Donald Richard Harnly

Donald Richard Harnly, 76, of Spring Valley, IL, passed away on his birthday, March 15, 2023, in La Salle Veterans Home, with his loving wife by his side. Born on March 15, 1947 in Ashland, he was the son of the late George Richard and Gertrude Grace (nee Stober) Harnly.

Don grew up in the Shiloh and Plymouth area and was a 1965 graduate of Plymouth High School. He joined the United States Air Force and served in Little Rock, Arkansas in the Military Police. Don moved back to Plymouth after the Service, and spent a majority of his life as a farmer. He also worked as an electrician at Pioneer Rubber and CSX Railroad. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. Faith was an integral part of his life and he was a member of the Plymouth Lutheran Church, Life Point Community Church, and recently the Valley Community Church in IL.

Don enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially tinkering with this farm equipment, and looking after his dogs and cats. He bowled on leagues at Dynasty Lanes in Willard and enjoyed attending high school sporting events. He especially loved cheering on his daughters and grandson. Don cherished his family’s history and had many fond memories of his days spent on the family farm. He was always quick to make new friends and never met a stranger. He could spend hours talking with family and friends, on just about any subject.

Survivors include his wife, Betty (nee Risner) Walters Harnly, whom he married on 8/19/2000, daughters, Pam (Terry) Stephens, Jenny (Brandon) Sanders, and Heidi (John Daniel) Slone; step-children, Deborah (Burl) Cole, Kelvin (Julie) Walters, and Katrina (Jamie) Walters; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and a sister, Joyce Hughes. Donald was preceded in death by his Parents, first wife, Marsha (Herr) Harnly and a brother-in-law, Jobie Hughes.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, March 17, from 5-7 p.m. at Eastman Funeral Home, 49 West Main St, Greenwich, OH and again from 10 a.m. until the time of services beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Rev. Burl Cole will officiate and burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh. A Celebration of Life and Open House will be held on Saturday March 25 from 4-6 p.m. at Valley Community Church, in IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Veteran's Home in LaSalle, IL. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

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