Obituaries 2009
Daniel E. Claypool, 69, of Fairmount passed away at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 at his home.
Dan was born Sept. 9, 1939 in Chrisman to Donald R. and Ruth E. Kelly Claypool. He married Virginia Lee Richards on Oct. 30, 1982 in Danville. She survives as well as two sons, Kevin Claypool of Danville, Darren (Dawn) Richards of Fairmount, three daughters, Christy Dawkins of Monticello, Kelley (Tony) Walters of Urbana and Debbie (Jeff Gooch) Richards of Sidell;
Two sisters, Lela May Keys of Chrisman, Lois “Toie” Arnett of Tilton, a sister-in-law, Mary Claypool of Covington, Ind.; eight-grandchildren, Dustin (Mandy) Claypool of Danville, Emily Dawkins of Lincoln, Zachary Claypool of Danville, Clayton (Ashley) Dawkins of Bolingbrook, Jeremy Gooch of Sidell, Parker Claypool of Danville, Danyale Richards of Fairmount and Derrek Richards of Fairmount; a great-grandchild, Madison Dawkins, also many nieces and nephews, he loved his family dearly. Dan was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Lowell, and one grandson, Jacob Gooch.
Dan graduated from Danville High School, he was a mechanic, and owned the Fairmount Garage and worked for Bulkmatic.
Services were at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Fairmount. Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Robison Chapel in Catlin was in charge of arrangements.
Florence Jane Mills, 86, of Fairmount, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 at Danville Care Center. She was born Jan. 24, 1922 in rural Fairmount a daughter of George and Grace Richardson Davison. She married John F. Mills April 17, 1946 at the First Methodist Church in Champaign. He preceded her in death Feb. 8, 1998.
She is survived by a son, John (Sharon) Mills of Fairmount; 2 daughters, Martha (Bill) Rohn of St. Joseph and Margaret (Darrell) Light of Danville; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a brother.
Florence was a member of the Sidell United Methodist Church, 60 Plus in Fairmount, the Sidell American Legion Auxiliary and a former member of the Railroad Retirees Association. She was a graduate of Fairmount High School. She had worked for Parker Bennett, Grab-it-Here and Jamaica High School Cafeteria.
Funeral services were today (Thursday) Jan. 22, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Sidell United Methodist Church with Rev. Charles Graul officiating. Burial was in G.A.R. Cemetery at Homer. Memorials may be made to the Sidell United Methodist Church or Danville Care Center. Robison Chapel in Catlin is in charge of arrangements.
Argie L. Johnson, a long time Catlin resident, passed away at 4:12 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2009, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home. Argie was born January 7, 1915 in Taylorville to Ernest and Bertha Lovelace Varvel. Argie resided in Tilton prior to marrying Elmo E. Johnson on March 17, 1934. She celebrated every wedding anniversary and enjoyed the consistency with St. Partick’s Day.
Argie is survived by a son, Steven E. (Patricia) Johnson of Danville; a brother, Lawrence (Betty) Varvel of Danville; a daughter-in-law, Judy (Stanley) Johnson of Camby, Ind.; three grandchildren, Leanne (Eric) Black of Plainfield, Ind., Lisa Ellery of Georgetown and Aymee McCay of Jacksonville, Fla.; two great grandchildren, Ashley Johnson and Austin Ellery of Georgetown; two step-grandchildren, Carrie Gulick of Danville and Gerald Miller of Orlando, Fla. and one step great-grandchild, Corey Lanter of Danville.
Argie was preceded in death by her husband, Elmo, son, Stanley and three brothers, Romeo, Clarence and Richard Varvel.
Argie was a devoted homemaker having lived in Catlin all her married life. She nurtured her favorite tulips that continue to survive today. She, along with Elmo, attended the Catlin Church of Christ where she and Elmo both taught Sunday school classes. She was also active in church women’s organizations and the Meals on Wheels Program for many years.
One memorable highlight for Argie and Elmo was a trip to the Holy Land in 1979. Argie had travelled very little and this experience with the church group was very exciting and fulfilling. She did manage to sit atop a camel which was an experience in itself.
Funeral services were at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Dave Burger and Larry Doggett officiating. Burial was at Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. The family thanks the staff at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home whom cared for Argie the last six years. Charitable donations are requested to be directed to Vermilion Manor Nursing Home or Catlin Church of Christ.
Dennis G. Knoll, 57, of Catlin, passed away at 2:02 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on April 17, 1951, in Belmond, Ia., the son of Lynn and Donna (Gray) Knoll.
On Feb. 24, 1979, Dennis married June Papst in Pittsburgh, Pa. She survives, along with their four sons: Steven Knoll of Allen, Texas, Kevin Knoll of Catlin, Keith Knoll of Catlin and Jonathan Knoll of Catlin. Also surviving are 13 siblings, Michael (Claudia) Knoll of Ossining N.Y., James (Kathy) Knoll of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mary (Michael) Luick, of Belmond, Iowa, Paul Knoll of Anaheim Calif., John (Roylene) Knoll of Belmond, Iowa, Kathryn (Bill) Cahill of Danville, Patrice (David) Whitty of Lancaster, Wis., Jeannie (Pat) McWhorter of Belmond, Iowa, Kevin (Deb) of Belmond, Iowa, Elizabeth (Bernard) Barrett of Belmond, Iowa, Angela (Dennis) Olson of Belmond, Iowa, Sherrie (Brad) Kunecke of Atchison, Kansas and Matthew (Kim) Knoll of Wesley, Iowa. Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Dolly Papst of Pittsburgh; his two sisters-in-law, Petra Papst of Pittsburgh and Beth (Jim) Andoga of Highland Village, Texas; 57 nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. His parents preceded him in death.
Dennis received his associate’s degree from NIACC. His business ventures included owning and operating several truck stops, including, Knoll’s Oakwood Truck Plaza, Joshua’s Family Restaurant and real estate developments.
Dennis was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westville, and a past member of the Catlin School Board. His greatest joys came from spending time with his family and friends, as well as playing bridge, golf and fishing. He was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan, “GO HAWKEYES”, and will be missed by all who knew him.
A Catholic mass service for Dennis Knoll is scheduled for 11 a.m. today (Thursday), Jan. 8, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westville. Officiating is Father Sauppe. Internment will be at Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin.
Memorial contributions may be given in Dennis’s name to the St. Mary’s Church and/or the University of Chicago Medical Center-Lung Cancer Research Dept. Chicago, Ill. E-mail condolences to: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Izel Ann Van Fleet Duff, 91, of Indianola, passed away at 6:10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home, Danville.
She was born April 18, 1917, in Indianola, the daughter of Samuel K. and Mabel Ellen (Harrell) Van Fleet, both deceased. She was united in marriage to Robert J. Duff on March 26, 1955, in Danville until his passing on Nov. 13, 1977.
Izel graduated from Indianola High School in 1935. She attended and graduated from Roland Beauty School in 1937. She owned a beauty salon in Allerton until 1944 when she went to run Classic Beauty Salon in Danville for the following 26 years.
They later moved to Chicago in the Wheeling area, where she then studied and graduated from Syd Simons Cosmetic Studios. Later she was an esthetician at Elite Style and Color until her retirement in 1998. She was a member of the First Church of Christ in Georgetown and also of the Danville Hairdressers Association.
She will be missed by her stepson, Robert J. (Rhea) Duff Jr. of Mission Viejo, Calif.; her step-grandchildren, Jeremy Duff and Zachary (Allison) Duff, both of California; her great step-grandchildren, Braden and Sadie Duff; nieces and nephews, James (Mary) Brooks of Georgetown, Jane Richey of Colorado, Harrell (Rhea) Brooks of Olivet, Patricia (Robert) Winland of Georgetown, Sam (Alice) Corbin of Ridge Farm, Ruth White of Indianola and John (Ginger) Corbin of Danville.
