Donald J. Killian

Donald J. Killian (i.e., DJK, Deej) 87 passed away on Friday, August 20th, 2021, with his loving family by his side. He was born March 16th, 1934, in Bloomington, IL to Margaret (Bethea) Killian and Laughlin Emmet Killian.

Don graduated from Trinity Catholic High School in Bloomington, IL in 1952, and The University of Notre Dame in 1956 with a B.S. in Commerce. In 1965, Don went on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration from Bradley University and his Chartered Financial Analyst certificate in 1967. Don enjoyed a very successful career in Asset Management building three successful companies. Over the years Don was also a supporter and/or member of many charities and organizations such as: The Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago, Misericordia, The Naval War College, and the American Legion to name a few.

Upon graduating from The University of Notre Dame Don was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and served on Active Duty from 1956-1962 and in the Naval Reserves for an additional 3 years. Don was stationed on the USS Rowan Destroyer DD782 and on a Mine Sweeper. In his final years in the Navy as a Lieutenant he became a Naval Aviator stationed in Pensacola, Florida.

“Every good Father is a successful Man” He was a giant success. Don and his beloved wife Dolores “Lori” were married for a wonderful 63 years. More than anything Don loved his family.  Don & Lori have 7 children Laura, Sheila (Bill), Kevin (Connie), Kathleen (Marty), Jennifer (Kevin), Brendan (Brenda) and Kerry (Kevin).  Deej loved & cherished his 21 Grandchildren:  Meghan (Thomas), Tyler (Emily), Ryan (Brittany), Ally (Grayson), Morgan, Brooklyn, Brady, Pixie, Bella, Clare, Shane, Jack, Joe, Boyd, Van, Amelia, Catherine, Audrey, Caroline, Elle & Henry and his 2 Great Grandchildren Olivia & Greyson.

Don never let the “grass grow under his feet.” The adventures were both large and small and never a dull moment. He grabbed life by the horns and climbed the mountains and explored the caves as he’d always say. Don had a great love of classical movies, music, cigars, dancing, sailboats, the mountains, trains, snow skiing, family trips, scuba diving, playing with his Grandkids and tennis to name a few. His sense of humor was immeasurable as well as his generous and kind spirit and giant heart. Don never met a stranger. He treated everyone with kindness and dignity as he would say you just never know someone’s story. Don loved life and lived it large.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, brother, Jim and sister, Pat and his baby Granddaughters, Lauren & Hayley. Don was also preceded in death by many dear friends and family members that he kept close to his heart every single day.

A visitation will be from 4 -8 p.m. Friday, August 27, 2021, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 West Main Street in Barrington.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 28th, at St. Anne Catholic Community Church, 120 North Ela Street, Barrington at 10 a.m. with a visitation to begin at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Celebration of Life Reception to follow at Za Za’s Tavola Italiana, 5047 Shoreline Rd., Lake Barrington beginning at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to: Misericordia or JourneyCare .