Donnie “Don” Dean Ennis, 72, of Carterville, passed away Saturday, August 8th, at his home.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 26, 2020, at McKinney Hill Cemetery in rural Carbondale, off County Line Road, with Pastor Cody Knapik officiating. Military rites will be performed by the Carterville American Legion Post, Herrin V.F.W. and American Legion Post and the Navy Honors Ritual Team. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO COVID-19: facial coverings are required; social distancing yourself from others; and refrain from hugging.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Activities Department at the Marion V.A. CLC.
Don was born June 15, 1948, in Herrin, Illinois, to John Ray Ennis and Doris Jean Ennis (Stricklin). He married Yolanda Ennis (Malabug) on August 10, 1991, in Thompsonville.
He is survived by his wife, Yolanda Ennis of the Philippines; son, J.D. Ennis (Crystal Ennis) of Downers Grove, Illinois; son, Michael Ennis of Chula Vista, California; daughter, Kendra Ennis of Chula Vista, California; daughter, Pamela Wright (Ennis) of Carterville, Illinois; son, Christopher Ennis (Chelsea Ennis) of Carterville, Illinois; and daughter, Samantha Ennis of Carterville, Illinois; sister, Marabeth Clark (Joey Clark) of West Frankfort, Illinois; grandchildren, Jereth Ennis, Aislinn Ennis, Jace Ennis, Derrick Ennis, Aiden Ennis, Aubrey Ennis, and Amber Dawn Keckler; cousins and multiple nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and his best friend Rob Holland.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Johnny Ray Ennis; his twin brother, Lonnie Gene Ennis; and his son, Jeffery “Jeff” Don Ennis.
Don retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after 22 years of honorable service in the United States Navy. He worked as Aviation Ordinance, Pacific Fleet Weapons Officer, and Air Craft Carrier Inspector. He proudly and bravely served many years in the Vietnam War. Upon his retirement, he worked as an Applications Engineer at Container Stapling for 10 years and then retired from Pepsi after 15 years as a Maintenance Foreman.
Don had a story and a joke for everything. He took pride in his work, especially of his work in the Navy. He would never hesitate to let you know just how superior the Navy is compared to other branches. He was "Mr. Fix-It" and would do anything for his family. He loved the ocean, particularly the Pacific Ocean, as he spent much of his life at sea and sailing was one of his most favorite things to do. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
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