Donald Ray Tennin was born April 1, 1956, at 8:46am at Rockford Memorial Hospital in Rockford, IL to Luther and Lottie Kidd Tennin. He was the third born of five children. He described himself as strong-willed and went his own way. He was quiet most times but opinionated when he got to talking and shared his views on the world freely. Those opinions were met with great debate and often gave you something to think about. Donald played basketball in middle school and attended Auburn High School. He kept a close group of friends that he maintained into adulthood.
Donald married Margie Williams (July 1981) in Rockford, IL. They were blessed with two beautiful children, LaShonda and Donald Junior (DJ) who brought a tremendous amount of joy, pride, and purpose to Donald’s life. Being a father meant the world to hm. After the resolution of their marriage, in time Donald and Margie developed an endearing and close friendship which allowed them the privilege of being co-grandparents to Preston, Laila, and Milaina. He shared many holidays and special events with his children, grandchildren, and Margie over the years.
Before his 39 years of service at Mondelez International/Nabisco, Donald was a bus driver for the Rockford Public School district. He loved art, photography, collecting crystal figures, and travelling.
Donald was health conscious enjoyed playing ping pong, tennis, basketball, cycling, running, and long walks. He was challenged by his son, grandson, son in-law, and others in checkers and chess. Donald was a family man and truly enjoyed being around and in contact with those he loved. He found happiness in sharing stories, photos, and reminiscing with friends and family. His days were filled with visiting friends/family, graciously supplying them with gum, and making sure they were well while preparing to pick up his grandchildren from school. He gave unsolicited parenting advice (demands) to his children regarding the care of his grandbabies. During the pandemic, he attempted to teach his oldest grandchild the rules of the road so that his grandson could drive the car he saved for him.
When Donald learned about his illness, he asked us not to worry, because he lived a good life. He loved his children, and was a man of a few words while raising his children with Margie but he was there. He attended major events after working 3rd shift and overtime. Donald encouraged his kids to excel in school. He wrote letters to his oldest child during her first year of college and used a dictionary to make sure all the words were spelled correctly. Donald and Margie drove every weekend to NIU to pick up his eldest child when she was homesick her first year of college. They both drove to Indiana to get their youngest child settled after he graduated. Donald was proud of his children's accomplishments. As his children became adults, he grew with them. Donald shared more of his thoughts with his son on the world and shared experiences he had as he emphasized the need to grow and evolve with the world while staying true to yourself. Donald encouraged his children’s dreams, and he loved talking about plants and boxing matches with his son. He enjoyed challenging his daughter about random facts he felt she should know.
He was the best grandfather and cherished his role. He was loved by his three grandchildren who affectionately called him PaPa. He was always available for them whether it was on the phone or in person. He helped take care of them when they were sick and took them to the local fairs to ride the rollercoasters. He loved teaching and laughing with them. He attentively listened to them and was their biggest advocate. There were times when he was caught watching SpongeBob alone, with his grandchildren or simply coloring while chatting with them. In December 2021, Donald was diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer which caused his health to rapidly decline. On January 28, 2022, he passed away peacefully surrounded by the love and support of his children and family.
He is a longtime member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where his family are active members, and his parents are charter members. Donald is survived by his children: LaShonda (Louis) Walker and Donald (Tiffany) Tennin, grandchildren: Preston Walker, Laila Walker, Milaina Tennin, and Donald Tennin III (Tre) (due May 2022), co-grandparent: Margie Tennin (GranGran), bonus mother: Flora Crawford, siblings: MacArthur (Leona) Tennin and Mark Anthony Tennin and a host of in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents: Luther Tennin and Lottie Tennin Flowers including his siblings Benn Edward Tennin and Darlene (Gregory) Baldwin as well as his father in-laws Elijah Williams Sr. and Howard Crawford.
A visitation for Donald will be held Friday, February 4, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 2919 19th Street, Rockford, IL, followed by a service to celebrate Donald's life at 11:00 AM.
Donald will be laid to rest in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, IL.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefunerals.com for the Tennin family.
