Donald E Lighter

Born August 30, 1924 in Peoria to George L. and Margaret (Kluever) Lighter, he married Louise F. Burkitt on January 1, 1946.  She died on December 16, 1982.  He later married Merlena Brooks on February 16, 1985 in Pekin.  She died in October of 1999.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gregory Lighter; and one brother, George Lighter.

Surviving are one daughter, Kimberly S. (Dennis E.) McKinney of Pekin; one son, Dr. Donald E. (Sally A.) Lighter, II of Knoxville, TN; six grandchildren, Trent A. McKinney and Sarina L. McKinney, both of Pekin, Marc A. (Kristin) Lighter and Megan (Jonathon) Dunniway both of Knoxville, TN, Amy (Jeff) Steill of California, and Caitlin Lighter of Atlanta, GA; and six great-grandchildren.

A 1943 graduate of Pekin Community High School, he entered the United States Navy during World War II.  While in the Navy he served in the Pacific Theater on the U.S.S. Tingey, a destroyer in Admiral "Bull" Halsey's task force.

Don was a successful businessman in Pekin and started businesses in construction and real estate that served the community for 53 years before his retirement in 2007.  He was well known in the community and was active in local politics in an effort to continually improve Pekin and Tazewell County.

He served on the City of Pekin Planning Commission for 18 years.  He also served as chairman of the Riverway Business Park Review Committee for 3 years.  He served on the Pekin Housing Authority Board for two terms.  In November of 1999, he was honored by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. for the work he had done with the Pekin Housing Authority.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin since the age of 7; life and a 51-year member of Empire Masonic Lodge #126 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of IL in Pekin; William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 in Pekin; Pekin Board of Realtors; and was a former member of Sertoma.

A longtime fixture in downtown Pekin, Don often was called "The Mayor of Court Street" and could be seen standing outside his business with his trademark cigar.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 12, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  The Rev. Terry C. Edele will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at the funeral home, with Masonic rites at 7 p.m.  Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin where military rites will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court, Pekin, IL 61554 or Dreams for Seniors Charity, 516 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.