Donald W. Heitger, Sr., age 81 of Jackson Twp. died Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Laurels of Massillon.

He was born October 1, 1930 in Massillon, the son of the late Leo and Mary (Braun) Heitger.

Don enjoyed sharing his unique story of how he got his driver's license at an earlier age. With two of his brothers overseas during WWII, he got his license at age 14 to drive for his Dad at Heitger Funeral Home for both the funeral business and the ambulance business.

He retired in 1996 from Danner Press Corp after 40 years as a photo lithographer and later was promoted to supervisor in the Prep Department. He also belonged to the Graphic Communications Intl Union, local C544.

Don was a veteran of the US Navy and served as a radioman. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and sang for the Boy's Choir. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council #554 for 58 years, a lifetime member of the NRA and a former member of Amvet's Post #12 and Sons of Herman.

He is survived by six sons; Donald Heitger, Jr. of Massillon, Mark (Linda) Heitger of Canton, John (Joyce) Heitger of Wooster, Matthew Heitger of Wooster, Christopher Heitger (Joseph Clauser) of Chicago and Kurt Heitger of Massillon; one daughter; Joni Heitger (Michael Marion) of Perry Twp.; two brothers; Robert (Doris) Heitger and James (Barbara) Heitger both of Massillon; three sisters, Irene Gray and Alice Ertle of Massillon and Dorothy Sturdevant of San Diego, CA; eight grandchildren, Nicholas and Samantha Heitger, Anton, Craig and Edward Heitger, Dustin, Eric and Joseph Heitger.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan (Meinhart) Heitger who died in 1998; a brother, Howard 'Tut' Heitger, and two sisters, Edna Kerrigan and Anna Briggs.

Visitation will be Tues. Dec. 20, 2011 from 5-8 PM at Heitger Funeral Service - Massillon Chapel, 639 First St NE, with a K of C 3rd Degree service prior to the visitation.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wed. Dec. 21, 2011 at 10 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Ed Gretchko celebrant.

Don will be laid to rest at Calvary Mausoleum in Massillon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of his wife Joan to Scleroderma Research Foundation, 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94104.

Please leave condolences at www.heitger.com