was the shift when that tall, handsome, funny  guy (Dick) was working!  - I was three years old then.  Soon thereafter, on August 25, 1957 when I was almost 4 years old, that tall, handsome, funny  guy married my sister, Vera! For the event, I could dress up in a frilly dress and be their flower girl, and my older nephew ( by 18 months!) was their ring bearer! Perfect Day! (I am not skilled enough to attach the wedding party photo in this).
However, it was sad that Dick& Vera lived so far away, and wonderful that Mom and I could ride a train and visit them in their homes for at least a week at a time in either Michigan or Ohio.  It was definite time for us to visit when my nephews, (Steve and Jeff) and niece (Chris) were born!  
When I graduated from college, Dick worked at Chrysler, and so it was natural for me to buy a Plymouth Duster ( -a whole family decision !  As my husband says, I had 8 parents: 2 biological, three siblings and their three spouses, including Dick !).  A blessing!! )
Years later: “Hoooray!”! Dick, Vera and family were moving back to Ft. Wayne and stayed with Mom and me while their house in Kekionga Shores was being built! What fun!
Fast forward with their undying love…Vera was my Matron of Honor and Dick was a groomsman when John and I married!  Their generous hospitality continued, and they invited us to their condo in Colorado where our family spent many summer vacations. 
While John does not advise comparing yourself to others, John always tells people, 
        	“Never compare yourself to Dick.  He is a real rocket    scientist, the CEO of a  major company, father of an amazing family with great faith and just a great guy.  If you do, you will always come up short!” 
Dick was a mentor and pillar of success in our family and community. These things made his disease even harder to bear for himself and for those who loved him and saw him change.

Vera and family,  My sincere condolences on your loss.  I enjoyed knowing Dick through Trinity Episcopal Church.  He was always warm and friendly.  I know his health had been declining and hope that you will be able to treasure your memories from happier times.  Sending my prayers.  Ryan Chasey

I was an employee of Tokheim Corporation and always had a great deal of respect for Richard as CEO.  A very professional leader yet very friendly to the employees.  Years after I left Tokheim, Richard joined the church I am a member of and we became even closer friends then.  I would see him at the YMCA often too and he would always start an interesting conversation.  He was a very intelligent man, a great friend but mostly a man dedicated to Christian living and family.

I am so grateful to have had Grandpa in my life for the past 27 years. He truly lived out the gospel in the way that he cared for his family and in serving others. Even while living in different states, he always made an effort to be a part of my life. I have many sweet memories of him to hold onto, including vacations in Colorado, graduations, Christmas celebrations, birthdays, and my wedding day (pictured). He was always willing to help me out with school projects too, including a veteran interview in middle school and a personal finance project in college. 
His achievements have inspired me in my own career. But what I admire most about him was his desire to serve others with his time and resources through volunteering and church activities. He is a beautiful example of a "good and faithful servant" described in the Bible. We will miss him dearly. 

Some of my favorite times together were spent in his backyard messing with his koi pond--he let me catch a fish from the lake nearby and keep it in the pond--and building dams across the creek in his backyard (he always got a laugh out of how I called it a "dang"). We made some silly videos together when I was a little older called the "Richards Show" that we'd show our family. I usually saw him as a great play mate growing up, but when I was older had some chances to have actual conversations together that were always easy and fulfilling. Someone who I looked up to.

I have a fond memory of Dick (and Vera) welcoming me into the family with open arms.  Prior to meeting Dick, I felt intimidated by the fact he was a CEO.  Much to my surprise, he was just a regular guy!  Another special memory I have is from 30 years ago.  I had been offered a job promotion and was apprehensive about taking the job for several reasons.  But, Dick discounted all my reasons and strongly encouraged me to take the job.  And he was right!  It was a good career move.  So, when I get to heaven I will thank him  :) 

 Jane, a grateful daughter-in-law                                                    


Dad’s passing is a blessing for sure considering he was 87 and has been declining with dementia for at least five years. Compared to the final loss it was much tougher for me to see him living at the nursing home where he has been for the past year since it became too difficult for mom to care for him at home. What a saint mom was caring for him at home even longer than was prudent. 

Seeing dad living at the nursing home was made all the more difficult by the fact that he was a larger than life towering figure at his peak as CEO of one of Fort Wayne's largest public companies. In spite of that it never went to his head and those who knew him never doubted his integrity, faith and total commitment to his family. I can't remember a time when he was not my primary role model (hero even). If I could be half the man he was I'd be twice the man I can reasonably aspire to be.

After leaving his CEO post at around age 55, he dedicated the remainder of his life to charitable activities. Not primarily board positions, though he had some, but hands-on work helping the sick and disadvantaged through a number of local charities. This was a financial risk for he and my mother.

It's very strange losing someone with dementia or Alzheimer's. The loss occurs over time and when the final moment comes it's odd because so much of the person was already gone months or years before. He could barely talk when we spoke last weekend and his memory was only a few seconds long if that.

We were not a touchy-feely family so "I love you" was rarely said out loud and pretty much never between two men except maybe at the end of a card or letter. However, there was never any doubt about what was left unsaid. But he was so pathetic sounding on that last phone call I reflexively said it as we said goodbye for the last time. Even though he could barely speak at all, he managed to mumble it back. Could not have been a more perfect sendoff.


We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you, your Mom and your family in our thoughts and prayers. 
Joann and Andy Felten

OBITUARY

Richard B Doner

February 5, 1933 – November 3, 2020

Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home

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