Donald R. Homer

Donald R. Homer, age 90, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Serenity Hospice in Oregon. He was born on December 23, 1935 at home in West Chicago, the son of Otto M. and Gertrude I. (Glasshagel) Homer. After graduating from high school, he served his country in the United Stated Army. He then had a fulfilling career with Illinois Bell Phone Company. Donald married Cherril Barger on June 11, 1960 and they built a beautiful life together over almost 66 years. Donald enjoyed nature and being outdoors. When his children were young, he enjoyed taking them on camping trips and he enjoyed gardening and fishing his entire life. He volunteered for many years at the Nachusa Grasslands and even planted a prairie in his backyard. He enjoyed the little things like taking care of the yard on his riding lawnmower, just a simple drive in his pick-up truck, or feeding the birds. He was a man with a strong faith in God and he enjoyed attending and volunteering at church at St. Paul Lutheran. The most important thing to Donald was his family and he was always a supporting and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered for his gentle and kind spirit.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Kevin Schranz, and siblings, Evelyn Homer, Dorothy Homer, Violet Long and Otto Homer. He is survived and missed by his wife, Cherril of Oregon; children, Vicki (Paul “P.J.”) Schranz of Clarendon Hills, IL and Bradley (Renée Souba) Homer of Batavia, IL; grandchildren, Luke (Alexandria) Schranz of Pinehurst, ID and Ryan Homer of New York City, NY; nieces and nephews, Ron Homer, Penny (Ron) Chapman, and Karl Homer; and one great grandchild on the way. A graveside service honoring his well lived life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Daysville Cemetery in Oregon, IL with Pastor Terese Whitten of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church officiating. Memorials are established for St. Paul Lutheran Church.