David Greeson

1941 - 2025

David Greeson

March 11, 1941 - July 10, 2025

David Lloyd Greeson, age 84, of Mattoon passed away on July 10, 2025.

Funeral services honoring his life will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Schilling Funeral Home with Pastor Cameron St. Michael officiating. Burial will follow at Neoga Memorial Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.

Dave was born on March 11, 1941 in Chicago, the son of Dexter Leon and Iva Gertrude (Carruthers) Greeson. He married the love of his life Dona Louise Woolery on July 18, 1964. He loved his Dona since he first met her in elementary school and they shared many wonderful years together until her passing on April 24, 2023.

Survivors include his sons, Craig Greeson of Mount Prospect, IL and Chris Greeson of Mattoon, IL; and granddaughter, Xylia Greeson of Mattoon, IL; sister, Nancy Renshaw; and niece, Martha Roman. In addition to his wife, Dave was preceded in death by his parents.

Born and raised in Neoga where he was a lifelong member of the Grace United Methodist Church, Dave grew up working in his family's International Harvester business. During that time, the values of hard work and loyalty were instilled in him from a young age. A gifted athlete, he was an outstanding high school basketball player, earning the title of Most Valuable Player of the National Trail Conference, a reflection of his love for sports that continued throughout his life.

He earned his Bachelor's degree and Master's degree from Eastern Illinois University. During his undergraduate time there, he served as president of his fraternity. Dave began his professional life as a teacher in Taylorville. In the late 1960s, he made the decision to return home and join the family grocery business, working alongside his uncles, Lloyd and John Carruthers at the Neoga Carruthers Grocery Store and managing it with his cousin John. This store would later become the Neoga IGA. Around the same time, he also began his impactful and longstanding career at Lake Land College.

Dave served the Lake Land College as the vice president for academic services for several years before retiring in 1998. Dave was one of the college's original instructors, having started teaching mathematics at Lake Land College in 1969. In 2009, Dave was inducted into the Retiree Wall of Fame. During his tenure at Lake Land, he chaired several committees on campus, including the college's only successful tax referendum in the late 70s. He served as a consultant to the Illinois Board of Higher Education staff for implementation of the statewide Illinois Articulation Initiative that created a seamless system to ensure the transferability of courses from a community college to a four-year university. Dave was a member of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents MIS Technical Committee. He later came out of retirement to serve in a data analysis and planning position for the college.

A passionate golfer, Dave found joy on the course with family and lifelong friends. His competitive spirit and love for sports extended to all levels, from watching professional games, to supporting his beloved granddaughter in every sport she played. Dave rarely missed a game and enjoyed getting to know her teammates. He was always cheering her on, proud and full of love. Dave and Dona also loved taking their granddaughter to Disney World.

Dave was a devoted dog lover, and his pets were constant companions over the years. He especially cherished his best canine companion, Elmo. Above all, his greatest pride was his family. He was especially proud of the fact that his sons and granddaughter all obtained Engineering degrees from the University of Illinois. Dave was a rock to those he loved, a man who gave generously of his time and support. Dave will be remembered as the kindest soul and someone who always treated others with respect. He never failed to say please and thank you, no matter how small the service.

Dave will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of devotion, kindness, and passion lives on in the memories shared and the lives he touched.

Memorial donations in his honor may be given to the Lake Land College Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed at www.schillingfuneralhome.net or Schilling Funeral Home's Facebook page.

Schilling Funeral Hom

1301 Charleston Ave

Mattoon, IL 61938

217-235-0333