Mr. Donald Lee Doss Sr.

Donald Lee Doss Sr., 79, departed this life on July 17, 2025, at 3:52 p.m. Donald was born July 7, 1946, to the late Thomas and Gladys Doss Jr., in Newport, Arkansas. Donald was a graduate of W.F. Branch High School and continued to keep in touch with his schoolmates. During his childhood, he, alongside his two brothers, Lonnie and Dorsey, worked in their father’s auto repair shop, Doss Garage. This was the starting point that prepared him to become the master machinist he would later be known as. It was also during his childhood in the South that he was exposed to music, particularly the blues, which would later become his passion. Donald joined the Army in 1965. He served in Vietnam as a diesel engine mechanic and was Honorably discharged in 1968. He moved to Peoria, Illinois, in 1970 and shortly after, began working at Caterpillar Inc. as a machinist, retiring after 40 years of service. Donald married Marilyn Haywood on March 7, 1970. To this union one son and daughter were born, in addition to a special niece he helped raise since she was 10 days old. Donald was a member of the Peter H. Clark Elks Lodge in Peoria, Illinois, for over half a century, where he was the club DJ for decades. He was also an independent DJ throughout Central Illinois. He was a CB radio enthusiast who went by the handle of “Old Farm Boy”. He was a darts champion with a plethora of tournament wins under his belt. After he retired from Caterpillar, he became the owner and operator of the nightclub and tavern Excalibur, which had been a lifelong dream of his. He was also an avid collector of music. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Thomas, Lonnie, and Dorsey Doss. His memory will forever be cherished by his devoted wife, Marilyn Doss; one son, Donald (Stacey) Doss Jr.; one daughter, Piper Doss; and one special niece, Lula Doss all of Peoria, IL. Five sisters: Gladys Dagadu of Clarksville, TN; Brenda Idreez and Kathy Jordan of Peoria, IL; Josephine (Thomas) Fair of Jackson, MS; and Flora Doss of Hermitage, TN. Grandchildren: Zaire (Stephanie) Doss of Chicago, IL; Sierra Doss of Peoria, IL; Christopher Dickson of Springfield, IL; Leilani Brooks and Laniya Brooks of Peoria, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends who miss him dearly. A Celebration of Life Memorial for Donald L. Doss Sr. will be held on Saturday July 26, 2025, at 11:00 at Bethel United Methodist Church (210 N. Richard Pryor Place Peoria, IL 61605) Rev. Tyson T. Parks III, Pastor will present the Eulogy. Army Honors will be presented. Cremation Rites Accorded.

Mr. Donald Lee Doss Sr.

July 7, 1946 - July 17, 2025