Donald Birdsley, 73, of Illinois City, IL, formerly of East Moline, IL, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, IA. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 PM Friday at the Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline. Private services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to United Way. Don was born May 8, 1934 in Rapids City, IL, the son of Erwin and Easter (Davis) Birdsley. He had worked as a switchman for the former Rock Island Lines, Silvis, IL. He retired in 1997 from the East Moline Correctional Center. Baseball had been very important in Don's Life. He had coached many teams over the years. He was inducted into the ASA Hall of Fame in 1990 as the coach with the most career wins in the ASA. In 2006, he and his team, the Knoxville Bulldogs, were inducted into the ASA Hall of Fame. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears Fan. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and will be missed by all. Survivors include: daughters and son-in-law, Robin and Randy Doss of Illinois City, IL, Melissa Bailey and fiancé, J.J. Johnson of East Moline; sons and daughter-in-law, Doug and Betsy Birdsley of Beardstown, IL, Daniel Birdsley of Muscatine, IA, David Birdsley and fiancée, Tara Schmeink of Davenport, IA, Ryan Birdsley of Muscatine, IA; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com.