A celebration of Izel’s life was held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown with Steve Rutter officiating. She was laid to rest in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville. Memorial donations may be given in Izel’s name to Georgetown First Church of Christ. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
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Shirley Trede, 84, formerly of Indianola, passed away at 3:05 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village in Chrisman.
She was born in Indianola on Aug. 4, 1924, the daughter of Orville and Jennie (Peters) Mosier. She was a graduate of Indianola High School. On Oct. 17, 1942, she married John Baldwin of Indianola, and from that marriage was born Vicki (Ray) High of Indianola and John (Pamela) Baldwin II of Greenville, S.C. Later, on April 16, 1971, she married Orville Trede of Danville.
Shirley is survived by her two children; five grandchildren: Teresa Fourez of Oakwood, Todd (Wanda) High of Washington, Tracie (Randy) Oney of Clermont, Fla., Jennifer Baldwin of Atlanta, Ga. and John Baldwin III of Greenville, S.C.; seven great-grandchildren: Jami Fourez of Gurnee, Juli Fourez of Urbana, Rebecca High of St. Louis, Mo., Derek High of Washington, Skylar, Kaitlyn and Nicholas Oney of Clermont, Fla. and one great-great grandchild, Brody Taflinger of Urbana. Also surviving are: sisters Lulabelle (Robert) Shrout and Barbara Mosier, brother Orville (Linda) Mosier Jr.; four sisters-in-law: Helen Baldwin, LaVern Ebers, Viola Rapp and Margaret Corse; brothers-in-law: Wade Williams and Robert Hale and two special childhood and lifelong friends, Mary Dudley and Harry Bennett.
She was preceded by her parents, both husbands, sisters Beverly Acord, Amber Williams and Sharon Coburn and brother Robert Mosier Sr.
She was employed by General Electric in Danville for 33 years and was also co-owner of Baldwin’s Café in Indianola for many years. She was an avid reader of Old English poetry, enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing Bingo with her friends at Pleasant Meadows. “Gram” greatly enjoyed celebrating the achievements of all of her grandchildren, and sharing with them her incredible knowledge of Nursery Rhymes. She always enjoyed attending their sporting events and other activities.
A celebration of Shirley’s life was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown. Darren Johnson officiated. Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials in her honor may be made to Pleasant Meadows Christian Village in Chrisman.
Her family would like to extend a special thanks to all of the Pleasant Meadows Christian Village staff “family” for all of the care and the genuine love shown to Shirley and to them over the years. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Howard LeRoy “Butch” Cunningham Jr., 65, of Hoopeston, died at 3:15 p.m. Feb. 18, 2009, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville.
He was born Dec. 24, 1943, in Danville, the son of Howard LeRoy Cunningham Sr. and Mabel Arlene (Darnell) Cunningham. He married Margie Ann Dennison on April 8, 1995, in Vincennes, Ind. She survives in Hoopeston. Other survivors: one daughter, Cathy Sue Kirby of Hoopeston and sons, Dwain (Jamie) Cunningham of Sidell, Kevin (Rebecca) Cunningham of Sidell, Christopher (Jessica) Cunningham of Sidell, Floyd Vincent-LeRoy Nelson Cunningham of Hoopeston and William “Rayden” Poole Cunningham of Hoopeston; stepdaughters, Sharon (Thomas Jr.) Culbertson of Petersburg, Ind., Sandra (Brian) Pinnick of Vincennes, Ind., Charity Canady of Haubstadt, Ind., Lisa Holland of West Salem; stepsons, Joseph (Gloria) Owenby of Hiawassee, Ga., Roger (Shelly) Owenby of Young Harris, Ga., Larry (Jessica) Owenby Jr. of Alto, Ga; sisters, Vonda (Oran) Kirby of Fairmount, Judy Finnell of Fairmount; brother, Jack Cunningham of Urbana. Howard is also survived by 31 grandchildren, one great-grandson and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Cora Pruitt; one brother, Kenneth Cunningham; and one uncle, Paul Jack Darnell, who was also his best friend.
Howard was employed as a union carpenter at Carpenters Local 44 in Champaign for 35 years where he later retired. He served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1964. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards with his kids and especially with his Uncle Jack. He also enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends and family, and always talked and joked about his favorite subject “money” and just being six months away from being out of debt.
A funeral service was held Saturday, at Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston. with Pastor Mike Roberts officiating. Burial was at Floral Hill Cemetery, Hoopeston. Memorials: to the Children’s Miracle Network, 4525 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84117.
Donald J. Bowman, 79, of Catlin, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 2009, at his home. Don was born Sept. 13, 1929, in Burr Oak, Kan., the son of Herb and Mae LaRue Bowman. He married Betty Gibson Jan. 24, 1954. She survives as well as two sons, Brent Bowman of Catlin and Brian (Terry) Bowman of Hendersonville, Tenn.; one sister, Margaret Gerard of Arizona; and one granddaughter, Lauren Bowman. He was preceded in death by three brothers.
Don had been a heavy equipment operator and served in the United States Navy. He was a member of the Catlin United Methodist Church, Catlin Masonic Lodge and Danville Consistory and was a 50-year Mason. He was a member of the Ansar Shrine Eastern Illinois Shrine and had transported children to many Shriner’s Hospitals.
He coached Little League baseball and enjoyed fishing with his friend, Benny. His granddaughter, Lauren, was his great delight.
Services were at Robison Chapel with Rev. Janet Miller officiating. Burial was in Songer Cemetery in Tilton. Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital c/o Robison Chapel.
Patricia “Pat” Shepherd, 80, of Catlin passed away at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home.
She was born March 31, 1928, in Louisville, Ky., to Elmer and Ruby Lee Vertrees Stivers. She married Floyd F. Shepherd on Oct. 9, 1945, in Cecelia, Ky. He preceded her in death on May 20, 1981. She also was preceded by her adopted daughter, Cynthia.
Surviving are three sons, Floyd David (Sandy) Shepherd of Sidell, Kevin L. (Janice) Shepherd of Catlin and John (Dawn) Shepherd of Danville; grandchildren, Michael (Joanne) Shepherd of Manifee, Calif., Melissa Shepherd of Sidell, Stephanie Shepherd (Nick Lange) of Plainfield, Ind., Kevin T. Shepherd of Catlin; four great-grandchildren; and numerous adopted and foster children.
Pat was a member of Vermilion County Foster Parent Association and had cared for many children over 40 years. She was a former member of the Calvary Baptist Church and a current member of the Holiday Hills Free Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School. She loved her family and extended family, and was very proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments.
Memorial services will be on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. at the Catlin Church of Christ, with Dave Burger officiating.
Memorials to the Danville Center for Children’s Services, or Riley’s Children’s Hospital, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204-3509.
The Robison Chapel of Catlin is assisting the Shepherd family.
Margaret Walsh Underwood Orsulak, 85, of Danville passed away Feb. 15, 2009, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home.
Margaret was born Feb. 1, 1924, in Danville, daughter of William and Fleta (Blakla) Walsh. She married Lester Underwood in 1948. He died in 1952.
Surviving is a daughter, Nancy (Thomas R.) Smith and granddaughter: Melissa (Matthew) Muirhead. She married Russell Orsulak in 1970. He died in 2002. Surviving are six stepchildren: Susan (Henry) Symanski, Ann (Roger) Seibert, Thomas (Leigh Ann) Orsulak, Mark Orsulak, James (Nancy) Orsulak and John (Pat Hobbs) Orsulak; 12 stepgrandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy (Alfred) Linne; and several nieces and nephews.
