Donald L. 'The Bee Man' Kuhnert of Pinckneyville

Donald L. "The Bee Man" Kuhnert, 83 of Pinckneyville, passed away at 6:20 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at his home.

Donald was born on Nov. 20, 1934 in Pinckneyville, a son of Harmon and Dorothy (Lacy) Kuhnert. He married Donna Lea Harrison on Aug. 20, 1956 in Corinth, MS, and she preceded him in death on April 12, 2015. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage.

Donald worked as a coal miner underground for Zeigler Coal Company and started raising honey bees five years before his retirement from mining. His honey is known nationwide.

Donald was a very active member of the Winkle Baptist Church, in Coulterville. He served as a Sunday school teacher for over 60 years and the boys' youth group leader for 40 years. He was also a member of the NRA. Donald was a kindhearted man to all and was well known for making berry and fruit cobblers and his PaPa pickles.

Survivors include one son, David R. (Gail) Kuhnert of Pinckneyville; one daughter, Terri (Chris) Menz of Town and Country, Mo; two brothers, Roger (Sue) Kuhnert of Swanwick and Jim (Zella) Kuhnert of Swanwick; 10 grandchildren: Jason Kuhnert, Josh Kuhnert, Justin Kuhnert, Kristen Grier, Kara Baker, Lindsay McIntyre, Fallon Moore, Camille Naidoo, Alex Menz and Zach Menz; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; infant daughter, Laurie Ann Kuhnert; daughter, Konnie Kuhnert; and grandson, Lucas Moore.

Funeral services will be held at Winkle Baptist Church, Coulterville, at 10 a.m. Monday, June 18 with Brothers Jeff Downard and Tim McIntyre officiating. Interment will be in Swanwick Bethel Cemetery.

Friends may call at Winkle Baptist Church on Sunday, from 5-8 p.m. and on Monday, from 8-10 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Winkle Baptist Church.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, has been entrusted with arrangements.

For more information or to sign an online guest register visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.