Donald Paul Short, 89, of New Athens, IL, went home to be with the LORD on November 24, 2021, three days short of his 90th birthday.
Don was born in Arkansas City, KS on November 27, 1931. He graduated from Derby High School in Derby, KS in 1949. Don was married to Joyce Switzer on April 17, 1953. They were married for 14 years and had 5 children. He later married Johan Hays, née Smith, on March 24, 1972 until her death on June 13, 2004. Don remarried Joyce Eaves, née Switzer, on October 16, 2004.
Don joined the Air Force shortly after his 18th birthday and trained in Avionic Electronics to work on airplane radios in Korea, Japan, and several Air Force bases in the US. After the Air Force, Don worked for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, MO then Beech Aircraft in Wichita, KS where he retired as an engineer who was often called upon to solve difficult problems.
Don was a devout Christian who loved the Lord and his family, always eager for more grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Genealogy was a passion of his and he made numerous trips to study grave sites and county records to help find where our family tree had begun.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Byron and Katherine, née Robertson, Short; siblings David Short and Vada McDaniel; and step-son David Barker.
Don is survived by his wife Joyce Short; his sister and brother-in-law Virginia and Paul Treadwell; his children and their spouses Donna and Rod Kauhl, Paul and Dawn Short, Brad Short, Mike Short, Karen and John Pannier; and step-children and their spouses Robert and Jeannie Barker, Joyce and Devin Hefley, Daniel and Angela Hays, and Roger Hays; along with 14 grandchildren, 11 step-grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 21 step-great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Smithton, IL First Baptist Church elevator/lift fund.
Condolences to the family maybe expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.
Visitation will be held on Sunday November 28, 2021, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Monday November 29, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL.
Funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Monday November 29, 2021 with Pastor Robert Endsley officiating. Graveside services to follow at Oakridge Cemetery in New Athens, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Joyce, so saddened to hear about Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The day was always brightened when we got the chance to talk to him. You know where we are if you ever need anything.
Your brother and sister in Christ,
Keith and Susie Owen
I’m deeply sorry for the loss of Donald I know it is a painful happening, and I pray that God will comfort you and your family fully.
ReplyRest Donald, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Air Force.
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Rest Donald, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Air Force.
I’m deeply sorry for the loss of Donald I know it is a painful happening, and I pray that God will comfort you and your family fully.
Joyce, so saddened to hear about Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The day was always brightened when we got the chance to talk to him. You know where we are if you ever need anything.
Your brother and sister in Christ,
Keith and Susie Owen