By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
3 Comments
  • Visitation

    Saturday, May 21, 2022
    10:00am to 12:00 pm
    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

  • Service

    Saturday, May 21, 2022
    12:00 pm
    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Donald L. “Don” Shimer, 90, of Highland, IL, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

    Don was born September 17, 1931, to Lyle and Arline (nee Baumann) Shimer in Highland, IL. He married Elizabeth Gramlich on February 23, 1952, in Highland, IL.

    He was a member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland. He played in Happy Hats and The Don Shimer Band for many years. Don spent 39 years as the Vice President of the First National Bank of Highland.

    Don loved horse races, raised thoroughbreds, and was a drill instructor for the 4H horse drill team for 20 years, in the 60’s and 70’s. He was a livestock hobby farmer, which showcased his love of animals. Don enjoyed bowling, building jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards and chess to name a few more past times. He coached his sons and helped run Khoury League Baseball, always a big supporter of his boys and later his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved watching Highland Sports and was his family’s biggest fan. Don will be remembered as a great Dad and Grandpa.

    He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Shimer; parents, Lyle and Arline Shimer; sister, Rena Crawford; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Julius “Doc” and Lena Gramlich.

    Don is survived by his children, Daniel (Kathy) Shimer, DuBois, IL and Mark (Laurie) Shimer, Alhambra, IL; grandchildren, Wendi (Tyson) Zobrist, Kara (Phillip) Gall, Cody (Amber) Shimer, Colten (Brianne) Shimer, Ethan Shimer, Jared (Breanna) Shimer; great grandchildren, Adilyn, Ryder, Hayden, Jamison, Willa, Hollynn, and Lincoln; step grandchildren, Zoe (Adam) Dachroeden, Levi (Claire) Hueter; step great-grandchildren, Emmie and Elowyn; many nieces and nephews.

    Memorial donations may be made to Highland Booster Club, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Highland Animal Shelter.

    Visitation: Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 10:00am to 12:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Funeral Service: Saturday, May 21, 2022, 12:00 pm, Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Clergy: Pastor Chuck Kurfman, Highland Hope UMC

    Interment: Highland City Cemetery.

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

3 Condolences
 
  1. Sandy Giger / May 18, 2022 at 11:58 am

    Dan and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I know how close you and your boys were to your Dad, but just treasure all your memories with him. Memories are our way of keeping in touch with our loved ones. Take care. Sandy Giger and Sons

  2. Kay and Bill Ahaus / May 18, 2022 at 7:08 pm

    Enjoyed singing with Don in EvUCC choir and Bill looked forward to chatting with Don when he delivered Meals on Wheels.

  3. Chuck Daniels / May 20, 2022 at 7:06 am

    We will miss Don’s wit, wisdom, and insight. He was a true friend, kind and generous.
    He believed a handshake was a contract, and a man’s word was binding.
    Hopefully we are better people for having known him.
    Rest well, our dear friend, rest well.
    Chuck and Karen Daniels & family
    Washington DC

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