Donald Clifton Witty

Donald Clifton Witty, 77, of Springfield, passed away at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at his residence. Donald was born in Glasgow, KY and grew up in Hoopeston, IL, the son of Glaytus and Lou Ida (Wells) Witty. He married Deborah Bachman on December 26, 1995. Donald was a 1959 graduate of the Illinois School for the Deaf. He was the former president of the Springfield Area Deaf Club and president of the Illinois TCCI. Donald was also a member of the Hoopeston Moose Lodge and a sign language teacher for the Springfield Center for Independent Living. He was employed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Donald had a love for yorkies and enjoyed his dogs, Tuffy (deceased), Ruby, and Daisy, as well as his poodle, Pilania. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Josh Witty; one sister, Violet; one brother, Charles; in-laws, Al & Emily Bachman; and brother-in-law, Stephen Bachman. He is survived by his wife, Deborah of Springfield; three sons, Donald "Cliff" Witty, Jr. of TN, and Alvin and Darren Witty, both of Springfield; three daughters, Dianna Sexton of Krum, TX, Debra (husband, Ron) Flowers of Watseka, IL, and Dana Witty of Milford, IL; twenty grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren with one on the way; two siblings, Joyce (husband, Albert) Varva of TX and Sam (wife, Louise) Witty of Hoopeston, IL; a brother-in-law, James (wife, Janie) Bachman of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Ceremony and Visitation: 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield with Jonathan D. Bordean officiating. Family will receive friends following the ceremony until 7:00 p.m. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following ceremonies. Private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to The Donald Clifton Witty Fund, c/o United Community Bankany location, to help with expenses.