94, of rural Macomb
Donald R. Snowden of rural Macomb, Illinois, passed away July 10, 2025 at Wesley Village in Macomb after a short illness. He was 94.
Donald Ross Snowden was born December 29, l930 at home on his parents’ farm in rural Vermont, IL. He attended a one-room schoolhouse called Sixteen in Eldorado Township and later graduated from Industry High School in 1948. He was a member of the IHS football team that went undefeated in 1946.
After graduation, he enlisted in the USAF. He was stationed at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, FL. He served in the USAF from 1950-1954, achieving the rank of Airman First Class. On June 23, 1951, he married Shirley R. Simeral. They lived in Florida and both worked on the AFB until he was deployed to South Korea to serve in the Korean War. They would enjoy 63 years of marriage until her death on September 21, 2012.
After serving his tenure in the USAF, he settled into farming in the rural Vermont area. He would continue farming at several locations in the area until he retired a few years ago.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Rae Snowden (“Flip”); youngest son, Steven “Tater” Snowden, and a daughter in law, Angela Dean Snowden. Also his parents, Robert L. and Lillian Angell Snowden; and six brothers, Paul, Howard, Lyle, Robert, Nelson, and Richard.
He leaves behind a large family including four adult children: Jan (Jack) Perone of Springfield, IL; David (Rhonda) Snowden of Warsaw, IL; Mark (Judy) Snowden of Des Moines, IA; and Julie (Bruce) Cordell of Beardstown, IL. He is also survived by Steven’s widow, Patricia Jackson Snowden of rural Vermont, IL, and eight grandchildren: Carl Snowden of Panora, IA; Sarah Prott of Godfrey, IL; Jennifer Lewis of Longmont, CO; Kristen Cassens of Camp Point, IL; Gregory Cordell of Colona, IL; Erin Perone of Chicago, IL; Ryan Snowden of Warsaw, IL; and Emily Perone- Hall of Springfield, IL. He also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren who loved to visit him on the farm. His sister, Mary Anne (Richard) Bartlett of Quincy, IL, and his brother, Philip (Jeanie) of Minneapolis, MN, also survive, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was a member of West Prairie Presbyterian Church of rural Vermont, IL. He also attended Doddsville United Methodist Church.
He was rooted in his love for farming and nature. He was proud of his large family. He was completely devoted to his wife. We will remember him for his silly tongue twisters, ornery behavior, life stories, honesty, loyalty, and remarkable work ethic.
Cremation rites have been provided by Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home of Macomb, IL. Private burial will be in Pennington Point Cemetery, Adair, IL at a later date.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
