Donald C. Reber

Donald C. Reber, 84, died peacefully Sunday, January 11, 2026 at home under the care of his family and Compassus Hospice.

Don was born in Bucyrus on August 1, 1941, the oldest child of the late Dorothy N. (Curts) Reber and Charles T. Reber. After attending Bucyrus High School, he went to work at PPG and later worked for The Timken Co. where he retired from machine repair. After retiring, he delivered goods for Siesel Distributing. He was married to the former Sue A. Burger on February 6, 1971. She was his greatest love and Sue considered him the most wonderful husband in the world.

Although he often said he couldn’t, Don could fix and do nearly anything. He was a gifted woodworker, carpenter, and all-around handyman. He and Sue enjoyed traveling, including four trips to Hawaii. One thing that kept them in Ohio was the love of their family. Watching Nick race, Brennen play football, and keeping up with their grandchildren and great grandchildren always made Don smile. He accomplished everything on his “bucket list” and really enjoyed life. Don was an active member on Scioto United Methodist Church, a former volunteer fireman with Whetstone VFD, and coached Little League baseball. He also enjoyed fishing and the companionship of many beloved dogs.

Don is survived by his bride of nearly 55 years, Sue Reber; sons, Brian Reber (wife Tanya) and Nick Reber (fiancée Jen); grandchildren, Brennen Reber, Haley Clingman (Tyler Morgan), Shania Clingman (Aaron Queen), Jamie Buckley (Natalie), and Jaret Buckley; great grandchildren, Emileea, River, and Gatlin; and brother-in-law, John Kraft and family.

In addition to both parents, Don was preceded in death by sisters, Sharon Kraft and Linda Lou Reber.

All services will be held at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Family will receive friends for a memorial gathering on Wednesday, January 14 from 5-7 pm and Thursday, January 15 from 11-11:55 am. The memorial service will begin on Thursday at 12 Noon with Pastors Christine Bell and Jim Ellis officiating. Don will be inurned in the Oakwood Cemetery Columbarium.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to Scioto UMC or Humane Society Serving Crawford County and can be given at the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Don’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.