Donald Earl Phelps

Donald Earl Phelps
Juneau, AL - Donald Earl Phelps, son of Earl and Dorothy Phelps, was born in Oakford, Illinois on May 22, 1943. On December 22, 2022 he went to be with his Lord after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's disease. His passing was gentle and peaceful with family present.
Don was raised in Oakford with his sisters Marilee and Olonda. He graduated from Petersburg Harris High School in 1961. Following graduation, he attended Illinois College in Jacksonville graduating in 1965. While in Jacksonville, he met Saralyn Green and they were married in 1965. Don joined the United States Air force and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. They then moved to Paine Field AFB in Everett, Washington where they welcomed their daughter Laura Katherine in 1967. Don was later transferred to Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, Texas where he served as a training officer for the Officer Candidate School. In 1970, David Earl Phelps joined the family. While in San Antonio, Don earned his Master's degree in psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University. In 1971 they returned to Illinois where Don began his career with the Illinois Department of Mental Health and the USAFR Selective Service Detachment in Springfield, IL. During that time, he earned his PhD at Illinois State University in Education Administration with an emphasis on Developmental Disabilities. Don had a very successful career serving as the Director of three different facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities. He joined the Association of Public Developmental Disabilities Administrator's and was actively involved as a board member including serving a term as president.
Don's children and grandchildren were his greatest joy. When he retired, he and Saralyn became actively involved as grandparents. In 2003 they moved to Juneau, Alaska to be with their daughter Laura, her husband Jamie McDermott and grandchildren Sarah, Liam, Abby and Caleb. He was pleased when his son David moved to Juneau in 2012 and his family was all together.
In all his endeavors, Don exhibited a servant's heart. This included serving as a student supply preacher at two small country churches while in college. He was an active member of Grace United Methodist in Jacksonville, Trinity United Methodist Church in Salem, IL. and Chapel by the Lake in Juneau. Other community involvement included serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 107 in Jacksonville, board member of Reach in Juneau, Juneau Suicide Prevention Task Force, and Director of Love, INC, Juneau.
In addition to spending time with his family, Don enjoyed his men's Bible Study, playing tennis, watching football, listening to gospel music, and his study of the American Civil War.
He is survived by his wife Saralyn, daughter Laura (Jamie) McDermott, grandchildren Sarah (Ethan) Roemeling, Liam McDermott, Abigail McDermott, Caleb McDermott, great granddaughter Ruby Roemeling, sister, Marilee (Koji) Hayashi of Boise, Idaho, and many nieces and nephews. His sister, Olonda (Billy) Bateman, predeceased him.
Funeral services were held in December at Chapel by the Lake. Burial with military honors was in Jacksonville, IL in March. For those wishing to make a memorial donation, the family suggests Love INC, Juneau, Chapel by the Lake, or the Murray Parents Association of Centralia, Illinois. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville was in charge of local arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.