Donald Emerson Utley

Don grew up in Henderson, KY and graduated from Western State College with his B.S. degree and also earned a Master's Degree from Indiana University. Don and Jo Ann (Whitledge) were married on September 1, 1955 at Cairo United Methodist Church in Henderson County, KY. He joined the Air Force while in college as a Second Lieutenant and progress through the ranks serving 12 years and retired as a Captain. Coming from a long line of educators, Don's father, G.L. Utley welcomed him into an academic career. He retired after 36 years from the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. Donald was raised to the Degree of a Master Mason on October 2, 1954 in the Jerusalem Lodge No. 9 of Henderson, KY. The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America bestowed to Donald on September 29, 1982 his 33rd Degree.

He enjoyed sailing, flying airplanes with his pilots licence, and riding Gold Wing motorcycles with his wife. Don was a talented wood turner and crafted beautiful pens, plates, and bowls. Later in life he was a licensed Ham Radio Operator. He was a lifelong Christian and an active member of Broadway United Methodist Church in Paducah, KY and a member of St. James West in Evansville, IN.

Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jo Ann Utley; children, Willow Newsome, Gregg Emerson Utley and his wife, Cathy; grandchildren, John R. Pardus and his wife, Karina, and James C. Pardus; great grandchildren, Shaunielle, Ryan, and Argene Pardus.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W. Illinois Street, Evansville, IN and again on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Alexander West Chapel officiated by Pastor Gene Backes followed by burial at Fernwood Cemetery in Henderson, KY.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com