Lamar Dee Ritenour, Sr, was born June 1, 1941, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Silas and Elizabeth Ritenour. Lamar had 4 sisters, all of whom predeceased him. From oldest to youngest they are Carolyn, Wanda, Sue (Vivian), and Yvonne. Silas Ritenour was a union man working on the line for the late automaker Studebaker. Elizabeth was a housewife with her hands full with five children.
Silas and Elizabeth were devout Christians and raised their family accordingly in the Brethren Church. Lamar accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. He enjoyed outdoor activities and participated in The Boy Scouts, church camps, and sports, particularly fast pitch softball which was very popular in the 1950s in Midwest states like Indiana. Before joining the military, Lamar was so good at fast pitch softball, that he actually played on a semi pro traveling team for Studebaker in his senior year of high school.
After high school Lamar joined the US Army, following in the footsteps of 3 of his uncles who fought in World War II and a great grandfather who fought in the Civil War. All of these men survived their tours, making it home to their families. The one uncle, Robert Whiteman, was part of the D-Day Invasion and was led by General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge and the eventual march into Nazi Germany. Although Lamar did not see combat, he was sent to our NATO ally France, where he served his country with dignity and honor.
Basic training had occurred at Raleigh, North Carolina, and even though he had only dated her a few times, Lamar asked Donna to write him while he was gone, and she did so on a daily basis. The sweet young couple's love grew through this written correspondence, unheard of today, and after basic training Lamar returned to Indiana to marry Donna Jean Stump. The wedding took place in Indiana on August 3, 1960, and shortly thereafter Lamar had to return to his unit in North Carolina. The army sent Lamar to France in January of 1961.
Donna was able to join Lamar in France on May 18, 1961. They lived in Nancy, France, where their young eyes were opened as to life in post WWII Europe. They enjoyed this time together, and God blessed them in France with their first child, Lamar, Jr., who was born on September 11, 1962. They returned to the United States in December of 1962, setting up a home in Lakeville, Indiana, where Lamar took on many different jobs to support his family, including selling sweepers door to door and delivering bread. While back in Indiana, they were blessed with their second son, Christopher Deane, who was born on December 3, 1966.
In August of 1968 the young family moved to Florida, mainly due to health issues associated with hay allergies and the hard cold winters. On the move to Florida, the young family nearly had an accident coming through the mountains due to a bent trailer axle. On the side of the road a U-Haul delivery man exchanged trailers with them, helping the family transfer the items over as Donna was 7 months pregnant with their third child.
They settled in the small town of Sebring, a place previously visited by Donna with her parents. This is where their last child, Anthony Lynn, was born on November 18, 1968. Here is where Lamar began his long career in law enforcement, starting with the Sebring Police Department. Lamar would eventually work for the Winter Haven Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol, and finish his last 15 years with the Highlands County Sheriff's Department. There was a small stint from law enforcement in the restaurant business for nearly 3 years which both he and Donna regretted (as did Chris and Anthony). While at the Sheriff's Department Lamar started a new unit focusing on stopping drug sales called the SOU, the Special Operations Unit. While conducting an undercover operation at the 12 hours of Sebring, Lamar was injured when a drug trafficker tried to run him over. This incident eventually forced Lamar to take an early medical retirement at the age of 58.
Two of Lamar's sons followed in his footsteps of law enforcement. Chris began his career at the Sebring Police Department but has been with the Highlands County Sheriff's Dept for more than 20 years and is currently the Lieutenant over the jail system. Anthony went to law school and became an attorney and is currently the County Judge for Highlands County.
Throughout Lamar's life, he was active in his church, both at Southside Baptist Church and Bible Fellowship Church. At these churches he served in roles as an Awana leader, Sunday school teacher, Trustee, Deacon, and greeter. His faith continued even when he could no longer make it to church due to his physical limitations. He remained a daily reader of his Bible and enjoyed praying, both quietly and out loud at family gatherings.
Due to his physical limitations in his last years, Lamar had a nurse and caregiver-his loving wife of more than 61 years. Donna did all she could to ensure his final days were spent at home instead of a nursing facility and as pain free as possible.
