Donald "Don" James Longacre, 79, a longtime resident of Winfield, IL, formerly of Wheaton, IL, passed away with his family by his side on September 25, 2025, at his home. Don was born on August 29, 1946, in Princeton, IL, to James Willard Longacre and Jeanne (née Smith).

Don grew up in Wheaton and attended Wheaton Community High School, class of 1964.

Don began his career in the newspaper business at the Wheaton Daily Journal. As his career advanced he worked for the Suburban Tribune and Lerner Newspapers. He moved over to the Daily Herald Newspaper in 1989, where he was Classified and New Business Director for 14 years. Don founded the website DriveChicago.com during his time at the Daily Herald and left the newspaper to work for DriveChicago full time in 2003. Don briefly returned to the Newspaper industry in 2006 as Vice President of New Media and Technology with NorthWest News Group, before retiring in 2007.

When he retired he wanted to help his community and to do so he ran for and was elected as a Village of Winfield Trustee. He served as a Trustee until his retirement from public service in 2025.

Don felt that it was his duty to improve the towns that he lived in and to that end he participated in many civic and social organizations. Most recently, he was President of the Winfield Foundation. He served two terms as the Wheaton Chamber President, worked as the Chairman for Autumn Fest for six years, and held the position of Chamber Ambassador for Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, and Carol Stream for many years.

Education was important to Don,he was a member of the Student Excellence Foundation for District 200 for many years as well as the President and Membership Director for the Wheaton High School Alumni Club.

In his free time Don enjoyed traveling, specifically on cruise ships. He went on over 40 cruises where he particularly enjoyed playing Blackjack at the ship's casino.

Don leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years Carol Ann (née Martin) who he married on January 28th at St. Irene Catholic Church in Warrenville. His adored children Tammy Marie (Tom Schmitt) Longacre and Kenneth David (Teri) Longacre. His devoted grandchildren Kelsey Schmitt, AJ McCoy, Dan Schmitt, Jenna McCoy, David Longacre, and Anna Longacre. Don also leaves behind his siblings Bob (Lisa) Longacre, Sue (Joe Crowe) Longacre and Steve (Chrissy Baxter) Longacre.

Don was preceded in passing by his parents James W. Longacre and Jeanne Longacre (née Smith).

In lieu of flowers donations in Don's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/ or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Wednesday October 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N Main St, Wheaton, IL 60187. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday October 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St John The Baptist Catholic Church, 0S233 Church St, Winfield, IL 60190. Interment will be private.