Donald Lee Jacobs Sr.

MANITO ~ Donald Lee "Don" Jacobs, Sr., age 85, of Manito, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria. He was born on February 27, 1941, a son of John and Margaret (King) Jacobs in Peoria. He would become one of six children.

Don graduated from East Peoria High School and went right to work for Kroger Stores. Don then met the love of his life, Cora "Ann" Marshall. They married in September 1960 and started their life together and later welcomed three boys.

Don worked for Kroger and also had a career in real estate for many years before deciding to change careers and began working at Powerton. Upon retiring from Powerton in 1995, he went back to work for Kroger part-time and then retired permanently.

Don and his wife Ann enjoyed traveling, especially with friends and family, seeing all of the U.S. and Canada. He loved the national parks and like to travel by train. Another favorite pastime was gardening. His favorites were his sunflowers and were the envy of his neighbors. Don also enjoyed the Chillicothe campground where he spent many weekends with family and friends.

Don leaves behind his children, Don (Jodie) Jacobs, Jr. of Pekin, Richard (Carol) Jacobs of Albany, Oregon and Rob Jacobs of Pekin; five grandchildren, Stacy Jacobs of Fremont, California, Blayne (Jake) Dixon of Pontiac, Eryn (Josh) Goetze of Minonk, DJ Jacobs III of Pekin, and Piper Root of Manito; one great-grandson, Wade Dixon; and great-granddaughter, Bailey Goetze; one sister, Phyllis (Jacobs) Knight of Georgia; one brother, Bernard Jacobs of Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his brother, Richard; his sisters, Ellen and Edith; and a great-grandson, Levi.

Cremation has been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Online condolences may be shared with Don's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com