Donald Gene Sternes

Donald Gene Sternes loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on May 4, 2018 at home surrounded by his family.

Don was born March 9, 1936 in Foster Township, Illinois to Thomas Plen Sternes and Edna Pauline Oden (Sternes).

He served in the U.S. Army in July 1959 as a light vehicle driver, stationed abroad in Mannheim, Germany, he was honorably discharged in June 1961.

Don began work in 1963 as a conductor for the Illinois Terminal Railroad and was known by his colleagues for his endless hard work and dedication. He retired in 1988 and spent his free time creating intricate model railroads.

Don is survived by his children, Donna Jeanne Cranmer spouse Raymond, Cynthia Rose Ziegler, Gene Donald Sternes spouse Kristy, Butch Floyd spouse Cindi, Michelle Saulsbery spouse Frank and Tammy Prasun spouse Mike; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth Sternes; brother, Ronald Glen Sternes; and sisters, Delores Johnson and Bonita Meurer. 

Celebration of life will be at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Illiopolis Christian Church in Illiopolis.  Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society.

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