Donald Grey Puryear, 82, of Ft. Myers, FL and formerly of Washington, IL, died on Sunday, June 30, 2024 in Ft. Myers.

Born on August 8, 1941 in Detroit, MI to Ocie "Jake" and Beatrice Mae Stringer Puryear, he married Sharon Adams on August 29, 1964 in Washington, IL.  She survives.

Also surviving are 2 daughters, Lynda (Stan) Stout of Alva, FL and Lisa (York) Chan of Chicago, IL, 4 grandchildren, Matthew Stout, Christian Stout, Maya Chan and Evelyn Chan, his brother Lee (Jean) Puryear of Ocean Pines, MD, his sister-in-law, Nancy Adams of Lake Bluff, IL, nieces and nephews, Jill Wittman, Dan Puryear, Carol Wamboldt, Laura Markovic, Kathy Schroeder, Heather Hopkins, Nathan Adams, Ken Hett, Stu Hett, Christine Irbe, Jennifer Rosier, David Essington, and many great nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers-in-law, Tom Adams and Bob "Mose" Adams.

Don grew up in Maywood, IL and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1964 with a BS in Business.  After a short time with Standard Oil of Ohio, Don joined Caterpillar Tractor Co., where he was employed for 37 years, retiring as Materials Manager of Caterpillar's Morton Parts Department in 2001.  Career opportunities took the family to York, PA and Lafayette, IN, but most of the time was spent in the Peoria area. He also served on the Board of Directors of Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc. for many years. While residing in Washington, Don served several terms on the City of Washington Planning Commission Board of Appeals and was a member of Washington Presbyterian Church.

Don loved to work with his hands; he almost always had a project underway.  He was an original "Picker", hiding garbage finds in the bushes on his way to school, then retrieving them on his way home to disassemble, clean, fix, and return to a useful life.  This pattern continued his entire life.  He would often find broken items awaiting repair left by family on his work bench.  He was a lifelong Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and University of Illinois fan, always hoping for that winning season.

Don was happiest near the water, whether it was at his parents' home on Long Lake, WI, his family cabin on Diamond Island, MI, or his retirement home at Jonathan Harbour, FL, where he stored his beloved boat right outside his back door.  He served as President of the Jonathan Harbour Townhome Association for 8 years.

A Celebration of Don's Life will be at 11 am Monday, July 15, 2024 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, IL.  Visitation will be from 3-5 pm Sunday, July 14, 2024, also at the funeral home.  Cremation rites will be accorded in Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to Captains for Clean Water or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Don's memorial website, where condolences may be sent to his family and a link to the live-streamed service on Monday, will be available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com.