Donald "Don" Bantz

TOULON – Donald E. “Don” Bantz, 75, of Toulon, died at 6:26 a.m., Monday, June 24, 2024 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

He was born March 27, 1949 in Elmore, IL, the son of Maurice E. “Buster” and Shirley J. (Lumberry) Bantz. He married Barbara Graves on April 7, 1973 in Peoria and she preceded him in death on September 26, 2017. Survivors include his son, Michael (Megan) Bantz of Forsyth, IL, his daughter, Donna Bantz of Toulon, four brothers; John (Jennifer) Bantz of Williamsfield, Harley Bantz and Dennis (Gina) Bantz, both of Happy Hollow, IL and Larry Bantz of Fairview, IL and nine grandchildren; Chance and Chloe Deilkes, Kayden, Maci, Piper and Easton Bantz, Isabelle and Owen Thompson and Ellayna Orwig. He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Don graduated from Williamsfield High School in 1967. He worked as a power shovel operator for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation from 1969-2000 and for West Jersey Express from 2002 until June of 2022. He was a member of the Williamsfield United Methodist Church. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed racing stock cars at the Peoria Speedway. He also enjoyed helping his son race and working on stock cars. He especially loved his family and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 3 at the Williamsfield United Methodist Church with Rev. Zoila Marty officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 2 at the church. Cremation will be accorded following the services. Memorials may be directed to the Donald Bantz Memorial Fund. Rux Funeral Home in Williamsfield is in charge of arrangements.

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