In Loving Memory of Donald Ray Ogle
May 21, 1944 – July 7, 2025

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Donald Ray Ogle, who peacefully departed this life on July 7, 2025, at the age of 81. Don was born on May 21, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Walter and Hattie Ogle.

On July 3, 1965, Don married his high school sweetheart, Beverlee Ogle, beginning a lifelong partnership lasting just shy of 60 years.

Don proudly served his country as a heavy equipment operator in the Navy Seabees, completing two tours in Vietnam, where he accomplished one of his proudest achievements: building a road down the side of a mountain to reach a leper colony.

Following his military service, Don worked several labor-intensive jobs before landing his dream position as a maintenance worker with the Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring at the age of 71. He was also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5691 in Collinsville.

Don will be remembered for his humor, strong work ethic, generosity with his time, and—above all—his patriotism and his unwavering devotion to his country. There was no one more patriotic than Don. He loved telling jokes and was never without a story to share. One of his favorites: "What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back? A stick."

He never met a stranger and left a lasting impression on most persons he encountered. A tireless helper, Don was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need without complaints. He was also a lifelong blood donor, quietly giving back to his community with each donation.

Above all, Don was a man of integrity. One enduring example of his character was his insistence that both his and Beverlee's funerals be held at Herr Funeral Home—a heartfelt repayment for the funeral they had graciously provided for their son at a time when Don and Beverlee couldn't afford one. Don never forgot kindness and always sought to return it.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverlee, his son Donald Ray Ogle II, his parents Walter and Hattie Ogle, his brother Walter Ogle, and brothers-in-law Jim Werkmeister and Lee Sorenson.

He is survived by his son Dave (Leah) Ogle and grandchildren Raelen, Sayr, and Stehl Ogle. He is also survived by his sisters Cindy Ogle and Mary Sorenson, sister-in-law Sandy Werkmeister, and brother-in-law Robert Bloomquist and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the American Red Cross or that a blood donation be given at your local blood bank in Don's memory—an act he deeply believed in and lived by.