Donald E. Large of Owaneco, passed away at 9:45 p.m. on June 7, 2016, at the age of 94.
Donald Edward Large was born April 7, 1922 on Buckeye Prairie, southwest of Owaneco, the son of Martha Wilcox Large and Kanola Guy Large. Don has resided on the same farm for his entire life. Donald married Marcella Marie High on August 17, 1947 at Old Stonington Baptist Church. He was a member of Buckeye Methodist Church for all 94 years of his life.
He attended Buckeye, Owaneco, and Greenville, NY grade schools. Don went to Owaneco High School for 2 years, and graduated from Taylorville High School in 1941. Due to his father’s ill health and advanced age, Don started farming and milking cows while he was still in high school.
Don was active in his community and many organizations. He served as 4-H Club Leader of the Buckeye 3B’s Club for 25 years. He served on the Christian County Farm Bureau Board, Southern Illinois Breeding Association Board, Christian County Dairy Herd Improvement Association, the Christian County Fair Board, Dairy Superintendent of the Christian County Fair, Owaneco Fire District Board, Mid-Illinois Elevator Board, Federal Land Bank Board of Directors, 50+ year member and past-president of Locust Masonic Lodge, Past Patron of Rosalind Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Grand Escort of Eastern Star in 1991, member of Ansar Shrine, President of the Christian County Shrine Club, member of Ansar Three-Wheelers. Member of Knight Templar, Royal Arch Masons, and the Valley of Springfield Consistory.
He is survived by his wife, three children: Donna (Richard) Douglas of Kankakee, IL, David (Barbara) Large of Owaneco, and Janet (Ronald) Roglis of Glenarm; six grandchildren: Erin Douglas of Chicago, Matthew Douglas of Chicago, Jeff (Kate) Large of Springfield, Jennifer (Brad) Nobbe of Waterloo, Brian (Kristin) Roglis of Springfield, and Abbey (Michael) Dirksen of Springfield. He also has six great-grandchildren: David, Alice, and Rose Large, Charlie, Gianna, and Sam Roglis.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Loeva Butterfield and Emma Mae Large, and two brothers: Joseph W. Large and Theodore Large.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 11, 2016, at McClure Funeral Home, with Rev. Betty Coffey officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 5 – 7 p.m., with Masonic Rites at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made in his honor to: Shriners Hospital for Children, St Louis, MO; Buckeye United Methodist Church or the NICU at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital.
McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories of Donald or condolences to the family may be sent online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
