Donald Guedet

First impressions count, I believe.  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 certainly 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 the proprietor of a grocery store.  So begins the upbringing of Don, born July

9, 1914, who learned at an early age the value of hard work.  Don graduated from Bloomington High School and attended the University of Illinois, studying medicine.  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 a position in Research Administration as well as Assistant Director of Technical Facilities.  He and his wife Dorothy moved to Washington with son Terry.  They attended the Washington United Methodist Church.

A devoted, loving husband and father, Don enjoyed his membership in Peoria Boat Club, and 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.  He was an area administrator for the Boy Scouts of America.  Don was president of 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 alderman from 1949 to 1957.  Washington has a long list of 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.  The Libby plant was purchased by a group of Washington civic leaders according to Richard Bayless, President of the Association of Commerce. The new post office building will match the library in appearance according to Eilers Construction.  The post office annual rental will be $9,990 for ten years. 

And, during a city council meeting, the purchase of a “radar speed timer” was discussed and debated. The police were having 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. 

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