Donald Harnly Obituary

Donald Richard Harnly

Mar 15, 1947 - Mar 15, 2023

Spring Valley, IL

Donald Richard Harnly, 76, of Spring Valley, Illinois, passed away on his birthday, March 15, 2023, at La Salle Veterans Home with his loving wife by his side.

Donald was born March 15, 1947, in Ashland, the son of of the late George Richard and Gertrude Grace (nee Stober) Harnly.

Don grew up in the Shiloh and Plymouth area and was a 1965 graduate of Plymouth High School. He joined U.S. Air Force and served in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the Military Police. Don moved back to Plymouth after the service and spent a majority of his life as a farmer. He also worked as an electrician at Pioneer Rubber and CSX Railroad. He was a life-time member of American Legion. Faith was an integral part of his life and he was a member of Plymouth Lutheran Church, Life Point Community Church, and recently Valley Community Church in Illinois.

Don enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially tinkering with this farm equipment, and looking after his dogs and cats. He bowled on leagues at Dynasty Lanes, Willard, and enjoyed attending high school sporting events. He especially loved cheering on his daughters and grandson. Don cherished his family's history and had many fond memories of his days spent on the family farm. He was always quick to make new friends and never met a stranger. He could spend hours talking with family and friends on just about any subject.

Donald's survivors include his wife, Betty (nee Risner) Walters Harnly, whom he married Aug. 19, 2000; daughters, Pam (Terry) Stephens, Jenny (Brandon) Sanders, and Heidi (John Daniel) Slone; stepchildren, Deborah (Burl) Cole, Kelvin (Julie) Walters, and Katrina (Jamie) Walters; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sister, Joyce Hughes.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marsha (Herr) Harnly; and brother-in-law, Jobie Hughes.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2023, at Eastman Funeral Home, 49 West Main St., Greenwich, and 10 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, until the time of Donald's services at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Burl Cole will officiate and burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh. A celebration of life and open house will be 4-6 p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Valley Community Church in Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to Veteran's Home in LaSalle, Illinois.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.