Mr. Donald D. Light

Donald D. Light, 92, of Galesburg, died at 10:05 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at Courtyard Estates in Knoxville.

He was born July 25, 1925, in Galesburg, the son of David A. and LaDuna (Sharp) Light.  He married Viola M. “Vicki” VanWinkle on March 24, 1946, in Galesburg.  She preceded him in death July 7, 2014.

He is survived by three daughters, Sherry L. (Steve) Foster of Dahinda, Connie L. (Foster) Dickard of Jackson, Mississippi, and Kristi L. (Dean) Betts of Galesburg; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, one half-brother, and two half-sisters.

Donald graduated from Galesburg High School in 1943.  He worked for the CB&Q Railroad from 1943 to 1945.  He worked at Gale Products from 1947 to 1950.  Donald was an engineer at Admiral’s for 18 years.  He graduated from the Curry School of Aeronautics in 1950, earning his pilot’s license and his aircraft and aircraft engine license.  He maintained a real estate license for many years, beginning in 1970.

Donald served in the United States Army for 11 years and the United States Air Force for 22 years.  He served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.  He was the manager of the Galesburg Army Reserve Center for 12 years.  He also served as the Commander of the Civil Air Patrol in Galesburg for 21 years.

Donald was active with many organizations over the years.  He was a member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285, Alpha Masonic Lodge #155, and the Scottish Rite Shrine, where he was a 32nd Degree Mason.  He was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Noon Rotary Club.  He was also a member of the Boy Scouts and the Admiral Flying Club.  Donald was a 2nd Ward Alderman for the City of Galesburg for two years.  He volunteered for Railroad Days and the Stearman Fly-In for many years.  He was a 14-gallon blood donor.  Donald was dance instructor #64 at the Weinberg Roof Garden Ballroom.  Donald enjoyed golf, bowling, and swimming.  He loved to travel and went coast to coast in his motorhome.  He attended the Wataga Congregational Church.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2018 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Masonic Services at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at the chapel with Rev. Kurt Carlsen officiating, followed by Military Honors.  Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus or Courtyard Estates of Knoxville.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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