Donald Clarkson

Donald Clarkson, age 90 of Pittsfield, IL passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born March 14, 1934, in Louisiana, MO to Howard and Arvella Shaffer Clarkson. Don married Sharon (Jacobs) Sheppard October 26, 1997, and she survives.

Don worked at Brown Shoe Company for 24 years until it closed. He then went to work at Higbee Jr. High School and loved it. He said it was like family to him because of the friendships with the teachers and the kids. He enjoyed working with Kenny Ogle and said many times Rosemary Graves would bring donuts early in the morning for the teachers. He admired Julie Allensworth because she was a teacher who had a heart for the kids and if there was a need she took care of it. When he retired the teachers had a retirement party for him that he talked about for many years. Don was meticulous about his yard and garden and liked to share his bountiful crops with friends and family. He loved staying at home and could often be spotted on his front porch with Sharon. Don also enjoyed his trips to Branson and dining out with his good friend, Bill Parks. He will be dearly remembered as a wonderful husband who was kind, caring, honest and hardworking.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Clarkson; children, Starla (Jim) Lewis, Mike (Lori) Clarkson, Marty Grammer, and Debbie (Bryan) Hensley; stepchildren, Dean (Lauren) Sheppard, John Sheppard, Daren (Brenda) Sheppard, Jason Sheppard, and Jared Sheppard; grandchildren, Tony Lewis, Chris Clarkson, Brandon Clarkson, Matthew (Ariel) Hensley, Nathan (Lily) Hensley, Lydia Hensley, Ashley (Bob) Mitchell, Caleb Sheppard, Cari (Nick) McCombs, Levi Sheppard, Cole (Hannah) Sheppard and Hannah Sheppard; great grandchild, Dana (Justine) Lewis and six additional great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren, Ross Lewis and Preston Lewis; sister-in-law, Gladys Clarkson; and nephews, Bobby Clarkson and Wayne Clarkson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Arvella Clarkson; and brother, Robert ‘Bob’ Clarkson.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Pittsfield Church of the Nazarene with visitation held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. Interment will follow the service at Pittsfield West Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Pittsfield Church of the Nazarene or Samaritan’s Closet. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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