She attended Danville grade schools and graduated Fairmount High in 1941. She worked 28 years for Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad, and retired as chief clerk of Stores Dept. in 1970.
She was a member of St. Paul’s Church in Danville, Lambda Tau Delta Sorority, life member of St. Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary and Vermilion Valley Quilters.
A Memorial Mass was held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church with Rev. Greg Nelson officiating. Sunset Funeral Home in charge. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul’s Catholic Church and Altar & Rosary Society and/or Heartspring. Condolences to www.sunsetfuneral.
William O. “Bill,” “Doodle” and “Grandpa” Sapp, 69, of Fairmount, passed away at the Florida Heart and Health Division in Sebring, Fla., on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009. He was born on July 2, 1939, in Oakwood, the son of Willard Sr. and Zona Sapp. Both deceased.
He married Delores “Pat” Lomax on Aug. 13, 1960. She survives along with their two daughters, Debby (Scott) Zorns of Sebring, Fla., formerly of Oakwood, and Beckie (Cyrus) Brown of Alvin; seven grandchildren, Barry (Marie) Grimm of Oakwood, (Barry currently serving in the U.S. Navy, stationed at NSF Thurmsunt, Md.), Haley (Kyle) White, Shauna (Aaron) Pitlick, Ashley (Chad) Garrett, Sha’Kala (Chris) Mau, all of Danville, Sharhea Brown, Skylar Brown, both of Alvin and 9 1/5 great-grandchildren. His two brothers; Willard Jr. (Arleen) Sapp of Danville, Lee (Rita) Sapp of Westville, and his sister, Nina Sue Morris of Westville, also survive Bill. His grandparents preceded Bill in death.
Bill worked third shift at the General Motors Tilton Foundry for 38 years in the Pattern Shop located in the North Core Room as a Miscellaneous Machinist, retiring in 1992.
He and Pat built their home and then a lake that has later turned into Salt Fork Pay Lake. Bill was known to many of the fisherman as “Grandpa”. He will be sadly missed by his wife, of 48 years, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a special nephew.
A Celebration of Bill Sapp’s life was held Feb. 17 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Danville. Per Bill’s wishes, cremation took place after the service.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to a trust fund set aside at the Catlin Bank. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
C. Kevin Payne, 51, of Fairmount passed away at 11 a.m. Thurs., Feb. 12, 2009, at Loyola University Hospital in Maywood.
He was born Oct. 9, 1957, in Morton, to C. Terry and Dixie Wilson Payne. He married Linda Leemon on April 5, 1980, in Hoopeston.
She survives, as well as one son, Matt Payne of St. Louis; his mother, Dixie Payne of Danville; three brothers, Kent (Sandy) Payne of Veedersburg, Ind., Keith Payne of Potomac and Kyle Payne of Springfield; a sister, Kathy Jackson of Mayfield, Ky.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father.
Kevin worked as a gas journeyman for Ameren IP in Champaign and was a farmer. He was a member of the American Shorthorn Association, the Illinois Shorthorn Association and IBEW Local 51. He enjoyed showing cattle, hunting and farming.
Funeral services were Feb. 16 at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial followed in the Payne family cemetery in Brocton. The Rev. Janet Miller and Craig Roller officiated. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Lyndal W. Arnold, 70, of Catlin, passed away at 4:16 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, from injuries received in an auto/train accident in rural Fairmount.
He was born July 3, 1938, in Danville, to Loval W. and Eva Donley Arnold. He married Carolyn I. Strange on June 28, 1959. She survives. Also surviving is one son, Larry W. (Jeanette L.) Arnold of Oakwood; one daughter, Charlotte Arnold Christin of Rockville, Md. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Larry W. Arnold II, Brielle J. Arnold and Nikolai Alexander Christin. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Modisty Kay Arnold.
Lyndal was an International Truck salesman for 40 years, the last several years with Prairie International. Lyndal was a member of Danville United Church of Christ where he had served as a deacon. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Catlin Masonic Lodge and also a past Master of the lodge. He was an Illini football fan, enjoyed NASCAR and Indy 500 racing. He was a “great grandpa.” He was always “working a deal.”
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Danville. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Robison Chapel. Memorials to the Danville United Church of Christ or the Arnold family for the grandchildren’s education.
Sue Salrin, 58, of Oakwood went to be with the Lord on Jan. 30, 2009, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.
Sue was born March 8, 1950, in Danville, the daughter of Paul D. and Helen D. Stuebe Thompson. She married Richard Salrin on Feb. 23, 1975, in Danville. He survives. She also is survived by their daughter and best friend, Melissa Salrin (Sean Warren) of Oakwood; brother, John Thompson (Fran Bond) of Tilton; and a special friend, Linda Shumaker of Danville. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Sue attended Danville High School and had worked as a pharmacy technician at the Danville VA hospital for 27 years until retiring in 2000.
Sue was a life member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Danville as well as the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for a number of years. She enjoyed reading, shopping, traveling, weekend get-a-ways going to concerts or riverboats, but, most of all, spending time with her family.
A Celebration of Sue’s Life was held Tuesday at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Pastor Kent Tibben officiating. Following the service, she was laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery in Danville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
Martian “Gene” Shunk, 73, of Allerton, passed away at 3:45 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2009, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
Funeral services were today (Thursday, March 26) at 11 a.m. with a visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands with Pastor Don Ehlers officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Gene was born on Aug. 29, 1935, in Villa Grove, a son of James E. and Jeannetta Lawless Shunk. He married Winnie Lu Soltau on Nov. 14, 1959, in Danville. She survives.
Also surviving is a daughter, Susan (Jim) McKee of Homer; grandchildren, Macey (age 11) and Logan (age 7)
McKee; a brother, Jerry (Linda) Shunk of Hume; a sister-in-law, Sharon Olinger of Cudahy, Wis.; a niece and three nephews.
Mr. Shunk was very active in the Allerton area. He served 41 years as the village clerk in Allerton. He was active in the Allerton Fire Department for many years, serving as chief for five years. Along with his wife, he maintained the Allerton water department. He also served in the Naval Reserves for eight years
Mr. Shunk also worked at Allerton Implement Company for three years and retired from Equistar Chemical Company in 1998 after 41 years.
Gene loved and enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed camping, boating, and fishing.
Memorials may be made to the Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Allerton Fire Department. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Charles W. Cole, 65, of Aiken, SC, formerly of Georgetown, passed away Friday, March 20, 2009, at University Hospital, Augusta, Ga., after a long courageous battle with leukemia.
Born February 2, 1944, in Danville, the son of the late Thomas W. and Jane English Cole, of Georgetown. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America advancing to the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. A retired commercial truck driver, with over 30 years of service, he retired from Praxair, Augusta, Ga., and received awards for driving in excess of one million miles accident-free three different times.
Family members include his wife of 23 years, Sara Cole, son, Gregory Cole, North Augusta, SC; daughter, Erin Cole, North Augusta, SC; stepson, Kyle Pulliam, (Debbie) Evans, Ga.; stepdaughter, Leisa Ondrejik, (Joe) Round Rock, Tx.; grandchildren, Steven Pulliam and Kelly Pulliam, Evans, Ga., Joey Ondrejik and Andrew Ondrejik, Round Rock, Tx.; sister-in-law, Carolyn Mitchell, Indianapolis, Ind.; mother-in-law, Garnett Gadau, Sumner; and several cousins.
A special appreciation and heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. Townsend, Dr. Boucur, Dr. Shlaer, the nurses and staff of Medical Oncology of Augusta and the nurses in the Oncology unit at University Hospital, Augusta, Ga., for the excellent and compassionate care provided to Charles.
