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Donald E. "Don" McCleary
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Donald McCleary Obituary
Donald E. 'Don' McCleary, age 79, of Liberty, died in his home on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He was born on April 7, 1946, in Quincy, IL, the son of Harry Clifford and Coletta Mary (Wiewel) McCleary. He married Diana Linda Morley on August 16, 1969, in St. Brigid Catholic Church, and she survives.
He graduated from Liberty High School in 1964. Don was a lifelong farmer. In addition to farming, Don was a member of various boards and clubs including Liberty Lions Club where he was a member for 44 years; he served on Liberty Community District #2 School Board retiring after 34 years, Adams County Farm Bureau, and the Liberty Education Foundation.
He was a former president of St. Brigid Church's Holy Name Society and Chairman of Building and Grounds. Don served on the Adams County Board for 6 years, on Adams County Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and was a member of the former Adams County Pork Producers. His life and active involvement in civic affairs reflected his desire to see communities expand and prosper.
Don received several awards including the Illinois School Board's Award of Excellence in 1993; the Adams County Outstanding Young Farmer in 1979; 4th place in the Illinois Outstanding Young Farmer in 1979, Quincy Herald-Whig Farm Family of the Year 1997, and Liberty High School Eagle Hall of Fame's the Friend of Liberty Award.
He liked being with people, and most especially his family and friends. He saw the value in watching children grow and reach their full potential. Don enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events and the time spent visiting and vacationing with friends and family.
He always appreciated the blessing of a good rain on the crops. Don was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Quincy and a former 70 year member of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty.
In addition to his loving wife Diana, survivors include his children: Dawn Ormond (Joe) of Liberty; Debbie Johnson (Doug) of Quincy; Darin McCleary (Nikki) of Liberty; and David McCleary (Janice) of Liberty.
Grandchildren: Tyler Ormond (Chelsea); Austin Ormond (Grace); Jordan Johnson; Courtney Johnson; Macy Huber (Austin); Jonathan Willer (fiancée Rachel Holtmeyer); Madison McCleary; Emma McCleary.
Great-Grandchildren: Riley and Waylon Ormond; Henry and Hunter Huber.
A sister-in-law: Judy McCleary; a nephew, Troy McCleary; a niece, Tonya McCleary; several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert McCleary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:00 am in St. Brigid Catholic Church. Interment to follow in St. Brigid Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm at St. Brigid Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to the Liberty Education Foundation, St. Brigid Cemetery, or Adams County Folks Care. Service arrangements are with Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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3 Entries
Bill Morrison
Yesterday
Diana and family, How can I express my feelings?
Don was such a good friend. He will be always be
remembered. Please know I will be keeping you in
my prayers.
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Owen & Jan Duppong
December 6, 2025
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. They say we never lose what has become a part of us but that doesn't seem to ease the seemingly endless grief. It's the price paid for love so rejoice in the life and love you shared together. May God provide you strength and peace for each day forward.
Denny Meyer
December 5, 2025
I'll never forget the kindness that Don showed to everyone he knew. He stood tall (both figuratively and literally) among his family, friends and neighbors. A great man, now home in a great place. RIP, my cousin.
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