Obituary of Donald Richard Treece

Donald “Don” R. Treece, 78, of Clinton, New Jersey, formerly of Southern Illinois, passed away at his home on May 14th, 2023. Don was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana on May 18th, 1944 to the late Cloteal Treece. He was raised by Cloteal, his mother, and Robert Treece, his step-father. At age 6, Don moved to Southern Illinois where he spent the majority of his life. Don graduated from Vienna High School in 1961, and thanks to his excellence in baseball, he was awarded a full scholarship to Southern Illinois University. Following his graduation from SIU, Don worked as a teacher, principal, and coach at Simpson Grade School in Johnson County, Illinois. Don married the love of his life, Jane Ellen Thompson, on June 10, 1967. Together, Don and Jane have one son, Stephen "Mike", who they cherish.  Following his time at Simpson Grade School, Don got a job as a case worker with the Department of Human Services in Illinois where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 2000.  

Don, throughout his life, was also an active member of the community. Don was an avid golfer and loved spending time out on the course. One of the most impressive feats in any sport is hitting a hole-in-one. In golf, only 1 out of every 12,500 people do it. Don wasn’t happy with just having hit 1 hole-in-one, instead he hit 6 hole-in-ones throughout his life. Most recently, in Clinton, New Jersey, Don was an active member and served as a trustee for the Clinton United Methodist Church. His greatest joy in life came during his last nineteen years, with the birth of his granddaughters. Don became known and admired for his love and devotion to his family. 

Don is survived by his beloved wife Jane Treece, his son Stephen MIchael Treece and his wife Kimberley, grandchildren Marlo and Morgan Treece, sister-in-law Judy Thompson of Marion, Illinois, brother-in-law Neil "Rusty" Thompson and his wife Denise of Belle Rive, Illinois, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. 

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday May 26th from 6pm until 8pm at Martin Funeral Home located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton, New Jersey, 08809, and again from 9am until 11am on Saturday May 27th, at the Clinton United Methodist Church located at 12 Halstead Street Clinton, New Jersey. A Memorial Service will take place on May 27th, 2023 at 11am at Clinton United Methodist Church following the visitation. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s name may be made to the Clinton United Methodist Church, Please Click Here to Donate