Donald L. Ealy (81) of Effingham

Donald L. Ealy, 81, of Effingham, IL, went to rest in peace with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 27, 2023 at his home.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Effingham with Pastor Nate Mason officiating. Burial will be in Watson Cemetery in Watson. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham and for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at church. Memorials may be given in loving memory of Donnie to First Baptist Church in Effingham, the Woo Hoo Sisterhood of Altamont IL, or HSHS Hospice Southern Illinois.

Donnie was born on December 21, 1941 at home in Watson, IL, the son of Donald and Vera (Welch) Ealy. He married his true love Judy Rincker on January 13, 1962 at Watson Baptist Church and together they celebrated 61 wedding anniversaries. Donnie served his country in the Army National Guard. He started his career with the Hinkle-McCoy Telephone Company and retired from Contel/GTE in 1993. His greatest accomplishment was being a follower of Jesus Christ, which allowed him to lead his family to Christ. He was a Godly example and blessing to all who knew him. Donnie loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed gospel music and loved his church family dearly. After his retirement, he enjoyed golfing, traveling, volunteering with “Fishing for Kids” and coffee with his friends.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Judy Ealy of Effingham; two daughters, Diane (Barry) Brandt of Watson and Sherri (Tim) Schumacher of Effingham; one son, Greg Ealy of Toledo, IL; nine grandchildren, Ryan (Lyndsey) Brandt of Effingham, Lindsay (Nick) Lucy of Dieterich, Lauren Brandt (fiancé Alex Collins) of Effingham, Daniel Ealy of Arthur, Megan Brandt of Watson, Alex Schumacher and Anna Schumacher, both of Effingham, and Dylan Ealy and Dane Ealy, both of Toledo, IL; five great-grandchildren, Camden, Greyson, Opal, Sibyl, and Hudson; brother-in-law, Dean (Marilyn) Bushue of Pekin, IL; sisters-in-law, Joyce Wenthe of Watson, Janice (Clint) Thrasher of Enid, OK, and Jane Rincker of Mattoon; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Vera Ealy; sisters, Sharon Bushue and Rheba White; brothers-in-law, Wes White, Ronnie Wenthe, and Bill Rincker; and parents-in-law, Ward and Gen Rincker.

During his illness, he was comforted by this verse: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV