Donald "Gene" Drebes

Donald E. “Gene” Drebes, 67, of Washington, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Washington Senior Living.

Born on March 9, 1959, in Hannibal, Missouri, to Donald E. Sr. and Imogene (Hecht) Drebes, Gene grew up surrounded by family in the Midwest. He married Toni Stookey in Pekin, Illinois, and together they raised two daughters. Gene was preceded in death by his wife, his father, and his stepfather, Keith R. Miller.

Before a motorcycle accident in 1993, Gene worked as a foreman for Keith R. Miller Inc. Roofing. He found great joy in simple pleasures—spending time with his family, playing pool, hunting, and fishing—activities that reflected his easygoing and outdoors-loving nature.

He is survived by his daughters, Tera Drebes of Morton and Kelly (Ryan) Fahnestock of Pekin; his mother, Imogene “Imy” Miller of Morton; his sisters, Pam Taylor of Woodstock, Georgia, Diane Darnell of Morton, Lori (Bo Taylor) McGuire of East Peoria, and Lynn (Rob) Bach of East Peoria; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who will cherish the memories of his quiet warmth and steady presence.