At this time Lamar is at his heavenly home with his Savior and his oldest son and namesake (but the family always called him Mardee), who predeceased him due to cancer.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870
Silas and Elizabeth were devout Christians and raised their family accordingly in the Brethren Church. Lamar accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. He enjoyed outdoor activities and participated in The Boy Scouts, church camps, and sports, particularly fast pitch softball which was very popular in the 1950s in Midwest states like Indiana. Before joining the military, Lamar was so good at fast pitch softball, that he actually played on a semi pro traveling team for Studebaker in his senior year of high school.
After high school Lamar joined the US Army, following in the footsteps of 3 of his uncles who fought in World War II and a great grandfather who fought in the Civil War. All of these men survived their tours, making it home to their families. The one uncle, Robert Whiteman, was part of the D-Day Invasion and was led by General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge and the eventual march into Nazi Germany. Although Lamar did not see combat, he was sent to our NATO ally France, where he served his country with dignity and honor.
Basic training had occurred at Raleigh, North Carolina, and even though he had only dated her a few times, Lamar asked Donna to write him while he was gone, and she did so on a daily basis. The sweet young couple's love grew through this written correspondence, unheard of today, and after basic training Lamar returned to Indiana to marry Donna Jean Stump. The wedding took place in Indiana on August 3, 1960, and shortly thereafter Lamar had to return to his unit in North Carolina. The army sent Lamar to France in January of 1961.
Donna was able to join Lamar in France on May 18, 1961. They lived in Nancy, France, where their young eyes were opened as to life in post WWII Europe. They enjoyed this time together, and God blessed them in France with their first child, Lamar, Jr., who was born on September 11, 1962. They returned to the United States in December of 1962, setting up a home in Lakeville, Indiana, where Lamar took on many different jobs to support his family, including selling sweepers door to door and delivering bread. While back in Indiana, they were blessed with their second son, Christopher Deane, who was born on December 3, 1966.
In August of 1968 the young family moved to Florida, mainly due to health issues associated with hay allergies and the hard cold winters. On the move to Florida, the young family nearly had an accident coming through the mountains due to a bent trailer axle. On the side of the road a U-Haul delivery man exchanged trailers with them, helping the family transfer the items over as Donna was 7 months pregnant with their third child.
They settled in the small town of Sebring, a place previously visited by Donna with her parents. This is where their last child, Anthony Lynn, was born on November 18, 1968. Here is where Lamar began his long career in law enforcement, starting with the Sebring Police Department. Lamar would eventually work for the Winter Haven Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol, and finish his last 15 years with the Highlands County Sheriff's Department. There was a small stint from law enforcement in the restaurant business for nearly 3 years which both he and Donna regretted (as did Chris and Anthony). While at the Sheriff's Department Lamar started a new unit focusing on stopping drug sales called the SOU, the Special Operations Unit. While conducting an undercover operation at the 12 hours of Sebring, Lamar was injured when a drug trafficker tried to run him over. This incident eventually forced Lamar to take an early medical retirement at the age of 58.
Two of Lamar's sons followed in his footsteps of law enforcement. Chris began his career at the Sebring Police Department but has been with the Highlands County Sheriff's Dept for more than 20 years and is currently the Lieutenant over the jail system. Anthony went to law school and became an attorney and is currently the County Judge for Highlands County.
Throughout Lamar's life, he was active in his church, both at Southside Baptist Church and Bible Fellowship Church. At these churches he served in roles as an Awana leader, Sunday school teacher, Trustee, Deacon, and greeter. His faith continued even when he could no longer make it to church due to his physical limitations. He remained a daily reader of his Bible and enjoyed praying, both quietly and out loud at family gatherings.
Due to his physical limitations in his last years, Lamar had a nurse and caregiver-his loving wife of more than 61 years. Donna did all she could to ensure his final days were spent at home instead of a nursing facility and as pain free as possible.
