Raymond F. Witmer, 90, died on Sunday, January 12, 2014 with his family at his side at the Willow Valley Communities.Born at home in Strasburg Township on December 3, 1923, he was the husband of Louise A. (Zeitler) Witmer for 63 years and the son of the late Clair H. and Minnie B. (Rohrer) Witmer.
Raymond was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg for 62 years, throughout which he was active as a Trustee and elder.The dairy industry was Raymond's calling.Raymond graduated from Lampeter High School in vocational agriculture.He and Louise operated Penn Del Farm (the farm on which he was born), a well-known purebred Guernsey farm along Beaver Valley Pike, in Strasburg Township for 36 years, where they developed numerous production records and award winning animals. Most prominent was his pride and joy, Penn Del Vesuvius Glenna, three-time national champion cow.
Raymond held office and was recognized in many dairy-related business circles including: FFA; 4-H; county, state, and national Guernsey Associations; the Pennsylvania Dairy & Allied Industries Association; and the Lancaster County Farm & Home Foundation.He was a Board member of the Lancaster County National Bank (ultimately Hamilton Bank), and served for 20 years on the Strasburg Township Zoning Hearing Board.
Raymond is survived by his wife Louise; four children:Peter C (husband of Phyllis J.) of Leola; Mark Z. (husband of Betty J.) of Lancaster; Susan L. Silverstein (wife of Mitchell L.) of West Chester; and Mary A. Wile (wife of William H.) of Willow Street; and five grandchildren: William Witmer of Lancaster; Kenneth Witmer of Washington, DC; Jenna Witmer of Lancaster; Zacharie Silverstein of West Chester; and Gabriel Witmer of Leola.
Also surviving are his brother J. Rohrer (Mary Ella) Witmer of Willow Street, and his sister Miriam Bollinger of Brethren Village.He was preceded in death by brothers Mervin Witmer and Paul R. Witmer, and his sister Mary Meyer.
A memorial service celebrating Raymond's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, 101 South Decatur Street, Strasburg, PA on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 11:00AM with Rev. Robert K. Bronkema officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30AM until the time of service. Traditional burial will be held privately at Willow Street Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Raymond's memory to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Arrangements entrusted to Murray A. Miller at Reynolds Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Quarryville, PA.To send an online note of condolence, please visit our website at reynoldsfuneralhome.net.