Donald Wills

Donald Eugene Wills

"Pops"

Age 77 of Coal City, passed away Tuesday February 22, 2011 at Morris Hospital.

Born February 3, 1934 in Morris Donald was the 5th son of 7 boys, to the late John and Ethel Jackson-Wills. He was raised and educated in Coal City and was a graduate of Coal City High School with the Class of 1952. On June 4, 1954 Donald married Esther Giacomo in Morris and together they have been residents of Coal City for more than 45 years. Donald retired from Mobile BASF Chemical Plant on February 29, 1996 and had previously held employment with Johnson & Johnson Personal Products, Illinois Clay Products and Atlas Wallpaper Mill. Donald enjoyed fishing, camping and cooking. He can be remembered for his soups and jerky, which were his specialty, and he truly cherished the time spent with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years Esther; their four children: Melanie (Chuck) Williams of Coal City, Mike (Donna Zaccaria) Wills of Wilmington, Mitch (Gina) Wills of Diamond and Michele (Chad) Payton of Harriman, Tennessee; six grandchildren: Katie (Michael) Sinclair of North Carolina and Donald Wayne Watson of Coal City, Jonathon Wills of Wilmington, Tori Wills of Diamond and Wills Payton and Abby Payton, both of Harriman, Tennessee; four brothers: Leonard (the late Dorothy) Wills and Elvin (Dorothy) Wills, both of Coal City, Norman (JoAnn) Wills of Platteville, Wisconsin and Paul (Emily) Wills of Coal City and two sisters-in-law: Martha Jean Walker and Marge Wills, both of Coal City, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: John Wills, Jr. and Kenneth Wills and one grandchild Corrie Watson.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Friday February 25, 2011 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow Saturday February 26th at 10:00AM in the funeral home with Reverend Chris Beamsley officiating. Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Donald's memory to a charity of the donor's choosing.

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

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)