John Robert Domer, 85, of Mansfield, died January 1, 2015. Born June 27, 1929 in Mansfield, he was the son of Forrest Edgar and Ruth Anna (Leistensnider) Domer. John graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1947 and went on to graduate from Bowling Green State University. He went to work for the Mansfield News Journal where he held many positions. From reporter to photographer to Sunday Editor and on to assistant to the editor, John did it all. As a reporter, he covered the first voyage through the St. Lawrence Seaway. During a brief break from the News Journal, John worked as a cinematographer for Safety Enterprises, where he made safety films that were used by the Highway Patrol. As a member of SCORE, John traveled to Russia to counsel for two newspapers. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, reading, puzzles and games, fishing, canoeing, and spending time at his lake retreat at Catawba Point. After retirement, John enjoyed many trips abroad with his wife.
A very active member of Main Street United Methodist Church, John taught Sunday school and started a coffee fellowship group. John served in the United States Air Force. During his college years, he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and Arnold Air Society. Later in life, He was a member of Retmans Club, SCORE, Mansfield Mason Lodge #35 F.&.A.M., Baku Grotto, and University Club. Along with those memberships, he also served as Patron of Eastern Star Ruth Chapter #17, Civil Air Patrol, and served on the board at Mansfield Memorial Park. Although John was a busy man, more than anything, he truly adored his family.
Surviving are his wife, Norma Egner Domer; children, Amy (Paul) Ornosky of Lakeland, TN, Beth (David) Zinn of Mansfield, and John Richard (Cathleen) Domer of South Bass Island; grandchildren, Christina Smith of Mansfield, Molly Domer of South Bass Island, Elizabeth Zinn of Mansfield, John Ornosky, and Mary Ornosky, both of Lakeland, TN; great-grandson, Daniel Thompson of Mansfield; brother, David (Dianne) Domer of East Bridgewater, MA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Domer and granddaughter, Nellie Domer.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, January 4, 2015 from 2-5 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield. Masonic services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 5, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 230 S. Main Street, Mansfield, OH 44902 or Alzheimer’s Association, 780 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, OH 44906.
Online guest registry at www.wappner.com.
