NORWICH – Donald K. Loomis, 79, of Bourbon Street, Norwich, passed away on Dec. 7, 2008, from injuries sustained in a fire.
Born in September of 1929, in Masonville, Don was the son of Jesse and Gertrude (Ireland) Loomis. He grew up in the Oxford area where he attended the local school. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1950, he married Ida Manwarren and shortly after they purchased a farm in Oxford. Together they operated the farm for over 30 years where they raised their family. Over the years Don had also worked for the Town of Oxford Highway Dept., the Chenango County Office Building and the Chenango County Historical Society at the museum on Rexford Street. It was here that Don found his niche. He was a jack-of-all-trades at the museum, helping to clear the walks in the winter and take care of the lawns in the summer months. Even though they had no “official” standing, Don’s wife Ida and daughter Chrissy could often be found helping out. He also kept a vegetable garden out in the back of the property.
Don is survived by his children: Gary Loomis and wife Christine of Forest, Va., Larry Loomis and companion Deb Marotta of Norwich, and Terry and Christine Loomis, both of Norwich; and by his grandchildren: Elizabeth Wilson and husband Brad, Jonathan, Brian, and Paul Loomis. Also surviving are great grandchildren: Emily and Keagen, Paul and Aveline; and his sister, Tena Northrup and husband Kevin of Oxford, as well as nieces and nephews. At the time of his passing, Don was also survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Ida Loomis, who passed away on Dec. 11 from injuries sustained in the same fire that took him; and he was predeceased by his daughter, Barbara.
Joint funeral services for Don and Ida will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeremy Stopford of Norwich will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Chenango County Historical Society, 45 Rexford St., Norwich, NY 13815.