Donald Ludwig Scanlan, 82, of rural Dallas City, Illinois, died at 3:42 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by his family at home.
Donald was born at home, near Dallas City, on May 16, 1943, the son of Lloyd S. and Bertha (Foresman) Scanlan. On June 29, 1963, he married Dyna Freeland at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dallas City. She survives.
Donald was a 1961 graduate of Dallas City High School. Earlier in life, he was employed at Sheaffer Pen in Fort Madison and Champion Spark Plug in Burlington. Later, he was a rural mail carrier for over 30 years. While working as a mail carrier, he also drove a semi, owned and operated Scanlan & Sparrow Trucking with his daughter and son-in-law, Traci and Martin Sparrow, operated an asphalt business with his good friend, Ron Brewer, was a heavy equipment operator, owned the Devil’s Bowl Raceway for a short-time near Ft. Green and farmed all of his life.
Donald will be remembered as a man who truly loved his family above all else. He was a hard worker through and through, someone who took pride in doing things right and never shied away from a challenge. Gifted with his hands, he had an incredible ability to build, fix, or figure out just about anything.
He especially enjoyed operating heavy equipment and driving semis, things that weren’t just work to him, but something he genuinely loved. Even during times when he wasn’t feeling his best, his creativity never faded. He found new hobbies and ways to stay busy, always driven to keep learning and doing.
More than anything, Donald will be remembered for his strength, his work ethic, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. The lessons he taught and the example he set will live on in those who knew and loved him.
He was a member of the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dallas City and the Knights of Columbus in Nauvoo.
Besides his wife, survivors include two children: Seth Trent Scanlan and Tara (Gabe) Harrison both of Warsaw; one son-in-law: Martin Sparrow of Dallas City; nine grandchildren: Marc (Skye) Sparrow, Jenni (Eric) VanAusdall, Monte Cole, Bobby Sparrow, Kody (Katie) Knoche, Shelbi (Nick) Deverick, Alexandra Scanlan-Hinnen, Sophie Scanlan and Danielle Sparrow and seven great-grandchildren: Gage, Grahm and Tatum VanAusdall, Harrison Knoche, Bennett Deverick, Adilyn Grace and Leo Ennis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter: Traci Sparrow and two sisters: Clara Gerhardt and Mary Gallahue.
Friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Fr. Tony Trosley officiating. Burial will follow at Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City.
A Catholic Mass in Donald’s honor will be held at St. Peter and Paul in Nauvoo at a later date.
A memorial fund has been established for Hancock County Fights Cancer.