Donald R. Charles, Sr.

Donald Roger Charles, Sr., 68, 831 E. Knox St., died Friday (October 24, 2008) at OSF St Mary’s Hospital, Galesburg.  He was born Dec. 31, 1939, in Galesburg, the son of Richard C. and Margaret (Lively) Charles.  He married Mary Louise Ronk on Jan. 14, 1957.  She preceded him in death on June 23, 2008.   Surviving are 3 sons, Donald Jr. (and Nancy), Tim, and Michael; 3 daughters, Christina (and Michael) Rasso, Teresa (and Richard) Garza, and Lori Carns, all of Galesburg; 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; a brother, Clyde Charles of Galesburg, a sister, Dorothy (Mario) Medina, of Galesburg, two brothers-in-law, Ed Ronk of Oquawka and Tom (& Ellen) Ronk of Galesburg, and a sister-n-law, Lavaughn Ronk of Galesburg.  He was preceded in death by his son John; 2 brothers, Richard and Robert, 2 sisters, Marie and Wilma, and his parents.   In his younger years, Don worked in the boiler room at Knox College.  He worked for 30 years as a pipefitter at Gates Rubber Company, retiring in May 1997.  He then worked at Maytag Corporation, retiring in 2002.  Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, and gardening. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, with the Rev. Ernest Pizzamiglio officiating.  Memorial may be made to the family.  Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg, is in charge of arrangements.