Donald Gene Loucks of Glen Carbon passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023 surrounded by loving family. He was 85.  Born December 24, 1937 to Luther Faye and Thelma Letha (Waller) Loucks in DuQuoin, Illinois, he enjoyed growing up with his brother Leslie and sisters Daphne, Verna, Lois, Joan and Linda, many Aunts, Uncles and cousins nearby.  His musical talent was recognized early and an anonymous donor provided Don a full music scholarship to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he completed bachelor's and master's degrees.  His freshman year at SIU, he met and married the love of his life, Hazel Elizabeth Haun, who survives.  They would have celebrated their 66th anniversary this October 19th.

While working on his Master's degree at SIU, he was hired as the director of Metropolis High School Band and then as director of his alma mater the DuQuoin High School Marching Indians Band and even took them on a trip to the New York City World's Fair.
Donald had a continuous thread of serving his Lord and the church either as choir director or singing bass in the choir in various United Methodist Churches he attended throughout his life – the longest affiliation being with St. John's United Methodist Church in Edwardsville where he had been a member since 1975.  He was choir director on and off for nearly 30 years.

Donald was not afraid of adventure and in 1967 with his bachelor's and master's degrees in hand and Hazel and three children in tow moved to Niagara Falls, New York to continue his career by teaching music in the Niagara Falls public school system.  In addition to his regular job and his choir job, he was an integral part of a professional octet first as bass and then as the director.  He also enjoyed playing the Professor in a local theater production of South Pacific.

In 1970, Donald was admitted to the Doctoral program in music at The Ohio State University, completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree and moved - this time to familiar territory – back to Southern Illinois.  He was hired into the Music Department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1975 and spent the remainder of his career there, retiring in 1996.  He served as Chair of the Music Department for a majority of his time there and was awarded Professor Emeritus status after retirement.

Donald had an amazing personality and wit.  He was always quick with a joke and a smile.  He never met a stranger and could make anyone feel at home.  He had so many activities including various musical groups, theater productions (Die Fledermaus, Annie as Daddy Warbucks and Into the Woods to name a few) and large musical productions like Faure's Requiem with full orchestra.  Christmas parties, some that included everyone bringing their own instruments and performing the Messiah for fun were very memorable.  He was even known to emcee trivia nights at times.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister Linda (Jack) Etherton, three children, Mark (Caroline Santos Batista) Loucks, Leesa (Stephen) Zick and Steve (Debbie Maneke) Loucks, grandchildren Ben (Teya) Lewis, Danny (Ashley Koch) Loucks, Hope (Todd) Schissel, Brittney (Brock Larson) Loucks, Kayla Loucks, Alex (Kyla) Loucks, Kody Zick and Kolt (Ashley) Zick, Asher (Jacob) Kinnard, great-grandchildren HB, Nate, Trevor, Emmett, Stevie, Evelynn, Olivia, Liv, Harrison and many nieces and nephews.

Donald held his family close and he will be greatly missed.  The family would come together for Sunday dinner where stories of the week would be told and the grandchildren could all play together.  His children and grandchildren were all involved in music throughout their lives – it was part of the lifestyle of the family.  His son, Steve and his grandson, Ben, were Phi Mu Alpha (the music fraternity) Brothers with him.  After his retirement in 1996, he was the shuttle and latchkey grandpa for all the grandchildren.  They formed a special bond with him as did many of their friends (who justed wanted to ride in his Mini-cooper.)

Donald and Hazel's marriage was an example for everyone of what marriage could be.  They loved to spend time together and travelled extensively throughout their lives together.  They developed lifelong friends with their couples bridge group. They could often be found at the church volunteering or serving in some capacity.  They were always together.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023: Visitation 10:00 – 11:30, Funeral at 11:30 with lunch to follow immediately at St. John's United Methodist Church, 7372 Marine Road, Edwardsville, Illinois  62025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. John's United Methodist Church Choir or the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foundation Dr. Donald Loucks Music Education Scholarship Endowment.