Donald “Don” R. Mullinax, 85, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away on February 10, 2024, at his residence.
He was born June 27, 1938, in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late Charles Richard and Ione Irene (McRill) Mullinax. Don married Frances Sue (Harlow) Mullinax on February 12, 1957, in Corinth, Mississippi. They were blessed with forty-nine years of marriage before she preceded him in death on November 11, 2006. Don later married Beverly Jean (Shields) Mullinax on March 19, 2009.
Throughout his life, Don loved God, took care of his family, and served others. He was the perfect father to his children and a gift from God. Always teaching, always believing in his children, always supportive, and, thankfully, always patient. He graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1957. In February of that year, he and his childhood sweetheart, Frances Sue Harlow, secretly eloped to Corinth, MS. Back home, they found themselves without diplomas, jobs, or a place to live. A few weeks later, their secret was discovered, and a “real” wedding was held a month later at East Side Baptist Church.
Fortunately, Don did have a plan to support a family. Years earlier, at the suggestion of his railroad-worker grandfather, he decided to become a barber. After high school graduation, he enrolled and completed barber college in Decatur in 1958. He went on to barber for more than 60 years at what became Allen Mullinax Barber Shop just off the square on Main Street in Mount Vernon. In the early 1960s, Don, Frances, and 11 other friends joined Casey Avenue Baptist Church. While a member over the next 30 years, Don served as Sunday School teacher and director, deacon, treasurer, and, for almost 20 years, the church’s lead bus driver. He also invested in the lives of young people of the church, organizing many outings to nearby sites and hosting gatherings in his home.
In the mid-1960s, Don formed a basketball team at Casey Avenue Baptist to compete in the Jefferson County Church Basketball League. Over the course of more than 30 years, Don coached or served as a board member for the league. In addition to basketball, Don coached Little League baseball for five years, winning three city championships. Later, he also served as a coach for Church League softball and girls’ softball teams. He was a devoted fan of all Mount Vernon Rams’ sports, with a special love of the basketball team. A season ticket holder for decades, he continued to stream the Rams at home until just a few days before his death. In addition to the Rams, Don loved The St. Louis Cardinals. He regularly attended games and watched from home whenever a game was broadcast. Over the years he converted his “man cave” into a “Cardinal cave” with dozens of pieces of team memorabilia.
Don and Frances also spent more than 30 years as foster parents. This commitment eventually led them to an 18-month adventure in Anchorage, AK, where they served as house parents in a Baptist children’s home. While there, Don loved the outdoor lifestyle, including fishing, snowmobiling, and dodging the occasional moose in his backyard. They eventually returned to Mount Vernon and continued to serve as house parents, first at the Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi, IL, and then at Angel’s Cove Maternity and Adoption Center in Mount Vernon until Frances’ death in 2006.
After Frances’ death, Don and his family received a second blessing when he married longtime family friend, Beverly Jean (Shields) Mullinax on March 19, 2009. During their marriage, Don and Bev lived a life of adventure, including international travel and trips across the United States, with a focus on the Gulf Coast. Beverly was a source of great joy for Don throughout their marriage and great comfort in his final days. He was a member of Logan Street Baptist Church and served as a Deacon. Don loved to fish and taught all his grandchildren to fish. He rarely missed a ballgame, dance recital or other activity of his grandchildren. Above all, Don loved the Lord and his family. He will be deeply missed, his memory cherished.
In addition to his beloved wife of nearly fifteen years, Beverly, Don is survived by his children, Donald “Dick” Mullinax Jr. and wife, Dee of Colleyville, Texas; Bart Mullinax and wife, Donella of Woodlawn, Illinois; Terrea Kirsch and husband, Ron of Mount Vernon, Illinois; Rannetta Fitzjerrells and husband, James of Mount Vernon, Illinois; step son, Alan Edmondson and wife, Megan of Edwardsville, Illinois; grandchildren, Kate McGaffigan and husband, Blaine; Rebecca Johnson and husband, Stephen; Ashley Gibbs and husband, Wade; Ryan Richardson and wife, Kassi; Matt Mullinax and wife, Jill; Brecca Mullinax; Reese Edmonson; Riley Edmonson; Josiah Fitzjerrells and wife, Mara; Jeremiah Fitzjerrells; Chandler Kirsch and wife, Jenna; Erica Lippitt and husband, Ben; Mallory Michaud and husband, Chris; Rachel McGowen and husband, Dalton; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Mullinax of Coppell, Texas; sisters, Joyce Sartin of Creal Springs, Illinois; Carla Mullinax of Mount Vernon, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Mirna Mullinax of Maryville, Indiana; and Teresa Mullinax of Mount Vernon, Illinois; brother-in-law, Rob Rogers of South Roxanna, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Randy and Roger Mullinax; sister, Donna Rogers; and sister-in-law, Judy Mullinax.
A Visitation will be held Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday, February 16, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Logan Street Baptist Church in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11:00 am at Logan Street Baptist Church with Reverend Steve Lyles and Reverend Alan Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Memorials may be made in Don’s honor to Logan Street Baptist Church Building Fund. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
