Obituary: Gumm

Destal C. Gumm, 89, of Fairbury, passed away on Sunday, August 10th, 2025, at OSF St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac. 

Cremation rites have been accorded. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements. 

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made in Destal’s name to Not Today DMD to help fund research in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. To donate please follow this link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RU222EDH96DTQ 

Destal was born on June 27th, 1936, in Marion County, Illinois, the son of Dessman and Mercy (Yoak) Gumm. He married Diane Tammen, who preceded him in death on January 8th, 2022.

Destal is survived by his three children: Pamela (Joseph) Lind, of Fairbury; George (Shawn) Campbell, of Fairbury; and Mike (Kelly) Gumm, of Pontiac. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Destal in death are his parents, wife, and five siblings: Delmar, Dalena, Dowen, Denzel, and Dorcie. 

After finishing school, Destal had a long career as a semi-truck driver, which took him all over the 50 states. Upon retirement he continued his travels as a member of an RV Club. He and Diane adventured as far as Alaska and Canada in their RV.