Donald Eugene Maas, 95 of West Salem, Illinois went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 9, 2024, at his home.
He was born March 29, 1929, in Chicago, IL to Emmett and Mildred (Schmidt) Maas. He married Dona Feldman on November 25, 1951, at the Moravian Church in West Salem and they enjoyed 68 years together.
He served in the United States Air Force from 1950-54 during the Korean War as an airborne communications technician with a rank of staff sergeant. He had the privilege of going on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his daughter, Debbie, in May 2015 and he was awarded a Quilt of Valor in honor of his service to our country in May 2022. He was a member of the American Legion Post 658.
Utilizing his technical skills, he began his work career at the local television equipment company in West Salem. He then took on a position at Champion Laboratories for 27 years, starting in the Maintenance department and most of those years in Engineering.
Throughout the years, he avidly enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing. He tended to God’s earth in a meticulous manner, spending hours not only in his own beautiful yard and garden, but also ensuring the church and cemetery grounds were well-cared for.
Don was most known for his fierce devotion to his faith, which guided every aspect of his life. He was a lifelong member of the West Salem Moravian Church, serving as an elder and trustee. With a servant heart, he went on various mission trips and helped those in need.
He was a pillar of strength, the centerpiece and patriarch of his family, providing steadfast love and support through life’s ups and downs. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his true pride and joy. His legacy of faith, love, and dedication to God and family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
He leaves wonderful memories to be cherished by his family; his daughter, Billie (Henry) Ortiz of Flower Mound, TX; his four grandchildren: Jill (Chad) Greenwood of Olney, IL, Sara Lupfer of Poseyville, IN, Amy (Troy) Kitley of Flora, IL, and Tawny Ortiz of Dallas, TX; his nine great-grandchildren: Jace, Kristen, and Carley Greenwood, Kennedy Hallam, Carson Lupfer, Emma, Halle, and Landree Kitley, and Scarlette Flemmons.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dona; his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and John Colvin; and his siblings, Virginia, Jack, and Charlie.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the West Salem Moravian Church sanctuary. A Celebration of Life service will be held immediately following visitation at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the Moravian Cemetery in West Salem, Illinois.
.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the West Salem Moravian Church are encouraged. Envelopes will be available at the service.
Ingram Meridith Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.
4 Condolences