Donald Eugene Waters, 81, of Watseka passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal. He was born on January 18, 1945 in Chicago, a son of Edward D. and Dorothy L. (Peters) Waters.
Donald married Tonda Lue Gass-Mills on September 5, 1965 at the First Baptist Church in Clinton and she survives.
Also surviving are five children, Thomas E. Waters of La Crosse, Kansas, Diana Adams of Watseka, Donna (Donnie) King of Watseka, Spring (Taurus) Bailey of Memphis, Tennessee, and C.J. (Kristi) Waters of Kentland, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Marcia Waters of Watseka; eleven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Donald was preceded in death by both of his parents; stepfather, Roy Stevens; brother, George L. Waters; and his son, David Edward Waters.
Donald attended the Goodwin Grade School in Cicero and Watseka Grade School graduating in the Class of 1960. He then attended Watseka High School and graduated in the Class of 1964. Donald furthered his education at Midstate College in Peoria and majored in Business Management.
Donald was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served from October 25, 1965 to October 10, 1971. He served in the regular Army at Fort Monroe, Virginia. It was the Headquarters of the U.S. Continental Command. He was a Specialist 4 Rank. His duties included personal aid to Brigadier General Chappuis who was the Chief of Staff of Logistics for CONARC. Other duties included personal aid and security to four-star general, James Woolnough, who was Chief of Staff and a highly decorated four-star U.S. Army officer who commanded the United States Continental Army Command (CONARC). Donald assisted with Operation “Quick Kill” Development for training troops to Vietnam. Some of Donald’s notable recognitions included National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Sharp Shooter Award.
Donald worked in the food industry for 53 years. He began at Grab-It-Here in Watseka in 1960. He worked at Kroger during college in Peoria. While he served in the Army, Donald worked at 7/11 stores. He worked for Grab-It-Here, Kroger, and T-Mart as Manager until 1972. He was hired by Bob VanNatta to help set-up Quality Grocery and was Assistant Manager after the fire. He retired in 2013 when Quality was closed.
Donald was one of the early members of the original First Baptist Church in Watseka. He served as Deacon, Song Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Bible School Teacher. Donald was quoted as saying, “My best memory was meeting my wife in the mess hall at the Baptist Camp Assurance in Georgetown, Illinois. We fell in love and dated all thru high school. Enjoyed sports in high school and Army. What a blessing to live in Watseka, Illinois. Just Old Don!”
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the Body Cemetery near Woodland at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 prior to the funeral service also at the cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.
Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.
