Colonel Donald B. Wren, USAF (ret)
Donald Bruce Wren died Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Glen at Willow Valley where he had lived for the past four years. He was born in Concordia, KS on July 24, 1920 to the late George B. and Hazel Whittaker Wren.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor and, being one of the “greatest generation,” served his country faithfully and proudly during WWII in European Theater as a B-26 pilot. After being shot down over France, he was returned to England by the French Underground, who had hidden him for over three months. He remained in the Active Reserve and when recalled for the Korean War, accepted a regular Commission in the U. S. Air Force. After serving in Viet Nam, he retired as a full Colonel after 34 years of service.
His first wife, Gloria Burton Wren, predeceased him. He is survived by his loving wife, Mariann Anton Wren.
He will be missed by his children, Rear Admiral Richard B. Wren, USN, and wife, Diane; Steven W. Wren and wife, Lynn; and stepchildren, Natalie Anton and Wayne Anton. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Jaime and wife, Helene; Jennifer and husband Matthew Beck; Andrew, Jacob, and Gracianna.
Don loved his family, his God, the U. S. Air Force, and golf.
A Memorial Service will be held at Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church, 600 E. Penn Grant Rd., Willow Street, PA 17584 on Friday, June 10, 2011 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Steven R. Bowser officiating. The family will visit following the service. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or to Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church. For other information or to send an online condolence to the family, visit our website a
www.KASnyderFuneralHome.com