Donald E. (Donnie) Mckelvie

ALEXIS - Donald E. McKelvie, 86, of Alexis, IL passed away at 5:08 a.m. Sunday, August 14, 2016 at the Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, IL.

Donald (Donnie) was born December 24, 1929 in Alexis, IL. He was the youngest son of Ward and Margaret (Peg) McKelvie. He married Doris Ann Johnson on May 21, 1950 in North Henderson, IL. She precedes him in death. He is survived by 3 sons, Mark (Pat) McKelvie of Salem Oregon, Steve (Joy) McKelvie of Galesburg, IL and Matt McKelvie of Richardson, TX., 5 grandchildren; Anna (Adam) Robinson, Kent (Lonnie) McKelvie, Travis McKelvie, Laci (Michael) Washabaugh and Ian McKelvie, 5 Great Grandchildren; Ezra Robinson, Micah Robinson, Caleb Robinson, Gavin McKelvie and Reese Washabaugh, 4 sisters-in-law; Joyce McCaw, Dorothy Johnson, Bonnie Bufalo, Bev Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donnie grew up in Alexis, IL, educated at Alexis schools and attended Western IL University. He was active in sports and band. Donnie devoted his whole life to the village of Alexis and was proud to be a resident and businessman there. He returned to Alexis from college and was the owner/operator of 'Don's Red & White Grocery' store for many years in Alexis. After selling the business in 1973 he owned and operated 'My Store', a variety store in Alexis. In 1968 he started the 'Don's Market News', a regional advertiser covering parts of Warren and Mercer Counties which is still operated today by his son Steve and his wife Joy.

In addition to his other accomplishments he was an accomplished artist with hundreds of sketches and paintings through his lifetime. He painted with a passion from the heart with many paintings of local landmark buildings in and around Alexis. He also painted many landscapes and portraits of people who were important to him.

He was also a long time member and performer with the Choral Dynamics singing group. He loved to sing and cherished his long time relationship with those members.

Per Donnie's wishes cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held at the Wise Family - Hoover Hall Funeral Home at 205 W. Hunt Street in Alexis, IL on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 5 to 7:30 pm. Funeral Services will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church, 406 South Street, North Henderson, IL Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 10:30 am. Memorials may be made to the Alexis Ambulance Service or the Alexis Museum. Online condolences can be left at http://www.wisefamily-hooverhall.com. Wise Family ~ Hoover Hall Funeral Home Alexis, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

Celebration of Life

Wednesday August 17, 2016 ~ 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Wise Family - Hoover Hall Funeral Home Alexis, IL

Thursday August 18, 2016 ~ 10:30 a.m.

Zion Lutheran Church North Henderson, IL