Donald L. Ailey, 81 of Hoopeston and formerly of Crescent City and Watseka, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
He was born on July 13, 1945 in Crescent Township, the son of James W. and Adelia (Ulitzsch) Ailey and they preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, William Ailey and Wayne Ailey; two sisters, Wanda Bull and Nancy Quakenbush; two brothers-in-law, Gene Quackenbush and Bruce Suver; and one sister-in-law, Betty Ann (Musgraves) Ailey.
He is survived by one daughter, Jennifer (Ken) Massey of Paxton, IL; two grandchildren, Parker Massey and Audrey Massey; two brothers, Norman (Linda) Ailey of Ashkum and Wendell (Fiona) Ailey of Woodland; three sisters, Nelda (Bobby) Roth of Watseka, Donna Suver of Onarga, and Lila (Larry) Hill of Champaign; and several nieces and nephews.
Don was a graduate of Crescent City High School. He worked for Red Morrison (Crescent City) and was co-owner of Ailey’s Welding (Crescent City) with his brother, Norman. Don also worked at FMC (Hoopeston) and for S&A Concrete (Crescent City). He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, listening to music, and landscaping. Don also had a love for animals. He served in the United States Army during Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sergeant.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Kingdon Gardens Senior Living Center (Watseka), Autumn Fields Adult Community (Hoopeston), Danville VA Medical Center, and Carle Foundation Hospital.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral services will immediately follow at 12:00 noon. Pastor Steve Hall will officiate the service with burial following at Body Cemetery in Woodland. Graveside military rites to be provided by Watseka American Legion Post 23.
Please share a memory of Donald at baierfuneralhome.com.
