TOLONO - John Doolen, 66, of Tolono, peacefully passed away at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 19, 2014) in Decatur, Illinois.  He had a long struggle with cancer and other various problems.

Memorial services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8th at Freese Funeral Home, Tolono, with Rev. Trent Cloin officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, March 8th, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo., at 1400 hours on Friday, March 21st, 2014.

Mr. Doolen was born June 17, 1947, in Decatur, a son to Guy and Fern Friesner Doolen. He married Sue Cain on Dec. 7, 1974, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo; she survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Joe Doolen of Madison, Wis., and Dave Doolen of Chicago; and a brother, Paul (Christine) Doolen of Decatur.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Doolen.

He was a Sentry Dog Handler, handling Tiny-A653, and served in the U.S. Air Force with the 37th SPS at Phu Cat, from 1967 to 1969, in the Vietnam War.

He attended Parkland College in Champaign.

He was employed at USI/Quantum in Tuscola, Illinois as a machinist and power plant mechanic for 17 years. He retired from the University of Illinois Abbott Power Plant.

He was a member of the Bement VFW.

He had great love for his family and gaining knowledge through reading, especially in history and his trade.

Memorials may be made to the Carle Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society or the donor's choice.