Donald Ralph Wertenberger, Jr, age 89, resident of McKinney, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2021. Don was born in 1931 in Akron, Ohio, the son of Susan Gay and Donald Ralph Wertenberger. He and his two sisters were raised in Tuscarawas, Ohio where he graduated from Tuscarawas-Warwick High School in 1949. Upon completion of high school, Don gave four years of service to the United States Navy where he served at the Naval Communication Station in Yokosuka, Japan. His years of service were from 1950 to 1954. He was honored with several medals which included the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Medal. Don had much pride being a veteran for his country.Following his military service, he attended Michigan State University on the GI Bill, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Lumber Merchandising. He worked for Edward Hines Lumber Company as a wholesale lumber salesman for several years. Later he became employed by The Kroger Company, starting as a foreman at the distribution center in Columbus, Ohio. He retired after 25 years in 1989 as an Assistant Distribution Manager in Livonia, Michigan.Don spent most of his adult life living in Ohio and Michigan raising his three sons and enjoying family life. He eventually moved to Tennessee for a more stable climate where he could enjoy retirement. Later in life, Don moved to Texas to be near family. Don will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his caring demeanor and the love he had for his beautiful family. We will remember him for his knowledge of current topics due to his love for reading, his passion for televised sports and his enjoyment of long walks.Survivors include sons William (Connie) of Houghton, Michigan, David (Priscilla) of McKinney, Texas and Thomas (Dolores) of Mission Viejo, CA; their mother, Miriam (Lowry) Wertenberger; grandchildren Rachel (Wertenberger) Davila; Samuel Wertenberger; Ryan, Dustin and Sarah Wertenberger; great grandson Roman Davila. Sisters Edith Stanert and Carol (Jack) Phillips and a niece and several nephews.A Veterans burial service will be held to honor Don for his years of service at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 10:15am on February 1, 2021.Go in peace Dad (Grandpa) and know that the love we have for you will forever be in our hearts.Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.