Rathert, Donald Erhart, Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Beloved Husband of Jean Rathert (nee Demper); loving father of Dori (Dan) Cefilli, Donna Sessa, Terri (John) Brinker and Steve (Cathy) Walker; cherished grandfather of Jason (Nxyie) Dominion, Derek Dominion, Rene (Eric) Olbruck, Kristy (Jonathan) Houston, Toni (Andy) Korte, Rachel (Kevin) Dill, Lindsey Walker, Adam Walker; treasured great grandfather of Kimberly Dominion, Braeden Olbruck, Kylie Olbruck, Kolton Olbruck, Parker Houston, Knightley Houston, Quinn Houston, Wade Houston, Camden Houston, Jack Korte, Oliver Korte, Harper Dill and Lydia Dill; dearest brother of Robert H. (Judy) Rathert; dear brother-in-law of Sandra (Clarence) Anderson and Robert (Carol) Demper, Paul (Nancy) Demper and Bill (Cindy) Demper; our dear uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Herman F. Rathert and Mathilda Rathert (nee Erhart); and his brother, Gary J. (Pam) Rathert.
First and foremost, Don was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus was his Lord and Savior. Don was a devoted husband to his wife Jean for 47 years; he loved his children, family and brothers very much.
Don was in the U.S. Army, SP4, and was a Drill Instructor, and as an athlete, he also ran track for his unit in competition against other units. Don was a competitive weight-lifter during his high school years and after the Army winning many trophies. At the time of retirement he was a Bricklayer, had been a hod carrier, worked for Anheuser Busch as a foreman in high-speed production, he also worked for an Anheuser Busch Distributor in Naples, Fl, and at one time in his life he also had a Kirby vacuum cleaner distributorship. He made many missionary trips with the Assemblies of God Church to countries like Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico; to give his time to work on churches, or schools, etc.
Don was a great outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, hiker, and a long-distance swimmer, swimming a mile 3 or 4 times a week. He was a writer of outdoor stories for The Riverhills Traveler for over 20 years. He was an artist as his father was before him, however, he always said, “His father was an artist, he was only a sketch artist.” There are those of us who would disagree. He was a great story-teller and had a wonderful sense of humor, with a quick wit. Loved to tease all the little ones and give them nicknames that stayed with them as they all grew up. Don also had a talent for cooking and loved to try new recipes and watch the cooking shows.
Don was loved by all his family and friends.
Services: Visitation at Peace Lutheran Church, 737 Barracksview Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125, on Wednesday, September 16, 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY SERVICE
Don, it’s true your funny stories and faces made us laugh a lot… Always had a story that kept us entertained when we got together… We, Ray and I admired your determination and the will to fight on in a battle you didn’t think you could win! I think Heaven has some great fishing spots and I know you have some wonderful fishing buddies there. But most of all JESUS is there ( the author and finisher of your faith)! I’m thinking of Vince Gills song… Go rest high upon that mountain! Until we meet again, enjoy that glorious new home!
PS if you can give Ray a hug!
Don, it’s true your funny stories and faces made us laugh a lot… Always had a story that kept us entertained when we got together… We, Ray and I admired your determination and the will to fight on in a battle you didn’t think you could win! I think Heaven has some great fishing spots and I know you have some wonderful fishing buddies there. But most of all JESUS is there ( the author and finisher of your faith)! I’m thinking of Vince Gills song… Go rest high upon that mountain! Until we meet again, enjoy that glorious new home!
PS if you can give Ray a hug!
We will miss Don he was our dear neighbor.
We will miss Don he was our dear neighbor.
Don
I will always remember you fondly as a guy who always had time for those of us who just needed a bit of encouragement to be our best….
Rest in Peace. Big Guy
Don
I will always remember you fondly as a guy who always had time for those of us who just needed a bit of encouragement to be our best….
Rest in Peace. Big Guy
To Jean and Family Our hearts are full of Gratitude for you and your Family. Don is a great Man of God and has been a devoted Friend to My Father and our family. We send our Love and Prayer’s. We are Eternally Grateful for Don’s Faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Wife and Family…
I personally believe and know that Many people are missing Hell and Making Heaven because of Don’s faithfulness. My Father looked up to Don “literally” as Man of Integrity and solid Character. My first job was at Monti Bello’s Pizza that is where I first met Don and got to know Don, He would come for a pizza and Talk with the owners Ed and Peggy Morgan.
