Donley Martin Larson passed away at his home in Sheridan, IL on February 20, 2024. He was born in Sandwich, Illinois on June 11, 1940 to Laverne and Dorothy (Claude) Larson.

Donley grew up in Somonauk, IL and enjoyed spending time with his best friend and younger brother, Ronnie. Donley and his brother shared a love for antique cars. The brothers also enjoyed attending car shows together locally, in Wisconsin, and most of all, out in Arizona. Donley and Ronnie were happy to spend their days working on cars in one of their garages. At a younger age, Donley enjoyed racing cars at Sycamore Speedway and was "Rookie of the Year" in 1965. Donley was truly a happy man if he could be in his garage working on an antique car!

Donley started his own backhoe and cement business which he ran successfully for over 40 years around the Sheridan community. In later years, he was blessed to start a business called J & D Custom Builders with his son, Jim Smith.

Donley was a long time member of the Sandwich Moose Lodge #1016 and a member of the Masonic Temple #40 in Ottawa, IL.

Donley had a respect and deep love for his mother and two sisters, Janice and Sandy. He enjoyed spending time with his mother and sisters while making sure they had everything they needed.

Donley loved his community. He never met a stranger and had many dear friends in the Somonauk-Sheridan area and Apache Junction, AZ. Donley and Sharon spent many winters in Apache Junction and made friends that were like family. One of Donley's favorite times throughout the day was meeting up with the local guys, especially his brother Ronnie and dear friend Max Harrington, to drink morning coffee and catch up on the local gossip. A favorite pastime of Donley and Sharon's while in Arizona was playing cards with neighbors and dear friends, Sandy and Denny Kolpien. But, most of all, Donley loved his family and enjoyed spending time with all of them!

He married Sharon (Ralston) Larson on November 27, 1981. Their children Dennis Larson and Julie Smith were witnesses of their loving marriage which brought together a blended a family of ten children.

Donley is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Sharon Larson of Sheridan, IL, brother, Ronnie Larson of Sheridan, IL, children; Tammy Gentry of Sheridan, IL, Sherri (Mark) Warnick of Arlington, TX, Julie (Britton) Bryce of Chino Valley, AZ, Dale (Beth) Larson of Minooka, IL, Jim (Angi) Smith of Glendale, AZ, Paula (Keith) Alexander of Sheridan, IL, Cindy Larson of Jacksonville, NC., and Donley Larson Junior of Pontiac, IL., 27 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Laverne and Dorothy Larson, two sisters, Janice and Sandy, two sons David Larson and Dennis Larson, two grandchildren, Dallas Larson and Ashley Smith, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte and great-grandson, Ethan.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, March 2 from 10:00 A.M. until time of Service 11:00 a.m. at the Sheridan Methodist Church, 219 S. Bushnell St., Sheridan, IL. Family grave site services will be at Elerding Cemetery in Sheridan, IL.

In lieu of flowers, Donley has requested that a donation be made to St. Jude's Hospital in his name.

Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of GABEL-DUNN FUNERAL HOME, 333 W. Church Street, Sheridan, IL 60551. For information: 815/695-5131.