Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 24, 2018. He was 85 years young. Son of the late John and Lillian Emling (nee Martin); brother of the late Lewanda (Tom) Rodely.
Don married his childhood friend, teenage sweetheart and lifelong love, Norma (nee Raney) in their hometown in DuQuoin, IL. They celebrated 65 years of marriage on January 3rd.
Don was an Army veteran who served stateside during the Korean War era. Later he took early retirement from Sears (Grand Avenue) to then also retire as an Arnold rural mail carrier.
Don loved dancing with Norma, family events, Bayless Baptist Church, winter’s in Saint Pete, FL, volleyball, swimming, daily bike rides, playing cards, motorcyles and of course. . . NASCAR.
Don joins his niece, Lillie Ann Rodely and nephew, Joshua Raney in Heaven. He leaves behind his wife; his children, Yvonne (Chuck) Green, Margie (Vince) Browner and Bill (Laurie) Emling; two grandsons, Charles II (Cissy) Green and Don (Kellie) Green; two granddaughters, Mandi (Tyler) Schutzenhofer and Rachel (Cole Foster) Emling; five great-grandchildren, Jessica (John) Green, Christina Green, Emma Lewis, Nolan and Austin Schutzenhofer; great-great-grandson, Alistair Green. Don also leaves his brother-in-law, Fred (Sheila) Raney; five other nephews, three other nieces and their families. He is already greatly missed.
Services: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois Rd., Friday, February 9, 3 p.m. until Funeral Service at 7 p.m. Contributions to Bayless Baptist Church – General Fund, appreciated.