Pilcher, Donald Claire

Donald Claire Pilcher of Washington, Iowa, passed away Monday, April 4, 2011, at Parkview Manor, Wellman. Donald was born July 28, 1930, to Floyd E. and Ethel Brooks Pilcher in rural Stuart, Iowa. Don graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1948 and served in the United States military from 1947 to 1952, including the Korean War, as a Sgt First Class. On July 31, 1953, he married Carol Hemm of Eldon, Iowa.

Don attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute, Minneapolis, Minn., to become a printer and linotype operator. He was employed by McCleery Cumming Co., Washington, for 36 years, a member of the United Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge.

Don is survived by his wife, Carol of Washington; two daughters, Julie A. Gilmere (Jerry) of Washington, and Jane E. Tummonds of Marion; four grandchildren, Jessica Oviatt (Bruce), Aaron James Eyman Sr. (Cymone Montgomery), Adrienne Gilmere and Kenneth Tummonds; and five great-grandchildren.

Of Don's 11 siblings only three survive, Joy Cox of Eldon, Lila Earhart (James) of Burlington, and Kenneth Pilcher (Virginia) of Cedar Rapids.

Services to be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Washington United Methodist Church, lunch to follow in fellowship hall and graveside military services to be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Eldon cemetery, Eldon.

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