Donald A. Gillespie (87) of Effingham

Donald A. Gillespie, 87, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Willowbrook Memory Support Residences in Effingham, IL.

A private funeral service will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CASA of Effingham. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Donald was born on March 16, 1934, to Alva and Alice Gillespie. He married Ruth Rickelman on April 3, 1956 in Effingham IL. She preceded him in death on December 2, 2020. Donald was the most loving and patient father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He retired from the Effingham City Police as a sergeant after 21 years of service. Donald honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was also a landlord and enjoyed buying and fixing up houses. Donald also retired from the Effingham State Bank after many years of service. He loved listening to bluegrass music and playing his washtub bass. He loved having his family around. Donald believed in eating dessert first and enjoying life to the fullest. He loved to travel and go on cruises. Even in his last days, he talked of taking his family on a trip.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Jeannine Corman and Juna (Schuyler) Griffith; grandchildren, Sabina (Larry) Winterrowd, Amanda (Jake) Albert, Jeffrey (Ann) Corman, Hillary (Trey) Falk, and Anna Marie Griffith (Daniel Apke); and great-grandchildren, Katie Winterrowd, Easton Albert, Gavin Albert, Layne Flach, Ivy Corman, Emery June Falk and Olivia Falk.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; sisters, Madelyn Koester, Barbara White, and Janice Harris; and great-grandchildren, Max Falk, Baby Falk and Baby Griffith.

A special thanks to Willowbrook Memory Support Residence for their love and care.