At this time Lamar is at his heavenly home with his Savior and his oldest son and namesake (but the family always called him Mardee), who predeceased him due to cancer.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870
Lamar Dee Ritenour, Sr, was born June 1, 1941, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Silas and Elizabeth Ritenour. Lamar had 4 sisters, all of whom predeceased him. From oldest to youngest they are Carolyn, Wanda, Sue (Vivian), and Yvonne. Silas Ritenour was a union man working on the line for the late automaker Studebaker. Elizabeth was a housewife with her hands full with five children.
Silas and Elizabeth were devout Christians and raised their family accordingly in the Brethren Church. Lamar accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. He enjoyed outdoor activities and participated in The Boy Scouts, church camps, and sports, particularly fast pitch softball which was very popular in the 1950s in Midwest states like Indiana. Before joining the military, Lamar was so good at fast pitch softball, that he actually played on a semi pro traveling team for Studebaker in his senior year of high school.
After high school Lamar joined the US Army, following in the footsteps of 3 of his uncles who fought in World War II and a great grandfather who fought in the Civil War. All of these men survived their tours, making it home to their families. The one uncle, Robert Whiteman, was part of the D-Day Invasion and was led by General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge and the eventual march into Nazi Germany. Although Lamar did not see combat, he was sent to our NATO ally France, where he served his country with dignity and honor.
Basic training had occurred at Raleigh, North Carolina, and even though he had only dated her a few times, Lamar asked Donna to write him while he was gone, and she did so on a daily basis. The sweet young couple's love grew through this written correspondence, unheard of today, and after basic training Lamar returned to Indiana to marry Donna Jean Stump. The wedding took place in Indiana on August 3, 1960, and shortly thereafter Lamar had to return to his unit in North Carolina. The army sent Lamar to France in January of 1961.
Donna was able to join Lamar in France on May 18, 1961. They lived in Nancy, France, where their young eyes were opened as to life in post WWII Europe. They enjoyed this time together, and God blessed them in France with their first child, Lamar, Jr., who was born on September 11, 1962. They returned to the United States in December of 1962, setting up a home in Lakeville, Indiana, where Lamar took on many different jobs to support his family, including selling sweepers door to door and delivering bread. While back in Indiana, they were blessed with their second son, Christopher Deane, who was born on December 3, 1966.
In August of 1968 the young family moved to Florida, mainly due to health issues associated with hay allergies and the hard cold winters. On the move to Florida, the young family nearly had an accident coming through the mountains due to a bent trailer axle. On the side of the road a U-Haul delivery man exchanged trailers with them, helping the family transfer the items over as Donna was 7 months pregnant with their third child.
They settled in the small town of Sebring, a place previously visited by Donna with her parents. This is where their last child, Anthony Lynn, was born on November 18, 1968. Here is where Lamar began his long career in law enforcement, starting with the Sebring Police Department. Lamar would eventually work for the Winter Haven Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol, and finish his last 15 years with the Highlands County Sheriff's Department. There was a small stint from law enforcement in the restaurant business for nearly 3 years which both he and Donna regretted (as did Chris and Anthony). While at the Sheriff's Department Lamar started a new unit focusing on stopping drug sales called the SOU, the Special Operations Unit. While conducting an undercover operation at the 12 hours of Sebring, Lamar was injured when a drug trafficker tried to run him over. This incident eventually forced Lamar to take an early medical retirement at the age of 58.
Two of Lamar's sons followed in his footsteps of law enforcement. Chris began his career at the Sebring Police Department but has been with the Highlands County Sheriff's Dept for more than 20 years and is currently the Lieutenant over the jail system. Anthony went to law school and became an attorney and is currently the County Judge for Highlands County.
Throughout Lamar's life, he was active in his church, both at Southside Baptist Church and Bible Fellowship Church. At these churches he served in roles as an Awana leader, Sunday school teacher, Trustee, Deacon, and greeter. His faith continued even when he could no longer make it to church due to his physical limitations. He remained a daily reader of his Bible and enjoyed praying, both quietly and out loud at family gatherings.
Due to his physical limitations in his last years, Lamar had a nurse and caregiver-his loving wife of more than 61 years. Donna did all she could to ensure his final days were spent at home instead of a nursing facility and as pain free as possible.
