Donald E. Vancil
Donald E. Vancil, age 91, of Quincy, IL met his maker on July 23, 2023 in Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. He was born on June 29, 1932 in Quincy, the son of John and Laura (Tate) Vancil. He attended Quincy Public Schools and was a graduate of Quincy High School in 1950. He met his wife Mary Kemner while they attended Gem City College and were married on February 23, 1957. She survives.
Donald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950. He went to San Diego, CA for boot camp and was stationed at “El Toro” Santa Ana, CA Marine Corps Air Station. There he spent time in Aircraft Mechanics and his remaining service was at a Kamakazi Base, then Japan and Hawaii.
Donald was a jet mechanic with the “Battling Bulldogs”, a jet fighter bomber squadron, and was part of the Marine Aircraft Group 11, a unit of the First Marine Aircraft Wing at the Naval Air Station in Atsugi, Japan.
After service time, Donald attended Gem City College for six months before getting a job at Gardner Denver. He remained there for forty-two years as a research technician.
Donald worked various part-time jobs after retirement and also enjoyed woodworking and reading. His favorite past time, however, was getting together with his family. In June of 2012, Donald went to Washington, D.C. on an Honor Flight for members of the military who were in the Korean War.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his daughters: Victoria (Michael) Bradbury, Jacquelyn (Robert) Williams, Gina Vancil, Donna (Clayton) Lamkin, Deborah Vancil, and Linda (Mark) Voorhis; and grandchildren: Jack Williams, Jennifer Williams, Gabrielle Voorhis and Faith Voorhis.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lawrence Vancil.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday July 29, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Peter Catholic Church. Inurnment in Quincy Memorial Park with military rites conducted at the cemetery by the Marine Corps Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #37 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Saturday July 29, 2023, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Peter Catholic Church. Memorials can be made to St. Peter Catholic School. Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
So very sorry for your loss. Debbie was in my class in high school and I worked with both of them at McDonald’s. I think Donna worked there too, can’t remember. Anyway, you could tell they were raised in a loving home. They were sweet and a lot of fun. Boy did we have fun at McDonald’s. Again, I’m sorry for the loss of your dad. Deepest sympathies.
Gina, thanks so much for your kind words. We did work together and we did have a lot of fun at McDonald’s. My dad was an amazing man and we miss him dearly. The day was rough but really beautiful. He would have loved it.
Mary, I just heard about Don’s passing. I am so very sorry. He is in a much better place now.
Our sincere condolences, so sorry for your loss. What a gentleman and gentle man. It has always been a pleasure to see your family.
Love and respect to you all. Sincerely, Cheryl and David Eversden.
God Bless your family.
Mary and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Dons passing. I have fond memories of Don and my years together at Gardner-Denver. He was always willing to do whatever it took to get the best results. May all of your memories be of the wonderful time you spent together.