Donald Lee Loving, of Aledo, IL, went home to be with The Lord, our Heavenly Father at 9:10 on Saturday, March 30, 2024. His faith in God peacefully reunited him in heaven with his loving wife Barbara, who predeceased him in 2018. Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, April 5, at Fippinger Funeral Home in Aledo where memorial contributions may be left to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church of Aledo. Graveside Services will take place in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Viola following the visitation. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.fippingerfuneralhome.com.
Don was born January 1, 1937, to Earl and Grace Loving in Joy, IL. He graduated from Viola High School. On November 10, 1957, he was united in marriage to Barbara Van Getson at St. John’s Catholic Church in Viola, Illinois.
Don believed in a hard work ethic. In his younger days, Don sheared sheep and worked at the Viola Brick Yard. He then started a construction career and worked many years as a heavy equipment operator for Dean Frye Construction in Aledo. Don was a very skilled operator, able to navigate the largest cranes to the smallest road rollers. Don retired from construction in 2006 as a member of Operators Union Local 150 in Milan, IL. He also served as a fireman for Aledo.
Don was a gentle man who had many friends. He was a good man who loved his wife and family very much. His passion for the outdoors and his hobbies of hunting and fishing were passed on to his three sons, Rusty, Mark, and Tim. With spring around the corner, two of Don’s favorite things to do were mushroom and turkey hunting. All three sons loved spending time on the water or in the woods with their dad. All three sons continue to live in the area.
Don loved and leaves behind his sons; his daughter-in-law, Lori Loving; and three grandchildren, Brett, Victoria, and Elijah. Don also leaves behind his little brother, Bill Loving of Aledo, and his sister, Judy Thorton. Don was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; younger brother, Bob; and parents, Grace and Earl Loving.