Donald Dean Mahaffey (85) of rural Montrose

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Published on March 15 2021 7:52 am

Donald Dean Mahaffey, 85, of rural Montrose, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL. Burial will be in Island Creek Cemetery in rural Montrose with military rites. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please wear a mask for all services and follow all social distancing guidelines. Limitations to gathering size will be observed. We kindly ask you to pay your respects in a timely manner.

Memorials may be made to the ALS Association. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Donald was born on August 5, 1935, in Wheeler, IL, the son of Harry and Luetta (Baker) Mahaffey. He married Darlene Miller on October 29, 1960 in Dieterich, IL.

Don served his country in the United States Army, was a volunteer fireman with the Dieterich Fire Protection District, and helped with boy scouts. He loved hunting and training dogs, especially for squirrel, coyote, and coon. He also had a love for animals, fishing, and the outdoors. Don was known for growing big pumpkins, even winning first at the fair. He enjoyed hatching chicken and duck eggs. Don was a mechanic and could fix anything. He also would make and invent his own gadgets. Don found joy in the simple things like telling a story or going for a drive. He was a family man with a good sense of humor who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a member of Dieterich Christian Church and attended Wheeler Christian Church.

Don is survived by his wife, Darlene Mahaffey of rural Montrose; son, Robert (Patsy) Mahaffey of Altamont; daughter, Gail (Doug) Smith of Teutopolis; grandchildren, Joshua Mahaffey of Denver, CO, and Molly Smith of Teutopolis; and step-grandchildren, Chris (Nikki) Tedrick of Effingham, Brian (Amy) Tedrick of Altamont, Adam (Jenna) Tedrick of Altamont, Kelsey (Caleb) Mette of Effingham, and Nikki (Justin) Dust of Effingham; and 13 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Archie, Herschel, Gerald, Otis, and Roy.