Obituary of Don Denby

Donald D. Denby, 88 of Springfield, Illinois formerly of Girard, Illinois passed away Tuesday morning, October 25, 2022, at Cedarhurst in Springfield, Illinois. Don was born August 17, 1934, in Girard, IL, a son of Arthur and Verna Alford Denby. Don graduated from Girard High School with the class of 1952. Don continued his education at the University of Illinois where he met Pam shortly before graduation. He served in the US Air Force for three years as an Intercept Controller, stationed at a radar sight in the Alaskan Air Command. Don married Pamela Shepherd August 23, 1959 in Morton, Illinois and was married for over 63 years. He returned to life on the farm west of Girard where they raised four children along with crop and hog production. Don was very active in the Girard United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men and community organizations, often serving as treasurer and chairman. Some of those were the Board of Education, Girard Alumni Assoc., Pleasant Hill Board, and the North Macoupin Health Services Corporation to locate a physician to serve Girard. To promote his livelihood of raising hogs, he became active in the Macoupin County Pork Producers and served on the County 4-H Board. After his retirement in 1999, Don and Pam enjoyed road trips which found them hiking the trails and climbing lighthouses in several states. They also enjoyed many winter months in Florida with friends. He continued to serve others as a Memorial Hospital Red Coat Volunteer for 9 years. Don enjoyed family gatherings, especially annual outings to Cardinal baseball and Illini football games. Times spent with his grandchildren were full of laughter as he entertained them by reading them books, standing on his head and letting them dramatically pull him out of his recliner. Spending time each summer with his grandchildren as they vacationed on the farm was a highlight. The whole family looked forward to the Annual Hog Open Golf Tournament on the farm where Don served as Grand Marshal. He made many friends along this journey in life and was always willing to give his time to a worthy cause. Don will be remembered for his quick wit, love of life, commitment to family and service to the Lord. Donald was preceded in death by his brother, Lynn Denby, brother, Delbert Denby and infant brother, Earl. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022, 9:30 to 11:00 am at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Girard, IL. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Friday, October 28, 2022 at the funeral home the Rev. Mark Doane officiating. Burial will follow in Girard Cemetery. Donald is survived by his wife, Pamela Denby of Springfield, IL, son, David (Sheila) Denby of Girard, IL, son, Bruce (Linda) Denby of Downers Grove, IL, son, Craig (Becky Griffith) Denby of Belleville, IL, daughter, Diane (John) Rodgers of St. Charles, MO, grandchildren Brooke Denby, Lauren Denby, Eric Denby, Ellen Denby, Caleb Denby, Kaylin Rodgers. Memorials may be made to Girard United Methodist Church or Parkinson's Foundation. Please visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Girard is in charge of arrangements.