Don would always call me out by my last name and tell me quick stories about my Dad. Don was the Best Man at my Parents Wedding and since I have made the decision to make Jesus Lord and Savoir of My life like Don did, have had the Pleasure to fellowship about the Goodness of God with Don and Jean thanking them for there prayer and Ministry to my Father as Friends and Brothers and Sisters In Christ.
Our prayer is that the Whole Family and Friends of Don and Jean experience the the Fullness of God’s Goodness and Mercy. Jean that you would be strengthened in this transition, Surrounded by the Favor of God and Comforted by the Power of the Holy Ghost.
Remember where our treasure is at, Is where our Hearts will Be also, I know Ours is where Don is at, in Heaven shouting with the Father and His Family.
Agape, Love
Gregory and Cindy Decker
Proverbs 20:6-7
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness:
but a faithful man who can find?
The just man walks in his integrity:
his children are blessed after him.
To Jean and Family Our hearts are full of Gratitude for you and your Family. Don is a great Man of God and has been a devoted Friend to My Father and our family. We send our Love and Prayer’s. We are Eternally Grateful for Don’s Faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Wife and Family…
I personally believe and know that Many people are missing Hell and Making Heaven because of Don’s faithfulness. My Father looked up to Don “literally” as Man of Integrity and solid Character. My first job was at Monti Bello’s Pizza that is where I first met Don and got to know Don, He would come for a pizza and Talk with the owners Ed and Peggy Morgan.
Don would always call me out by my last name and tell me quick stories about my Dad. Don was the Best Man at my Parents Wedding and since I have made the decision to make Jesus Lord and Savoir of My life like Don did, have had the Pleasure to fellowship about the Goodness of God with Don and Jean thanking them for there prayer and Ministry to my Father as Friends and Brothers and Sisters In Christ.
Our prayer is that the Whole Family and Friends of Don and Jean experience the the Fullness of God’s Goodness and Mercy. Jean that you would be strengthened in this transition, Surrounded by the Favor of God and Comforted by the Power of the Holy Ghost.
Remember where our treasure is at, Is where our Hearts will Be also, I know Ours is where Don is at, in Heaven shouting with the Father and His Family.
Agape, Love
Gregory and Cindy Decker
Proverbs 20:6-7
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness:
but a faithful man who can find?
The just man walks in his integrity:
his children are blessed after him.
Don, a good man in every way, will be missed by all who knew him. Save a place for us.
Don, a good man in every way, will be missed by all who knew him. Save a place for us.
I was impressed by the account of Don’s life. He was quite a person in many ways and what a large family! I enjoyed the wonderful memorial testimonials shared about his life. I’m so glad he’s with Jesus in heaven
I was impressed by the account of Don’s life. He was quite a person in many ways and what a large family! I enjoyed the wonderful memorial testimonials shared about his life. I’m so glad he’s with Jesus in heaven
We will truly miss our good neighbor but more importantly our dear friend. We sincerely hope that one day Jean, you will be able to put your tears aside and remember him with a smile. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
We will truly miss our good neighbor but more importantly our dear friend. We sincerely hope that one day Jean, you will be able to put your tears aside and remember him with a smile. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Aunt Jean & Family
Lifting prayers for all during this time. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and rejoice, we will be together again. Love yall
Aunt Jean & Family
Lifting prayers for all during this time. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and rejoice, we will be together again. Love yall
Aunt Jean & Family
Lifting prayers for all during this time. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and rejoice, we will be together again. I am sure My Daddy and him are talkin up a storm now. Love an prayers for yall
Aunt Jean & Family
Lifting prayers for all during this time. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and rejoice, we will be together again. I am sure My Daddy and him are talkin up a storm now. Love an prayers for yall
You were one of my father’s closest friends and treated my sister and I like your own niece and nephew. A giant of a man with an even more gigantic heart. My most vivid memory of you will be the time after my father past away and you coming over with fried chicken for the family. I can see you now with my dad, your best friend, together again. Peace to you and your family.
You were one of my father’s closest friends and treated my sister and I like your own niece and nephew. A giant of a man with an even more gigantic heart. My most vivid memory of you will be the time after my father past away and you coming over with fried chicken for the family. I can see you now with my dad, your best friend, together again. Peace to you and your family.
A longtime neighbor, we’ll miss seeing you walking and talking to you as you would pass by.
A longtime neighbor, we’ll miss seeing you walking and talking to you as you would pass by.
Happy trails dear friend. I’m sure your bed now is softer than those gravel bars we collapsed on. God bless you Jean and family.
Happy trails dear friend. I’m sure your bed now is softer than those gravel bars we collapsed on. God bless you Jean and family.