Dwayne E. Donelson, Sr.

“For me, to live, is Christ, to die, is gain.” Philippians 1:21.

Dwayne E. Donelson, Sr., 87, of Princeton, IN, gained his reward in Heaven on October 23, 2024.

Dwayne always remembered where he came from, loved where he was and knew exactly where he was going. He knew Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and made sure everyone was aware of it.  If you were to ask him what he knew, in his quick wit he would reply “I’m saved!” He lived his life with purpose and showed love to everyone he met. He probably shared his dry humor too. Above all, he cherished his Lord, his family and his country. 

Dwayne was born in Harco, IL to the late Clyde and Clyda Donelson on May 22, 1937. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Cullivan, at the age of 17 and Bonnie age 15. They were together 70 years and would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this December. He was the proud father of Charlene (Boyd) Garrison, Princeton, IN, Dwayne Donelson Jr., Noblesville, IN, Michael (Nicole) Donelson, Plainfield, IN, and Denise (Mike) Wilson, New Palestine, IN. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren Ryan (Julie) Garrison, Adam Garrison, Shaun (Jessica) Donelson, Erika (Adam) Cole, Kyle Donelson, Emily (Sam) Thrasher, Andrea Wilson and Evan Wilson. He also had 5 great-grandchildren, Ryker Cole, Mitchell Garrison, Maxwell Garrison, Jasper Donelson and Charlie Donelson.  Dwayne also leaves a sister, Dorothy Hackworth, Haubstadt, IN along with nieces Deloris Markakis, Price, UT and Karla Jones, Helper, UT. and nephews Jim (Zelma) Donelson, Merrillville, IN and Eric (Amy) Hackworth, Evansville, IN.

Dwayne is preceded in death by his parents as well as his siblings, Roy Donelson, and Wilma Edmondson and infant siblings, Doris and Eugene.

Dwayne served in the United States Air Force for 21 years and never regretted a moment. He was stationed in Texas, Greenland, Nebraska, Illinois, Mississippi, Belgium and Indiana throughout his time on duty. He also worked as a Coal Miner at AMAX Coal in Keensburg, IL for 22 years and was a member of the UMWA  Local 1791. He worked hard for his family and worked for the glory of God.

A service remembering a life well lived will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at the Church of God, Tower Heights in Princeton, with Pastor Jack Gatson officiating. Burial will follow in the Columbia White Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Monday at the Church.   The Retired Military Veterans will provide military graveside services.  The Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton is honored to serve Dwayne’s family

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to be made to  The Church of God, Tower Heights, 2005 Keystone Dr. Princeton, IN 47670 Envelopes will be available at the church.

Condolences and memories may be left online at colvinfuneralhome.com.

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