Donald Lee Apke (80) of Sullivan

Donald Lee Apke, 80, of Sullivan, passed away 9:31 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2016, at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 4 at the St. Columcille Catholic Church, Sullivan. Burial will be in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, with prayer services at 4:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the St. Columcille Catholic Church, Catholic Charities, Moultrie County Food Pantry or to the American Lung Association.

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Donald was born on September 8, 1936, in Effingham County; the son of John and Lorraine (Vahling) Apke. He married Mary Catherine Durbin on April 7, 1956; she preceded him in death. He married Margaret Clayton on August 17, 2002; she survives. Donald was a member of St. Columcille Catholic Church and the Sullivan Kawanis. Donald worked at Firestone/Bridgestone for thirty years before retiring. Before working at Firestone he was in the construction business. He loved his horses and his dog Deputy, but his biggest love was spending time with all of his grandchildren and family.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, Maria Fulscher of Lovington, Phyllis Isley of Westervelt, Theresa (Ron) Cummings of Sullivan and Don Leon (Debbie Castang) Apke of Monticello; step-children; Rick (Julie) Clayton, Kevin (Sarah) Clayton, Steve Clayton, Deborah (Tim) Thoele, Linda (Todd) Bryant and Brenda (Bob) Jones; mother-in-law, Alice Durbin of Altamont; sisters, Linda Willenborg of Teutopolis, LaVerne (Bonnie) Apke of Montrose and Mary Jane (Bill) Probst of Montrose. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren, fifteen step-grandchildren and eleven step-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, and granddaughter, Ashlee Selby.