It has been suggested, that if so desired, memorials be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072. Pittsfield, MA 01202.
As per his wishes, Charles was cremated and a Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, March 29, at 3 p.m. at Hatcher Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Langley, SC, with Rev. Alan Faulkner officiating. Additional funeral services will be held Friday, April 3, 2009, at 4 p.m. from the graveside in Fairview Cemetery, Sidell.
The family will greet friends immediately following the service on Sunday, March 29, at Hatcher Funeral Home & Cremation Service, U.S. Hwy. #1, Langley, SC.
Dorothy V. Danner, 94, of Urbana, formerly of Homer, died at 7:15 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2009, at the Champaign County Nursing Home in Urbana.
Mrs. Danner was born Dec. 11, 1914, in Dahlgren, Ill., to Lewis and Cora Seany Brummet. She married David T. Danner on Oct. 21, 1933, in Tolono; he passed away Dec. 6, 1974.
Survivors include sons, John (Betty) Danner of Summerfield, Fla., the late Louie (Kathy) Danner of Homer, Donald (Terry) Danner of Rochelle, Robert (Sandy) Danner of Homer and Charles (Rhonda) Danner of Metamora; brothers, Arthur Brummet of Savoy, Charles Brummet of Sidney and Lyle Brummet of St. Joseph; a sister, Joan Meece of Forsyth; 21 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
She was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church and Order of Eastern Star for more than 50 years. She attended Homer High School. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, cooking and spending time with her family.
Funeral services Tuesday, March 17, at Kirby Funeral Home, Homer. Burial was in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer.
Memorials may be made to G.A.R. Cemetery.
Bonita Sue Benzing, 61, of Fairmount, passed away at 6:25 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
She was a beloved and devoted wife, mother and grandmommy who was known and loved by the many children and families to whom she ministered in the nursery of Calvary Baptist Church in Danville, where she had been an active member since 1992. She was also a member and former president of Homefires, a homeschooling organization, in which she was a mentor to many parents.
Sue worked as an elementary school teacher, and then as a homemaker and home-educator for over 25 years. She loved to read, and never stopped learning and finding delight in the world around her. Most importantly, Sue trusted in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life, and upon her death she was welcomed into his presence.
Sue was born June 20, 1947 in Liberty, Ky., to Curtis and Helen Smith Wilkinson. She married William Benzing on Nov. 29, 1969, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bill survives as well as: one son, Nathan Benzing of Fairmount; five daughters, Gretchen Neisler of Louisville, Ky., Anna Cast of Catlin, Emily Benzing, Nancy Benzing and Abigail Benzing, all of Fairmount; one brother, Mathew Wilkinson of Liberty, Ky.; three sisters, Betty Bogle of Cincinnati, Ohio, Donna Remus of Cleveland, Ohio, and Sandra Bailey of British Columbia, Canada; and one granddaughter, Mercedes Benzing of Fairmount.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today (Thursday) at Calvary Baptist Church. Funeral services area at 10 a.m. Friday at the Church with Pastor Scott McCurdy and Pastor Joe Humrichous officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Vernon Cemetery, west of Catlin.
The Robison Chapel of Catlin is assisting the Benzing family. Condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Jason Thomas Leach, 34, of St. Louis, formerly of California, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009 at his residence.
He was born in Danville on June 23, 1974 the son of Theodore A. “Ted” and Denise M. Moore Leach. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Alice “Beth” Moore in 1999.
Jason, while in California, was a crisis intervention counselor at the LGBT Center. He had returned to St. Louis to further his education. His community and civic involvement was with several clubs, organizations and charities.
Surviving are his mother and step-father, Denise and William Kemler, his father, Ted Leach, all of Springfield, his brother Sgt. Jeremy T. Leach, United States Army 101st Airborne, stationed at Ft. Campbell, Ky., his grandparents, Arthur and Neva Leach of Fairmount, and Gordon Moore of Danville, along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Cremation rites were accorded by the Bisch Crematory. Memorial services were held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at the Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield. Rev. Vaughn Beeman officiated.
Those that wish may direct memorial contributions to the Animal Protective League. Please visit Jason’s on-line celebration of life at www.mem.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
William “Bill” Moreland, 78, of Indianola passed away at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at his home.
He was born Nov. 16, 1930, in Indianola, the son of Chester “Chet” and Dorothy (Chandler) Moreland. He was united in marriage to Doris Berry Sept. 12, 1953, in Kane. She survives in Indianola.
Other survivors include: his son, William “Doug” (Laura) Moreland of Indianola; his daughters, Lois (Dan) Cornwell and Tammy (John) Snoddy of Orange, Texas; his grandchildren, Ashton Moreland and Chet Moreland, both of Indianola, Megan Cornwell and Sarah Cornwell, both of Austin, Texas, Erica Snoddy and Frank Snoddy, both of Orange, Texas.; and his sister, Ruth Knight of Rossville. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wayne “Jim” Moreland.
Bill was a lifelong farmer in Vermilion County and was a member of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau. He was an active member of the Indianola United Methodist Church. He enjoyed traveling, being outdoors and gardening, especially rose gardening. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all of them.
A celebration of Bill’s life was March 3 at Indianola United Methodist Church. Pastor Ed Logan officiated. He was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in Bill’s name to Indianola United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Frank R. Fitzsimmons, 74, of Crawfordsville, Ind., passed away Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, at 12:48 a.m. at Williamsburg Healthcare in Crawfordsville.
Mr. Fitzsimmons was born March 22, 1934 in Danville, the son of Lyniel and Roselia (Bantz) Fitzsimmons.
He was a 1952 graduate of Sidell High School. He retired from the maintenance department at Fleetwood Industries after seven years. He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the U.W. Marine Corps.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Fitzsimmons-Sparks of Ladoga; two sons, Michael and Brad Fitzsimmons of Ladoga; a daughter, Kathy (Eddie) Johnson of Mt. Pleasant, Tx.; his mother, Roselia Woods of Satfard, Ariz.; and grandchildren, Stephanie Johnson of Little Rock, Ark., Amy Johnson of Mt. Pleasant, Tx., and Laura (Erick) Arvizu of Texarkana, Tx.
He was preceded by his father.
A military service was conducted at Powers-Priebe Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, by the VFW and American Legion. Burial was at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
Carl B. Fox, 83, of Savoy passed away at 2:15 a.m. on Sunday (Feb. 22, 2009) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Mr. Fox was born on July 9, 1925, in Oak Hill, W.V., a son of Carl Fox Sr. and Berna Johnson. He married Rebecca Litton on June 2, 1951, in Glasgow, W.V. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Anne Moore of Clarksville, Ark., and Mary (Jay) Lynch of Petaluma, Calif.; four grandchildren, Antonette Gant of Champaign, Dr. Rebecca King of South Haven, Miss., Elizabeth Anne Moore of Clarksville, Ark., and Billie Carlen Moore also of Clarksville; two great-grandchildren, Lamar Crawford of Champaign, and Balen Carlin of Clarksville, Ark.; and a sister, Sheila Stevenson of Sterling, Va.
Mr. Fox was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, as well as a minister for 55 years serving in such towns as Broadlands, Vermilion, Decatur, Weldon, Tremont, Chatsworth, Danville, Savoy, Newman, and Allerton.
Memorials may be made to the Savoy United Methodist Church.
Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman was in charge of arrangements.
Funeral services for Robert Ray “Bob” Delbridge, age 78, a resident of Manchester, was conducted Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of Manchester Funeral Home
Mr. Delbridge passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Life Care Center in Tullahoma. He was born October 20, 1930 in Rutherford County, Tenn., the son of the late Will and Zettie Hollis Delbridge. He retired from AEDC after 39-1/2 years having been employed as a welder and boilermaker. He was a United States Army veteran having served during the Korean War. In earlier years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting and will always be remembered as a friend to all who met him. He and his wife have served as caretakers of Lynch Cemetery for many years.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Michael Delbridge and a sister, Betty Jones.
Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Odell Darnell Delbridge of Manchester, four sisters, Dorthey Whithead of Donelson, Tenn., Nell Douglas of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Sue Bland of Hamilton, Ohio, Irene Nelson of Oklahoma and Lois Key of Texas and a brother, Charles W Delbridge of Sidell, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Becky L. Puzey, 48, of Fairmount passed away at 4:45 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2009 at her home. She was born June 12, 1960 in Danville to Joseph and Evelyn Staley Young.
She married Russell Puzey on January 16, 1982 in Sidell, he survives as well as two daughters; Whitney (Tyler) Ferber of Fairmount, and Chelsea Puzey of Fairmount; two brothers, Craig (Donna) Young of Sidell, and Jeff Young of Sidell. She was preceded by her parents and one brother, Mark.
Becky had been a registered nurse at United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville since 1979. She was a graduate of the Lakeview School of Nursing. She was a member of the Sidell United Methodist Church, and loved traveling with her family.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2009, at the Sidell United Methodist Church, with Mike Cox officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery at Indianola.
Visitation is 4-7 p.m. today (Thursday, April 9, 2009) at the Sidell United Methodist Church.
Memorials to the American Cancer Society. Robison Chapel in Catlin is assisting the Puzey family. Condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Josephine Marno, affectionately referred to by the caring staff at North Logan Health Care as JoJo, passed away peacefully at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2009.
Josephine was born in Dolina, Poland, on March 19, 1920. She married Janos Marno of Budapest, Hungary in 1943. They came to the United States with their infant daughter as displaced persons in Sept. of 1950. Janos died in 1963.
Josephine was extremely creative and resourceful woman who started working at the Danville Jacket Factory and worked her way up to teaching, sewing, tailoring, and upholstery at Danville Area Community College. She will be remembered for her spunky spirit, great cooking, sewing skills, gardening and painting, and most of all the love for her family and friends.
She is survived by a daughter, Mari Marno Martin and husband Kurt; three grandchildren, Justin Martin, Tiffani (David) Henry and Derek Martin; two great-grandchildren, Isaac Henry and Lauryn Henry who brought her great joy and pride. Her cousins. Barbara and Annie Wolfe and three very special friends, Marysia Krusy, Julia Krusy and Leland “Bud” Thompson.
Josephine was cremated and the family will be holding a private memorial service on Easter Sunday. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Danville Art League, Carle Hospice or a charity of the Donors Choice. The family has placed their “Trust” in the Wolfe Funeral Home in Potomac.
Phil and Aileene Swinford recently received word of the tragic death of their nephew, David Ahern of Clarksdale, Ariz. David was the son of Bill and June Ware Ahern.
David spent many summers in Sidell visiting his grandparents, Forrest and Grace Ware, uncles, aunts and cousins. He was a very active young man of 56 years and loved hunting and his job serving others. He was Fire Chief and EMT in Clarksdale, Ariz.
David’s death was the result of a fall, causing brain damage and bleeding to his head. He was conscious and moving about for several hours after the fall. Then went into a coma during his sleep. He was flown to a trauma center in Las Vegas, where he died on May 28.
He is survived by his wife, Sara and stepson Ian of Clarksdale; brothers Frank (Gayle) Ahern of Gainesville, Fla., Larry (Karen) Ahern of Bainbridge Island, Wash., and sister Cara Ahern of Jacksonville, Fla.; Uncle Harold (Linda) Ware and Aunt Aileene (Phil) Swinford of Sidell and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and June Ahern.
A memorial service will be held June 13 in Clarksdale, Ariz.
Jackie Leon McNeese Sr., 63, of Rankin, formerly of Indianola, passed away on Monday (June 1, 2009) at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System, Danville, at 5:30 p.m.
A private graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
Mr. McNeese was born on July 31, 1945, in Santa Fe, N.M., a son of Carl McNeese Sr. and Omalee Baird. He married Alinda Grissom in 1966. He later married Tammy Galindo in 1998. Both survive.
Other survivors include five children, Jackie (Lori) McNeese Jr. of Missouri, Racheal (Mike) Goodwin of Ridge Farm, Danielle McNeese of Homer, Nathaniel McNeese of Danville and Jackie McNeese III of Danville; seven grandchildren; four brothers, Carl (Meni) McNeese Jr. of Georgetown, David (Dianne) of Westville, Craig McNeese of Tilton, Darrell (Tammy) of Tilton; and a sister, Judy McNeese of Tilton.
Mr. McNeese served in the Army for 16 years. He also loved to fish and hunt.
Donations may be made to the St. Jude’s Hospital or the Children’s Miracle network.
Joines Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.
John E. Miller Sr., 62, of St. Petersburg, Fla., formerly of Sidell, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at home surrounded by loved ones following a two-year battle with cancer.
He was born Dec. 15, 1946, to Ray and Katie Miller. He is survived by a brother, Robert (Barbara) Miller of Champaign; a son, John Jr. (Leslie) Miller of Tilton; a daughter Katie (Rick) Ulman of Muncie, Ind.; a special niece, Tracy (Jay) Hageman of Fairmount; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Melba and Hester and his beloved pet and best friend, Sid.
John enjoyed cooking, traveling and remodeling his home. He was a Civil War enthusiast and took pride in collecting old coins and guns. Special thanks to long time friends Doug (Andrea) Merkle of Orlando, Fla. and Teresa Troy of St. Petersburg, Fla.
Per John’s wishes he will be cremated and a private service held. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Association.
Judith Ann Finnell, 64, of Fairmount died at 6:47 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2009, at her home.
She was born Dec. 30, 1944, in Danville, the daughter of Howard and Mable Darnell Cunningham.
Survivors include a daughter, Vonda Pruitt of Hoopeston; two sons, Steven Bridgman (Barbara Bell) of Fairmount and Ted (Jen) Finnell of Fairmount; a sister, Vonda (Oran) Kirby of Fairmount; a brother, Jack Cunningham of Urbana; 18 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Claude Bridgman and Daniel Bridgman; a sister, Cora Pruitt; and two brothers Howard Cunningham and Kenneth Cunningham.
Judy was an LPN at the VA Medical Center for 15 years. She enjoyed her family and spending time with her friends.
Funeral services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at the Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston. Officiating: Rev. Darryl McDaniel, Burial: Floral Hill Cemetery at Hoopeston. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at the funeral home. Memorials: American Cancer Society 2509 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820.
Mary G. Howe, 95, of Catlin, passed away at 9:24 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home. Mary was born June 6, 1913 in Cave City, Kentucky to John Henry and Ethel Nichols Kinser. She married George A. Howe June 16, 1931 in Danville. He died June 24, 1981. Survivors include 3 sons: Robert Wayne Howe of Georgetown, Russell (Madelyn) Howe of Catlin and George (Glona) Howe of Fairmount; 3 daughters, Beverly Bryant of Bellefourche, SD, Evelyn Ross of Danville and Helen (Rev. John) Shank of Erie, PA; a sister, Louise Bush of Danville; 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by a son, a daughter, a brother, 2 sisters and a grandson. She was a homemaker and a lifetime member of the Fairview United Methodist Church.
Funeral Services: 10 a.m. Friday at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Rev. John Shank and Matt Filicsky officiating. Burial: Woodlawn Cemetery at Indianola. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Memorials: Fairview United Methodist Church in care of Robison Chapel. On-line condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Porter McDowell, 88, of Georgetown passed away at 4:15 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2009, at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System in Danville.
