Donald L. "Mick" McDermitt, 81, St. Marys, died at 2:30 a.m. March 6, 2014, at Lima Memorial Hospital after a long battle with leukemia.

He was born Aug. 31, 1932, in New Bremen, to Clarence "Shorty" and Cordelia (Quellhorst) McDermitt. On Oct. 9, 1954, he married Mary Alice (Ruwoldt) McDermitt and she survives at the residence.

Also surviving are two sons, Steve (Bert) McDermitt, New Bremen, and Eric (Nancy) McDermitt, Fort Wayne, Ind.; six grandchildren, Douglas (Angela) McDermitt, Centerville, Matthew (Tessa) McDermitt, Minster, Greg (April) McDermitt, Middletown, Katie McDermitt, Indianapolis, Julie McDermitt, Fort Wayne, Andrew McDermitt, Fort Wayne; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley (Verl) Gayer, Gainesville, Fla., and Sue (Jim) Schnelle, St. Marys; a sister-in-law, Betty Monroe, St. Marys; a brother-in-law, Leonard (Shirley) Ruwoldt, Wapakoneta; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a 1950 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 and served four years. After his military time, he worked as a mechanic at Dull's Texaco Service Station. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Ohio Northern University in Ada. He later pursued a master's degree at Wright State University and Ball State University. He taught industrial technology at New Bremen Local Schools for 24 years.

He loved teaching, restoring antique cars, woodworking and traveling. Since his summers were free, he took month-long trips to Alaska, Europe and Nova Scotia and chaperoned students on trips to the Bahamas and to Japan as part of the Sister City Organization.

In complying with his wishes, there will be no visitation. A private burial service with Masonic Rites will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

He had requested that his life be celebrated by his friends, co-workers and family. A gathering of friends and family will be held 1-4 p.m. March 29 at the New Bremen Senior Citizens Center, New Bremen.

Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, has charge of the funeral arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.