Colonel (Ret.) Donald E. “Don” Bliss, 87, of Palmyra, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Born Thursday, May 12, 1932, in Newkirk, Oklahoma, he was the son of the late Harmon E. and Erma C. (Parks) Bliss. He was married to Lois A. (Collins) Bliss in 2000.
A Veteran, Don proudly served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Army as an Infantry Aviator. In his early years, Don was the Oklahoma 4-H President in 1950, an OSU Grad in 1954, where he was a Kappa Sig. Don was a member of United Methodist Church in Newkirk, OK and an active associate member of Faith United Church of Christ in Grantville, PA. He was an avid golfer and a dedicated family man.
In addition to his wife of over 19 years, he is survived by four sons: Russell E. Bliss, (wife, Kris), of TN; Gary D. Bliss, (wife, Hollis), of FL; Marshall “Chip” J. Bliss, (wife, Michelle), of TN; Marvin “Skip” D. Bliss, of FL; and two step-children: Luann, (husband, Patrick Miorin), of VA; and Brian D. Fonner, of Palmyra. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, as well as Don’s extended family and caring friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Faith United Church of Christ, 117 North Faith Road, Grantville, PA 17028, with the Reverend George E. Robertson officiating. There will be a viewing held at the church on Tuesday from 9 AM until the time of the service. Private interment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted with the Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078, 717-838-9211.
Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s honor to a Veteran’s organization, Faith United Church of Christ of Grantville, United Methodist Church of Newkirk or a charity of one’s choice.
