Donald ‘Don’ McCleary
Donald E. ‘Don’ McCleary, age 79, of Liberty, died in his home on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He was born on April 7, 1946, in Quincy, IL, the son of Harry Clifford and Coletta Mary (Wiewel) McCleary. He married Diana Linda Morley on August 16, 1969, in St. Brigid Catholic Church, and she survives.
He graduated from Liberty High School in 1964. Don was a lifelong farmer. In addition to farming, Don was a member of various boards and clubs including Liberty Lions Club where he was a member for 44 years; he served on Liberty Community District #2 School Board retiring after 34 years, Adams County Farm Bureau, and the Liberty Education Foundation.
He was a former president of St. Brigid Church’s Holy Name Society and Chairman of Building and Grounds. Don served on the Adams County Board for 6 years, on Adams County Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and was a member of the former Adams County Pork Producers. His life and active involvement in civic affairs reflected his desire to see communities expand and prosper.
Don received several awards including the Illinois School Board’s Award of Excellence in 1993; the Adams County Outstanding Young Farmer in 1979; 4th place in the Illinois Outstanding Young Farmer in 1979, Quincy Herald-Whig Farm Family of the Year 1997, and Liberty High School Eagle Hall of Fame’s the Friend of Liberty Award.
He liked being with people, and most especially his family and friends. He saw the value in watching children grow and reach their full potential. Don enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events and the time spent visiting and vacationing with friends and family.
He always appreciated the blessing of a good rain on the crops. Don was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Quincy and a former 70 year member of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty.
In addition to his loving wife Diana, survivors include his children: Dawn Ormond (Joe) of Liberty; Debbie Johnson (Doug) of Quincy; Darin McCleary (Nikki) of Liberty; and David McCleary (Janice) of Liberty.
Grandchildren: Tyler Ormond (Chelsea); Austin Ormond (Grace); Jordan Johnson; Courtney Johnson; Macy Huber (Austin); Jonathan Willer (fiancée Rachel Holtmeyer); Madison McCleary; Emma McCleary.
Great-Grandchildren: Riley and Waylon Ormond; Henry and Hunter Huber.
A sister-in-law: Judy McCleary; a nephew, Troy McCleary; a niece, Tonya McCleary; several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert McCleary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:00 am in St. Brigid Catholic Church. Interment to follow in St. Brigid Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm at St. Brigid Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to the Liberty Education Foundation, St. Brigid Cemetery, or Adams County Folks Care. Service arrangements are with Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
Our deepest condolences to Diana and her family . May you all feel God’s Peace and Comfort at this tender time.
McCleary family so sorry for your loss of Don. Respective , and caring man. Diane you have a close loving family , look to them for support. Mike n Kathy kovachevich
Diana we are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around your family. Peace always.
Diana, and Family, WE are so very SORRY for the GREAT loss of DONNIE!! He was a WONDERFUL, GOOD MAN who will truly be Missed!! Our Prayers, Thoughts, and LOVE ❤️ are with You now during this very difficult time! May the PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE on DONNIE and May He have ETERNAL REST!!! Joe and Darlene Wietholder
I am so sorry, Dawn. 🥰
Another pillar of the Liberty community gone to rest in the arms of Jesus. My sincere sympathy to all of Don’s family. He will be so missed. 🙏
We send out prayers and condolences. Don always greeted us with a big smile. He has earned his wings.
Dawn and Family:
Very sorry for your loss.
Eternal Rest Don.
Chaplain Mark Wiewel
Blessing Hospital
You have our deepest condolences. Don was a good man.
Diana, sending prayers and condolences to you and your family. So sorry to hear about Donnie.
Diana and family,
Words cannot express my deepest sympathy for your family. Don was an amazing man. I am so very sorry.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Diana and family,
Doug and I send our condolences to you during this difficult time. We have fond memories of Don and each of you while we lived in the Liberty area.
Dear Dianna & family, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss of Donnie!! He was such a kind, gentle soul….
may he rest in eternal peace.🙌🙏💖
A sad time for the Liberty community. Don has done so much work… giving of his time, leadership and expertise. We thank him and you, his family, for sharing, Our prayers for God’s comfort and peace to be with you all in the coming days. A special hug for Diana this Sunday.
We are so very saddened to hear about Don’s passing. Sending all of you our hugs and prayers.
Diana and Family: May the Lord bring you much comfort during this trying time. I remember you and Don in High School at Liberty. He was in the 1964 High School Class and I was in the 1966 High School Class. I was thinking you were a little younger than us, Diana. It is hard to remember since it has been so many years ago.
Diana and family: So sorry to hear of your painful loss. We share in the loss as family, friends and community members having had the privilege of knowing him as an inspiration to lead and care for his community and friends! He will be greatly missed as we move forward but we are all grateful for the example he lived!
Diana, Debbie and family: You and your family will be in my prayers as you face the days ahead. I didn’t know Don at all really, but he had a wonderful wife and daughter that I did know a little. I could tell you have a great family. You are all so blessed to have called Don husband and father.