Donald E. Faulkner

Donald E. Faulkner, 73, of Hamilton, passed away at his home at 8:24 AM Saturday morning, September 10, 2022.

Donald was born April 26, 1949, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Melvin A. and Darlene M. (Smith) Faulkner.  He attended Carthage High School and went on to receive his associate degree from Carl Sandburg College.    Donald served in the United States Army from 1968 until his Honorable Discharge in 1973.  On July 30, 1988, he was united in marriage to Debra S. Frakes.  She survives.  Donald had worked as a private detective in Chicago and later as an associate professor at Carl Sandburg College teaching law.  He then began his career in law enforcement with the Hancock County Sheriff’s office.  He later served as a Hamilton City Police officer and then as the Nauvoo City Chief of Police.  His law enforcement career spanned twenty-four years.  He later went to work for the United States Post Office where he retired.  Donald was an outdoors man that enjoyed hunting, horseback riding and country dancing.  He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan.  Donald fostered over 49 children through the Hancock County Department of Children and Family Services and was first and foremost a family man.  He enjoyed playing cards and was instrumental in bringing the Mississippi River Experience boat excursions to the area.

Donald is survived by his wife, Debra S. Faulkner of Hamilton; children, Robert Alan (Angela) Faulkner of Rockford, Illinois, Tammy J. (Russell Cabe) Carter of Rome, Georgia, Sheri A. (Kevin) Ritter of Quincy, Chris (Heather) Roberts of Willis, Texas, Todd A. (Susan) Lowry of Tampa, Florida, Bill J. (Amy) Arnold of Peaksville, Missouri, and Terry (Mark) Hayes of Montgomery, Illinois; several grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn Harris of Texas, Janet Faulkner of Carthage, Jim Faulkner of Carthage, Beverly Kay Faulkner of Houston, Texas, Linda Black of Hamilton, Pam (Larry) Evans of Argyle, Iowa, and Bobbie (Arlyn) Hopkins of Hamilton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four siblings, Richard “Dick” Faulkner, Sandy Welch, Tom Faulkner and Jean Faulkner.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton.  Military rites will be rendered by the United States Honor Guard and the Hancock County Honor Guard.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until time of services at 2:00 at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton. Memorials may be directed to H.U.G.S.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

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