David H. Courson, 86, of Galesburg, formerly of the Williamsfield area, died at 9:58 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024, in OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
He was born June 12, 1938, in Abingdon, the son of Victor V. and Irene (Dexter) Courson. He married Nancy Lou Peterson on June 2, 1957, at the Abingdon Christian Church. She preceded him in death on December 24, 2006, after over 49 years of marriage.
He is survived by three sons, Kevin (Phuong) Courson of Waxahachie, Texas, Cary (Diana) Courson of Battle Ground, Washington, and Dustin (Kelly Gomer) Courson of Williamsfield; 17 grandchildren, Paelynne, Milan, Kyran, whom he helped raise; Jessica, Tori, Evan, Chelsea, Kimberly, Amber, Whitney, Makayla, Leann, Lacie, Adam, Alex, Miranda, and Olivia; numerous great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a sister, Nancy (Greg) Fries of Mesa, Arizona. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Rory and Todd; a daughter, Julie; two brothers, Donald and Danny; and three sisters, Shirley Kautz, Betty Fleisher, and Marjorie Howard.
Dave was raised and educated in Abingdon, graduating from high school in 1956. He was a dairy farmer near Williamsfield for 38 years. He also worked at Gale Products for 27 years until their closure. He continued to farm for many years, officially retiring in 2022. He was active in 4H and FFA. He was of Methodist faith and was a member of the Williamsfield United Methodist Church while living there. He had lived in Galesburg since 2003. Dave was an avid fan of Illini basketball.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Abingdon. Graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in Knoxville Cemetery with Renee Hart officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Galesburg Community Foundation for benefit of the Williamsfield Community Fund (https://yourgcf.org/williamsfield) or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home website at www.h-p-w.com.
