Donald Guedet

By Kit Zinser

First impressions count.  And, if the mere presence of an individual can inspire trust intermingled with confidence and kindness, that would be Don Guedet.  He never backed away from a challenge and brought honor and sound judgment to his vocation and service in Washington.

His father, Henry Guedet, emigrated from Switzerland as a child in 1887.  He settled in the Pontiac area and met Don’s mother, Emma Engel, who lived in rural Meadows, IL.  Henry was a farmer and later worked in Bloomington as a grocery store proprietor.  So begins the upbringing of Don, born July 9, 1914, who learned the value of hard work at an early age.  Don graduated from Bloomington High School and studied medicine at the University of Illinois.  The depression forced his withdrawal…no one had any money at that time.  He later graduated from IL Wesleyan University in 1932. 

Caterpillar Tractor recognized his bright mind and thirst for knowledge. For 37 years, he held positions in Research Administration and as Assistant Director of Technical Facilities. He and his wife Dorothy moved to Washington with their son Terry. They attended the Washington United Methodist Church.

A devoted, loving husband and father, Don enjoyed his membership in Peoria Boat Club. From 1965 on, he lived on his boat nine months of the year. He played bridge and spent time in Canada fishing the clear blue waters. 

Don was a member of the Taylor Lodge and Shriners, an area administrator for the Boy Scouts of America, president of the Tazewell County Mayor’s Association (the first of its kind in Illinois), and a member of the Metropolitan Planning Committee. He served the city as an alderman from 1949 to 1957. Washington has many distinguished mayors, and Don was no exception. 

He was elected mayor from 1957 to 1965. In 1961, as he completed his first term, he filed a petition to run for a second term. The city was busy. According to Richard Bayless, president of the Association of Commerce, a group of Washington civic leaders purchased the Libby plant. According to Eilers Construction, the new post office building will match the library's appearance. The post office's annual rental will be $9,990 for ten years. 

During a city council meeting, purchasing a “radar speed timer” was discussed and debated. The police had problems with youngsters dragging on any “straightaway” in town.  Claire Tarvin said, “Teens feel as if they have the “town by the tail.” It is easy for them to keep out of the way of one police car.”  Councilman Fred Mason felt the “thing” was downright sneaky, although he admitted it does work.  Mayor Guedet said he had more complaints about speeders than dogs. An official motion to purchase was finally put to a vote:  Goebel:  Nay, Harkins: Aye, Moyer: Nay, Young: Aye.  Mayor Guedet broke the tie with a loud “Aye.”  Don held the respect of his council members and the community. 

Don passed away on August 20, 1974, but his wife Dorothy and son Terry carried on. Today, he would be proud of his accomplishments for the city and the legacy left for his growing family, who still serve the community.