Don was born May 20, 1934 in Belleville, IL to Kenneth and Elise (Dreyer) Stoddard. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Mager, on July 17, 1954; together they shared 68 years together. She survives and resides in Belleville, IL.
Also surviving are their four daughters, Dawn (Dale) Anderson of Belleville, IL, Sherry (James) Mullen of Shiloh, IL, Sandra King of Smithton, IL, and Doreen (Edward) Harter of Smithton, IL; grandchildren, Trevor (Allison) Sehr, Tyler Sehr, Michael Mullen, Chelsea (Adam) Erickson, Garrett (Kayla) King, Brigette King, Joshua Harter and Abigail Harter; and great-grandchildren, Brett, Parker, Miles, Harper, Millie and Greyson.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Austin King; and siblings, William Davis, Shirley Pierce, Kenneth Stoddard and Curtis Stoddard.
Don proudly served in the United States Army, from 1957-1962 at Ft. Sill in Lawton, OK. For 59 years, he worked as a bricklayer and was a member of the Bricklayers and Masons International Union.
Years ago, Don and Shirley loved to spend their time camping and traveling together. He sang with the Belleville Barbershop Chorus and often bowled on a league with his good friends. He was always a “kid at heart” and cherished the moments spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Don made many friends and wonderful memories while living at St. Paul’s Independent Living Apartments. A special thank you to the entire staff who took wonderful care of Don, including Melissa, Kandi and Joe. His family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the team at BJC Hospice, especially Becca, for their friendship, care and compassion shown to Don and his family in the recent months.
Memorial donations may be made to BJC Hospice or to Metro East Humane Society.
VISITATION: A visitation for Don will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 11:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M. at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.
FUNERAL: A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Pastor Ron Habermehl officiating. Final interment will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens.
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