Donald Eugene Kretzer

Donald Eugene Kretzer 86 of Bainbridge passed from this life Monday, February 6, 2023, at Adena Regional Medical Center, Chillicothe. He was born Tuesday, November 17, 1936, in Bainbridge to the late Carl Nathaniel “Nat“ Kretzer and Hazel M. (Elliott) Kretzer.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Barbara L. Gallaugher Kretzer whom he married May 31, 1958. Also surviving, daughter Becky (Bob) Ward; sons Bradley (Becky) Kretzer and Brett (Andria) Kretzer all of Bainbridge; grandchildren Meggan (Sarah) Willmann-Ward, Ben (Jennifer) Ward, Emily (Matt) Witten, Jake (Skye) Kretzer and Sarah (Brandon) Swepston; great grandchildren Christian, Brianna and Noah Fetters, Lily Ward, Lincoln Ward, Sadie Witten and two great grandsons on the way; sister Janet (Dan) Crusie of Florida; and a host of other family members.

Don graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1954. After graduation he continued to work on the family farm but a few years later he began working at Chilpaco where he was known by all as “Cowbell”. He was a charter member of the Igniters Street Rods, Inc. founded in 1955, a member of the Paint Valley Camera Club, past member of the Bainbridge Fire Dept and Bainbridge Presbyterian Church. Don also owned and operated Kretzer’s Pay Lake.

Funeral services will be held 1 pm Friday at the Smith-Moore-Ebright Funeral Home of Bainbridge with Pastor Kathleen Kisner officiating.  Following the service Don will be laid to rest in the Bainbridge Cemetery. Friends may visit with Don’s family from 11 am until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Bainbridge Fire/EMS PO Box 551, Bainbridge, Ohio. 45612 in Don’s memory.