Donald Dee Linder Sr., 62, of Salem, passed away at 8:35 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
Donald was born on August 7, 1963, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Lowell Dean and Irene Josephine (Dodson) Linder.
He shared his life with his longtime partner, Jessie Schoonover of Salem.
Donald retired after working as a supervisor for B&S Cleaning, where he was known for his dedication and strong work ethic.
He enjoyed spending his free time fishing, collecting knives, researching antiques, and playing Warframe. One of Donald’s greatest joys was cooking and preparing meals for those he loved. He never met a stranger, believing that anyone who came into his life was family, and he took great pride in feeding and caring for others.
He is survived by his life partner, Jessie Schoonover of Salem; his children, Donald Linder Jr. and fiancée Samantha Rose of Salem, Evan Linder of Louisville, Kentucky, and Latasha Linder of Louisville, Kentucky, Jeffrey, Tony, Brandon, Grace, Ryan, and Jase; stepdaughter, Ruby-June Meador of Salem; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; brothers, Ivan Linder and wife Linda of Iuka, twin brother, Ronald Linder of Salem, and Mike Linder and wife Angel of Salem; sisters, Linda Woods of Odin and Jackie Griffin of Salem; and sister-in-law, Dawn Linder.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell Dean and Irene Josephine Linder; his son, Charles; brothers, David Allen Linder and Dean Edward Linder; four sisters; and his brother-in-law, Denny Woods.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the family and will be received at Crouse Funeral Home who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
