Donald E. Oxford, 70, of Du Quoin, passed away peacefully at his home at 2:00 P.M., Monday, December 26, 2022 in Carbondale, IL.
Don had worked in maintenance as an electrician at General Cable. He was a member of Vision Church in Du Quoin. Don was a United States Air Force veteran, attaining the rank of E4. Don and Debbie Oxford were founders of Grow Our Faith, a 501c3 nonprofit, based in Kenya and Uganda. It was founded on May 23, 2021, their fortieth wedding anniversary. "When you improve the life of a child, you improve the future of a nation."
He was born March 12, 1952 in Eldorado, IL, the son of Duard E. and Ruby H. (Porter) Oxford.
He married Debbie Lynn Blackburn on May 23, 1981 in Saugatuck, MI.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, one son - Thomas Donald Oxford, one daughter - Christina L. Fred and husband David of Du Quoin, grandchildren - Maci D. Caraker of London, England, Layton C. Caraker of Du Quoin, and Shaynna L. Caraker of Du Quoin, one great grandson - Colton Ellis Shearer, and three sisters - Gail Kook and husband David of Chicago, IL, Ruth Swinford of London, KY, and Marla Forst and husband Tim of Topeka, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son - John W. Stratemeyer, grandparents - Edgar and Velma Kent, two brothers - Ronald Oxford and Roger Oxford and one granddaughter - Kaitlyn Caraker.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, January 2, 2023 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Nathan Jackson officiating.
Friends may call from 1 P.M. until the time of service on Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Military rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the United States Air Force.
Burial will be at a later date at the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grow Our Faith and will be accepted at the funeral home or online at growourfaith.com.