Donald I. Shoaff

Donald I. Shoaff

(July 10, 1954 – March 2, 2024 )

Donald “Don” Ireland Shoaff , 69, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 2:10 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Shelbyville Manor, Shelbyville, IL, with his wife and children by his side.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2024 in Glenwood Cemetery, Bluff Addition, with Rev. Mark Sanders officiating. Memorials may be given to Main Street School Library or the Food Pantry at Shelbyville First United Methodist Church and mailed to Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL.

Don was born on July 10, 1954 in Shelbyville, IL, the son of Robert Benton and Vivian Irene (Finefrock) Shoaff. He attended Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1973. Don married Marla Kay Hart on August 8, 1981 in Shelbyville, IL. Don worked as a Union Laborer and was a member of Shelby Christian Church.

Don was one of six children and the tales from his childhood were just the beginning of a life filled with orneriness and humor. He grew up on Lake Shelbyville and the Kaskaskia River, spending his time boating, hunting, fishing, and camping. Later, when his health forced him to retire and slow down, he had the time to become a remarkable gardener and was known for his tomatoes. One summer he grew upwards of 108 tomato plants, enjoying the entire process from seeding to canning. Don was fiercely protective of his family and always kept an eye and an ear on the country neighborhood. Don’s other hobbies included watching the weather, making a menu, and grocery shopping. His legendary cooking skills did, quite literally, feed the masses as he often prepared food for many community events. Even in his own home, each meal could feed a dozen, even if just two were at the table.

Towards the end of his well lived life, Don was most fulfilled when his yard was full of his eight grandchildren and he was in his “dugout” with his wife and children. His profound love and deep admiration for his grandchildren brought him endless joy. Most will remember him with a twinkle in his blue eyes, a grin on his face and his endearing quick wit. His family will always carry with them the values that he modeled and instilled upon them, most notably his strong work ethic and devotion to provide for his family.

Don is survived by his wife, Marla; daughter, Kendra Rogers and husband Zach of Mattoon, IL; sons, Phillip Shoaff and wife Brittany of Edwardsville, IL, and Thomas Shoaff and wife Hannah of Shelbyville, IL; brothers, Bill Shoaff (Debbie), Steve Shoaff (Brenda), Paul Shoaff, and Tim Shoaff; sister, Carol Compton (Steve) all of  Shelbyville, IL; and eight grandchildren, Aralyn, Avery, and Aurora Rogers, Claire, Vivian, and James Shoaff, and Benton and Rebekah Shoaff.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Thomas, in infancy.