Don P. Filson

JACKSONVILLE - Don Paul Filson, 77, of Jacksonville died Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at his residence.

He was born Feb. 6, 1931, in Chicago, the son of Floyd Vivian and Wilma Hazel Nutt Filson. He first married Nancy Conner, and they divorced in 1988. He then married Darlene Nelson on Jan. 5, 1991, in Jacksonville; she survives.

He also is survived by two sons, Bur (Roxanne) Filson of Jacksonville and Tim (Liz) Filson of Shawnee Mission, Kan.; two daughters, Jennifer (Craig) Morrison of Petersburg and Hilary (Dave) Melbourne of Jacksonville; 11 grandchildren, Katy, Morgan, Madison, Rebecca, Rachel, Katie, Courtney, Cara, Megan, Timothy and Tyler; and two sisters, Kirby (Hal) Davis of Duarte, Calif., and Abby (John) Shaw of Prescott, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by a son, Tom Filson; and a brother, Larry Filson (surviving wife, Chris of North Potomac, Md.)

Dr. Filson was a graduate of Waller High School. He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he served with the U.S. Army. He did his undergraduate work at Park College and obtained both the master's and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Illinois. He was a National Science Foundation Fellow during graduate school. He began teaching chemistry in 1960 at Illinois College, where he helped oversee the design of Crispin Science Hall and was instrumental in the conversion of the former Baxter Dining Hall into a state-of-the-art computer science center. He served as chairman of the department of chemistry and computer science and information systems. The trustees honored him by designating him as the Strawn Professor Emeritus of Chemistry. He served on the college accreditation reviews and as faculty marshal during the sesquicentennial celebrations of 1979 and early 1980. Dr. Filson was president of the faculty senate and an honorary member of Phi Alpha. He was one of the charter members of McGaw Fine Arts Series and in 1989 was awarded a McGaw Citation for his support of the fine arts.

Dr. Filson was a member of First Presbyterian Church and attended Congregational Church UCC. He was a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Society, serving as board member, treasurer, president and executive director. He performed as a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorale and as a member of the choirs of First Presbyterian and Congregational churches. He was a member of The Club and American Chemical Society.

He enjoyed genealogy. Following retirement, he devoted himself to family and friends. Colleagues, acquaintances and family continued to enjoy his wit and dry sense of humor throughout his retirement years.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home (North Prairie Chapel) in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested to Illinois College or Jacksonville Symphony Society. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.