Donald Morris Redmond was born February 24, 1921, in Bozeman, MT. The family moved to Cokato, MN, when he was two, and he grew up there. Donald was an exceptional athlete, playing a variety of sports and achieving success in each. During his years in high school, he also attended the Citizens Military Camp at Fort Snelling. He graduated from Cokato MN High School in 1939 and continued his education in the Aeronautical field at Curtiss Wright Technical Institute in Glendale, CA. Donald graduated in 1942 with a Civil Aeronautical Airplane and Engine license and was drafted immediately into the army. 

Donald went to Lowry Field in Denver, CO, for pilot training. He then went to Thunderbird Field, AZ, where he completed his training as a single-engine fighter pilot, received his wings, and became a 2nd Lt. Instructor. Donald served during World War II. Upon his discharge in 1945, he worked for Pioneer Telephone as a lineman/combination man in Waconia, MN.

In 1950, he received a promotion to manager, overseeing exchanges near the Minneapolis area. Donald married Rosemary Becker on October 7, 1950, in St. Paul, MN. The couple left their families in MN and moved to Oregon, IL, in 1954, where he worked for the DeKalb-Ogle Telephone Company as a plant manager. Donald and Rosemary relocated to Sycamore in 1959 when his office moved. Over the next several years, Donald held various positions in the telephone business before retiring with 38 years under his belt. The Redmonds adopted two beautiful children during their marriage. 

Rosemary died on November 9, 1980, from ovarian cancer. They had been married for 30 years. In her memory, Donald created the Rosemary Redmond Sycamore High School Scholarship Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The scholarship was given each year to a student from Sycamore High School.

During his life, Don enjoyed being a part of the Sycamore and DeKalb communities. He served in volunteer roles with many organizations such as the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, NIU Husky Club, NIU Businessmen Club, Sycamore Elks Club House Committee, and various Illinois telephone association committees.

He was involved with local sports, civic activities and was an active member of St. Mary's Church in Sycamore. Donald loved to cook, enjoyed fishing, golf, hunting, jazz music, sports of all kinds, playing cards, and being around people. 

Donald Morris Redmond, "The Senator," passed away Monday, July 9, 2012. Contributions given in his memory supported the newly renamed Donald & Rosemary Redmond Memorial Scholarship Fund. The generosity and legacy of Donald and Rosemary Redmond continue to live on in the community.