Don M. Eddington Obituary (1939

Don Eddington 83, of Mt. Zion, IL was born to John M. and Lethia (Armentrout) Eddington on August 20 of 1939, on the family farm (Witt Township in Illinois). They both preceded him in death. Don lost his battle with cancer on March 18, 2023. Don was also welcomed at Heaven's gate by his daughter: Sheri Blackshire (Dennis) and two sisters: June Saatkamp (Logan) and Betty Webb whose husband Jim survives. Don graduated from Nokomis High School, Class of 1957, and immediately enlisted in the US Army later becoming an Army Ranger in the 101st Airborne. Don married the love of his life, Charlene (Lines), his sweetie on June 9, 1962, at Tower Hill Christian Church in Tower Hill, IL and she survives. . Don retired as a machine repairman at CAT where he was known as "Doc". He spent his retirement years building and remodeling homes (free labor), including his special home in Tampa, FL (Regency Cove) where he thoroughly enjoyed his winters. Don is survived by his son-in-law: Dennis Blackshire (Kristina) of Hawthorne, FL, his grandson: Josh Blackshire (Amanda) of Troy, OH, his great-grandson: Benjamin Blackshire; his grandson: Coady Blackshire (Katie), great granddaughter: Abby, great grandson: Weslee, and great granddaughter: Ava. He is also survived by his daughter: Donna Hardy (Todd) of Buckeye, AZ; granddaughter: Jessica (Enrique) Alvarado of Buckeye, AZ; great granddaughter: Aliyanah and great grandson Kingston. Don is also survived by his son: John Eddington (Tami) of Mt. Zion, IL; granddaughter: Mikaela York (Hunter) of Decatur, IL and grandson: Merrik Eddington of Mt. Zion, IL. Don is also survived by longtime friends: Gordon Hicklin of Decatur, IL, Neal Banning of Shelbyville, IL, and special cousin: Gary Rengel (Sharon) of Morton, IL. He is also survived by countless in-laws and other extended relatives. Don was a family man who brought his family up in the wholesome environment of Great Skate South. Don enjoyed country dancing with Bootkickers and Kountry Wranglers back in the day. Don left a legacy of love and kindness and will be fondly remembered by anyone who crossed his path. He was proud of all of his children who inherited his work ethic. Through the years Don attended Passion Church in Mt. Zion, IL, Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Decatur and First Baptist Church in St. Pete, FL. "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." The family would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. James Wade, Dr. Harold Yoon, and hospice nurse: Keely Schmahl. Services for Don will begin with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion, IL. A memorial service honoring Don's life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Military honors provided by the Macon County Honor Guard and the US Army Honors Team will conclude the service, Wednesday morning at the funeral home. Burial will be in Tower Hill Cemetery, Tower Hill, IL. Memorials may be made to the family. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at dawson-wikoff.com.