Don E. Fatheree, age 88, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday evening, September 7, 2016, at Flora Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Flora.

   Don was born October 27, 1927, in Xenia, Illinois, the son of Sammie W. and Violet M. (Dudley) Fatheree.  He was united in marriage to Lillian F. McClellan on November 28, 1948, in Mt. Carmel.

   Don served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Alaska.  He farmed for a living for 40 years, and also worked in oil fields, spending some time doing offshore drilling in California.  Don was a licensed real estate agent and a member of the American Legion.  He often enjoyed having a cup of coffee with friends and taking the opportunity to go out to eat at his favorite area restaurants.

   Don is survived by his wife: Lillian Fatheree of Flora; a daughter and her husband: Donetta and Ron Powell of Highland Village, TX; a granddaughter and her husband: Lacey and Josh Buford of Roanoke, TX; a great-grandson: Cashton; a sister-in-law: Dora (the late Melvin) Owen of Carmi; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father: Sammie W. Fatheree; mother: Violet M. Fatheree Mitchell; and siblings: Dallas “Butch” Fatheree, Wanda Fatheree, and Jackie Fatheree.

   A graveside service for Don Fatheree will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2016, at Floral Garden of Memories in Flora, with the presentation of military honors.  A visitation will be held 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora.  Memorial donations in Don’s memory may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), or Wounded Warriors and these will be accepted through the funeral home.