Donald Altmix
Donald Altmix, age 91, of Quincy, died on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Sunset Home. He was born on January 13, 1933 in Quincy, the son of Wilfred and Elizabeth (Metzger) Altmix. He married Ruth M. Peters on July 13, 1957 in St. Mary Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on August 26, 2013. Don was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church.
Don attended St. Francis School and graduated in 1946. When he was in third grade he fell off the slide and broke his left arm. The cast was put on too tight and gangrene set in. He was in Shriner’s Hospital in St. Louis from November of 1942 until April of 1943. He ended up with a crippled left arm and hand. Don attended Quincy High School and graduated in 1950. Don went to work at Gardner Denver as a draftsman in 1951. He left there in 1962 and went to work at Moorman Manufacturing as a draftsman in their engineering department and retired in 1993. Don loved all kinds of sports and followed all the local teams and was a St. Louis Cardinals fan. He learned to pitch fast pitch softball when he was fourteen. He pitched for youth teams in the area until he was eighteen and then pitched in the YMCA men’s leagues at Durst Park and then at the Illinois Veteran’s Home. He pitched for Gardner-Denver and then Moorman’s in the Industrial League and for Continental Grill/ Merkel’s in the open league. He pitched fast pitch softball for 25 years and then played slow pitch softball until his early 60’s. He also loved to coach youth sports. When St. Dominic school opened in 1965, he coached the 5th & 6th grade CYO basketball team and the 7th & 8th grade CYO flag football team and the 7th & 8th grade CYO baseball team for 15 years. He also coached many baseball teams that played in the Quincy Park District and YMCA leagues along with several traveling baseball teams. Don served on the CYO Board of Directors for many years and was president from 1968-70. He was also a charter member of the CYO Hall of Fame in 1982. He also helped layout and build the St. Dominic baseball field in 1964. In 1980 he helped organize and then coached in the Pat Keane Youth Baseball League. Don also delivered food for St. Francis Food Pantry and volunteered at Catholic Charities Food Pantry.
Don is survived by:
FOUR CHILDREN: Tim (Rosa) Altmix of Evans, GA; Steve (Brenda) Altmix of Springfield, IL; Christine (Dan) Miller; Greg (Chris) Altmix all of Quincy.
GRANDCHILDREN: Matt (Kate) Altmix; Tiffany Altmix, Brooke Altmix, Adam (Michelle) Miller; Nathan (Darcy) Miller; Evan Miller and Emily (Freddie) Kientzle, Alex (Montanna) Altmix and Jordan (Ashley) Altmix.
ONE SISTER: Carolyn Rupp
Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
In addition to his wife, Don was also preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Marjorie Bruening along with her husband John, Ruth Camden along with her husband George, Mary Jane Altmix in infancy and a brother-in-law: Julius Rupp.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 10:45 am in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am at St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment in St. Boniface Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church, Quincy Notre Dame High School or Liberty High School. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements
Don was a long time and most appreciated friend of my dad, Wilbur Sittler. Often when I traveled to Quincy from Oklahoma, Don would be visiting my dad, either at his home or at Good Samaritan Home when he moved there in late 2012. Both of my parents were very fond of Don and Ruthie having known them from Don working at Moormans. God bless your family during this time and know I am forever grateful your dad never forgot mine.
Don Altmix was one of the finest people I ever met in my life. He was a fantastic coach and a good friend. He was a tremendous competitor and I knew I had better have my teams up to snuff when we faced a Don Altmix coached team. I really appreciated his kindness and I am sorry that another of us old time coaches have gone on to meet the creator. The world will miss someone as good as Don Altmix. God bless his family.
My deepest condolences to Steve, Tim, Chris and Greg.
Mr. Altmix was an excellent coach and mentor.
So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a very nice man and we had great encounters with him in sports and with my Dad. May you find peace at this time.
” … what do I do with the ball if it comes to me? ” An ongoing life lesson for me. Thanks, Mr. Altmix, for teaching me to ask, … and answer that question everyday.
I had the pleasure of working under Don for many years at Moorman Mfg. Co.. He probably thought he was raising another kid during this time. He was a great role model and a good friend and will be greatly missed.
REMEMBER DON AT MOORMANS ALWAYS A GREAT PERSON , HAVE MUCH RESPECT FOR HIM THE WAY HE PLAY SPORTS ,, REST IN PEACE DON,,,,,,,,, PRAYERS FOR HIS FAMILY
Don was a wonderful friend and work associate at MoorMans. Outstanding softball pitcher and he was always looking for ways to help his family, church and friends.
Greg and family,
I was saddened to hear about the loss of your father. He was a great coach, and an even better man. It is quite apparent that he raised all of you well. That is your Blessing. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need in the days ahead, and that HE will fill your hearts and souls with only the great memories that you created, and shared with your father. God Bless.
What a wonderful person,father,grandfather ,husband and coach to many young boys at the ymca league. My son was lucky to be able to play for Don. He and Ruthie were inseparable at all those games. He always taught those boys to do the right thing. Don was a role model for fathers who wanted best for their kids. We need more people like Don in this world and I feel very blessed to have known him. Barb and Rick Seifert
To the Altmix family,
My deepest sympathy. Greg, Chris and family my thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories help you make it through this difficult time.Please know your friends are holding you deep in their hearts.
Wendy Thyson