IL SR1480

Donald Pearson, Sr. of Champaign passed away on September 2, 2014; he was born January 15, 1943 in Urbana to Margaret Hite and Onie Pearson, Jr.

Served in the United States Navy starting at age 17 and worked for the U.S. Postal Service before becoming a journeyman electrician/sound technician at the University of Illinois, employed there for several decades until retiring in 1994.

Later worked part-time at WBCP radio and owned The Generic DJ music service, providing entertainment for weddings, fundraisers, and community events including the Gamma Upsilon Psi Cotillion and Champaign Park District Senior Holiday Affair.

Active member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 601, William F. Earnest American Legion Post 559, and NAACP of Champaign County.

Illinois Senate extends condolences to his surviving wife Minnie, daughter Lucretia Williams, son Donald "Deeno" Pearson Jr., three grandchildren, and extended family.