"Mary, truly saddened to hear this news. You and Don will always hold a special place in my heart. Always will remember sharing smoked salmon on the tailgate at the field trials. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I can?t even imagine how many retrievers were waiting with wagging tails to welcome Don to heaven. "
In loving memory of
Donald L. "Don" St. Clair
October 3, 1942 - April 11, 2022
Donald L. "Don" St. Clair
Canton - Donald L. "Don" St. Clair, 79, of Canton, passed away, Monday, April 11, 2022, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born on October 3, 1942, in Canton to Guy L. St. Clair and Hermina (Ashby) St. Clair. They preceded him in death along with one sister Joyce Latimer.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary (Walljasper) St. Clair whom he married on March 23, 1963, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Canton.
Also surviving is one son Ed L. (Kristina) St. Clair of Broken Arrow Oklahoma, one brother, Gary (Lora) St. Clair of Canton, one sister, Sarahann (the late Ron) Reith of Canton, and two grandchildren, Rebecca L. St. Clair, and Lyndell L. St. Clair.
Don first worked with his father at Square Deal Market in Canton for many years. He later worked at International Harvester in Canton for 21 years until its closing. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Don was an exceptional trap and skeet shooter. He was a member of the Smithfield Gun Club, Peoria Trap and Skeet Club, and Elmwood Gun Club. Don was a gifted retriever trainer. He trained retrievers for over 50 years, earning numerous championships for the dogs he trained at a national level.
Don had the gift of gab; he never once met a stranger and would go out of his way to meet someone he didn't already know. There was never a lack of conversation with Don, and he enjoyed all the time he was able to spend with friends and family.
A memorial funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Canton on Thursday April 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. following the Mass a time of food and fellowship will be held at St. Mary's Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or to Smithfield Gun Club.
To leave online condolences please visit, oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Sarahann, I am so sorry about the loss of your brother. He never saw a stranger and if you lived on 8th or Ninth Ave, you were his best friend for life. He always had a smile on his face. I just now saw this obituary and I am so sorry that I didn't know it. I don't take the Ledger or listen to the radio anymore. He was a great guy."
"Sorry to hear of Don's passing. Mary Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike and I enjoyed visiting with you both at the maintenence Christmas parties. Mike and Tammy Lockhart "
"May memories bring you comfort until you see him again in paradise. Luke 23:43"
"So sorry to learn of Don's passing. I have notified our class of 1960 of the sad news. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends"
"So sorry to hear about Don. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. "
"To myself and many other dog trainers and handlers, Don was an Icon in our sport. He was a true friend who always had a good sense of humor. I will always have fond memories of my experiences with Don. My sincere condolences Mary.....For all in our group here, We love you!!"
"Sorry to here about donny grew up with him great guy agnes bath ( hobbs)"
" So sorry to learn of Don's passing. My condolences to Don's extended family and to our high school class's loss. "
"We were so sad to hear of Don's passing. As part of Don & Mary's HRC family we enjoyed many weekends together, learning from their guidance and advice. We treasured their friendship. Our hearts go out to Mary and family. Rick, Sherry, Kate & Rachael"
"Don was a great guy & always had a few words of wisdom for you. He love to shoot at Peoria Skeet & Trap & will be missed. Don could talk to anyone & was always joking with us guys at the club."
"Stan and I are so sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed his friendship, his love of God and family, and the twinkle in his eye. Stan enjoyed shooting trap with him, and Don really made me feel welcomed to the weekly dinners after trap, where he always made me laugh. May God be with all of you during this difficult time. Stan and Kathy Brown "
"So sorry to hear of Dons passing. What a great guy. Not only did he train my dog he taught me a lot about how to handle my dog. R.I.P.I am sure Charger . Rambo, Malcolm and many others are waiting on more training. Hope you packed your whistle. Love you my friend! God bless you Mary. Love you!!? GREG CROSS "
"Mary and Ed, We are saddened to learn of Don's passing, He was such a good neighbor and always joking around never lost for words, he will be missed. On behalf of my mother (Erma Garner) and myself you will be in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Don"
"Mary and Ed words can't show my feeling of loss you are experiencing. Don was a great mentor on the trap range. The day after his heart attack I finally won first place I hope he knows he helped make it happen. John G. Hagen"
"Condolences and Sympathy to the entire family. I enjoyed growing up on 8th Ave and getting to know this family. God Speed. "
"Lovely Don. Mary too. God speed."
"Mary and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you. "
"So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many on the trap ranges in the area. He always had time to help other shooters. My sympathy is with all of you. Brett Postin"
"So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family. Anna & Ralph Parkinson"
"Mary and family, condolences from the Reising family. Don will be missed . "
"We are saddened to learn of Don's passing. Sincere condolences. Rick and Tanya (Skender) Games"
"Mary and family So sorry to hear of Don's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Mary and family: Was so very sorry to hear about Don's passing. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Marcie (Shumaker) Myers "
"Mary , My family were all very fond of Don and will miss his humor and his laugh . Prayers for you and Family and God bless you all Jared Yocum and Family"
"Mary and Family, so sorry to hear of Don passing . I always remember him picking up the kids dressed up for Halloween. Romy"
"Thoughts and prayers Aunt Mary & family!!
I always knew Uncle Don must have liked me the way he would always kid with me!! (Moldy cheese).
Love you all. Todd W. "
"Mary and Family, I?m so very sorry to hear of Don?s passing. He always made my mom smile when he would tease her. He will truly be missed. Diane & Mike Parkinson"
"Mary, Ed, Kris and family....so sorry for your loss of Don. He will be missed by so many that were touched by his humor, kindness and by his many accomplishments during his life. Our deepest sympathy to all. Ray and Judy Brown"
"Don had a heart of gold. He never met a stranger. I remember living up the street from him. And going to his house helping with his dogs. Loved watching him train the Labs. I will miss him dearly. Love you Uncle Don. "