Donald E. Robeson

Donald E. Robeson, age 80, of Monmouth, Illinois died in his rural Monmouth residence, where he has lived most of his life, on Sunday April 14, 2013 at 2:35 pm. Don was born on June 8, 1932 in Davenport, Iowa and is the son of J. Edgar and Edna Glass Robeson. He was raised in Monmouth where he attended local schools and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1950. He then attended and graduated from Monmouth College with a B.A. degree in business administration. While at Monmouth College he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Don served his country serving in the Army in Germany during the Korean War. He was married to Jeanne A. Gittings on November 26, 1960 in Galesburg, Illinois. Donald had a successful farming career on the family "Centennial Farm" designated by the State of Illinois in 1990. Don was a long time member and Elder of Faith United Presbyterian Church. As an elder he served as "Clerk of Session" He has served as Deacon and Trustee and always has been active in church affairs. For a number of years he has served on the county committee of ASCS. Don has been a long time member of the Monmouth Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He had an avid interest in Southwestern Art, especially Hopi Katchina Dolls and small Hopi coiled baskets. He especially liked Navaho woven rugs. Don enjoyed traveling the Western United States and traveling with the Midwest Bank to many European destinations. His greatest joy was his grandchildren playing in the creek out back on the family farm, as his children had done in prior years. Don is survived by his wife Jeanne of rural Monmouth, IL, three sons John (Julie) Robeson of Urbandale, IA; James Robeson of Oshkosh, WI; and Philip Robeson of Cameron, Illinois his daughter Julia (Rich) Miller of Morton, IL. Seven grandchildren John and Jennifer Robeson of Urbandale, IA; Lauren, Anna, and Sierra Miller of Morton, IL; and Rachael and Rex Robeson of Oshkosh, WI. Don's sister survives, Shirley (Harold) Moore of Casper, WY. He is preceded in his death by his parents and two sisters Patricia Ackerman and Ellen Killey. Services:A memorial service will be on Saturday April 20, 2013 at Faith United Presbyterian Church at 10:30 am. Cremation has been accorded. Don's family plans visitation with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday evening at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. In Lieu of flowers memorial funds have been established for either Faith United Presbyterian Church or Rotary Foundation. For more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com