Foosland – Don Fairfield, 90, of Foosland, passed away at 2:42pm, Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Don was born on September 25, 1932 to William and Mary (Richison) Fairfield in Fisher, Illinois and lived on their family farm. He grew up close in age to his brother, Leon. They then had a younger sister, Gail, join the family, to the delight of Don and Leon. Don's siblings remained a special part of his life.

The very earliest photos of Don as a toddler show that he knew from birth that he was a horseman at heart. His habit was to carry around gear for his family's horses instead of playing with toys or other typical childhood amusements. Later, his teacher in school would also comment that, "All Don talks about is horses, horses, horses." He spent his younger years farming with his family and showing horses, as his father did.

Don attended high school at Fisher High School. He also enjoyed sports as a teenager. He participated in both football and track. His teenage years also changed his life for the better, as he saw his future wife, Sue Ellen Nelson, for the first time at a movie theater in Paxton, Illinois. This was a story that he enjoyed recalling to his family.

Don and Sue eventually married and built a life together. Don worked briefly at Clifford-Jacobs Forging when they were first married, but was able to return to his real love of farming and horses for the remainder of his life. He raised row crops, livestock, and horses. Don and Sue were able to raise their own family on the farm as well. They welcomed four children: Bill, Phil, Greg (Mitzie), and Holly. Don loved to recall stories later in his life, and his four children provided him with many to tell. Their life also included many pets, as Sue also loved animals and would take in animals that needed a home.

Raising and training horses was, of course, a particular joy of Don's life. Don trained Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds for racing. Taking his horses to races also allowed him to travel throughout Illinois and the US with his wife and family. Don also delighted in the community of people that he met through racing and ended up with dear friends from the years that his horses ran. He was able to enjoy success as well in his career. One of his horses, Piku, held the world record at 770 yards from 1986 until recently. Some of the other horses that he thought of fondly that he trained were Osage Marble, Melody, and Sudo. He also loved his horses Leta and Racer, as he taught many family members and friends to ride on those horses.

Don also served his communities actively. He was a member of the Fisher School Board. He was also a part of the Illinois Quarter Horse Racing Association and served as President on that board as well.

Family was also a huge part of Don's life. Don was not only a Father of four, but also a Grandfather to Georgia (Dave), Dylan (Angie), Bill, and Molly (Cory). Additionally, he was a Great-Grandfather to Asher, Miles, Rhett, Corbin, and Paisley. Don was an enthusiastic supporter of especially the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending innumerable sporting events and activities over the years. He was also always excited to hear about what was going on in the lives of the young people in his family.

Don will also be remembered for his generosity as well as his love of popcorn, rodeos, and western movies (he has seen them all).

A visitation to honor Don's life will be from 9am-11am on Friday, March 24. It will be held at the Fisher Community Building in Fisher, Illinois.

Due to Don's lifelong love of agriculture, memorials may be given to the Fisher High School FFA program. Contributions may be sent to: Fisher High School FFA, 211 W Division Street, Fisher, IL 61843.

An online guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com .