Donald E. Bulen

Donald E. Bulen, age 79, of Monmouth, passed away at 2:21 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2012 at the Monmouth Nursing Home in Monmouth, Ill. Don was born on May 10, 1932 in Marceline, Mo., he is the son of Harold E. and Letha M. Wright Bulen. He attended Gorman High School in Gorman, Mo. Don served in the United States Air Force for 20 years and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He married Mary A. Saville on September 27, 1955 in Monmouth, Ill., she preceded him in death on February 11, 2009. Don farmed for several years in the rural Monmouth area. Don was active in many organizations including; the Boy Scouts of America, Don was an adult scout and achieved the highest award of the Silver Beaver. He was also active in the American Legion Post 136 in Monmouth, the Air Force Administration, Shriner's, and the First United Methodist Church in Monmouth. Don was a Past Master and Life Member of the Monmouth Masonic Lodge #37 AF&AM. He was involved in many of the appendant bodies including the York and Scottish Rite. Don is survived by his children; Harold Bulen (Maggie) of Joplin, Mo., Barbara Davidson of Biggsville, Ill., George Bulen of Monmouth, Ill., Donald Bulen, Jr. (Debra) of Vine Grove, Ky., and Cynthia McVey (Donnie) of Oquawka, Ill.. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren, and one sister Patricia Christman of Anchorage, Ak. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Services:A funeral service will be at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Monmouth. Friends may call from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon at the Church where his family will be present to receive friends. Interment will be in the Mount Olive Cemetery in Marceline, Mo. A memorial fund has been established for the Boy Scouts of America or the Monmouth Masonic Lodge # 37 AF&AM Scholarship Fund. The family requests that all cards be sent to Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth.