Donald Fava

Donald G. Fava, 92, of Westville, Illinois, retired Air Force LtCol, passed away at his home on Thursday May 28, 2026, with his wife by his side. Don was born February 5, 1934, to John and Anna (Guiliani) Fava in Westville, Illinois. He Leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Dorothy, there son John (Emma) Fava and his daughters; Michaela Gould, and Martina Robert McClure, five grandchildren; Sara (Andrew) Stotts, Rebeccah (Robert) Collingsworth, Hannah (Will) Gooding, JoHannah McClure, and Jeremy McClure, six great grandchildren.

Preceding Don in death are his parents, John and Anna, and his sister Nalda Conrad.

Don graduated from Schlarman High School in 1952, from Purdue University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and in 1967 a master's degree in business from the University of Southern California. 

Following graduation from Purdue, Don briefly worked at Douglas Aircraft Company, Missiles Division Santa Monica California before reporting for active duty with the Air Force in November1956. Subsequent to a nine-month Aircraft Maintenance course at Chanute AFB, Don was assigned to operations units in France and Germany. His duty as Maintenance Officer also required periodic TDY in Lybia with operational squadrons for training. Returning state side in 1960 and until 1973 his assignments encompassed Research and Development on Ballistic Missile Re-entry systems and associated nuclear weapons. Extensive travel within the US and Alaska were essential while assigned to the Division of Military Applications, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in Germantown Maryland. In 1973 he returned to Aircraft Maintenance Duties and was sent to Southeast Asia (SEA) during the Vietnam War. After a year in this assignment, he returned state side for duties in Research and Development programs with defense contractors. During his tenure in the service, he was awarded many accommodations and awarded for his performance of duties. The Bronze Star Medal was awarded for his service in Southeast Asia during Vietnam War.

 Upon retirement in 1979 Don returned to Westville and started his own business, Fava Homes. Additionally, he and Dorothy were married and lived in a home Don built. John Gable was born a year later, and for the next twelve years Don built homes, Dorothy raised John and taught music at several of the local schools. 

Don's favorite pastime activities included model railroading, fine cabinetry construction, and radio-controlled model airplanes. He was a private pilot and enjoyed recreational flying in California, Maryland, and Illinois. Many of these flights where with his two girls. He was a active member in the Vermilion County Radio Control Club and was a member of the Westville American Legion Post. 

The family would like to extend their appreciation for the wonderful care given by the VA, OSF Hospice, and OFS Homecare as well as a special thank you to our wonderful care giver, Bonnie Uplinger.

A Celebration of Don's life will be held on Monday June 1, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Urbas Chapel 414 South State Street Westville, Illinois, 61883 at 1pm. Matt Filiski will officiate. A visitation with take place at the funeral home prior to the service 11-1pm. Burial at a later date at Danville National Cemetery. Please join Don's family in sharing pictures, videos, and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Vermilion County RC Club or the VA Hospital, in Don's name.