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Paul Louis Donath, age 85, passed away November 10, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family, following an extended illness. Mr. Donath was born on June 24, 1927, in Lincoln, IL., to Ben and Coletha Seitz Donath. He married Dora Jean Palmer on October 18, 1948 in Lincoln, IL. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

Upon his graduation from Lincoln Community High School in 1945, Paul immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country in the South Pacific during World War II. He retired from PPG Industries after 30 years, where he was also active as the Union Secretary. Mr. Donath had been employed by the Logan County Board of Review for the past 20 years and recently served as Chairman.

Paul was a lifetime member and past commander of the local VFW Post. He also enjoyed coaching Pony League Baseball. In his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking and wood carving. He was known amongst his neighbors and friends as an avid gardener, and was oftentimes lovingly referred to as the "Mayor of South Elm Street." Always a die-hard Cubs fan, he would often let the manager know through emails how to coach the team, but to no avail.

Anyone who knew Paul knew that he was a hard-working man with a strong work ethic, and he instilled these same values in his children. He loved each and every member of his family and was always concerned for their well-being. He always put his family ahead of himself and they meant the world to him. He was a great husband, dad, and grandfather, and will be sadly missed by all.

Mr. Donath is survived by his wife, Dora Jean, as well as his nine children. They include: Donna Goetsch of Lincoln, IL, Cathy (Bruce) Oswald of Palatine, IL, Terri (Rick) Culleton of Buffalo Grove, IL, Mary Long (Brian O'Hara) of Lincoln, IL, Mona (Mark) Lewis of Litchfield, IL, Paul Timothy (Sue) Donath of Lincoln, IL, Tom (Lisa) Donath of Mt. Pulaski, IL, Mark Donath of Lincoln, IL, and Matt (Michelle) Donath of Waterloo, IL. In addition, he is survived by 23 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Donath was the last surviving member of his immediate family. His parents, one brother, four sisters, one granddaughter, and one great-great-granddaughter preceded him in death.

He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 from 4-8 PM. The rosary will be recited at the funeral home at 3:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 10 AM with Reverend Jeff Laible officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery where military rites will be accorded.

Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or to Memorial Home Services Hospice. The family would like to thank all those special hospice workers and volunteers who provided such wonderful care for him.