Donald E. Oest

Donald E. Oest, 87, of Havana passed away at 1:55 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Allure of Knox County in Galesburg, Illinois. He was born on February 25, 1937 in Mason County to John and Anabelle (Koehne) Oest. Don is survived by two sons, Christopher (Angie) Oest of Canton and Daniel Oest of Macomb; three grandchildren, Riley Oest, Kendall Oest, and Emily Oest; sister-in-law, Bessie Oest of Lewistown; several nieces and nephews; friend, Jill Oest of Ft. Meyers, Florida; and special friend, Imogene Eilers of Chandlerville. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, John, Vernon, Alvin, and Kenneth. Don attended Matanzas Grade School (one room) in Mason County, which included all eight grades. He then attended Bath Lynchburg High School, graduating with the class of 1954 at the age of 17. Having been raised as a farm boy, he loved to farm, cutting brush and trees on the farm, and raising cattle. He grew fruit trees and prized blackberries. He liked to play pool and golf. He spent several winters in Florida and belonged to the Break-A-Leg Toastmasters group. Before being hired at the International Harvester plant, Don worked at Niederer Funeral Home in Havana because you had to be 18 years of age to work in a factory. He was hired at 18 at IH, and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army service in the 18th Airborne Company as a Combat Paratrooper, with a total of 6 years (1957 to 1963). He returned to International Harvester in 1959 and worked until 1983 when the plant closed. In 1984 he transferred to the IH Springfield, Ohio Truck Assembly location until 1986. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Rev. Brian Lesemann will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. VFW Post #6408 and American Legion Post #138 will provide Military Detail. Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to the Lane A. Evans VA Clinic in Galesburg or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Donald E. Oest

February 25, 1937 - September 3, 2024

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services