Donald C. Kinyon, Sr.

Donald Clayton, Kinyon, Sr., 84, of Galesburg, died at 6:23 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 in Heartland Health Care, Galesburg. Don was born April 13, 1933 in Iowa City, IA the son of Denver C. and Mildred L. (Rowlette) Kinyon.  As an infant, Don was placed in the care of his maternal grandparents, Ed and Mayme Allen of Galesburg.  His home was with them until he graduated from Galesburg High School in 1952.  After graduation, Don entered into the US Air Force in 1952.  He was honorably discharged in 1956 after serving a tour in Korea.  He then joined the Air Force Active Reserves and transferred to the US Army Reserves, serving 30 years.  He received full retirement in 1993. He married Mildred A. Olson on June 1, 1957 in Rock Island.  Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mildred of Galesburg; two sons, Donald (Diane) “Skip” Kinyon, Jr. of Galesburg and David M. Kinyon of Wildomar, CA; one granddaughter, Jenni (Brad) Ralston; and great grandsons, Alex, Alastair, and Owen Ralston.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson; Lance Richard Kinyon, and a brother-in-law, George Lovejoy. Don received his Associates Degree in Business from Carl Sandburg College and had extensive correspondence courses in manufacturing.  He worked at Maytag for 51 years, retiring in 2002.  He was a lifetime member of A.F.&A.M. Lodge 155 Galesburg, Valley of Moline Consistory, Mohammed Shrine board of directors, and the international Shrine Clown Association.  He was also on the board of directors at Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Midwest Employees Credit Union.  Don also was Santa Claus in the community for many years. Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mohammed Shrine Temple, 4201 Industry Dr., Bartonville, IL 61607 for their transportation fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.