Donald W. Elias, 72, passed away Thursday Dec. 24, 2015 in Ottawa.
Funeral services for Don Elias will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday December 30, 2015 at the Elias Funeral Home. Pastor Spence Lawrence will officiate, Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, serving as pallbearers will be his sons B.J. and Jake Elias, grandchildren Devin and Brody Elias, Blaine Parcher and John Murphy, Lowell Lucas, Ralph Sterrett and Bruce Moore. A visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Elias Funeral Home.
Don was born May 9, 1943 in Streator, he was the son of William J. and Laura H. (Schenk) Elias. He is survived by sons B.J. (Alison) and Jake Elias, grandchildren Devin Faye, Brody Charles Elias and Blaine Daniel Parcher all of Streator, sister Jean (Chuck) Pharr of Springdale, Arkansas, nieces Alexis (Marcus) Necessary, Camille Pharr and several cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Don attended local grade schools and graduated from Streator Township High School in 1961 where he served as Class President, he attended the University of Illinois, and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He was a licensed funeral director for over 50 years working with his father and then son’s at the Elias Funeral Home in Streator.
He was a member of Park Presbyterian Church, Streator Rotary and Streator Elks. Don was active in Engle Lane Theater for many years.
Don took great pride in helping the families he served, he felt very fortunate to be able to help people in some of the most difficult times of their lives.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
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Bonnie Beall
Eli...great memories and a ton of fun in our past. One example: there we are, huggin' it up in the talent show performance of Nothin' Like a Dame (per photo on John Gotch's profile). Last saw you at Heritage when I was home for the 50th and you were mending from knee surgery. Sorry I didn't push harder to get you to attend that reunion...it was really a hoot. Peace be with you.Craig Roberts
i always dropped by the funeral home or called Don when I was in Streator. We had lunch to plan my mother's funeral and Don and his boys did it right. I am very sorry to learn of his death and had no idea he was suffering.
Nancy Paton (Reinhardt)
Sunday school at Park Church was my first introduction to Donnie. He was always a guy who enjoyed a laugh and a joke in a quiet way. He a nd Stoney kept everything interesting in those days. I am sad that he was so affected by Crohn's disease that it colored the most of his adult life. He was one of the good guys, for sure. Rest easy now, Donnie. You will be remembered .
Bruce Windus
I was a classmate of Don's from Kindergarten thru High School. We live i block apart and played together frequently as children. I've lost one of my boyhood's friends.
Vicki Watson (Sopher)
I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. He was always a sweet and caring guy. I remember him as usually smiling and making jokes. I remember him in band where the sax section sat behind the flutes. We had such a good time because of his smiling good nature. I did not know why he was not at the last few reunions although I looked forward to seeing him. Based on the other comments submitted here, I now understand. Chron's is a terrible disease. May God be with him always. I truly miss you Don.
Darla Klein (Mondou)
It appears that Don was auditioning for angel wings before he passed... not many could endure the excruciating pain occassioned by Crohn's disease. Let his light shine as an example to those of us remaining... all pain can be endured with grace.
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Jim Voruz
Don and I lived on opposite ends of the 900 block of North Bloomington St and were friends during grade school onward after I moved there from St. Louis. Wargames in his big yard: I shot you, no you missed!, balsa wood 10 cent airplanes flying around his yard, we both had chemistry sets and didnt manage to blow anything up. less contact in high school but still close friends. In high school, I became aware he had a health issue but I didnt know details of the severity. He has left us much too soon, and to compound the tragedy, there was an obituary in the Times online for his sister Jean Ann (Pharr) who died from cancer on Jan 3, 2016. at only age 61. Brother and sister died scant weeks apart! My heart goes out to all survivors.
Judith Ross (Ferguson)
Don was a Dear friend & we spent some fun times together. He taught my husband where to shop in Fl. LOL! which everytime we go to Fl. he wants to go there to shop. Fun times playing cards with alot of laughter. He always had something Humorious to say. will miss you Don. Rip, God Bless your Family as they will miss you so.
Patricia Cherveny (Strong)
So sorry to hear Don passed. He was a great person and a friend to everyone. I will always remember how wonderful he was to my family when my Mother passed. Rest in Peace Don.
Joe Spector
I am so sorry to hear about my dear friend Don. I remember everytime I came back home to Streator we would always spend time together. We would often sit on the porch of the funeral home and share our thoughts on life. Don's relaxed manner meant so much to me personally and just being near him was a wonderful experience. He was a very caring and loving person. Rest in Peace my Dear Friend.