WEST FRANKFORT – Donald Ray Caraker, 95, of West Frankfort, passed away on February 26, 2023, at Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Marion, IL.
He was born on September 10, 1927, to Charles and Vivian (Ray) Caraker in Cobden, IL. Donald served in the United States Navy during WWII. He worked as a Brakeman for the IL Central Railroad for 43 years. Donald married the former Dorothy “Jean” Moore.
Donald was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and brother. He enjoyed trout fishing, camping, gardening, bowling and traveling.
Donald is survived by his daughter Cathy Ann Eldridge of West Frankfort, IL; son John Charles Caraker of Fenton, MO; six granddaughters Robin Lynn Reid of West Frankfort, IL, Amy Jo Grob of Benton, IL, Elizabeth Ann Lane of Sikeston, MO, Jennifer Lynne Eldridge of Benton, IL, Catherine Caraker of Fenton, MO, Coleen Queen of Fenton, MO; one grandson Timothy Steven Eldridge of Troy, IL; six great-grandsons Trevor Loren Owens of Herrin, IL, Cameron Wilson, Brandon Boner of Benton, IL, Dustin Boner of Benton, IL, Bret Hawkins of Sikeston, MO, Dillon Nave of Sikeston, MO; four great-granddaughters Courtney Piercy, Lacey King of Sikeston, MO, Page Roger of Sikeston, MO, Morghan Taylor Eldridge, NC; two great-great-grandsons Bentley Patton of Sesser, IL, Austin Wright of Sesser, IL; one great-great-granddaughter Courtney Patton of Sesser, IL; one sister Joann Pontious of Vandalia, IL; and one niece, Jan Meyers.
He was preceded in death by wife Dorothy “Jean” Caraker; one daughter Sharon Kay Piercy; one granddaughter Wendy Kay Piercy; parents Charles and Vivian Caraker, one brother Kenneth Caraker, one great-grandson Jacob Boner and one great-granddaughter Cassandra Eldridge.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Navy Honors Team.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.