Donald Gresham

Donald L. Gresham

Age 76 of Wilmington, passed away Wednesday July 9, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born September 3, 1937 in Wilmington, Donald Lee was a son of the late Floyd and Alberta (Jones) Gresham. He was a 1956 graduate of Wilmington High School and honorably served in the US Army, with tours in Germany and Lebanon (Operation Blue Bat in 1958). After his tenure in the service, Don attended Joliet Junior College, and on March 18, 1961, he married Ruth Crutchfield in the Methodist Church in Wilmington. Don worked various jobs, which included opening and managing the A&P Grocery Store in Wilmington, managing the warehouse at Fleischman's Distillery and most recently "Mr. Don" went onto retire from the Wilmington School District in 2000, where he was employed as a custodian. Don was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Wilmington VFW, the Wilmington Masonic Lodge #208 A.F.& A.M., and he participated in the District Leadership Learning Committee in Wilmington. A man with great patriotism, Don took pleasure in vegetable gardening and enjoyed country music. The Chicago Cubs, Bears and Wilmington Wildcats, were whom Don most enjoyed following, and he will be remembered for his love of family. Don cherished his grandchildren and never missed an event or activity in which they participated.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years Ruth; three children: Beth (Dean) Shepherd of Wilmington, Lori (John) Lamarra of Bloomington and Chris (Li) Gresham of Albuquerque, New Mexico; seven grandchildren: Hannah Shepherd, Brett Shepherd, Evelyn Shepherd, Anthony Pegg, Mary Gresham, Matthew Gresham and Marlina Gresham; three brothers: Jerry (Sharon) Gresham and Ricky (Linda) Reavis, both of Wilmington, Jimmy (the late Julie) Reavis of Joliet; one sister: Ruthann (Donald) Smith of Wilmington; two sisters-in-law Terri (the late Randy) Reavis and Rose (the late Hank) Alberico and one brother-in-law Bob (Becky) Crutchfield, all of Wilmington, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother Randy Reavis and sister Linda Bradley.

Cremation rites are being accorded, and a memorial visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 401 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday July 18, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. until time of services 11:00 a.m. Inurnment with full military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Don's memory to the First United Methodist Church of Wilmington or to the Don Gresham Scholarship Fund c/o the Wilmington School District Foundation for Excellence, 209 Wildcat Drive, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Cremation arrangements and memorials services have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)