Donald Lee Wooters

Donald "Uncle D" Wooters, 78, of Sandoval, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Born on September 20, 1947, in Centralia, he was the son of Charles and Versie (Foster) Wooters. In 1990, he married Elisa Godoyo, who survives him in Sandoval.

Along with his devoted wife of thirty-five years, Elisa, Donald is survived by his children, Jeff (Tammy) Wooters of Tuscumbia, Alabama, LeAnn Speiser (fiancé Hans Hansen) of Centralia, Mary Grace (James) Stamper of North Port, Florida, Michelle (fiancé Carlynn Ashlock) Godoyo of Fort Myers, Florida, and Mark Oroyan of Fort Myers, Florida; his grandchildren, Chelsea (Juan) Romero of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Zack (Chauncey) Wooters of Tuscumbia, Alabama, Owen Speiser of Sandoval, and Reid Speiser of Sandoval; and his great-grandchildren, Peyton Kresch, Mason Kresch, and Benji Romero, all of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He is also survived by his sisters, Pauline (Bill) Stull and Pearl Webb, both of Junction City, as well as sisters-in-law Mary (Bill) Stachowski of Junction City, Edna (Dale) Yager, Donnie Wooters, Sue Wooters, and Wendy Wooters; several nieces and nephews, including special nephews George Godoyo, Chris Kelly, Mike Kelly, and John Kelly; and many dear friends.

Donald proudly served in the United States Army as a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. After his service, he attended Kaskaskia College for technical training in electrical work and built a long career as a welder at Squibb Tank in Salem, Illinois, where he worked for forty years. He treasured the many lasting friendships he made throughout his life and was fondly known by most as "Uncle D." Renowned for his wit, humor, and lively personality, he enjoyed being outdoors, tending his garden, and grilling out. He warmly welcomed family and friends into his home and took great pleasure in watching St. Louis Cardinals games, old Western movies, and playing his guitar while singing classic country tunes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Versie Wooters, and his siblings, Mary Moulton, Kenny Wooters, Ronnie Wooters, Earl Wooters, Gene Hoskey, Marion Hoskey, Fern Evans, Ruby Grennan, Howard "Doc" Wooters, Lyle "Tex" Wooters, and Eddie Wooters.