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Donald Dexter

Leathernecks Mourn the Loss of Hall of Famer Donald Dexter

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Dexter served 27 years as the first team physician for Western Illinois Athletics.

MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois Athletics is saddened to hear of the passing of Leatherneck Hall of Famer and former team physician, Donald Dexter.

Dexter died this past Saturday (Dec. 5) in Macomb at the Wesley Village Healthcare Center. The 1991 WIU Hall of Fame inductee was 92 years old.

In June 1958, Dexter moved his family to Macomb to begin practice as a surgeon. His first day of work coincided with the opening of McDonough District Hospital. He served as surgical staff at MDH and Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
 
In 1963, Dexter became the first team physician for WIU Athletics - a title he held for 27 years. Following his tenure in the athletics department, he worked as the medical chief of staff at the Beu Health Center from 1993 until 2001. Dexter attained an honorary doctorate from Western in 1993 and was eventually named an honorary alumnus in 2004.
As both a physician and surgeon, Dexter received numerous medically-related awards. He also received recognition for outstanding service to the Macomb community. A few of his notable honors included the Macomb Citizen of the Year, Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, and Jaycees Distinguished Service Award.
 
Dexter was an avid sports fan and was in the stands cheering for his Leathernecks when not on the sidelines. He loved the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was much loved and will be missed by many.

Private Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. this Saturday (Dec. 12) at St. George Anglican Church with live streaming. The link for viewing can be found here. Father Bill Anderson will officiate. Friends may meet with the family from 9-10:30 a.m that same morning.

Due to the current COVID-19 conditions, masks are required at all times. Those in attendance are asked to pay their respects, social distance, and quickly exit the church when the service finishes. Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Village Healthcare Center, Beacon of Hope Hospice, and St. George's Anglican Church. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Others can sign the guestbook or leave their condolences here.
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