Donald A. Garr

Donald A. Garr, 66, of Cherry Valley, IL, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Thursday, March 21, 2024.  He was born in Rockford, IL on October 26, 1957 to Paul and Joann (Stokes) Garr.  He was a graduate of Guilford High School, Class of 1975, playing football and making many friendships and memories. 

Don traveled the world extensively, settling in Gainesboro, Tennessee.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1982-1992.  He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Cold War and served in Iraq during the Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm in the Tactical Airlift Command. He was athletic, artistic and loved football and his Green Bay Packers and also building model cars.  Music played a huge role in his life; Fleetwood Mac “Man of the World”, everything John Lennon, naming a son after him, and Led Zepplin “Ramble On” Don.  See you later-never goodbye.

Don is survived by his parents, Paul and Joann Garr; children, MayAnn (Jason) Niduaza, Justin (Victoria) Garr and Shane (Nicole) Garr; grandchildren, Daniel Ethan Auth, Jayce Garr, Ayden Garr, Ariyah Garr and Zariyah Garr; sisters, Jody Combs, Jackie Conley and Jill Garr; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his brother, David L. Garr; grandparents, William and Mildred Garr and Ray and Frances Stokes; and nephew, Daniel Conley.

The family wishes to thank the Veterans Administration and Northern Illinois Hospice for their care and concern during his final days.

There will be a private family gathering for the burial of his cremains at Floral Lawn Cemetery in the Veterans Field of Honor.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, pva.org; he was a lifetime member.

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