Death of a Classmate - Captain Donald M. Ulmer, USN (Ret) - 8th Co.

 Captain Donald M. Ulmer, USN (Ret) passed away November 3, 2019 at Overlake Hospital Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington with family by his side.  

Son of the late Daniel and Bessie Ulmer, born March 16, 1929 at home, Don is a native of Beverly, New Jersey. He attended Beverly Public Schools and graduated from Burlington, NJ's Wilbur Watts High School in 1947.  Don enlisted in the US Navy serving aboard the USS Clamagore, an Atlantic Fleet Submarine.  Appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy followed.  Commissioned Ensign upon graduation in 1954, he returned to submarines, ultimately Commanding the USS Clamagore (July 1967-March 1969), only Navy man to serve both enlisted in and Commanding Officer of the same US warship.

 His 32 year Navy career included the following tours on USS Fremont (APA44); US Navy Officer's Submarine School; USS Halfbeak (SS352); USS Barracuda (SSK1); Aide to Commandant 8th Naval District; Polaris Weapons School; USS Patrick Henry (SSBN599); Staff, Commander Submarine Squadron 14; Executive Officer USS Corporal (SS346); Commanding Officer, USS Clamagore (SS343); Office of Chief of Naval Operations; Naval Sea Systems Command; and Trident Project Manager Staff.  Among his personal awards: Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/Star and Navy Expeditionary Medal.  

Don was a passionate Navy Submariner who loved his work, his country and the many friends with whom he served.  Don retired from active duty April 1, 1979 and the family moved to Seattle, Wa where he took employment with the Boeing Company, Defense and Space, retiring in 1996.  

After retirement, Don volunteered at Overlake Hospital Medical Center, Bellevue, Wa (20 years), Seattle's Museum of Flight as a Docent and indulged with modest success in his writing passion publishing a series of submarine adventure novels.  Don is a member of US Submarine Vets Inc Seattle Base.  

Don is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carol Grafton Ulmer, children Karen, Jennifer, Monica and Matthew; grandchildren Nicholas, Kimberly; great-grandchildren Iris, Beatrice.  A loving husband, father and friend, he will be missed by many.

A Funeral Mass, followed by military honors, will be held Friday, November 22, 2019 11:00 AM at St. Louise Catholic Church, 141 156th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007.  Reception following in the hall.