Donald Gene Brenton

Donald Gene Brenton, 84, of Lawrenceville, IL, died September 1, 2019, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna, IL. He was born July 28, 1935, in Stoy, IL, the son of Cecil Brenton & Mary Pauline (Bledsoe) Brenton, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, James W. Brenton and Jack L. Brenton; by his nieces, Diana and Michelle Brenton; and his nephews, Michael and Kevin Brenton. He is survived by his sons, Scott Brenton, Craig Brenton, Jeffrey Faubus, and Michael Faubus; by his daughters, Amy Williams, Brandy Brenton, and Kylie Brenton and son-in-law Brandon Pickett; by his 6 granddaughters and 5 grandsons; by 14 great-grandchildren; and by 3 great-great-grandchildren. Don grew up in Crawford County and was a 1953 graduate of Palestine High School. He dedicated his life to his country and served in the United States Air Force and Illinois Air National Guard for a total of 40 years. Over the course of his time in the service, he served in the Korean War and participated in the Vietnam and Gulf War conflicts. Much of his time at home found Don watching a game or a documentary, likely while enjoying a bowl of cereal or ice cream! He was also an avid bird watcher, and was particularly enamored with cardinals. But most of all, he simply loved his family. They will remember their father and grandfather as a bright, funny man who made a difference, not only in their lives, but in the lives of their fellow countrymen as well. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Donald Brenton and the selfless sacrifices he made in the pursuit of our freedom. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 8th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Graveside services will immediately follow and will be held in the Palestine Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the "VFW Transportation Fund", with envelopes available at the funeral home.