Obituaries
Donald R. Wert, 86
August 25, 2024
Donald R. Wert, 86, of Strasburg, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at home with his loving wife and family at his side.
Born in Strasburg, he was the son of the late Ralph and Verna (Eshleman) Wert. He was the husband of Marlena (Marla) Wert and they would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in October.
Don was a beloved member of the community and a distinguished athlete. He was a 1956 graduate of Solanco High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, playing varsity all four years. His athletic abilities earned him recognition early on, including the Lancaster Football Association’s Outstanding Football Player Award in 1955. As a senior pitcher for the Varsity Baseball Team in 1956, Don led his team to a county title with an impressive 8-1 record and was selected to the American Legion Eastern All-Star Team as a third baseman.
In 1958, Don signed a professional baseball contract with the Detroit Tigers, beginning a successful career in the sport he loved. He rose to prominence in 1961, winning the Triple-A American Association Batting Crown in Denver, Colorado. In 1963, he was called up to the majors as the Tigers’ third baseman, and in 1965, he was named “Tiger of the Year” by Detroit sportswriters. That same year, Don led the American League third basemen with a .976 fielding percentage and was the only Tiger to play all 162 games of the season.
Don’s remarkable achievements continued as he ranked among the top fielding third basemen in the league from 1966 to 1969. In 1968, he was selected for the American League All-Star team and famously doubled off Tom Seaver. That same year, Don played a crucial role in clinching the AL pennant for the Tigers with a game-winning single against the Yankees, paving the way for the team’s World Series victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
After retiring from a nine-year major league career, Don continued to contribute to the sport, coaching the baseball team at Franklin & Marshall College from 1976 to 1981, leading them to a MAC Championship in 1978. His dedication to sports and his community earned him numerous honors, including the George W. Kirchner Memorial Award from Lancaster Sportswriters and Broadcasters, induction into the Columbia Area Chapter Sports Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and the Solanco High School Sports Hall of Fame. Importantly, to give back to baseball, Don also played golf for the Major League Baseball Players Alumni, an association that promotes baseball and raises money for various charities for 30 years. He also supported local causes such as providing donations for the annual Hospice & Community Care Labor Day Auction.
As a kind, humble, good father and caring friend, Don will be remembered not only for his outstanding athletic achievements but also for his commitment to mentoring young athletes and his love for the game. In addition to his wife, Marla, he is survived by his children, Scott Wert, married to Emery of Tucson, AZ, Barbara Hess, married to Lew of Holtwood, PA, and Kimberly Myers, married to Curtis of Strasburg, PA; and two grandchildren, Mason, and Julia Myers. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Fred, Elvin, Jerry, and Virginia.
A special thanks is given to Compassus Hospice for their loving and dedicated care to Don and the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to Compassus Hospice, 2101 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. A private celebration of life ceremony for family will take place later in September.
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Condolences to the Family
February 19, 2025
Hi To the Wert Family, He used to work on my dads Farm.. A milton Ranck. I do not remember him. But my mom always said why did he have to baseball practice when there was farm work to do.. ! My dad was always thinking of work. I knocked on the door of your house trying to ask him how he thought of my dad… he passed when I was little. His wife said he was busy. But i heard he was a class act. He will be missed by all who loved him. Thanks for working for my dad. We love you Mr. Wert.. Kathy Witter. Milt’s Ranck youngest daughters.. now in Fargo, ND. Thank you Mr Wert for being a great person. We all miss you even though I never had a chance to meet you. Kathy Witter
September 07, 2024
Dear Marla and Family,
Don was a special person, and it was an honor to know him. You are in our special prayers.
Love,
Earl, Phyllis, and Elise
September 07, 2024
Dear Marla, Kim, Curtis, Julia, Mason, Scott, Emery, Barb, and Lew,
Don was a very special person, and it was an honor to have known him. Our special prayers are with you.
Love,
Elise and Phyllis
September 03, 2024
Kathy and I extend our deepest sympathy to Marla, Barb, Scott, Kim, Emery, Lew, Curt, Mason, Julia, Jerry and Rose. While it’s a journey we all must take, I, personally, wish Don would have had a few more years. Don was my baseball favorite in the 60’s. And why not? A Solanco grad. Don wasn’t simply a great baseball talent; he was a quiet, unassuming, honest, ethical man, both on the field and off. May the God of ALL grant you to you all comfort, assurance and peace, and may light perpetual shine upon “Mr. Tiger” now and forever.
Bud and Kathy Hart
September 03, 2024
Wert Family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you. It was great meeting Don at the the different events I attended.
Kenneth G Myers
September 02, 2024
To the Wert family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure you know and have heard many good stories about Don. My father, Earl Hufford, was a die hard Tiger fan from day one. Our family vacations were always to visit baseball stadiums and games. I’m not sure how Don and my father got together, but he helped fulfill one of Dad’s greatest memories. He got my Mom and Dad tickets to the world Series games against the Cardinals. Don also attended our CUMC father and son banquet in the 70’s. What a trill that was for our church’s youth and “older” fans. All the accolades he is receiving and good things he brought to others is a wonderful legacy. My father died a long time ago, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you for sharing your husband, Dad, uncle with my Dad and family and community. God Bless. May he RIP.
