Donald (Don) L. McGrew, of rural Xenia, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family, on Easter Sunday evening, April 5, 2026. He was 92.
He was born on January 19, 1934, in rural Flora, Illinois, the son of William and Gladys (Taylor) McGrew. He was united in marriage to Barbara (Harrell) McGrew in June 1956 and that marriage resulted in 4 children: Donna, Roger, Cathy, and Brian. After Barbara’s passing in November 1991, Don was married to Frances (Scott) McGrew in July 1993, until her passing in December 2019.
He proudly served his country as a mechanic in the US Army from 1956 to 1958, and he was stationed in Korea to assist in the post-war effort in that country. Although he sorely missed being home with Barbara and the rest of his family those two years, he fondly remembered his time there and could still vividly tell stories from his service there even up to his final days. Prior to his Army service, he worked as a roughneck in the oil fields, a topic that he always enjoyed talking about, especially with his grandsons who are currently in the oil business. He settled completely back into the family farming business shortly after returning home from Korea in 1958, which he continued for many years until retiring in the early 2000s.
Not only did Don love his family and his country, but he also loved God. He was a founding member of Full Gospel Chapel in Johnsonville for 40+ years and more recently attended both Faith Holiness Church in Fairfield and First Church of God in Flora. His Christian witness was most often displayed by his everyday actions that those around him recognized very clearly; his actions spoke louder than his words ever could. His children are so very appreciative of their Christian upbringing and this legacy that he has left is already being passed on to the succeeding generations of his family.
He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting deer and turkey, and mushroom hunting. He contributed to the local community by volunteering at the Flora food pantry and being a
regular blood donor for many years. He especially loved spending time with his both his immediate and extended family at the many large McGrew gatherings.
Don is survived by his four children: Donna (Bruce) Gansauer of Centralia, Illinois; Roger (Connie) McGrew of Xenia, Illinois; Cathy (Steve) Leathers of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; Brian (Renee) McGrew of Belleville, Illinois; grandchildren: Ryan (Heather) Gansauer, Dustin (Emily) Gansauer, Travis McGrew, Tyler (Sadie) McGrew, Kendal (Ray) Sacchieri, Dustin (Hanna) Witsman, Blake (Brianna) Witsman, Clint (Theresa) Witsman, Shane (Lauren) Witsman, Chase Witsman, Faith Witsman, Emily (James) Hinrichs, Elizabeth (Nolan) Hays; 24 great-grandchildren, plus another on the way; sisters: Wilma Scarbrough, Wanda Harrell, Janice (Eddie) Irvin, Nancy (Bub) Hamilton; many nieces and nephews; step-sons: Eugene (Brenda) Scott, David (Linda) Scott, Brian (Cindy) Scott; and special friend: Betty Harrell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first and second wife, a younger brother, two great-grandchildren, and two step-sons. Fittingly, his father, who he and his siblings always affectionately referred to as “Daddy”, also passed away on Easter Sunday 35 years ago.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Willow Branch Cemetery accompanied by the presentation of military funeral honors. A visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at the funeral home, and from 10 until 11 a.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry or Wounded Warrior Project, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
