Donn Wallace Lull

Donn Wallace Lull, age 91, of Aurora, Illinois passed away on March 3, 2025 at his home in Punta Gorda, Florida.  He was born on July 1, 1933 in Aurora, IL, the son of Alice Bigler Lull Thornton and John R. Thornton.

Donn was united in marriage on February 28, 1959 in Bristol, Illinois to Darlene  Erickson and enjoyed 59 years of marriage together.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  

Throughout Donn’s life, he was a very active and proud member of 4H in his formative years 10-21.  He was a member of Future Farmers of America, Rotary Club, Lions Club and The Exchange Club.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for over 52 years. Together with Darlene,  he was involved with many health care charities. 

Donn took agricultural classes at the University of Illinois and pursued his passion of farming from 1957-1980.  He was on the forefront of farming technology and was featured on the cover of Farm Journal. He was in two additional magazines; Nations Agriculture and Electric on Farm being recognized for his many achievements.  Farm real estate was a natural fit for him and over ten years, he brokered real estate throughout Northern Illinois.  He was most proud of the family farm which is now the Aurora West Forest Preserve where trails are named in honor of his family.   

He and Darlene retired in Burnt Store Marina, Punta Gorda, Florida for the past 25 years and were involved in many activities including the Platinum Point Yacht Club. He loved traveling the world with family and friends, never meeting a stranger and always trying to connect people. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene, his parents, Jack and Alice Thornton; brother Jimmy Thornton and brother Billy Thornton.  He is survived by his daughter Diane (David) Salley, Daughter Denise (Mark) Oggero; five grandchildren Joshua (Elizabeth) Salley, Moriah (Brandon) Key and  Alexandra, Jacqueline and Nicholas Oggero; two sisters Martha Lull Arbo Nickerson and Molly Thornton as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 12, 2025 @ 9:30am at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden Burnt Store Presbyterian Church @www.bspconline.org/give

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