Donald R. Thackston

Donald R. Thackston THOMPSONVILLE–Donald R. Thackston, 74, of Thompsonville passed away at 7:44 AM, Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Herrin Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Pastor Bob Workman officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Herrin City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Smarts Chapel; envelopes are available at the church or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Thackston was born on October 6, 1933 in Harrisburg, Illinois to Roy and Mae Thackston. He married Shirley Beltz on August 18, 1961in Herrin, Illinois; together they shared 46 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Shirley of Thompsonville; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Joan Thackston of Carterville; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Jerry Preston of Grant Park; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Rhonda Grisham of Eldorado; grandchildren, Matthew Thackston, Amy and Joe Wytcherley, Amanda Thackston, Nicole Thackston, Matthew Preston, Brian and Terah Grisham and Crystal and Adam Henson; great grandchildren, Joshua Thackston, Bradley Thackston, Nolan Henson, Kayden Henson, Keaton Grisham, Ayden Grisham, Sabrina Preston and Angelica Preston; and special buddy “Oscar” the Chihuahua. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandsons, Robert Joshua Thackston and Christopher Preston. Mr. Thackston was a member of Smarts Chapel in Galatia. He retired from the coal mines after 40 years and was a member of the UMWA. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, he loved to hunt, fish, and work in his garden. He loved to spend time with his family especially his grandchildren. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.