Donald Root

Donald E. Root, 88, of Rushville, passed away at 10:05 AM, Saturday, January 9, 2021, at the Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

He was born on February 2, 1932, the son of Jesse R. and Alice (Sears) Root.  He married Mary E. Brinton on March 10, 1951, in Rushville and she survives.

Also surviving are four children Kathy Jett and husband Bob and Rocky Root and wife Kim all of Rushville, Rick Root of Fort Myers, Florida, and Randy Root, Sr. and wife Angela of Adair, Oklahoma, 12 grandchildren Bobby Jett, Clint Jett, Jennifer Payton, Deon Root and wife Vicky, Courtney Ahlers and husband Jeff, Jessica Dyson and husband Adam, Dustin Root and fiancée Caitie, Randy Root, Jr. and wife Meredith, Jamie Walters, Chelsie Ashley and husband Chris, Daylan Root and Danielle Root, 28 great grandchildren Tyler, Kimberley, Tony, Dylan, Payten, Cydnee, Kaydence, Nykolas, Kamden, Izzy, Halle, Brody, Tessa, Deaven, Derek, Amelia, Carter, Ethan, Conner, Ivy, Mingle, Canon, Canie, Colsie, Sedona, Brynlee, Braeden and Brian, five great great grandchildren Hunter, Gabe, Kaylee, Connor and Auddie, two brothers George Root and wife Gwen of Marissa, and Larry Root and wife Nancy of Kansas City, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter Dawn Root Bronson, a great granddaughter Angey Childers, one sister Della McDonald, and two brothers LaVerne and Eldred Root.

Don served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, from December 1950 to March 1954.  He and his brother George owned and operated Root’s Conoco in Rushville.  He made license plates for Hemp’s in Macomb.  He was a truck driver for Bartlow Brothers in Rushville, JB Hunt in St. Louis, Star Trucking in Morton and L& N Industries in Ray retiring in 1992.

He was a member of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, the Schuyler County American Legion Post #4, the Carthage VFW, Rushville Moose 506 and the Rushville Lions Club.  While his sons were young, he coached minor league baseball and was a Master of Boys Scouts.  He volunteered with the Schuyler County Food Basket.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and reading.  Don enjoyed reading Western novels and watching John Wayne movies.  He was a St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed attending games

Private Family Services will be held at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville, with Pastor Charla Meyers officiating.  Interment will follow in the Rushville City Cemetery, with military rites by the US Navy Burial Detail and the Schuyler American Legion Post #4.  Memorials are suggested to the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church or the Schuyler County Food Basket.