Donald Ray McAdams

DONALD RAY McADAMS, 79, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 3:56 pm, Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Three Springs Senior Living and Rehabilitation, Chester, Illinois.

He was born to the late Daniel Jesse and Adeline M. (nee Baum) McAdams on September 24, 1945 in Evansville, Illinois.

Donald married the love of his life, Jo Beth Zemlyn, on July 29, 1972 in Chester, Illinois; she survives.

He had a lengthy and varied career path having worked as a carpenter, and also worked for World Color Press, Gilster Mary-Lee in Steeleville and Chester Mental Health Center. Donald retired from Chester Mental Health Center in 2008 after 16 years of service.

Donald was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Chester, Illinois. He was an avid fisherman and loved sports, but most of all, he cherished spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed sharing stories and always managed to make you smile and keep you entertained. Donald was a kindhearted man who made friends with everyone he met and never failed to lend a helping hand to those in need.

He was a United States Navy Veteran.

Survivors:

   2 Daughters: 

        Dr. Meghan (Roger) Wilde Englewood, CO

        Molly (Frank) Ignasiak Thornton, CO

   2 Grandchildren: 

        Sophia Marie and Frank Lincoln Ignasiak

   6 Siblings: 

        Mary Ann Twitty Sun City, FL

        Vera Siegfried Chester, IL

        Virginia Fry Michigan

        Carl (Jan) McAdams DeSoto, IL

        Robert (Louise) McAdams Steeleville, IL

        Debra (Kevin) Herring Chester, IL

   Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends

Preceded in Death by: Parents, 1 Son – Aaron McAdams, 2 Sisters – June Rucker and Vada Savage and 2 Brothers – Daniel Jesse McAdams, Jr. and Harry Edward McAdams

Funeral Service: 

   11:00 am, Friday, August 22, 2025

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Don Berry

Interment: 

   Evergreen Cemetery

   Chester, Illinois

Visitation: 

   Friday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: 

   Chester Senior Center