Loren Dean Donelson

Loren Dean Donelson, 83, a resident of Davenport, passed away at home with his family at his side on May 7, 2012. Visitation will be Friday, May 11th, 2012 from 12-1PM with his service to follow at 1:00 PM at Runge Mortuary, followed by military honors and burial at National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois. Loren Dean Donelson was born May 18, 1928 in Mercer County Missouri, the son of Homer Eldon and Bertha Ellen (Cox) Donelson. He married Georgia Black in Fairfax, Missouri on May 29, 1949. Loren served in the United States Air Force from 1945 through 1948. He served nearly two years in the occupation of Japan as an airline mechanic. He began his career as a telegrapher for the railroads and then became a switchman. He was employed with the Rock Island Lines, Milwaukee Road and Soo Line railroads for thirty-eight years until his retirement in 1988. Loren enjoyed gardening, vacations to the mountains, visiting with friends, family and neighbors and telling wonderful “true” stories of his past. Loren walked and talked the Bix many times. He never knew a stranger. His family missed him on a visit to Mt. Evans and found him visiting with fellow park visitor. Loren is survived by his wife Georgia; one son Mark Donelson (Dianne) of Evergreen, CO, two grandchildren, Jessica (Jeremy) Hansmann of Arvada, CO and Lori (Jason) McGarvie of Boerne, TX; great grandsons, William and Jack Hansmann and one great granddaughter, Kendall McGarvie.

Loren was one of thirteen children. His surviving siblings are: brothers: David (Jack) and Bonnie of Blue Grass, IA and Jim and Marie Donelson of Davenport, IA; sisters: Evelyn Viets of Rockport, MO, Shirley (Lloyd) Irvin of Dallas City, IA, and Glendoris Brown of Davenport, IA. Loren was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, brothers Chester (Glen), Billy Joe and Walker Donelson and his sisters Viola Austin and Pauline Morris.