Donald C. Brush

Born December 17, 1946 in Pekin to Schuyler and Ethel (Behrends) Brush, he married Brenda K. Bonnette. He married Nancy Jo (Damarin) Anderson on March 31, 1999 at Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Surviving are his wife, Nancy; three sons, Donald Steven “Don” (Angelique) Brush of Green Valley, Scott (Bettina) Brush of Dallas, Texas and Shannon Wade (Stacy) Brush of Mackinaw; one daughter, Shelleena (Joe) Knollenberg of Peoria; one step-daughter, Melonie (Todd) Thomas of Bronson, Iowa; one stepson, Drew Anderson of Eugene, Oregon; thirteen grandchildren, Nathaniel (Shelby) Brush, Lynzee Brush, Ashlyn (Zach) Fischer, Isabella Brush, Francesca Brush, Dalton Brush, Dakota Brush, Megan Brush, Johnathan Howard, Kimberleigh (Dashley) Bradenburg, Alisabeth (Blake) Alexander, Samantha Eason and Shelby Thomas; eleven great-grandchildren and two sisters, Sally Look of Green Valley and Cheryl Bates of Morton. He also leaves his Australian Huskie, Merlee Sue.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons, Daniel Joseph Howard and Braden Anderson; one infant step-daughter, Kali Anderson; one brother, Robert Brush and one sister, Patricia Olson.

He was a United States Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.

Donnie retired from Century Link with 42 years of service as a lineman/repairman. In retirement, he always looked forward to meeting Monday mornings with his other phone company retirees.

He was a very creative and handy person that knew how to fix most anything. He loved making metal art and was proud of the swing he had made for his grandchildren. Halloween was his favorite holiday and he was known for his Halloween train and decorations. Donnie also enjoyed singing karaoke.

Donnie was a member of St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley and also attended St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin and Mapleton Church with his wife. A sentimental and praying man, nothing was more important to him than his faith.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023 at St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley. Pastor Chris Sansom and DCE William Krueger will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Sand Prairie Cemetery in rural Green Valley, with military rites accorded by the United States Air Force.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Road, Green Valley, IL 61534 or Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 3201 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com