Donald W. Dahms

Donald Wayne "Poppy" Dahms, 79, Temple, passed away of natural causes May 14, 2009, at home. He was the husband of Lin J. (Hoffa) Dahms, his best friend and loving wife, whom he married July 2, 1965.

Donald was born Feb. 26, 1930, in Pottstown, a son of the late Grace R. (Werner) Dahms and Paul E. Dahms Sr.

He was a 1948 graduate of Muhlenberg High School, where he was a member of Muhlenberg's first high school football team.

Donald was self-employed, owning and operating Dahms TV and Appliances, Reading, last working two weeks ago.

He was a member of Spring Valley Church of God, Muhlenberg Township.

He was a past president of PELCO (Promised Land Cabin Owners Association). He was a past president of North Ninth Street Merchants, Reading.

He was an Eagle Scout and a former scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 147, Temple. He was also a former Sunday school teacher at Calvary Lutheran Church, Laureldale.

Donald enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren and going to the mountains.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by their five children: Wanda L. (Dahms), wife of Eugene E. DeLong of Birdsboro; K. Doug, husband of Susie (Olson) Dahms of Fleetwood; Kurt T., husband of Tosha (Gehringer) Dahms of Sinking Spring; Candis I. (Dahms) Munson, companion of Daniel C. Bensinger of Northumberland; and Melissa L. Dahms, companion of Marty M. Phillips of Temple.

He is also survived by eleven loving grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother, Paul Dahms Jr.; and a sister, Ruth (Dahms) Baur.

A Christian service will be Monday at 11 a.m. in the Spring Valley Church of God, 2727 Old Pricetown Road, with Rev. Robert E. Hinson officating. Friends may call Sunday 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Walter R. Christ Funeral Home Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale and again Monday 10 to 11 a.m. in the Church. Burial will be in Laureldale Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

Friends and family are invited after the cemetery to Spring Valley Church of God for a celebration of Donald's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Valley Church of God Life Line Center for the Homeless, 2727 Old Pricetown Road, Temple, PA 19560.

Donald was a very caring and loving husband, father and grandfather and will be sadly missed. For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com