Donald “Don” Clayton Richter was born on Oct. 28, 1942, in Hammond, Indiana, to the late Elizabeth Rose (nee Turner) and Gilbert Clayton Richter.
He was raised in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and attended high school at Culver Military Academy before going on to receive a degree in psychology from DePauw University. Don earned a Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University and returned to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where he spent the next 52 years practicing alongside his father and brother. Always an active member of his community, he served on numerous professional, government, civic, and youth boards, including as a member of the American and Indiana Optometric Associations and the long-time secretary of the Kiwanis Club.
Don had a life-long love of sports. He was an original “Little Leaguer” at 9 years old, played baseball and basketball in high school and started at point guard on the basketball team at Culver Academy. He coached the Greendale boys’ soccer team and was on the board of the Greendale swim team, in addition to volunteering as a timer and announcer. A big tennis enthusiast, Don was passionate about his weekly tennis game with his friends at the Greendale courts and later with friends in The Club at Harper’s Point in Cincinnati. He took great joy in watching and cheering for his children’s and later step-grandchildren’s various sports competitions, and was the longtime coach of the Lawrenceburg High School boys and girls tennis teams. He regularly traveled to Florida and Hilton Head Island to play golf and tennis.
Don is survived by his wife, Peg Lindgren Richter; his brother Dennis (Laurie) Richter; children Denise Richter (Rick) Kahley and Jonathan (Veronica) Richter; step-children Gary (Susan) Lindgren and Todd (Shannon) Lindgren; grandchildren Katherine and Declan Kahley and Amelia, Nina, and Nathan Richter; and step-grandchildren Jack, Courtney, Tyler, Trevor, and Grace Lindgren. Don was dearly loved by all and will be greatly missed.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff of the Margret J. Thomas Inpatient Care Center in Blue Ash for providing compassionate and dedicated care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The ALS Association of central and southern Ohio.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fitch-Denney Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Fitch-Denney Funeral Home, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Tim Russell officiating.
Interment will follow in the Greendale Cemetery, Greendale, Indiana.
Visit us at www.fitchdenney.com.