Donald Stanley Parton

Donald Stanley Parton, 66, of Galesburg, died at 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at Heartland Health Care Center, Galesburg.

Don was born June 30, 1949 in Galesburg, the son of Johnnie Franklin and Betty Jane Stinson Parton, Sr.  Don married Margret Louise Klossing on April 3, 1968 in Knoxville.  Don is survived by his wife Margret of Galesburg; one daughter, Dawn Renee (Jesse Crawford) Parton of Galesburg; his pride and joy and only grandson whom he called “Boo”, Makel Crawford; one brother, Ronald (Debbie) Parton of Norris City; one sister, Jackie (Marty) Cecil of Knoxville; and his close friend, Ed “Dad” Klapp.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Stacey Lynn Parton on December 16, 1969; and one brother, Johnnie “Butch” Franklin Parton, Jr.

Don attended Galesburg High School before leaving to serve in the US Army from 1967 to 1969. He honorably fought in the Vietnam War where he earned a Purple Heart.  After he was discharged Don returned to Galesburg where he worked at Maytag for 30 years, retiring in 2003.    Don enjoyed playing Santa Claus for 23 years bringing Christmas joy to many different families, parades, and many different organizations.

Donald fought a hard battle with colorectal cancer for 15 months and the family would like to recognize a few nurses. Sandy Murphy from OSF Healthcare, “You were very special to us in this battle and we could not have hand picked a better person to care for Don. We will love you forever for what you have done.” Laci Lamb and Amanda Lamb, “Without the two of you, we could have not kept Don at home for as long as we did. Thank you for being “on call” 24 hours a day and asking for nothing in return. You are truly special nurses. We are lucky to have you as family!”

Per his and his family’s wishes, Don has donated his body to science.  A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Military rites will be conducted at 4 p.m.  Memorials may be made to the family for an education fund to be established for his grandson, Makel.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.