Vernon Daniel Witmer, 83, formerly of Columbiana-Canfield road, passed away at 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at the St. Mary's Alzheimer's Center in Columbiana. Mr. Witmer was born on April 14, 1925 in Columbiana, the son of Ezra and Lula (Shaum) Witmer. Vernon was a life long area resident. He worked at Brookside Laboratories as a soil consultant and previously worked at Witmer's Inc. and consulted for Witmer's Feed and Grain. During World War II, he served as a "Sea Cowboy" by taking care of livestock on ships in the Atlantic. Vernon was a member of Gideon's for over 50 years and a member of Midway Mennonite Church in Columbiana, where he and his wife served as deacons of the church, MYF sponsors, Sunday School teachers, and served on the board for several years. Vernon enjoyed growing Christmas trees and muskmelons. Vernon is survived by his wife, Vera M. (Horst) Witmer, whom he married on July 12, 1949. He is also survived by one daughter, Lois (John) Sauder of Lake Mary, Florida; three sons, Vernon (Bonnie) Witmer, Jr. of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, Richard (Margie) Witmer of Columbiana, Donald (Roxie) Witmer of Columbiana; three sisters, Martha (John) Bacher of Wolford, North Dakota, Anna Mary (Paul) Weaver of Leetonia, Arlene (Howard) Weaver of Middleburg, Pennsylvania; two brothers, Warren (Lucille) Witmer of Poolesville, Maryland, David (Joanna) Witmer of Columbiana, Ohio; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, John Witmer. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at Midway Mennonite Church in Columbiana with Rev. Herman Myers and Rev. Ernest Martin officiating. Friends may call from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2008 at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana and one hour prior to the funeral from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be in Midway Mennonite Cemetery. The family suggests that material contributions be made to the Gideon's.