OBITUARY: Donald Lewis Kingston

Donald Lewis Kingston, 83 of Eldorado, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, at his residence in Eldorado.

Don was born in Equality on Oct. 28, 1931, to the late Felix Marion and Mary Elizabeth (Ladd) Kingston. On Dec. 19, 1952, he married the former Wanda Porter who preceded him in death on Aug. 7, 2011. He was a member of the Eldorado First Christian Church.

From 1951-1954, Don served as a Sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. In 1957 he received his B.A. in history and government from the University of Evansville, later receiving his M.S. in education from Southern Illinois University in 1971. He retired from Eldorado Unit No. 4 School system in 2001 after 42 years of teaching history, government, and drivers training. During these years, he served as athletic director, coaching football, track and basketball as well. From 1982-1992, Don served as a member of the Saline County Board. In later years he published the book Sugar and Salt, a collection of original poems as well as stories and articles about his childhood in Eldorado during the Depression. For several years, Don and Wanda enjoyed refinishing and selling antiques. As well he spent many hours reading, fishing, gardening, and participating in round table discussions at Beck's Drugs.

Don is survived by his daughter Valery (Mike) Helton of Goreville. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Logan Alexander of St. Louis, Mo., Ethan Alexander of Harrisburg, Megan (Hieronymus IV) Mitchell of Evansville Ind.; and two stepgrandchildren, Davis Helton and Jillian Helton both of Goreville. He is also survived by a sister, Susie Kingston Davenport of Evansville, Ind.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Porter Kingston on Dec.13, 1977. He also was preceded in death by five brothers, Otha Richardson, Jack Richardson, Melvin Kingston, Flavius Kingston and Floyd Kingston; and by his sister, Wilma Vickery.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, at the Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado with the Rev. Russell Helton officiating. Burial will be in Wolf Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Duff-Kingston Memorial Scholarship Fund and may be left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at watsonfuneralhome.net