Janice A Swisher
September 02, 2024
Marlene, I am so sorry for your loss. I attended a baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers when Don was playing.
May you find peace in the loving arms of Jesus.
Roberta Surber Hessler
September 02, 2024
For Kim and Curtis, I am so sorry to read of Dad’s passing., You have been so busy with both sets of
parents as well as planning a wedding. Praying for you both and all of your family, Kim, for strength
for each day,. Sincerely, Joanne Ellis, WCV, BB324
September 01, 2024
Marty, Barb Scott, Kim, so sorry to hear about Don, our Thoughts and prayers are with you all . Debbie Eshleman ( Good)
September 01, 2024
The name Don Wert has been with me for sixty plus years. I became aware of Don Wert before I even went to elementary school. The Braves had always been my favorite team because Gene Patton from Coatesville, my hometown, had played for the Boston Braves and Paul Chenger also from Coatesville was a rising star in Milwaukee Braves minors. I used to read the Sporting News boxscores of the minor league teams. I followed the batting race between Howie Bedell from Pottstown of the Louisville Colonels, the Braves affiliate, and Don Wert from Strasburg of the Denver Bears, a Tigers’ affiliate. Wert ended the season at .328 and Bedell at .327.
My condolences.
RICHARD T BECK
September 01, 2024
Don was my favorite tiger. 🙏🙏🙏
Joe Ganse
September 01, 2024
Marla, Scott, Barb, Kim and family, deepest sympathies to you all. Always will remember everyone gathered around the small tv at the family reunions to watch Don playing ball. Our thoughts snd prayers are with you. Love, George, Susan, Andrew and Amy Eshleman
September 01, 2024
Marty, I know we lost touch after you left LGH, but you had me to your home one time and I brought you a kitten. I’ve thought about you so very many times over the years but from reading about your husband and all that he did for so many, I’m sure you were also just as busy keeping up with him and communities activities. I remember you telling me about Don playing for the Detroit Tigers and when I told my dad, who was a baseball fanatic, he told me how lucky I was to know somebody of this stature. Even though I never met Don, I know how very proud of him you were but never once did you guys let your fame change the people you were. Loving and caring souls to so many others. My deepest sympathy to the entire family for your loss. Hilde McClearen
September 01, 2024
In February 1985 I traveled unexpectedly with Don and Marla to the Tiger’s Dream Week in Lakeland. FL. I grew-up in the Detroit area and moved to Lancaster in 1964. The 1968 Tigers were special. Don was special. Tom Burgum
September 01, 2024
Dear Wert family,
My heart skipped a beat upon hearing that my “favorite Tiger” had passed away! You all were a very big part of the community that surrounded me during my Mother’s illness, and her passing. Scott and Barb were like family growing up, and every time I passed their house I would beep my horn or Don would be outside and he waved me down to ask how I was! His World Series ring was the first ring I ever saw on a champion! And even after my Dad passed I enjoyed all the pictures of Don from my Mom’s yearbook and scrapbooks. I walk with you on the road of grief and pray that God surrounds you all with peace and comfort! I love you Wert’s… and appreciate the contacts on the internet. ❤️🎯👍🏻
August 31, 2024
My sympathy to the Wert family. Remembering growing up n Donnie n his brothers would be growing balls around. Aunt Vern was my favorite aunt. My dad n Donnie looked so much alike. And mom would always talked baseball with Donnie n celebrate the World Series at ur home. Such a wonderful family. I’m so sorry our live go busy n life put us all on different roads. Regret not keeping in touch. But Don was always loved. And now he reunited with his love ones whom passed. Again my deepest sympathy. God bless! Dawn Eshleman (Dick & Sis 2nd oldest)
August 30, 2024
Don and u played baseball together in the minor leagues at Valdosta GA for the tigers we won the GA FL league championship don was a very special person and team mate we all loved don I was blessed to have known God be with his family. Steve kebler
August 30, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss of a great husband,father,grandfather,and friend.Paul spent many fun days playing senior golf with him.Don was a true gentleman. Joan and Paul Burke
August 29, 2024
Barb, I am sorry for your loss. I remember well so many baseball conversations we had when we worked together. It was a privilege to meet your parents during that time. I remember your dad’s sweet smile. I remember his kindness in coming to speak to the youth of our church. Your family will be in my prayers during this time. -Sheila
August 29, 2024
I’m sorry for your loss, I had the honor of taking care of him. I loved his smile and how I got him to laugh at me. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Stacey
August 28, 2024
Scott & Barb, so very sorry for your loss. I know my Dad greatly admired your Dad’s baseball skills and probably would have played against him several times in High School…Thinking of you both at this sad time.
Stacey Gibble Barrick F&M ‘82
August 28, 2024
Marla, as you know coach wert had an impact on my life. I loved playing for him. His quiet deamor inspired me to work harder. I will miss him. Brian Fatse 1978 MAC champion which is all attributed to coach.
August 28, 2024
Coach Wert was a special individual. He coached me in baseball at F&M, and taught me some valuable leadership lessons as well as baseball lessons. Coach was understated but very impactful and I am proud to say how blessed I was to share that time with him. My condolences to Marla and his family! He will be missed! God bless his soul!! 🙏🏾
Donnie Marsh
