DONALD R APPLETON

Donald R. Appleton was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 25, 1955 to Thelma Appleton and Walter Williams. Donald affectionately known as “Rick” went to be with the Lord on November 18, 2022.  Donald made his life and raised his Family in DeKalb for over 40 years.  He was married to Cheryl A. Appleton and had three children, Yara, Donald II and Daniel.

Donald attended Kishwaukee Community College. Donald retired from the Illinois Dept of Corrections as a Transportation Officer after 26 years of service. Outside of working, Donald was very active in the community.  He volunteered at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, was a Member of the NICE Credit Union Board of Directors, Founding Member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church as well as a volunteer in the Food Pantry. Donald was a faithful member of the Senior Bowling team at Mardi Gras Lanes in DeKalb.  He was a member of Unity Inc, an organization started at NIU, when his wife was a student.

Donald was known for his excellent culinary skills and tasty BBQ.  He was very sought after as a caterer to many private, social and religious events.  Donald spent a lot of his free time smoking, grilling, frying, seasoning, slicing and dicing for the many friends and family in his tribe. In addition, to BBQ, Donald also liked to bake.  We would like to share his favorite Butter Cookie Recipe with all of his loved ones.

Masonry was a huge part of Donald’s life outside of raising a family.  Donald started in the Masonry in 1983 and held various leadership roles throughout the country and up until his passing:

·        1983 Master Mason                       * 1984 Royal Arch Mason             * 1985 Grand Elect Mason

·        1986 Knight Templar                      * 1987 Sublime Prince                  * 1991 Noble Mystic Shrine

·        1992 Inspector General                 * 2014 Knight Hermetic Philosopher

·        2014 Sublime Master                     * 2015 Grand Conservator          

·        2019 Grand Puissant Sovereign of the Order

Titles at the Time of Passing

·        Secretary Exodus Lodge No. 2                    * Hierophant Illinois Sanctuary – A.P.R.M.M.

·        ILL. Grand Seneschal U.S.C.                       * Sec. General, General Grand Masonic Congress

·        Chief Rabban Arabian Temple No. 1 A.A.O.N.M.S.

·        Very Eminent Generalissimo Supreme Knights Templar

·        Grand administrator General , National Sanctuary A.P.R.M.M.

·        Imperial Guard, Imperial Council A.A.O.N.M.S.

Past Masonic Titles

·        Past Master Exodus Lodge No. 2               * Past Patron Naomi Chapter No. 14

·        Past Patron Ruth Chapter No. 4                 * Past High Priest Tyre Chapter No. 1 R.A.M.

·        Past Dep. Thrice Puissant  Grand Master Job L.O.P.

·        Past Eminent commander Hannibal Commander K.T.

·        Past Grand Master M.W. New Jersualem Grand Lodge

·        Past Grand Patron Queen Esther G.C.      * Past Royal Patron J.G. Jones R.E.O.A.

·        Past Worthy Joshua Zipporah Court H.O.J.

·        Past 1st Lt J.G.J. Consistory                       * Past Secretary Supreme Royal Arch

·        Past Excellent King Supreme Royal Arch

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his son Donald R. Appleton II and his sisters Geraldine Hollerman and Norma Boyd and one brother Stephen Williams,  He is survived by his children Yara Banks (Arthemas) and Daniel Appleton, his six grandchildren Deja Davis, Lavance Davis, Rashid Davis, Shawn Banks, Ava and Avery Banks. He is also survived by his Brothers, Winslow Powell, Samuel Beatty, James Powell, Stanford Thompson, Walter Williams Jr., Tyree Williams and sisters Jane Powell and Antionette Peterson along with a whole host of extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home located at 2011 S. 4th St. DeKalb, IL on Dec. 9, 2022 from 3-7pm.  The wake will be held at 11 am, followed by the Funeral Services at Noon on December 10th, 2022 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 Twombly Rd, DeKalb Illinois. The graveside side service will be directly following the funeral at Fairview Park Cemetery located at 1600 S. 1st Street St. DeKalb, Il.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Appleton Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

ANDERSON FUNERAL HOME

NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

NEW JERUSALEM GRAND LODGE

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