Emery “Hoe” Doonan, 87, of the Keithsburg area, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bloomington, Illinois. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his love of the open road, and his commitment to service. 

A funeral service to celebrate Emery's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 801 W. Edgington Street, Reynolds, Illinois. Visitation for family and friends will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Following the service, interment will occur at Edgington Cemetery in Edgington, Illinois, where military honors will be bestowed in recognition of his service in the United States military during the Korean War. 

Born on March 4, 1938, in Rock Island, Illinois, Emery was the son of Emery Leroy and Sadie Kruse Doonan. He began his career in his early years hauling hogs for his father, who owned the Oscar Mayer hog buying station in Taylor Ridge, Illinois, instilling in him a strong work ethic that would follow him throughout his life. On December 28, 1957, Emery married the love of his life, Virginia L. Johnson, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Rock Island. Together, they shared a bond that lasted 64 beautiful years, raising a loving family until Virginia’s passing on May 10, 2022. Emery also faced the profound loss of his son, Victor D. Doonan, and great-grandchildren, Arthur Liam Doonan and Harper Ann Doonan, yet his commitment to family remained unyielding. 

Emery enjoyed a diverse career that began in finance at the Production Credit in Monmouth, allowing him to remain closely connected to the agricultural community he loved. Ultimately, he returned to driving a truck, a pursuit he cherished, often accompanied by Virginia on many memorable trips. Emery's family was the heart of his existence. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, taking immense pride in providing for and supporting his loved ones. 

His legacy will live on through his children, Kirk (Annette) Doonan of Viola, Illinois, and Jennifer (Don) Taylor of Kirkwood, Illinois, as well as his grandchildren, Justin (Jessica) Taylor, Alex Doonan, David (Ashlee) Doonan, Andrew (Ana) Doonan, Alisa Randolph, Victoria Taylor and her husband, Jose Lira, and Michael Taylor, along with several great-grandchildren and extended family members and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ARC of the Quad Cities or the Keithsburg Fire Department, both of which reflect the spirit of community that Emery cherished. 

Online condolences, cherished memories, and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.