Donald Preston Izard

Donald "Don" Preston Izard was born on June 12th, 1935 to a Francis Izard and Ruth Redenbaugh of Muncie, Illinois. He was the third out of five children; Barbra Izard, Bonnie Aerie, Don McCrory, and Betty Larson along with many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. He married Marlene Caldwell on May 30th of 1954 and spent 69 years in marital bliss. God was always put first in their marriage and life. Through this union he gained many brother and sister-in laws, which blossomed into beautiful friendships. He was a man that pursued many career paths that included managing a grain elevator, farming with his family, beginning a farm and home store while also owning an excavating company. Don then worked for a leasing company before transitioning to a bank in Watseka. He was then self-employed as an internal bank auditor until the age of 84. Don was a philanthropist in the community, sitting on several regulatory boards, including the school board, and always helped others in need, even when they didnt know they needed it. He is survived by one sister and brother; Betty and Don. Along with his four children; Debra Lane, Donna (Dennis) Benedict, Cindy (Wayne) Noll, and Missy Hentges. At the end of his life he had a total of 9 grandchildren; Amber (Rusty) Sarnes, Jay (Megan) Noll, Rachel (Travis) Davenport, Daniel (Jessica) Benedict, Michael Benedict, Jonathan (Kelly) Lane, Josephine Baker, Olivia Hentges, and Alex Hentges, followed by 10 great grandchildren. Most recently, he had the joyous opportunity to hold his week old great grandson, the day before his passing. Although we are mourning his loss down here on earth, we are reassured to know that a man of such strong faith, gets to spend eternity in the kingdom of God as of May 31, 2023. He was surrounded by his loved ones the day before and passed peacefully in his sleep, holding the love of his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Havana United Methodist Church, on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Carol Stufflebeam will officiate.