WASHINGTON…Donald W. Essig, 80, of Washington, passed away at 9 p.m., Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at Washington Christian Village.
Don was born on August 12, 1930 in Peoria to John H. and Agnes L. Birkett Essig.
Among those surviving is one son, John (Amy) Essig of Springfield; two daughters, Lori (Brian) Jallas of Chandlerville and Lynn Ann (James) Howard of South Carolina; one sister, Margaret (Don) Welk of Morton and four grandchildren, Ryan, Michelle and Meghan Essig and William Howard. He loved spending time with his family and especially the grandkids.
Don was a graduate of Western Illinois University at Macomb where he earned his bachelors degree and and became a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. After that Don taught in schools in Deland, Streator and Havana. While teaching in Havana he also was part of the coaching staff. After teaching Don came back to Washington working as an insurance agent.
Prior to college, Don had spent some time in the armed forces as part of the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed the outdoors, Don loved hunting and fishing always looking forward to escorting friends on annual fishing trips to Canada.
Don was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington and was active in the Men's Prayer Group at the church.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church with Pastor John Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 at the church. Mason-White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude's.