Donald L Nell

Born June 9, 1947 in Peoria to Donald Charles Fred and Harriett Idell (Johnson) Nell, he married Leslie R. Petri on March 22, 1980 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are five sons, Michael L.R. Nell of South Pekin, Shaun R. Nell of Kansas City, Missouri, Kelly B. Nell of Lawrenceville, Brandon J. "Boomer" Nell and Erik C. Nell, both of Pekin; eight grandchildren, Michael, Justin, Jade, Caitlin, Shane, Halley, Roth and Rylieand one brother, Randall A. (Becky) Nell of North Pekin.

His parents preceded in death.

An Army Vietnam War veteran, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam and attained the rank of Sergeant.

Don retired in 1997 as Chief of Police of the Pekin Police Department. He hired onto the department in 1970 and worked his way from patrolman through every rank in the department, including interim chief from May 1995, until being appointed chief in February, 1996. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 105 in Pekin. He had received his associate's degree in Police Science from Illinois Central College.

He had previously worked for Caterpillar, Inc. and following his retirement worked for NTS Services in Pekin.

He was a life member of Paul Towne Memorial AMVETS Post 169 in North Pekin. He also was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1869 in Pekin and Peoria Area Troop Support. He was a former member of the Southside Business Association, Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1232 in Pekin and the Kiwanis Club of Pekin.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing. He also enjoyed spending time with family and his dog, Pepper.He was of the Methodist faith.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 25, 2006at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Terry C. Edele will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 24, 2006at the funeral home. Military rites and police honors will be conducted. Private burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Drive, Suite 403, Decatur, IL 62526 or to Peoria Area Troop Support, in care of the funeral home, 500 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.