Obituary of Edwin Dornow

Edwin A. Dornow "former Allegany pharmacist" Loxley, AL-Edwin A. Dornow, formerly of Allegany, died Saturday (January 23, 2010) in the Golden Living Center in Foley, AL. Born June 15, 1917 in N. Tonawanda, NY he was the son of Karl S. and Lillian Brandes Dornow. In 1943 in Buffalo he married Muriel R. Merrick who predeceased him in 1985. On January 25, 1986 he married Jessie Allison Parker who predeceased him November 25, 2003. Mr. Dornow was a 1935 graduate of Allegany High School and received his Pharmacy degree at the University of Buffalo in 1939. He began employment in the pharmacy business in Olean and Allegany until being called for service during WWII. He served with the US Navy aboard the LST 49 and fought during the invasion of Normandy. He then joined his father in operating Dornow's Drug Store in Allegany, later becoming owner for many years until he sold the business in the late 1970's. He worked in the pharmacy department at the Olean General Hospital for several more years before retiring. Prior to moving to Loxley, AL in 1997 to be near the home of his daughter he was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Allegany where he formerly served as president of the congregation. He also served as the past commander of the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 and as past president of the WNY Pharmaceutical Society. He was also a member of the VFW. Surviving are 2 daughters Dona L. (Bruce) Lauser of Loxley, AL and Elizabeth L. (Rev. William) Willson of Scio, NY; 1 stepdaughter Cynthia Rae (Patrick) Kennedy of Obi, NY; 1 stepson Allison George (Marcia) Parker of Wilson, NC; 5 grandchildren Stephanie (Joseph) Rajski, Kristen (Michael) Croyle; Matthew Lampack, John Willson and Nancy (Jeff) Dustin; 5 step grandchildren Kevin (Jerri) Keis, Brian Keis, Danielle (Amy Reuther) Keis, Melissa Reese and Allyson (Joey) Parris; 5 great grandchildren; 9 step great grandchildren; 4 step great great grandchildren; a sister-in-law Grace Merrick of Olean and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wives he was predeceased by a grandson Bill Willson, II in 1990 and a great grandson David Earl Dustin in 2006. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Friday from 6-8pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday (January 30, 2010) from noon until 1:00pm in St. John's Lutheran Church in Allegany. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm. Rev. William Willson, son-in-law to Mr. Dornow, and Rev. Gerald leFeber, pastor, will co-officiate. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by members of the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, the Allegany American Legion or to the Allegany Fire Department.