Donald J. Richter

Donald J. Richter, age 92, of Leroy, passed away early Friday morning, March 10, 2017 at West Rest Haven in West. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald, with Rev. Bruno Schrader officiating. Burial will follow at Gerald Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Donald was born on April 14, 1924 in Leroy, the son of William "Bill" and Emilie (Damm) Richter. He attended school in Leroy and graduated from West High School in 1942. He went on the receive a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Farm Economics from Texas A & M University with the Class of 1946. Donald served his country in the United States Army during World War II with the 300th Combat Engineers. On June 10, 1951 he was united in marriage to Wilma Marie Altus in Gerald. Don worked for The Leroy Bank for over 33 years and was a manager for the Leroy Water Supply until his retirement. He was a faithful member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald where he taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was on the Church Council for many years. He was also a member of the Leroy Volunteer Fire Department, Texas A & M Century Club, West High Band Boosters, West PTA, and the MCC Founding Board. Donald enjoyed his cats, reading, cooking and was an avid Houston Astros fan. He especially loved spending time with his family. Donald is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Richter; and a sister, Wilma Jones. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Wilma Richter of Leroy; a son, William Richter and wife Dalila of Waco; two daughters, Donna Richter of St. Petersburg, FL and Julianne Richter Smith and husband Gerald of Austin; a sister-in-law, Esther Hailey and husband Jim; a granddaughter, April Segovia; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Brad Schrader, Brian Schrader, Bruce Schrader, Steve Schrader, Chris Schrader, Drew Schrader and Todd Schrader. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gospel Cafe in Waco.