At this time Lamar is at his heavenly home with his Savior and his oldest son and namesake (but the family always called him Mardee), who predeceased him due to cancer.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870
Silas and Elizabeth were devout Christians and raised their family accordingly in the Brethren Church. Lamar accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. He enjoyed outdoor activities and participated in The Boy Scouts, church camps, and sports, particularly fast pitch softball which was very popular in the 1950s in Midwest states like Indiana. Before joining the military, Lamar was so good at fast pitch softball, that he actually played on a semi pro traveling team for Studebaker in his senior year of high school.
After high school Lamar joined the US Army, following in the footsteps of 3 of his uncles who fought in World War II and a great grandfather who fought in the Civil War. All of these men survived their tours, making it home to their families. The one uncle, Robert Whiteman, was part of the D-Day Invasion and was led by General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge and the eventual march into Nazi Germany. Although Lamar did not see combat, he was sent to our NATO ally France, where he served his country with dignity and honor.
Basic training had occurred at Raleigh, North Carolina, and even though he had only dated her a few times, Lamar asked Donna to write him while he was gone, and she did so on a daily basis. The sweet young couple's love grew through this written correspondence, unheard of today, and after basic training Lamar returned to Indiana to marry Donna Jean Stump. The wedding took place in Indiana on August 3, 1960, and shortly thereafter Lamar had to return to his unit in North Carolina. The army sent Lamar to France in January of 1961.
Donna was able to join Lamar in France on May 18, 1961. They lived in Nancy, France, where their young eyes were opened as to life in post WWII Europe. They enjoyed this time together, and God blessed them in France with their first child, Lamar, Jr., who was born on September 11, 1962. They returned to the United States in December of 1962, setting up a home in Lakeville, Indiana, where Lamar took on many different jobs to support his family, including selling sweepers door to door and delivering bread. While back in Indiana, they were blessed with their second son, Christopher Deane, who was born on December 3, 1966.
In August of 1968 the young family moved to Florida, mainly due to health issues associated with hay allergies and the hard cold winters. On the move to Florida, the young family nearly had an accident coming through the mountains due to a bent trailer axle. On the side of the road a U-Haul delivery man exchanged trailers with them, helping the family transfer the items over as Donna was 7 months pregnant with their third child.
They settled in the small town of Sebring, a place previously visited by Donna with her parents. This is where their last child, Anthony Lynn, was born on November 18, 1968. Here is where Lamar began his long career in law enforcement, starting with the Sebring Police Department. Lamar would eventually work for the Winter Haven Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol, and finish his last 15 years with the Highlands County Sheriff's Department. There was a small stint from law enforcement in the restaurant business for nearly 3 years which both he and Donna regretted (as did Chris and Anthony). While at the Sheriff's Department Lamar started a new unit focusing on stopping drug sales called the SOU, the Special Operations Unit. While conducting an undercover operation at the 12 hours of Sebring, Lamar was injured when a drug trafficker tried to run him over. This incident eventually forced Lamar to take an early medical retirement at the age of 58.
Two of Lamar's sons followed in his footsteps of law enforcement. Chris began his career at the Sebring Police Department but has been with the Highlands County Sheriff's Dept for more than 20 years and is currently the Lieutenant over the jail system. Anthony went to law school and became an attorney and is currently the County Judge for Highlands County.
Throughout Lamar's life, he was active in his church, both at Southside Baptist Church and Bible Fellowship Church. At these churches he served in roles as an Awana leader, Sunday school teacher, Trustee, Deacon, and greeter. His faith continued even when he could no longer make it to church due to his physical limitations. He remained a daily reader of his Bible and enjoyed praying, both quietly and out loud at family gatherings.
Due to his physical limitations in his last years, Lamar had a nurse and caregiver-his loving wife of more than 61 years. Donna did all she could to ensure his final days were spent at home instead of a nursing facility and as pain free as possible.
At this time Lamar is at his heavenly home with his Savior and his oldest son and namesake (but the family always called him Mardee), who predeceased him due to cancer.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870
Inscription
SP4
US ARMY
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
