Ralph E. Doner

Ralph E. Doner, 85, of Hanover, entered into God’s eternal kingdom surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at UPMC Pinnacle Hanover.

Born on Friday, June 3, 1932 in the village of Two Taverns in Gettysburg, he was the son of the late Samuel A. Doner and Ellenore Martz Doner Wine. A 1951 graduate of Eichelberger High School, Ralph was employed at Sprint Corporation, which was previously known as United Telephone Company, until he retired after 40 years of service. He started the PBX department in the Hanover office and held different positions at United Telephone throughout his career. He also attended various technical schools to continue his education in the telephone field.

Ralph served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 until 1955 and was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Conewago Valley AARP #4370, the Blue and Gray Stamp Club, and the Brethren Home Cancelled Stamp Program. In his younger years, he had been an avid bowler and would spend almost every evening at the bowling alley. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Judith G. Doner; two daughters, Kelly A. Rock of Las Vegas, NV and Teresa E. Hocker of Bloomingburg, NY; four grandchildren, Brian E. Rock of Las Vegas, Lieutenant Christopher L. Hocker of Mechanicsburg, Brittany N. Hocker of Statesboro, GA, and Elijah J. Rehill of New Paltz, NY; and two feline companions, Peaches and Tiger Lily.

A funeral will be held at 11am on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church with The Rev. Kate Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow in Marburg Memorial Gardens with military honors rendered by the Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends for a viewing one hour prior to the service in the church parlor.

In Ralph’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 30 W. Chestnut Street, Hanover, PA 17331.