He was born March 29, 1921, in Sidell to Fred and Grace Finesy McDowell. He married Barbara J. Bohn on Sept. 26, 1948, in Danville; she preceded him on Sept. 16, 2006.
Those who will miss him are three sons, Robert (Kathy) McDowell of Naperville, Scott (Lisa) McDowell of Chapin, S.C., and David (Lisa) McDowell of Champaign; four daughters, Cynthia (Larry) Cronkite Nepple of The Villages, Fla., and Jane (Greg) Newlin, Sally (Clay) Newlin and Gail (Bob) Sprouls, all of Georgetown; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a brother, John (Barbara) McDowell, and a sister, Sarah McCormick, both of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.
Porter retired from Hyster Company Parts Depot in Danville with 20 years of service. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II, serving from 1942 to 1945; he was proud that his name is on the WWII monument in Washington, D.C. Porter was a member of the Elks Lodge 332 and enjoyed his winters in Florida, along with golfing, fishing and gardening.
A celebration of life graveside service were held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola with Pastor James Blue officiating. Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Vermilion County War Museum, 307 N. Vermilion St., Danville, Il 61832. Condolences to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
Jimmie Lee Craddock, 76, of Newman passed away at 10:15 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2009, at the Newman Rehabilitation Center.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2009, at the Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. The Rev. Duane Oakley and the Rev. Paul Romoser officiated. Burial was at the Young America Cemetery in Hume with military rites at the cemetery.
Mr. Craddock was born May 11, 1932, in Sidell, a son of James and Nillie Antrim Craddock. He married Carolyn Johnson on Nov. 19, 1955, in Hume.
She survives.
Also surviving are four children, Douglas Lee (Becky) Craddock of Newman, Donald Ray (Lori) Craddock of Tolono, Daniel (Jean) James Craddock of Tuscola and David Craddock of Newman; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Dennis Craddock. He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
Mr. Craddock was an Army veteran of the Korean War, a member of the Newman Masonic Lodge, a 50-year member of the Eastern Star and a member of the Shriner’s Lodge.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of
arrangements.
Carol Suzanne Courson Melkus Ramsey, 62, formerly of Allerton and Jamaica, IL, died on Friday, May 1, 2009, at her home in Aurora, Colo. Funeral services will be at Evergreen Memorial park, Evergreen Colo., at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2009, with cremation following, according to her wishes.
Carol Suzanne (Suzie) Courson was born Oct. 21, 1946 to Loren and Katheleen Courson of Allerton. She attended ABL Schools in Allerton and Broadlands and graduated Lab Technology School in Elkhart, Ind.
Ms. Courson married Jack Melkus in Edwardsburg, Mich. They divorced. She later married John Ramsey in Danville, Il. They also divorced.
Suzie is survived by two sons: John (Corrine) Melkus of Mesa, Ariz., and Christopher (Robin) Melkus of Littleton, Colo. She also leaves four granddaughters and one grandson: Savana and Jacob of Mesa, Ariz., and Michelle, Alyssa and Rachael of Littleton, Colo. She is also survived by her mother, Katheleen Courson of Newman; one brother, Jim (Bev) Courson of Allerton; two sisters, Barbara (Bill) Morris of Hume and Marjorie (Paul) Wilson of West Union; and several nieces and nephews.
Suzie was preceded in death by her father and one granddaughter.
She had most recently been employed at Sam’s Club in Lone Tree, Colo., in the jewelry department. While there, she received many awards for record sales in that region. Previous employment in this area were in the lab departments of Tee-Pak at Danville and Kraft Foods in Champaign.
Memorials may be made to Dumb Friends League or your local Humane Society.
Donna Fultz, 60, of Fairmount, passed away at 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2009, at home.
She was born May 6, 1949, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Danville to Ralph and Florence Thomas Lamb. She married Vernon Fultz at First Baptist Church in Fairmount on Aug. 4, 1966. He survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Lashelle (Dave) Crain of Brownsburg, Ind., Melissa (Danny) Edwards of Danville and Mary (Jim) Toy of Fairmount; a son, Tom (Judy) Fultz of Ludlow; granddaughters, Danielle, Brooke and Elizabeth Fultz, Samantha Crain, and Shelbi Gorman; grandsons, Shelby Doggett, Dave Crain and Jacob Cornwell; two brothers, Frank (Char) Lamb of Sidell and Wayne Lamb of Danville; a sister, Judy (Gerald) Arnett of Fairmount; a special sister-in-law, Bea Lamb of Oakwood; special cousins, Dot and Bill McDaniel of Fairmount; and several nieces and nephews and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Dale Lamb.
Donna was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fairmount. She worked at Illinois National Bank. She was an avid Cubs fan, and loved to fish, play Scrabble, and mushroom hunt.
Funeral services were be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Robison Chapel, 103 Douglas St. in Catlin, with the Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial was at Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any food pantry, First Baptist Church in Fairmount or any women’s shelter. On-line condolences www.robisonchapel.com.
Helen Ruth Good Finley, 79, of Fairmount passed away at 8:56 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at her home.
She was born in Fairmount on May 23, 1930, to Floyd and Alma Jones Good.She married Russell Finley M. on July 27, 1950, at the Catlin United Methodist Church.
He survives, as well as one daughter, Pamela Sue (Bart) Sexton of Danville; one brother, Donald W. (Patricia) Good of Danville; two grandchildren, Bethany Sue and Bradlee Russell Sexton; a nephew, Timothy (Pamela) Good of Manhattan, Ill.; a cousin, Donna Finley; and special friend, Clifford Huddleson. She was preceded in death by one brother.
She worked at General Motors for 15 years. She was a member of the Catlin United Methodist Church, where she served as secretary and was active as a Sunday school teacher and floral arranger at the church. She enjoyed flowers, reading, and most of all her grandchildren.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the Catlin United Methodist Church with the Rev Jan Miller officiating. Burial was in Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Robison Chapel in Catlin is assisting the family.
Memorials may be made to the Catlin United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be offered at www.robisonchapel.com.
Steven C. Tester, 45, of Sidney, formerly of Fairmount, passed away at 1:29 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009, in the emergency room at Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.
He was born May 19, 1964, in Danville to Charles and Sharon Hamm Tester. He married Linda Riggleman on Dec. 9, 2006, in Sidney. She survives, as well as his parents of Fairmount.
Also surviving are three sons, Chadd Tester, Chase Tester and Josh Tester, all of Brilliant, Ohio; two daughters, Jacee Tester and Holly Tester, both of Brilliant, Ohio; two step-daughters, Jessica (Tony) Wimer of Tolono and Dee “Kim” Riggleman of St. Joseph; one sister, Jennifer (Steve) Cord of Catlin; niece and nephew, Chelsea and Caleb Cord of Catlin; 13 step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
Steven was preceded by one daughter, Amanda.
He had been the produce manager at the Champaign Kirby IGA. He was a graduate of Olivet Nazarene College with a bachelor’s degree in theology and counseling. He devoted his life to family and God. He was a loving and devoted husband, son, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He enjoyed reading, writing, supporting others, and collecting Harley-Davidson memorabilia.
Funeral services: 1 p.m. Friday, June 5, at the Sidney Church of Christ with the Rev. Barry West officiating. Burial: Greenview Cemetery in Fairmount. Visitation: from noon until the service at the church on Friday. Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount is handling arrangements.
Judith Lynn (Shields) Elliott, 58, of Emmett, Mich., formally of Fairmount, went home to be with her Lord, Monday, July 20, 2009, in Port Huron Hospital, Port Huron, Mich.
