Donald E. ?Don? Avery, 71, of 207 Jack St., Ilion, a lifelong Ilion resident, passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, Aug. 24, 2006. Don was born June 27, 1935, in Ilion, son of the late John Samuel and Gertrude Avery. He attended Ilion schools. Don was a proud veteran, serving with the United States Navy from 1956-1962. On May 20, 1967, he was united in marriage to Mary Willems. She passed away April 13, 1995. On April 31, 1996, Don married Una Nellis. Don was employed by the Remington Arms Company, retiring in 1992 with 29 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Ilion Presbyterian Church. Don was a long time member of the Ilion Moose Lodge 1010, serving in many roles including Past Governor, Trustee, recipient of the Fellowship Degree, and Legion of the Moose, a member of the Remington Arms 25 year club and the Ilion Elks Lodge. Survivors include his wife Una, his step-children; Marie Smith and her husband Scott of Mexico, Ralph Palmatier of Herkimer, Betty Jane Caruso of Minoa, Cathy Biviano of Chittenango, Jonathan Christman and his wife Judy of Frankfort, Gregory Nellis and his companion Tricia Evans of Cedarville, and Yuanita Charles of Ilion; 13 cherished grandchildren; one brother Kenneth Avery of Mohawk; and one sister, Marylin Willems of Ilion, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law John Willems and his sister-in-law Lena Avery. Don's funeral service will be held Monday, Aug. 28, commencing at 11 a.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, with the Rev. Victor McKusic, pastor of the Ilion First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Procession to Litchfield Cemetery for interment with the full military honors will follow. Family and friends are invited to visitation Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion. The Ilion Moose Lodge 1010 service will be Sunday, 5 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of floral offerings please consider memorials in Don's name to Mooseheart. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.