Donald “Scott” Putnam, 50, of Olney, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at his residence. Scott was born August 5th, 1973 in Massillon OH. His family later moved to Jasper County Illinois where he attended grade school. He graduated from East Richland High School in Olney, IL in 1991. He lived in Madisonville, TN for a few years with his father Neil Putnam, later returning to his hometown of Olney. He also resided in Florida for a short while, with his sister and her family where he started his career in Carpentry.

Upon returning to Southern Illinois, he began working with Steve Sterchi, building and remodeling houses. Steve was a great influence on Scott for more than a decade and encouraged him in all walks of life. Even though Scott struggled following the death of his mother, his family was encouraged by his return to work at Hurn’s Lumber.

His Daughter, Danielle, was the light of his life. They took pleasure in camping together and watching the sun rise. He enjoyed teaching her about gardening and making pancakes as a special treat whenever they were able to spend time together.

Scott and his stepfather Marvin spent countless hours together building Marvin’s “B” model and doing things around the lake. He enjoyed spending time with his buddy John Tyler at the levee where they spent hours practicing target shooting. Friends described Scott as clean-cut, meticulous, intelligent, well-spoken, funny and most of all, kind and generous. No matter where Scott lived, he enjoyed road trips with friends and family merely for the enjoyment of finding new places to explore.

He is preceded in death by his father Jerry “Neil” Putnam and his mother Mary Elaine Rodmaker. He is survived by his daughter Danielle “Bink” Ericksen, brother Galen Lee Putnam (Debbie) of Owensboro KY, sister Leigh Ann Green (Dan Lewis) of Newburgh IN, nieces Breanna and Elizabeth, an aunt and many cousins as well as stepfather Marvin.

A special thank you to Amy Kirby at CNB for her patience and understanding. The family would also like to thank John Tyler for his help in the days following his passing.

A memorial service will be held at Lawrenceville City Cemetery on Saturday, January 13th at 2:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held at the lake Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 25th at 2:00 PM.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL