John M. Donelson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

John M. Donelson, age 85, of Creal Springs, IL passed away peacefully at 2:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion, IL. He was born on Tuesday, October 26, 1926, in Creal Springs, IL the son of John M. and Daisy Dean (Wright) Donelson. John answered the call of this nation during the time of WW II by enlisting into the United States Navy and after his period of faithful service was honorably discharged with the rank of Seaman First Class. He was united in marriage to Pauline Vinson on Wednesday, November 23, 1949, in Pocahontas, AR and together they have shared nearly 63 years of marriage. Early in his working career after his marriage, he supported his family by selling fruits and vegetables and trucking coal and lime. Later he began his long career in coal mining. He first worked for several of the smaller mines of the area and later at the Freeman # 4 mine, running the Continuous Mining Machine for many years. He retired in 1987, at the close of the Freeman # 4 mine after a 43 year career in mining. He also was very involved with managing his farm and being a cattle farmer. His faith and involvement in church activities was an important part of his life. In the mid to late 1970’s John and Pauline oversaw the Children’s Bus Ministry at Calvary Baptist Church of Marion, which developed into a very successful children’s ministry and something he was very proud to be a part of. He currently is a member of the First Baptist Church of Marion, IL and a member of the United Mine Workers of America. In his spare time he enjoyed talking about his coal mining experiences, boxing, cattle and his grandchildren. He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinal Baseball fan and spent many hours watching the games on television or listening on the radio. Though he was always busy he always had time for his family and enjoyed hearing about all their many activities, especially those of his grandchildren. The many memories that have been created will always be cherished by those who remain. He is survived by his wife, Pauline Donelson of Creal Springs, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law, Johnny Dale and Jean Donelson of Girard, IL and David and Shelia Donelson of Marion, IL; granddaughter, Alisha Donelson of St. Louis, MO and grandson, Dale Gene Donelson of Girard, IL; sister and brother-in-law, Gerry and C.D. Mays of Herrin, IL; brother, Bob Donelson of Creal Springs, IL, a host of nieces and nephews, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and 17 brothers and sisters including Frances (Donelson) Deddo, Carl “Rabbit” Reed, Charles “Wop” Reed, Joe “Peck” Reed, Paul “Duge” Reed, Myrtle Vaughn, Mary LeGross, Bernice Bell, Sarah Johnson, Martha and 7 others who passed away as infants. Arrangements for John M. Donelson were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The time of visitation was on Saturday, June 2nd, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. During the time of the visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of John’s life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral service was at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, 2012, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Dickerson presiding. Comments of memory were presented by John’s grandson, Dale Gene Donelson and nephew, Bob Donelson. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Pamela Watts. Special musical selections presented during the service were “Amazing Grace” by granddaughter, Alisha Donelson with recorded accompaniment, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” by nephew, Bob Donelson and accompanied by pianist, Pamela Watts and “Jesus Loves Me” as a congregational hymn, led by Bob Donelson and accompanied by pianist, Pamela Watts. The service concluded with the presentation of the recorded musical selection “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers. Interment followed in New Salem Cemetery located south of Creal Springs, IL. Pallbearers were Stevie Pike, Jimmy Hunt, Tim Hunt, Bob Donelson, Terry Watts and Joseph Doss. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of the V.F.W. Heyde-Pillow Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 and the Illinois National Guard Flag Detail, all of Marion, IL. Those participating were Commander and Chaplain, Dan Fruge; Officer of the Day, Pat Campbell; Bugler, Larry Largent; National Colors, Ernie Rinella; Color Guard, Ralph DeVasier and Jessie James and Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Fred Reed, Ron Russell, Bill Stewart and Jerry Swisher. Members of the Illinois National Guard Flag Detail participating were PVT. Mario Medina and PVT. Derek Clark. Presentation of the flag to John’s wife, Pauline was by PVT. Mario Medina. After the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at First Baptist Church of Marion for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to either “First Baptist Church Building Fund” or “First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959 For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

John M. Donelson

October 26, 1926 - May 30, 2012