Donald Franklin Wilson

Donald Franklin Wilson, 88, of Manito, passed away at his home at 4:56 p.m., on Friday, December 22, 2023, surrounded by loving family. He was born February 26, 1935, in Manito, Illinois, to John F. and Hazel L. (Zimmerman) Wilson. He married Patricia A. (Reynolds) White, on March 10, 1984, at the Forest City Community Church. She survives.

Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Manito; five children: Valerie Breedlove, Jean Hottell, both of Manito, Mary Beth (Jim) Meyer, of Naples, Florida, John (Ann) Wilson, of Manito, and Renee (Danny) Pherigo, of Topeka, Illinois; thirteen grandchildren: Mandi (Scott) Warner, Brooke (Torey) Sledge, Nora Beth (Brent) Winkler, Clifford Wayne (Jeni) Meyer, Ryann (Jeremy) Farlin, Christa (Justin) Smith, Brad (Jaclyn) Wilson, Kevin (Heidi) Kolvis, Levi (Jessie) Kolvis, Ben (Malori) Kolvis, Danny Joe (Sammi) Pherigo, Courtney Pherigo, Blake (Kristin) Pherigo, Nina Cox Smith, and Stacy (Spud) Beckner; great-grandchildren: Ava and Mia Warner, Preston, Ashton, Breighton, Khloe, Quinton and Kingston Sledge, Alyssa Beth Meyer, Chloe, Kelton and Liam Farlin, Rhiana Farlin, Celia, Morgan and Grace Smith, Nash Wilson, Jayden and Forrest Kolvis, Alli, Dayna and Dessa Kolvis, Avery and Reese Kolvis, Liam, Brooklyn and Wes Pherigo; Jeff, Veronic and Eric Smith, Cullen and Finley Beckner; and one great-great-grandson: Kerinan Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: John Allen Wilson, Marvin O. Wilson; one sister: Joyce A. Dierker; granddaughter: Michelle Woiwode; grandson, Robert C. Ragland, and two step sons: Greg and Jeff White.
Mr. Wilson worked for Keystone for 35 years, in Quality Control and as a crane operator. He also owned and operated Don’s Meat Market and Deer Processing and worked for Gene’s Supermarket for a total of 55 years. He started at Robert Zimmerman’s Grocery Store and later worked for Gus Zimmerman’s gas station. He bucked bales for Syd Combs, with Ron Thomas. He later sold Christmas trees for Bob and Gnile Talbott. He also racked pool balls and shined shoes at Wilson’s Pool Hall. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited as well as a charter member of Manito/Forest City Optimist Club.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.