Donald “Uncle D” Wooters, 78, of Sandoval, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026. He was born on September 20, 1947, in Centralia, the son of Charles and Versie (Foster) Wooters. He married Elisa Godoyo in 1990, and she survives him in Sandoval.
Along with his devoted wife of thirty-five years, Elisa Wooters, survivors that will cherish dear memories of Donald include his children, Jeff (Tammy) Wooters of Tuscumbia, AL, LeAnn Speiser (fiancé, Hans Hansen) of Centralia, Mary Grace (James) Stamper of North Port, FL, Michelle (fiancé, Carlynn Ashlock) Godoyo of Fort Myers, FL, and Mark Oroyan of Fort Myers, FL; grandchildren, Chelsea (Juan) Romero of Muscle Shoals, AL, Zack (Chauncey) Wooters of Tuscumbia, AL, Owen Speiser of Sandoval, and Reid Speiser of Sandoval; great-grandchildren, Peyton Kresch, Mason Kresch, and Benji Romero all of Muscle Shoals, AL; sisters, Pauline (Bill) Stull of Junction City, and Pearl Webb of Junction City; sisters-in-law, Mary (Bill) Stachowski of Junction City, Edna (Dale) Yager, Donnie Wooters, Sue Wooters, Wendy Wooters; several nieces and nephews, including special nephews, George Godoyo, Chris Kelly, Mike Kelly, and John Kelly; and many great friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Charles and Versie Wooters; several sisters and brothers, Mary Moulton, Kenny Wooters, Ronnie Wooters, Earl Wooters, Gene Hoskey, Marion Hoskey, Fern Evans, Ruby Grennan, Howard “Doc” Wooters, Lyle “Tex” Wooters, Eddie Wooters, and James Earl Wooters.
Donald proudly served in the United States Army and was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. After returning home, he attended Kaskaskia College, where he received technical training in electrical work. He went on to build a long and dedicated career as a welder at Squibb Tank in Salem, IL, where he worked for forty years.
Donald treasured the many lasting friendships he made throughout his life and was fondly known by most as “Uncle D”. He was renowned for his wit, humor, and lively personality. He enjoyed being outdoors, caring for his garden, and grilling out. He especially enjoyed when family and friends stopped by, always welcoming others with warmth and hospitality. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved watching the games on T.V., as well as old Western movies. He was known to still pick up the guitar to play and sing old country tunes, a longtime pastime that brought him much joy.
A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia, where military honors will be accorded by Centralia VFW Post 2055 and the American Legion Post 446. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation time from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home in Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Donald’s honor to the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and will be accepted for his family at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. Online condolences and memories of Donald may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
