Mr. Donnie Lee Taflinger, 71, of Abingdon, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly at 2:17 p.m., Sunday, October 12, 2025, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
Donnie was born April 19, 1954, in Avon, Illinois the son of Donald and Lucille O. (Anderson) Taflinger. He married Teressa K. Williams on February 12, 1973, in Abingdon, Illinois.
Surviving is his wife of 52 years, Teressa; his son, Shawn (Jennifer) Taflinger of Galesburg; his daughter Niki (Cory) Crandall of Abingdon; four brothers, David (Linda) Taflinger of Humble, Texas, Gary (Wanda) Penn of Cameron, Illinois, Jim Penn of East Galesburg and Willie (Teri) Penn of Monmouth, Illinois; his sister, Tammy Burton of Macomb, Illinois and nine grandchildren, Cayden Taflinger, Dawson Fenton, Tyler Crandall, Riley Hawkinson, Mya Crandall, Briella Crandall, Bexlyn Crandall, Oaklynn Taflinger and Bentlee Crandall. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Donnie L. Taflinger, Jr.
Donnie graduated from Roseville High School in 1972 and later enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp serving from 1972-1976. After his time in the service, he began working for the Abingdon Post Office from 1978-1993 as a supervisor. Later transferring to the Roseville Post Office working as the postmaster until retiring in 2008.
Donnie was a very active member of the Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381 in Abingdon for over 51 years. He served as Post 1st Vice Commander, 15th District 1st Vice Commander in 1986, Post Commander for nine years (1986-1987, 2008-2016), the 15th District Commander in 1987 and also the 3rd Division Commander. Donnie volunteered his time as the Post Baseball Chairman and the 15th District Baseball Chairman and the 3rd Division Baseball Chairman as well as coaching legion baseball. He served as the Post Adjutant from 2017, currently holding the position. Donnie also was a member of the Legion Post #381 Color Guard and Firing Squad
Donnie was a 40-year member of the Knox County Voiture 606 of the 40 & 8. Donnie was very instrumental and quite proud of raising funds for the Shave for the Brave, earning enough money to sponsor a whole Honor Flight, including himself. He also served on the Abingdon Fireworks Committee.
Donnie was known for many things, a Die Hard Marine, a St. Louis Cardinal and Dallas Cowboy fan, playing a round of golf, participating in music trivia, shooting pool on Saturdays at the legion, his quick wit and funny demeanor, always cutting up with a joke. But what he will be remembered for most is his love for his wife, his children and being present for his grandchildren’s activities.
Visitation is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 20, 2025, at the chapel. Burial will be in Abingdon Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Harry E. Wiles Post 381 Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post 381. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
