Eugene F. Ritter, 84, of Hanover, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.  He was the loving husband of Joyce C. (Ruple) Ritter, Hanover; together they shared 36 years of marriage.

Born June 5, 1939 in York, he was the son of the late Raymond Eugene and Myrtle Marie (Stump) Ritter.

Mr. Ritter proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and was a retired butcher, having worked most recently at Kennie's Market, Littlestown.  He attended Bethel Assembly of God, Littlestown and Trinity Tabernacle, Las Vegas, NV.  An ordained minister, he served as assistant pastor at Gates of Praise, Littlestown where he also taught Sunday School.  A man of strong faith, he and his family founded Victory Armor Ministries providing Sunday Morning services for seven years for the students at Silver Oak Academy in Middleburg, Md and also hosting regular soup kitchens in the Westminster area.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kenneth Taylor and wife Michele, Westminster, MD, Deborah LaHue, McSherrystown and Rebecca Clark and husband Charles, Hanover; brother, Raymond E. Ritter; sister, Nancy V. Why and grandchildren, Brent Baker, Parker LaHue, Charles A. Clark, Alexandria Clark, Lauren LaHue and Kaitlyn Stuart.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Kay (Monson) Ritter and son-in-law, Paul LaHue.

A service to celebrate the life of Eugene F. Ritter will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 2 PM at the Wetzel Funeral Home and Crematory, 549 Carlisle St., Hanover with Charles Clark and Valerie Griffin officiating.  A time to share memories and an opportunity to view will be on Friday from 1 PM until the start of the service at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Annunciation Catholic Cemetery, McSherrystown.  Serving as pallbearers will be Kenny Taylor, Charles A. Clark, Brent Baker, Parker LaHue, Robert Griffin and Herb Brooks.

To share memories of Eugene F. Ritter, please click on "Guestbook".  A video tribute will be posted later.