Obituary: Donald E. Coffel, Sr.

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Donald E. Coffel, Sr.

Donald E. Coffel, Sr., age 90, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at his home. He was born on August 16, 1935 in Du Quoin, Illinois to Carl and Ethel (Clark) Coffel, Sr.

Donald so proudly served his country in the United States Navy, the United States Army, and ending his service with the United States Airforce. He was a Worshipful Master at the Joliet Masonic Lodge, he was a Shriner, and attended Crossroads Christian Church. He loved classic cars, collecting coins, watches, drawing, and dancing.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife Emily (nee Wilson); his loving children, Donald E. (Lisa) Coffel, Jr. and Kelly (David) Hendry; six grandchildren, Jeff, Jessica, Matt, Michelle, Brandon (Rachael), and Shanleigh (Billy); nine great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mabel (George) Tripp and Myrtle (Wayne) Allen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings, Carl Coffel, Jr., Pat Piper, Sara Pere, Annabelle Saterfield, Fleta Stevens, John Coffel, and George Coffel; one sister-in-law, Juanita Davis; and two brothers-in-law, Billy Wilson and James Dahl.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald’s name can be made to Lightsways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.

Private family services will be held at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Air Force and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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