Donald Gene Bellessa, 94, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born on October 26, 1930, near Christopher, Illinois, the son of John and Sarah Etta Bellessa. When he was four years old, the family moved to Wabash County, Illinois. They had a small farm in the Lick Prairie Community.
He attended a one room school near their home called Ridge School. Mrs. Ankenbrandt, his teacher, remained a dear friend for the rest of his life. After eighth grade he attended Bone Gap High School and graduated in 1948, the last year it was open. After graduating, Don worked in Chicago, Illinois and Battle Creek, Michigan. His work involved truck parts and tools.
Don served his country in the U.S. Army beginning in 1949. He joined at Fort Custer, Michigan and completed his basic training in Camp Breckenridge, Kentucky. From there he served in Fort Sill, Oklahoma until February 1950. At that time, he began work as Parts Manager for Lindsay Motor Company in Mt. Carmel.
Don met Mary Jane Callis after returning home and they were married on June 10, 1950, in Owensville, Indiana and they were blessed with seventy years together. In September of that year Don was called to Germany to serve in the Occupation Forces. When he returned home, he served in the Reserves until 1953. Meanwhile he resumed his job at Lindsay Motor Company and became part-owner in the dealership in 1967. In 1980 he bought the company. In 1990 he sold it and retired.
Mary Jane and Don were members of the General Baptist Church having joined on June 10, 1956, in the original building on Second Street in Mt. Carmel.
Those left to cherish Don’s memory include his children Lynnetta K. Reynolds and husband Larry of Mt. Carmel, Teresa J. Odom and husband Austin of Magnolia Springs, Alabama, Garrett W. Bellessa and wife Marilyn of Mt. Carmel; grandchildren, Kelly L. Price, Aaron L. (Lisa) Loudermilk, Timothy M. (Amy) Diekmann, John C. (Lorraine) Bellessa; great grandchildren, Thomas P. (Sarah Kate) Allen lll, Zachary T. Allen, Rayce L., Shade L., and Journey L. Loudermilk, Emily J., Sadie L., and Katie B. Diekman, Elizabeth M. and Benjamin G. Bellessa; and special friend Helen Berberich.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane, grandson Stephen J. Diekmann; brothers, Dale Bellessa, Clarence Barney, John Barney and sister, DeLema Rutter.
Don was very active in the community. He served on committees within the city of Mt. Carmel, was active in the Rotary Club and in many church positions, such as Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Building Committee and Nursing Home Committee. He also taught sales courses and helped with Dale Carnegie courses. A ten-year hobby was gathering family history by traveling. He and Mary Jane visited every state in the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. Other travels were to Italy, Germany, Austria, Australia and New Zealand.
Funeral Service for Don will be Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at First General Baptist Church, 120 W. 12th Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the First General Baptist Church. Private Burial will be at Lick Prairie Cemetery.
Memorials in Don’s memory can be made to First General Baptist Church, 120 W 12th Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois 62863. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bellessa family.
