Donald "Don" Jeffers '80 August 2, 2023 12:41 PM updated: August 2, 2023 12:47 PM
Donald Eugene Jeffers
October 10, 1957 — July 30, 2023
Donald Eugene Jeffers, 65, died peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2023, in Evanston, Illinois. Don will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife of 43 years, Susan (Davis), son Dave, brother and sister-in-law Robert and Cheryl, in-laws Mark and Hue Davis and Sarah Davis Hartman, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves great memories and much love for his extended family and many friends made over his lifetime. Preceding Don in death are his parents, Gene and Jean Jeffers.
Don was born October 10, 1957 in Dallas. He grew up in Tyler, TX, and graduated from Texas A&M University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture. He had a varied and successful career, working for architectural firms in New York and Chicago on projects ranging from skyscrapers to hospitals to residences. He retired from Raino-Ogden Architects in 2018.
Don never let his many physical health challenges get in the way of enjoying his life. He loved to travel, taking in museums, plays, and music everywhere he went; read widely and well (making him a whiz at Jeopardy); took up yoga in his last year of life; and loved following auto racing in all its forms. He was an outstanding dad and a generous husband, as well as a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend. His intellect, wit, and resilience touched all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s name may be made to Nourishing Hope (https://www.
Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL