Donald Eugene Ashby

Donald Eugene Ashby, 91, of Auburn passed away Sunday, August 28, 2022 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

Donald was born May 23, 1931 to Myrl (Anderson) and Clarence Ashby near their family farm between Modesto and Scottville, Illinois.  He is preceded in death by his father, his mother, his step mother, Ruth (Mitchell) Ashby, his sister, Phyllis (Ashby) Hopper, and his children, Donna Elaine (Ashby) McBride, David Eugene Ashby, and Dana Emily Ashby.

He attended Northwestern High School and married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Elizabeth (Harris) Ashby September 18, 1950.  Donald and Darlene raised their four children in Auburn, Illinois, where they lived for 65 years.  The couple traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and Canada.  Upon retirement they drove the Alaska highway and vacationed throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean.  Donald retired from a long career with Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative near Auburn.  He spent many retirement years driving cars for area dealerships.  He loved his family, his church and to feel productive, completing many household and church related projects. Donald and Darlene dedicated several years volunteering for Bereaved Parents, editing the Springfield-Jacksonville area newsletter and assisting with monthly meetings.

Donald was a proud Korean War era veteran and a participant on an Honor Flight originating from Springfield.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Dianne Ashby and son-in-law Jack Lockman; granddaughters, Kerry Ray and Sarah McBride; great granddaughters, Kelley-Marie Aubuchon, Brooke Kronenberger, Kristen Kronenberger, Rebecca McBride; and great great grandson, Mark Wieberg.  Also surviving are his siblings, Alan Ashby, Linda (Ashby) Stewart, Joyce Ashby, Carol (Ashby) Nevin, and Gary Ashby. 

Donald was uncle to a large number of nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.  Many enjoyed large family camping trips Donald organized and will recall his love of family, never missing Ashby family reunions. 

May he rest in heavenly peace.

A graveside service will be held at 11am, Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at Auburn Cemetery for Donald and his wife, Darlene with Rev. Daniel Hopper officiating.  Following the services, a lunch will be held at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, 62704. 

Memorials may be made to Bereaved Parents of Springfield Illinois, PO Box 914, Springfield, IL 62705.

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