Donald Eugene Clock, 88, of Freeport, IL passed away peacefully at WinnPrairie Senior Living Community on the evening of July 28th, 2023, surrounded by his family. He joins his parents, Harold and Marcella, and his brother Dan. He leaves behind his wife Deronda (aka Ronnie); their sons David (Cyndi) and Michael (Cindy); his grandchildren, Elise (Peter Hunt), and Kelsey; his great-grandchildren, Mallory and Malia (Hunt); and also his Clock and Miller nieces.

A private burial was held on August 5th at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport, Illinois. A memorial service is planned for August 12th at St. John United Church of Christ in Freeport, Illinois, starting at 10:30 a.m., with a lunch to follow.

Don was born in Freeport on June 20th 1935.  Freeport remained his home most of his life.  He grew up on West Street and raised his family on LaCresta Drive.  He graduated Freeport High School in 1953 and later from Rockford College. Don worked for Kelly Springfield Tire for 28 years in multiple capacities including management roles in plant safety and personnel.  He made many lasting friendships from his days at Kelly's. Prior to Kelly's, he also worked for W.T. Raleigh's in the new products sales.

Don joined the Air Force Reserves in 1956 and was activated to Billy Mitchell field in Milwaukee during the Cuban Missile crisis as an Airman 1st class Personnel Specialist.

Don was a loving husband who was blessed to meet and marry the love of his life, Ronnie, whom he met through the Rockford Trails club.  Don and Ronnie were inseparable and were married 61 years.  Some of the life-long friendships Don and Ronnie made were through the Trails club. Don and Ronnie loved to travel in addition to spending time at home. He loved camping and the outdoors.  Some of his fondest memories were of his youth where he had spent summers at YMCA camp Archibald in northern Wisconsin, first as a camper and later as a counselor. Those fond days lived in his heart his entire life.  It inspired him to take his family on yearly camping trips to various destinations where he also taught his sons to love the outdoors and the healing power of being in the outdoors.

Don was also a "rock hound" and a lapidary jewelry hobbyist.  He was a member of the NW Illinois Rock Club.  He loved to hunt for rocks whether out in nature or at shows. He enjoyed cutting and polishing stones into jewelry pieces that he gave as gifts and sold at craft shows. Some of his favorite stones were malachite, amethyst, and Lake Superior agates. He would often use his rock collecting interests to take rock hunting vacations with his family.

Don was also a member of the Freeport Garden Club and was proud of his large hosta collection. He enjoyed gardening, working in the yard, and sharing plants with his family and friends. He loved music, including big band tunes, Elvis, Mantovani, and gospel music (especially the Kingdom Heirs at the Dollywood theme-park).

Don was a long-time member of St. John U.C.C. where lifetime family friendships were forged through Christian fellowship and the love of Christ.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Rockford St. Anthony's, FHN Hospice, and the staff and residents of WinnPrairie who wrapped their arms around Don and cared for him with love and respect.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Save the Oakdale Tabernacle.

One of Don's traditions was to wave goodbye to family from the front step or window after our visits. Now that he's passed on to his heavenly home, we choose not to wave goodbye.  Instead, we wave and say 'We'll see you soon!'