Donald W. Sobin Obituary (1928 - 2016)

Donald Walter Sobin, 88, of Normal, passed away at 1:12 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2016 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.His graveside service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2016 at Valley Memorial Park, Spring Valley. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, IL.Donald was born January 6, 1928 in Spring Valley, the son of Walter and Pearl Jeneski Sobin. He was raised in Spring Valley and graduated from Hall Township High School.During WWII, he served in the U.S. Merchant Marines and then in the U.S. Army Infantry in northern Italy with the 88th Blue Devil Division, 350th Infantry Regiment.Don married Marie Perra of LaSalle on May 5, 1951. She preceded him in death on December 11, 2007.He is survived by his son, Gregory Sobin of Indiana; his daughter, Nancy McHenry of Earlysville, VA; and two grandchildren, Ryan and Jordan McHenry.He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald and Robert.His working career was with Sampsel Time Control in Spring Valley, Harper Wyman in Princeton, General Electric in Bloomington and Diamond Star Motors. He was the first retiree of Mitsubishi in 1993.Don was a life member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a Past Commander of the American Legion Post 635, Normal. He was also a member of the Honor Guard and participated in many funerals and parades.His hobbies were rifle and pistol shooting and also a collector of military items. He was deeply involved with his family history and belonged to the McLean County Genealogical Society.