Don L. Miyler

Don L. Miyler, age 83, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 4:46 PM on Monday, March 1, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois surrounded by his family. Don was born on August 19, 1937 in Galesburg, Illinois the son of David Somerset and Pearl Minnie (Wright) Miyler. He attended and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1956. He served in the United States Air Force from December 22, 1958 to January 18, 1963. He served at the Air Defense Command – NORAD and received the Bronze Star. He married Marion E. (Eaton) Vilardo on April 10, 1989 in Springfield, Illinois. She preceded him in death on June 6, 2012. Surviving is his companion Cheryl “Cheri” Phillips of Galesburg, Illinois; his children: Jodi (Todd) Phillips of Marshall, Texas, Julie (Dan) A’Hearn of Galesburg, Illinois, and Todd (Kelly) Vilardo of Charleston, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Brooke (Dillon) Lottinger of Marshall, Texas, Abby Phillips of Marshall, Texas, Megan (Traig) Hurd-Cheney of Peoria Heights, Illinois, Amanda (Jarred) Beckman of Galesburg, Illinois, Colby Vilardo of Spring Lake, North Carolina, McKenzie Vilardo of Charleston, Illinois, Nicholas (Ashlynne) Vilardo of Charleston, Illinois; five great grandchildren: Olivia, Lorelei, Brooksley, Gavyn, and Steelie Rae; nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers: Stan, Glen, and Jack; three sisters, Mary Jane Johnson, Annabelle Buskirk, and Oceymae Bridger. He worked for the former CB&Q Railroad as a fireman/engineer, then he worked for Gates Rubber company until he retired in 1999. He was a member of the Alpha Masonic Lodge #155 A.F. & A.M. and the National Rifleman’s Association. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and shooting sports. He raced motorcycles when he was younger and was an avid runner, running five miles a day. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois; Chris McIntyre will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285. Memorials may be made to the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Don L. Miyler please visit our Sympathy Store.