Donald Iliff

Donald "Don" Keith Iliff, age 79, lived in Indianapolis, IN.  He was born on July 31, 1940 in Jay County, IN, the beloved son of John and Ramonda (Hinkle) Iliff.

Don was a graduate of Parker High School class of 1959 but attended a majority of his schooling at Dunkirk High.  Don then volunteered to join the United States Navy after graduating high school and became a legal Yeoman advocating for his shipmates through the Vietnam War.

Don returned from the war and resumed the passion he learned and loved working in his Uncle’s Dry Cleaner business in Dunkirk, IN, then managed a chain business with Tuckman Cleaners.  Don never met a garment he could not mend or a stain he could not clean.  With that passion and the drive he learned from the US Navy, Don opened his own business with his family’s support along with his strong standing in the community.  Don built “Iliff Cleaners” with a strong standing around the West Side of Indianapolis and had a reputation as a “take care of the little guy” approach as well as a reputation that he “never met a spot he couldn’t remove”.  

Beside Don’s business and community contributions, he was actively involved in the American Legion Post 0064.  

Don is survived by his loving daughter, Julie (Iliff) Cranfill; son-in-law, Chadd Cranfill; and grandson, Chase Cranfill, who was his “little buddy”.  Julie was and always will be a light in Don’s eye, from that little girl in pigtails to the young woman eating junk food and watching old movies by his side.  Don also cherished his grandson, Chase, who always laughed and enjoyed his time with “Buddy Grandpa”.  Don would not be happy unless Julie’s baby girl boxer, Indy, wasn’t around him to lick his face and make him smile. 

Don is also survived by his little sister, Sandra (Kay) Coulter, who loved and looked after him whether he liked it or not; brother, Richard Iliff of Hemet, CA; two nieces; three nephews; along with many friends who loved Don very much, not only for his heart, but his acts of kindness and generosity.  

Don passed away peacefully on March 28, 2020 at St. Vincent Hospital.