Donald F. "Big Dawg" Magee

March 28, 1941 - November 16, 2016

Donald F. “Big Dawg” Magee, 75, of Springfield died at 10:50 pm, Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born March 28, 1941 in Peru, IL to Frank W. and Frieda Black Magee. He married Karen Miller on December 22, 1963. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Hattie Heath Magee; two infant sons, Matthew and Mark and one sister, Grace Marilyn Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; a daughter, Heather (Kyle) Puzey of Springfield and two grandchildren, Hannah Elizabeth and Joseph Blake Puzey.
Mr. Magee served as President of the Prairie Capitol Chapter of SIU Alumni Association for 15 years and for 12 years he served on Board of Directors of SIU Alumni Association. He was currently the treasurer for the Illinois Capitol Kennel Club. Don worked for 27 years for Doctor’s Hospital as a Biomedical Engineer. Don was an avid CUBS fan.

Graveside Service: 2 pm, Monday, November 21, 2016 at Edinburg Cemetery with Joe Crain officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Capitol Kennel Club c/o Steve Hayden 2029 Monteford Ct., Springfield, IL 62704 or SIU Alumni Association, 1235 Douglas Dr., Colyer Hall 2nd Floor, Mail code 6809,
Carbondale, IL 62901.

Service Information

Date: Monday, November 21, 2016

Time: 02:00 pm

Graveside Service: 2 pm, Monday, November 21, 2016 at Edinburg Cemetery with Joe Crain officiating.

Memorial Information

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Valeri DeCastris and Dave Beccue posted on 9/19/17

We just learned this, searching around the web for something else. So sad to hear! What a true Saluki and SIU booster. He was always so much fun at Homecoming and the Illinois State Fair. What a SIU booster! He will be missed. Condolences to his family.

Dee and Bill Walquist posted on 11/23/16

I was a great experience to know 'Big Dawg" Many fond memories in the dog show world of him . fro m pictures, helping at thr ring, a wonderful clap when you won. One of my funniest memories is his $1.00 to the lasies with jeans that had holes in them so they could afford ones that did not have holes. Iwill never forget his expression when I turned over the lovely broef case to him when he was elected treasurer.. He carried it to all meetings and functions. I hope his successor gives the brief case the love it has had for the last 10 years... Have a beer with a lemon on the rim for the "Big Dawg".. He wlll be missed by many his legacies and humor will live on.

SY posted on 11/21/16

My deepest condolences to the family, may you find comfort in the memories and in our loving creator Jehovah God's promise found in the Bible at Isaiah 26:19.

Joleen Welch posted on 11/21/16

Don and my husband, C.E. Welch, were great Saluki fans. They were good friends, too....laughed a lot when together and enjoyed reminiscing. Don was a personable guy who always had a big smile!

Nicholas Harkovich posted on 11/19/16

Don was a gentleman and a true saluki as one can get. He was always positive and whenever we met at alumni events always was smiling and having a great time. He will truely be missed at Saluki events with his smile and positive attitude.?

Rick Schwab posted on 11/18/16

Don was the most passionate Saluki supporter I ever met. He was a big man in stature, in deed and was a kind wonderful passion. I remember Don making sure my 8 year old granddaughter had the Saluki dog paws displayed on her face prior to a big game. Don was a Saluki fan hall of famer and a human being hall of famer.

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