Donald Gary Yelton, age 60, of Casey, IL passed into eternal peace on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at the VA Illiana Health Care in Danville, IL. He was born September 24, 1955 in Terre Haute, IN. He was the son of Orville Frank and Dovie Christine Brown Yelton. On October 25, 1984 he married Cynthia Elaine Scales in Greenup, IL. She passed away on August 24, 2004.

He is survived by both of his sons, Aaron Ghast of Greenup, IL and Jason Yelton of Alton, IL; granddaughter, Molly Rodebaugh of Toledo, IL; mother in law, Anna May Scales Chancelor and her husband Vance of Greenup, IL; brother, David Sharp of Greenup, IL; sister, Karen Jones and husband John of Bridgeport, IL; other brothers and sisters; brothers in law, Scott Scales of Greenup, IL; Roger Scales and his wife Beverly of Hazel Dell, IL and Terry Scales of Hazel Dell, IL; many nieces and nephews including Samantha Sharp, Jessica Housinga and Justin Sharp and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Cindy Yelton; father in law, Owen Shay Scales and niece, Tennille Sharp.

After graduation from Casey High School in 1973, he went on to join the U.S. Navy. There he was a Radio Man 3rd Class serving aboard the U.S.S. Lawrence, a Class Destroyer until 1979. He then moved on to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1989. Once honorably discharged from the Army Reserves he spent his time farming his family ground in and around the Hazel Dell, IL area and raising his sons Aaron and Jason. In his free time he enjoyed watching both football and baseball. He was an avid Cardinals fan who strongly disliked the Chicago Cubs. However, after many years of losing to the Mets, his sworn arch nemesis became player Darrell Strawberry whom of which Don blamed for the losses.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Markwell Funeral Home with Rev. Brooke Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Hazel Dell North Cemetery, Hazel Dell, IL with graveside military rites by the Casey VFW, the Hazel Dell American Legion and the Martinsville American Legion. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Casey VFW, 300 S. Central Ave., Casey, IL 62420 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Memorial tributes and condolences may be sent to the family at www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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