A funeral will be held Friday, August 22, 2025 for 79-year-old Donald Ray McAdams of Chester, Illinois, who passed away at 3:56 pm, Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Three Springs Senior Living and Rehabilitation, Chester, Illinois.
He was born September 24, 1945 in Evansville, Illinois, a son of Daniel Jesse and Adeline M. (nee Baum) McAdams, who both preceded him in death.
Donald married the love of his life, Jo Beth Zemlyn, on July 29, 1972 in Chester, Illinois; she survives.
He is also survived by two daughters: Dr. Meghan (Roger) Wilde of Englewood, Colo. and Molly (Frank) Ignasiak of Thornton, Colo.; two grandchildren: Sophia Marie and Frank Lincoln Ignasiak; six siblings: Mary Ann Twitty of Sun City, Fla., Vera Siegfried Chester, Virginia Fry of the state of Michigan, Carl (Jan) McAdams of DeSoto, Ill., Robert (Louise) McAdams of Steeleville, Ill., and Debra (Kevin) Herring of Chester; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was also preceded in death by: a son: Aaron McAdams; two sisters: June Rucker and Vada Savage and two brothers: Daniel Jesse McAdams, Jr. and Harry Edward McAdams.
He had a lengthy and varied career path having worked as a carpenter, and also worked for World Color Press, Gilster Mary-Lee in Steeleville and Chester Mental Health Center. Donald retired from Chester Mental Health Center in 2008 after 16 years of service.
Donald was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Chester, Illinois.
He was an avid fisherman and loved sports, but most of all, he cherished spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed sharing stories and always managed to make you smile and keep you entertained.
Donald was a kindhearted man who made friends with everyone he met and never failed to lend a helping hand to those in need.
He was a United States Navy Veteran.
A funeral for 79-year-old Donald Ray McAdams of Chester will be held at 11 a.m, Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois. Don Berry will officiate.
Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Chester.
Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois.
Memorial may be made to the Chester Senior Center.