By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
10 Comments
  • Visitation

    Thursday, March 14, 2024
    5:00-7:00pm
    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home

  • Service

    Friday, March 15, 2024
    11:00 am
    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home

    Burial in Johnsonville Cemetery

  • Full Obituary

    Donnie Leon Milner

    January 23, 1943 - March 8, 2024

    Donnie Milner, a beloved resident of Johnsonville, IL, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on March 8th, 2024. Born on January 23, 1943, to Johnie and Ruby (Greathouse) Milner, Donnie's life was marked by dedication to his family and community.

    Donnie married his loving wife Janice Milner on September 27th, 1963, and together they built a life filled with love and cherished memories.

    Donnie attended Cisne High School, graduating in 1960. He worked at Oscar Dean’s garage briefly before transitioning to full-time farming. In the 1980s, he expanded his endeavors by venturing into the sale of farm equipment, contributing to the agricultural community he held dear.

    Donnie’s hobbies brought him much joy. He enjoyed attending and participating in tractor pulls, especially in his earlier years. He also curated a large collection of toy tractors. In retirement, he found satisfaction and purpose in restoring antique tractors, preserving the history of farming equipment. These pursuits were not just pastimes but reflections of his lifelong love for agriculture. He was also a charter member of the Johnsonville Ruritan coffee club.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, his special mother-in-law Dorothy (Pugh) Milner; brother Ronnie Milner, son-in-law Robert "Bob" Tennyson; great-grandson, Hudson Gaige Milner; and other relatives.

    Survived by Donnie are his wife, Janice;  children Lisa (Bob - deceased) Tennyson of Dahlgren, Jeff Milner of Bethany, Brenda Milner of Texas, and Brian Milner of Johnsonville; grandchildren: April, Alec, Austen, Alijah, and Anthony Tennyson; Jeff, Devan, Aaron, Justin, Jacob, and Dylan Milner; Brody and Jesse Milner; grand dogs: Coco and Dior; great-granddaughter Dakota Milner; brother Larry Milner and wife, Lucy,  of Johnsonville and sister Jeanette (Bill-deceased) Simonin of Albion.

    Donnie’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, as a devoted family man, hardworking farmer, and dedicated member of his community. He will be deeply missed.

    In honor of Donnie's memory, donations to Bailey Cemetery, Johnsonville Cemetery, Johnsonville Ruritans, or First Christian Church Wayne City are greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.

    Visitation: Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne IL.

    Funeral Services: Friday, March 15, 2024, 11:00 AM, Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.

    Burial: Johnsonville Cemetery.

    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

10 Condolences
 
  1. DuWayne&Lynnette Milner / March 12, 2024 at 11:15 am

    Prayers for strength and comfort for you all during this time of loss. Our deepest sympathy, and much love ❤️

  2. Marilyn (Shehorn) Tarbutton / March 12, 2024 at 12:53 pm

    Dear Janice, Jeanette, Larry and the rest of the Milner Family : I am very sad to hear that your Loved One and my Friend of years ago has passed away. I hope that all of you will remember the good times you had with him over the years as the memories are so precious I know you will miss him. I will tell you who I am now as most of you don’t know me but I grew up out in the country not to far from the Milner Family. My family was friends. of the Milners. I am Marilyn (Shehorn) Tarbutton living out in California since I have been married back in 1973. I have been gone from Illinois since 1959 but I do remember my friends and family still back there. May God bless each one of you during your grieving time. May God give you a lot of comfort and peace at this time. Wish I lived close by so I could be there with you on Friday to give you some of my love. Take good care of each other. I am sending this with my deepest Sympathy, love and blessings. A friend always Marilyn (Shehorn) Tarbutton

  3. Dan Goodwin / March 13, 2024 at 9:45 am

    Dear Janice and family, please know how very sorry I am for Donnie’s passing. I know what a great guy he was, and what a loving father and husband he was. Please know I am sending love to you all.

    Cousin Danny Goodwin

  4. Dan Goodwin / March 13, 2024 at 10:47 am

    Dear Janice and family, please know you are all in our thoughts, and know just how very sorry we are about Donnie. He was a wonderful Husband and Father,

    Sincere condolences,

    Danny and Mary Goodwin

  5. John and Susan Henson / March 13, 2024 at 12:15 pm

    So sorry to hear of the passing of a great man and long time friend of my family. He guided us through many years with our farming situation and really paved the way for Brian.
    We will miss him

  6. John and Darlene Hosselton / March 13, 2024 at 6:16 pm

    The family has our sympathy. Donnie was a kind man and always had a smile. He will be missed.

  7. Pat Hillisrd / March 13, 2024 at 7:13 pm

    So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. He has always been held in high regard to my family. Pat (Henson) Hilliard

  8. Bill an Linda McKinney / March 13, 2024 at 10:19 pm

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Donnie, not to many weeks as Bill and I were going into Doc. Office I met Donnie and Janice coming out, but I seen him first, I had to take a second look to see that it was Donnie, he had lost so much weight, I said Donnie is that you? I said are you OK? He said no not really , and he told me why he was there also , Bill and I hated to hear he was so sick, then just about 3 to 4 weeks ago we saw him at Orchardville and he was having his supper. We 3 talked for awhile , he got up to leave , and im afraid now he knew he probably would not see us again, he done his goodbye and left ,little did we know that would be the last time, I pray for you all , his family especially Janice ,and his loving family , prayers for you all.

  9. Kathy Plummer / March 14, 2024 at 4:30 pm

    Janice, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. Knowing that your beloved Donnie is now with our Lord, we celebrate his salvation! You will miss him immensely, even though you know he is in a better place, and our hearts break for you. You have so many beautiful memories to sustain you, cherish them, until you meet again!
    Love & Sympathy from:

    Aunt Dockie’s crew

  10. Jeanette Laughlin / March 15, 2024 at 11:52 am

    Sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with Donnie at the coffee club. Loved hearing some of his stories .He is with the lord and you will see him again someday. Love and sympathy. Dale and Jeanette Laughlin. He will be missed.

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