Donald E, “Whitey” Ruppert, 71, of 1410 Oakview Drive, St.Marys, OH, died 5:30 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2009 at his residence following a brief illness. 

He was born March 1, 1938 in Wapakoneta, OH, the son of Eamer and Norma (Eisert) Ruppert. 

He married Deloris Eloise Bailey on July 18, 1959; she survives at the residence. 

He is also survived by:

¨ Terry (Joyce) Ruppert of St.Marys, OH

¨ Lisa (Donnie) Peters of Indianapolis, IN

¨ 4 grandchildren:  Kelly Ruppert; Kyle Ruppert; Jill (Kevin) McWilliams; Brian Bondoc

¨ Brother, Dale (Patricia) Ruppert of Wapakoneta, OH

¨ Sister, Betty Johnson of Wapakoneta, OH

¨ Sister, Gladys Zwiebel of Wapakoneta, OH 

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Whitey was a 1956 graduate of St.Joseph High School in Wapakoneta.  He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp.  He retired after 38 years of service to West Ohio Gas Company, where he had served as Operations Manager.  He was a member of VFW Post 8445 in Wapakoneta, Eagles Lodge 691 in Wapakoneta, Ducks Unlimited, St.Marys Kiwanis Club and the Dayton Auto Racing Fan Club.  He loved sports and had coached youth basketball.  He was very devoted to his wife during her years of illness.  He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St.Marys.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2009 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St.Marys, the Rev. Matthew Lee, celebrant.  Burial, with military honors conducted by VFW Post 8445, will follow at St.Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta, OH. 

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, St.Marys, where memorial donations may be directed to Friends of Holy Rosary School.