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J. Donald Killen

J. Donald Killen, 98, of Huntington, died Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at 5:27 a.m., at his residence.

He graduated from Monument City High School in 1940. He was a lifelong grain and livestock farmer in Polk Township on the Centennial family farm raising horses, milk cows, hogs and a large sheep flock. He was a land conservationist involved with early no-till and minimum till methods with Purdue University. He served on the Board of Directors for Mt. Etna Cemetery Association for over 50 years. He also served Indiana Farm Bureau, Red Cross, Huntington College Trustees, Board of Zoning Appeals and Drainage Board. He was a 75 year member of the Mt. Etna Masonic Lodge #333, a 53 year member of the Fort Wayne Scottish Rite and a 50 year member of the Mizpah Shrine Temple. He attended Pilcher's Chapel United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church Huntington. He was also a private pilot and owned two planes.

He was born Nov. 5, 1922, in Huntington, IN to Jay R. and Lena Woods Killen. He married Joyce Elaine Baker on May 7, 1949, in Lawrenceville, PA. She preceded him in death May 7, 1957. He then married Joan “Jo” Gaisford on Oct. 3, 1959, in Huntington. She preceded him in death Oct. 28, 2014.

Survivors include two sons, Daniel K. (Jessica) Killen and M. Paul (Laura) Killen; two daughters, Kathy Wilson and Melissa (Ron Foreman) Killen; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Killen; a sister-in-law, Karen Irwin; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by a son, Kent Killen, and a son-in-law, Rex Wilson.

Calling will take place on Sunday, May 16, 2021, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Bailey-Love Mortuary, Huntington.

Calling will also take place on Monday, May 17, 2021, from 9 to 10 a.m., at the funeral home, with a funeral service following immediately after. Rev. Micah Mobley will officiate. Masonic services will also take place during the funeral service.

Burial will be in Mt. Etna Cemetery in Huntington.

Memorials may be made to the Mt. Etna Cemetery, Shriners Hospitals for Children or Pilcher's Chapel United Methodist Church, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 W. Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750.

Sign the online guestbook at baileylove.com.