Donald E. Gavin

Donald Eugene Gavin, age 86, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Monmouth Nursing Home on Sunday, Feb 2, after a long illness. He was born on Oct 19, 1927, to George Patrick Gavin and Rose Maurillian Hennenfent Gavin. He married Benita Bride on June 27, 1953, at St Patrick's Church in Raritan IL. Donald graduated from Monmouth High School in 1945. He served in the Korean War from 1951 until 1953. Donald farmed in Warren County all of his life. Donald was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish, serving as a trustee and a member of the cemetery board. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Marion B. Fletcher Post 136 of the American Legion, and J.W. Clendenin Post 2301 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He greatly enjoyed participating in and hosting threshings with antique farm equipment and his Belgian draft horses. He was a frequent participant in the Prime Beef Festival Parade, driving horse and buggy or his Model A car. He is survived by his wife, Benita, and children Teresa Gavin of Cedar Falls, IA, Gary Gavin, Gloria Gavin Geer (Charles), and Chris Gavin (Lisa) of Monmouth. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. His sister, Alice (Larry) Enderlin, of Monmouth, is also surviving. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Stan Gavin, and a brother, Robert Gavin. Services:A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, February 7, at 10 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth with burial and military honors to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited at 4:30 pm on Thursday afternoon, February 6, at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. His family will receive friends after the Rosary. Memorials may be directed to Immaculate Conception Church or Monmouth Nursing Home.