Donald Charles Yelton peacefully passed from this life into eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this past July 2024 after a valiant battle with cerebrovascular disease/dementia at the age of 87. His immediate family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the loving care he received from Vitas Healthcare and the Veterans Administration.

Don was born on December 19, 1936 in Oak Park Illinois to the late Charles Yelton and Florence Yelton (Kennedy), joining his two older siblings, Robert C Yelton (deceased)  and Joyce Urness. Don graduated from Steinmetz High School in Chicago Illinois in 1954 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country honorably from 1955-1962. Don was selected to join the submariner division and soon sailed on the maiden round-trip voyage of the USS Nautilus (the first Nuclear sub in US naval history) to the North Pole. Don's service as a submariner earned him special medal accommodation from the US Department of Navy. After active service, Don married Beverly Fromm, the true love of his life, on May 18, 1957, whom he sadly lost on February 6,1978.

Don cut his teeth professionally in the advertising business culling his talents in art and layout design before embarking on a long, prosperous career in co-founding and running his own agency. After early retirement, Don became owner of a family-oriented outdoor entertainment center that featured mini-golf, driving ranges and batting cages, where his people centric personality paved the way for another of his many "life" successes.

Don's warm, genuine, giving nature endeared him to all. Don enjoyed making model airplanes from the WWII era and painting anything he could get his hands on, whether it needed it or not! He enjoyed owning classic cars and joining the show circuit where he won many first place trophies!! He spent his active later years in Florida as president of the board that oversaw the expansive community where he lived. When he wasn't chairing meetings, he also served as Safety Monitor where he could be seen riding his golf cart daily to ensure the safety of its residents.

Don is survived by his loving family: son Jeffery (Julie), daughter Kimberly Goetsch (Jeff), grandchildren Adam, Christina Eilers (Zach), Ian (Catherine), Jeremy (Rachel), Nathan (Lindsey), Joshua (Taylor), Kayla Grotte (Ryker) and his beloved 6 great grandchildren. Don's family was the most important aspect of his life and they will miss him dearly.