Donald E. Faulkner, 73, of Hamilton, passed away at his home at 8:24 AM Saturday morning,
September 10, 2022.
Donald was born April 26, 1949, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Melvin A. and Darlene M. (Smith)
Faulkner. He attended Carthage High School and went on to receive his associate degree from
Carl Sandburg College. Donald served in the Unites States Army from 1968 until his Honorable
Discharge in 1973. On July 30, 1988, he was united in marriage to Debra S. Frakes. She
survives. Donald had worked as a private detective in Chicago and later as an associate
professor at Carl Sandburg College teaching law. He then began his career in law enforcement
with the Hancock County Sheriff’s office. He later served as a Hamilton City Police officer and
then as the Nauvoo City Chief of Police. His law enforcement career spanned twenty-four
years. He later went to work for the Unites States Post Office where he retired. Donald was an
outdoors man that enjoyed hunting, horseback riding and country dancing. He was an avid
Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Donald fostered over 49 children through the Hancock County
Department of Children and Family Services and was first and foremost a family man. He
enjoyed playing cards and was instrumental in bringing the Mississippi River Experience boat
excursions to the area.
Donald is survived by his wife, Debra S. Faulkner of Hamilton; children, Robert Alan (Angela)
Faulkner of Rockford, Illinois, Tammy J. (Russell Cabe) Carter of Rome, Georgia, Sheri A. (Kevin)
Ritter of Quincy, Chris (Heather) Roberts of Willis, Texas, Todd A. (Susan) Lowry of Tampa,
Florida, Bill J. (Amy) Arnold of Peaksville, Missouri, and Terry (Mark) Hayes of Montgomery,
Illinois; several grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn Harris of Texas, Janet Faulkner of Carthage, Jim
Faulkner of Carthage, Beverly Kay Faulkner of Houston, Texas, Linda Black of Hamilton, Pam
(Larry) Evans of Argyle, Iowa, and Bobbie (Arlyn) Hopkins of Hamilton; and many nieces,
nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and four siblings, Richard “Dick” Faulkner, Sandy
Welch, Tom Faulkner and Jean Faulkner.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Printy Funeral Home
in Hamilton. Military rites will be rendered by the United States Honor Guard and the Hancock
County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until time of services at 2:00 at
Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton. Memorials may be directed to H.U.G.S. Printy Funeral Home
of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.