Donald R. Thirtyacre

Donald R. Thirtyacre, 74, of New Boston, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at Mercer County Hospital, Aledo, Illinois. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in New Boston. Donald’s body has been donated to science for research. Memorials may be given to Serenity Hospice. Bewley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Aledo, assisted the family with arrangements.

Donald was born October 21, 1937 in Moline, Illinois, the son of Ellis Boyd Thirtyacre and Mildred Carlson Thirtyacre. He graduated from Joy High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Navy, on the USS Wasp in 1956 and 1957, where he served as plane captain and aviation electrician in the VAW11 squadron, based in San Diego, CA North Island. Donald received his air frame and mechanic’s license in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He received his single engine pilot license in the mid 1960’s. He was proud of flying local farmers to the various farm progress shows.

Donald was a jailer for the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department from 1980 - 1982. In 1982, he was hired to be the Chief of Police of New Boston, Illinois. He attended the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois. He retired in 2002. Donald was a D.A.R.E. officer.

After retiring, Donald finished his book, “The Warehouses” which took 30 years to complete with the help of volunteers.

Those left to cherish his memories include his sisters, Greta (John) Hughes, Moline, and Susan (Bill) Coutant, Aledo; brothers, Marvin (Janine) Thirtyacre, Aledo, Rodney Thirtyacre, Viola, Rick Thirtyacre, Alexis, Darrell (Loretta) Thirtyacre, Bloomington, Illinois and Gregg Thirtyacre, Aledo; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; mother, Mildred Carlson Thirtyacre; father, Ellis Boyd Thirtyacre; son, Jonathan Wayne Thirtyacre and wife, Judi Fowley Thirtyacre.

Online condolences may be expressed to Donald’s family at www.bewleyfuneralhome.com.