Donald Gordon Paris, 79 of Peoria, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 at his home following a short illness.
Donald was born on Sept. 28, 1933 in Sturgis, Ky., to the late Charles and Willie Maud Voss Paris. He married Delores Oakley on Aug. 10, 1952 in Sturgis, Ky. She survives him. Also surviving are a daughter, Sherri Anders of Peoria, two grandsons, Jason (Laura) Anders of Sussex, Wis., Jeremiah (Stephanie) Anders of Morton, a daughter-in-law, Deborah Paris of Foley; a brother, Charlie Bob (Gwen) Paris of Sturgis, KY; a sister, Jane Hall of Murray, Ky; a sister-in-law, Kay Paris of Madisonville, Ky; a brother-in-law, Maurice Oakley, several nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by a son, Barry Paris on Dec. 30, 1996, a great-granddaughter, Savannah Anders, a brother Bill Paris and a brother-in-law, Jim Hall. Don graduated with a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Kentucky in 1960. He worked as an Economist for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 32 years retiring in 1993. He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. He was the former President of the Peoria Easter Seals Society from 1987-1990. Funeral Service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington, Ill. Pastor Bill Cordes will officiate with interment to follow in Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton, Ill. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Easter Seals of Peoria, c/o 507 E Armstrong Ave, Peoria, IL 61603. Don’s memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com where online condolences may be left for the family.
