Donald R. Minnis

Donald Ray Minnis, 78, of Palmer, IL passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 11:10 a.m. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He was born on July 15, 1935 at Morrisonville; the son and youngest child of Lester Earl and Sylvia (Conlon) Minnis. He was a 1954 graduate of Morrisonville High School where he ran track and played basketball and baseball; in fact, he still holds the record for the longest hit in a high school game when the Mohawks played Litchfield and his ball flew over the fence and landed in a rail car of coal bound for St. Louis. The Litchfield News Herald ran an article about his feat. He was also an excellent swimmer and diver. Donald worked as a machinist at Fiat-Allis in Springfield, retiring in 1986. He was an avid reader, especially of Western books. He loved raising chickens and fantail pigeons, especially bantams and fan tails. He raised and trained several German short-haired pointer dogs. He was also a gun dealer, operating a shop from his home. He loved hunting, fishing and attending auctions and was a regular on Swap Shop and the Trading Post. He regularly donated pet food to the Christian County Animal Shelter and elderly area residents. He also loved to grow radishes in his garden. Donald had several poems published in the local papers over the years. He was a member of the National American Legion, National Rifle Association, Pheasants Forever, and the Sheriff's Association. He was a veteran of the US Army, having served in Germany.

Survivors include his daughters: Dr. Denise Minnis of Hillsboro, IL and Sylvia Minnis of Franksville, WI; son, Kevin Minnis of Morrisonville, IL; five grandchildren: Faris, William, Alanna, Elaan and Clayton; sisters: Marcella McBride of Joplin, MO and Ruth Wallace of Stanford, IL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Lavora, Merle and Delmar Minnis; and sisters: Melba Storer and Temple Stieren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Perfetti Funeral Home in Morrisonville with Pastor Chad Foster officiating. Burial will follow at Harvel Cemetery, Harvel. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2014 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Perfetti Funeral Home in Morrisonville.

Perfetti Funeral Home in Morrisonville is in charge of arrangements.