Donald Alfred Drone

Donald A. Drone

Donald Alfred Drone, age 81, Akron, formally of Springfield, Illinois died at 4:45 p.m. at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne on Thursday, July 30, 2015.  His passing was due to conditions brought on by the autoimmune disease, Inclusion Body Myositis.

He was born to Alfred and Hazel (Vogel) Drone on December 30, 1933 in Springfield, Illinois.  He graduated from Springfield High School in 1952.  He married Karen (Hammond) Camp on June 28, 1992 in Decatur, Illinois.

He was a licensed CPA in Indiana and Illinois.  He worked for several private accounting firms before the Supervisor of Internal Audit for the Illinois State Board of Education.  He retired in 1994 and then served as a Commissioned Lay Pastor for nine years with the Macon Presbyterian Church, Macon, Illinois.  He lived in Akron for nine years coming from Decatur, Illinois.

Don read the Bible and theology books for pleasure.  He enjoyed listening to classical music and all the big bands from the 1940’s.  He was interested in studying the Civil War and traveled to many of the battlefields during his lifetime.  He enjoyed owning classic, big automobiles but especially liked driving his MGB sports convertible.  He was an amateur photographer who enjoyed producing black and white prints in the dark room of his home.  He received many awards for his work.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 23 years, Karen Camp Drone, (2) sons: Craig Drone (Leann Taylor) of Taylorville, Illinois and Karl Drone of Springfield, Illinois; (2) daughters: Evelyn Celeste Johnson of West Monroe, Louisianna and Laura (spouse Chris) Banse of Springfield, Illinois; (2) stepsons: Michael Derry of Springfield, Illinois and Nathan (spouse Holly) Camp of Sarasota, Florida; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His parents and a sister, Shirley, preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts of your choice to the following:  The Myositis Association, 1737 King Street, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314 / The Rochester Community Presbyterian Church, 530 Jefferson Street, Rochester, IN 46975 / The Akron Area Arts League, P.O. Box 702, Akron, IN 4690

A celebration of Don’s life will be at the Community Presbyterian Church on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service and fellowship time following the service.  Rev. William Kleymann will be officating.

The Earl-Love Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  Online condolences my be sent to earllovefuneralhome.com

There will be a graveside service at a later date at the Roselawn Cemetery, Springfield, IL.

The staff of Earl-Love Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Donald A. Drone.

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