She was born July 28, 1950 in Danville to Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth (Thelma) Shields. She married Richard L. Elliott Sr. on Sept. 12, 1970 at the Zion United Methodist Church in Capac, Mich.
She is survived by her husband Richard Elliott Sr.; two sons, Mr. and Mrs. Richard (Stacy) Elliott Jr., and Ryan Joseph (Amanda Kniseley) Elliott; her two granddaughters Laura and Danielle; her sister Mr. and Mrs. Darrell (Mildred) Cope of Fairmount; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by both parents, her brothers Leland (Bunk) Shields and Ervin Shields.
Memorial services were held at 3 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2009 in Zion United Methodist Church in Capac, Mich. Pastor Lisa Clark officiated.
Vonda Kirby, 68, of Fairmount, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2009, at Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.
She was born April 24, 1941, in rural Fairmount to Harvey and Mabel Darnell Howait. Vonda married Oran Kirby on Feb. 17, 1963, in Indianola.
Oran survives, as well as two sons, Tim Kirby and Tom (Rae) Kirby, both of Fairmount; one brother, Jack Cunningham of Urbana; and four grandchildren, Tyler Tester, Ashley Kirby, Dean Kirby and Mike Kirby. She was preceded by two brothers and two sisters.
Vonda had been a teller at the First National Bank of Fairmount for over 30 years. She also served as the Fairmount Village Clerk for 14 years.
She was a member of the Fairmount United Methodist Church, enjoyed mushroom hunting and had tutored many of her nieces and nephews so they could complete their education. Her greatest joy was the annual family trip to Disney World in Florida; she made 33 of those fun-filled adventures.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount. Burial will be in Davis Cemetery, west of Fairmount. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. today (Thursday) at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Breast Cancer Research in care of Carrington’s.
Darline (Mosier) Fehr, of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., formerly of Indianola, died June 21, 2009.
She was born Nov. 30, 1954, to Robert and Phyllis (Fleming) Mosier, Indianola.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Fehr. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother. She is survived by two sisters, Doreen (Rick) Doan and Cindy Wilson and one brother, Robert (Kay) Mosier.
She retired from the Public Aid Office. She attended Jamaica High School. Burial will be in Indianola at a later date.
Don A. Baldwin, 92, of Danville, passed away on Aug. 16, 2009, at The Hawthorne Inn in Danville.
Don was born April 25, 1917, in Indianola, son of Samuel F. and Flora Belle (Baum) Baldwin. He married Florence Jackson on Nov. 13, 1938, at the First Methodist Church in Urbana. She survives.
Also surviving is a daughter, Sandra (Wayne) Scarlett of Indianola; grandchildren, Kevin (Shelley) Mitchell, Kirk Mitchell, Kristi (Troy) Kirby, Jason (Kathryn) Scarlett and Jeremy (Debby) Scarlett; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Morgan, Amber and Nathan Kirby, Tyler and Carley Taylor, and Ryan, Lauren, Will and Peter Scarlett. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Plakas and Winifred Harrington; and son, Alan Baldwin.
Don was a 1935 graduate of Indianola High School and had farmed in the Indianola area for 40-plus years. He was a member of Indianola Methodist Church for a number of years. He served on the Jamaica and Indianola school boards, and was past president of the Farm Bureau. Don enjoyed traveling, working in his shop and visiting with his friends and staff at Liberty Estates.
A Celebration of Don’s Life will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola, with Pastor Janet Miller officiating. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville. Memorials may be made to The Indianola Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Russell M. Finley, 84, passed this life Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, joining his beloved wife, Helen, whom he had only just lost on June 16.
Russell was born Dec. 14, 1924, to Elmer and Polly Finley, in a little home built by his grandparents, in Fairmount. In 1928, they moved into the new home built by his parents on the same parcel of ground and this was to be his lifelong home. Russell graduated from Catlin High School in 1942 and then entered the Army, serving as a weather advisor. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Russell and Helen married on July 29, 1950. After spending some time in the little home where he was born, they bought the “big brick” just down the road and lived there for 12 years before moving back to the farmhouse, where they both lived out their lives as they wished.
Russell has one daughter, Pamela (Bart) Sexton, and two grandchildren, Bethany Sue Pearle and Bradlee Russell, in whom he took great pride and joy. He also is survived by his wonderful friend and neighbor, Clifford Huddleson.
Russell farmed his ground for many years. It had been handed down throughout the generations for over 100 years, and he loved it. He also worked as parts manager for John Deere for 40 years, retiring in 1989 and still often talked of his years there and the people he met.
One of his favorite pastimes in his earlier days was to shoot skeet and trap at Smalley’s and also traveling out west to Wyoming and Colorado, where three times he drove his newest Olds up Pike’s Peak. He also loved taking pictures of these adventures, his family and old buildings before they were torn down.
In recent years his favorite things were to visit with the fellas at the Oakwood Truck Stop and to watch old westerns. During the last couple of weeks, his days at home were made more enjoyable thanks to the wonderful care he received through Carle Hospice. Mostly the mornings his granddaughter came out to stay with him brightened him the most.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made for Russell to either the American Cancer Society or Carle Hospice.
Funeral arrangements are with Robison Chapel in Catlin, with visitation from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, and the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, with Pastor Jan Miller officiating. Burial will be at Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Condolences may be offered online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Sondra J. Griffin, 66, of Sidell, passed away at 2 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, 2009, at Newman Rehab and HCC in Newman.
She was born April 29, 1943, in Humrick, Ill., the daughter of Lanie “Jake” Johnson and Esther Mack. Sondra married Carl Griffin on Sept. 8, 1958, in Eugene, Ind.
He survives, as well as two sons: Wade Griffin and Danny Joe (Tammie) Griffin, both of Sidell; one daughter, Deb (Larry) Burgess of Chrisman; her father, Lanie “Jake” (Dorothy “Dot”) Johnson; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ronnie (Karen Mae) Johnson of Kingman, Ind., Lanie (Karen Kay) Johnson, of Rockville, Ind., and Jerry (Sharon) Johnson of Hegeler; and two sisters, Jean (Dave) Dodson of Cayuga, Ind., and Carol (Danny) Fannan of Kentucky.
She was preceded in death by her mother, two brothers and one grandson.
Sondra worked at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System in Danville in the food service department for 20 years and enjoyed playing bingo and spending the winters in Florida with her husband, Carl. Most of all, she loved visiting with her family.
A memorial carry-in dinner will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at Georgetown Park. Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences to her family can be made at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
James R. ‘Jimmy’ Summers, 33, of Lincoln, died at 6:45 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2009 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was born Sept. 4, 1975 in Lincoln to James R. and Doris J. Turner Summers.
Survivors include his son, Austin Michael Dalton Mollet of Lincoln; his mother and stepfather, Doris and Orval Erp of Indianola; his three brothers, Ronald “Heath” Summers of Lincoln, Terrence “TJ” Summers of Lincoln, and Jarrod T. Summers of Danville; his uncle, Bill Summers of Jacksonville; his aunts, Judy Mosley and Lanice (Bill) Green of Georgetown; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and his two best friends, Dustin Heinzel and Randy Grigg, both of Lincoln; as well as, a host of many other friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; uncle, Paul Turner; and his grandparents, Lamon and Irene Turner, Olive Mae Rhinerson and James H. Summers.
Jimmy enjoyed being with his friends and riding his Harley Davidson. He also enjoyed Illinois basketball, Cardinals baseball, and Bears football, as well as, watching his favorite driver, Dale Jr., racing in NASCAR.
There will be a Memorial Service at 2 p.m., Saturday, with a gathering following the service until 4 p.m. at the Indianola Town Hall. Paul Kent will officiate. There will also be a Memorial Service held in Lincoln from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 4 at the American Legion Post #263.
Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
Patricia Ann Lomax, 58, of Catlin, passed away at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at Heartland Health Care Center.
Pat was born Sept. 30, 1950, in Danville to Lawrence Elmer (Moon) and Emma Mae Mullins. She attended Diamond Grade School and graduated from Oakwood High School in 1968. She graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1972 with a degree in education.
After working at SIU and General Motors, she was secretary at Hannum Plumbing, where she worked for more than 20 years. She was a member of Catlin Church of Christ. She also was a leader in the local Girl Scouts. Pat enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling.
Patricia married Tomas Dale Lomax Sr. on April 28, 1989, at the Catlin Church of Christ and he survives. Other survivors include a son, “JR” Jerry (Crystal) Jarvis of Arkansas.; a daughter, Michaelle (Fred) Hammann of New Hampshire; and a stepson, Thomas (Suzanne) Lomax Jr. of Catlin. Also surviving are five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers, Larry (Janice) Mullins of Rantoul, Charles (Peggy) Mullins of Tennessee and Bruce (Danna) Mullins of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents.
Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Catlin Church of Christ with ministers Dave Burger and Darren Johnson officiating. Visitation will be 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, at the church. Memorials to Catlin Church of Christ. Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery. www.papemortuary.com
Ray Conrad Maring, 79, of Burlington, Vermont, died Sept. 11, 2009 in Fletcher Allen Health Care with his family at his side following a long illness.
He was born on Oct. 18, 1929, in Sidell, the son of the late Clarence and Edna (Brown) Maring. He was married on April 15, 1958, to Janet McDonald.
Ray was a veteran of the Korean War while serving in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. He was employed by D.J. Warehouse, General Electric Company as a truck driver and cashier for Price Chopper. Ray was a member of the VFW Post 782.
He was blessed by a large family of 23 siblings and enjoyed the times spent with all of them. His life was his family, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Janet Maring of Burlington; four sons, Ray J. Maring of Burlington, Rodney Maring and his fiancee Darlene Niquette of Highgate, Robert Maring (Linda) of Barre, and Jeffrey Maring and fiancee Jean Bull of St. Albans; his three daughters, Tammy Brady (Brian) of Burlington, Vicki Conrad (Randy) of Mansfield, Ohio, and Judy Goble (Allen) of Danville; 20 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.
Siblings surviving inclued17 brothers and sisters, Mable Herbet of Rockford, Shirley Whaley of Sidell, Mary Korb of Ridge Farm, Judy Reed of Mason City, Peggy Miller of Allerton, Connie Anderson of St. Peters, Fla., Alice Lamb of Rolla, Mo., Jackie Maring of Sidell, Charles Maring of Sidell, Paul Maring of Danville, Arthur Maring of Mahomet, Bobby Maring of Catlin, Kenneth Maring of Danville, Roslie Carter of Manteno, Ellen Boubis of Kansas City, Ka., Helen Wilson of Paxton, and Chester Maring of Elkhart, Ind..
Also surviving are many nieces and nephews; brothers and sisters-in-law; and especially those close to him, Ruth Tromblay of Essex Junction, Clayton and Ethel McDonald of Colorado, Clement and Ethel McDonald of Georgia, Vt., Betty and Donnie Hammond of Shallott, N.C., Joyce and George Fredette of Colchester, Donna Amstein of Winooski, Gary McDonald of Essex Junction and his dog, Sasha.
He was predeceased by his parents; his stepmother, Imogene Maring; one grandson, Derrick Maring; four brothers, Duane, Bill, Frankie and Ralph; one sister, Millie.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Sept. 15, 2009, in Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery with military honors. Donations may be sent to the American Heart Association, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT 05495 or the Humane Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness Rd., South Burlington, VT 05403. To send online condolences please visit www.readyfuneral.com .
Patty Alexander, 73, former Danville businesswoman and owner of Pat’s Fashion, passed away at 12:16 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
She was born March 9, 1936, in Danville, to Jim and Vivian Allison Shaw. Pat married William R. “Bill” Alexander on Dec. 24, 1953, he passed away Sept. 12, 2004.
Survivors include, two daughters, Julie (Jeff) Goodner of Fairmount and Shana (Kenny) Dailey also of Fairmount; one brother, Gary (Gloria) Shaw of Michigan; one sister, Pamela (Larry) Quick of Danville; a special niece, Dana Labonte; two nephews, Rusty and Greg Shaw; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded by two brothers.
Pat and Bill were active in local political circles, and she was his partner in Alexander Drywall. She enjoyed shopping, gambling and traveling. Whatever she did, she did it with passion. She took great joy in her grandchildren.
Funeral services were 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial was in Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Memorials to the American Lung Association in care of Robison Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.robisonchapel.com.
Jayden Madison Turner, infant child of Scott and Amanda Turner, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.
Jayden is survived by parents, Scott and Amanda; one sister, Katlin O’Herron of Georgetown; one brother, Nathaniel Turner of Georgetown; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Susan Quick of Danville; paternal grandmother, Mary Turner of Indianola; maternal great-grandmother, Betty Reffett of Westville; paternal great-grandmother, Netti Harlin of Marshall; and will be sadly missed by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Jayden was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Art Turner; paternal great-grandparents, Leslie and Imogene Erp and Harvey Turner; and maternal great-grandparents, Paul and Barbara Quick and William Reffett.
Services will be for Jayden at 2 p.m. today (Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009), at the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel in Danville with Pastor Randy Taylor officiating. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park.
Memorial donations may be made in Jayden’s name to the Ronald McDonald House.
Condolences: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Ralph A. Brown, 91, a longtime area farmer, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, at his home.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Catlin United Methodist Church, with Rev. Janet Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. today, (Thursday) at Robison Chapel in Catlin.
Ralph was born March 22, 1918, in Fairmount to Luther Michael and Rella May Adams Brown. He married Hazel Mae Jumps on July 18, 1943, in Lawrenceville. Hazel passed away Feb. 5, 2008.
Survivors include one son, Dale (Linda) Brown of El Paso; one daughter, Jean Brown of Westville; three brothers, Keith (Margaret) Brown of Catlin, Kenny (Bessie) Brown of Crawfordsville, Ind., and Harold (Ruth) Brown of Bryan, Texas; four grandchildren, Melissa (Scott) Bertuca, Michelle (Brian) Fagan, John (Meri) Jones, Curt (Mendy) Jones; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded by three brothers and one sister.
Ralph was a lifelong area farmer and member of the Catlin United Methodist Church.
He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, flowers, teasing his friends and quilt making.
Memorials to Carle Hospice or Catlin United Methodist Church in care of Robison Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.robisonchapel.com.
Glen Williams, 90, of Indianola, died at the Danville Veterans Hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009.
Visitation will be noon to 12:30 (Indiana time) Saturday at the Chapel of Memories in Roselawn Memorial Park, Terre Haute, Ind. Service will be at 12:30 with Bob Howard officiating. Military Honors will be performed by American Legion #140 and VFW #6653.
Glen was born Feb. 9, 1919 in Indianola to Claude Williams and Hallie Goodwin Williams. He was a 1937 graduate of Indianola Community High School. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945, his rank was a Tech Sargent. He was a Beautician and Cosmetologist Instructor.
He married Barbara Ann Shew on June 5, 1948 and she preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Dale (Virginia) Williams, Fay Williams (his wife, Toby Williams surviving of Catlin), Jack Williams (his wife, Mary surviving of Tuscola), Don Williams, and one sister and brother-in-law, Juanita and Harold Hance.
He is survived by one brother, Wade Williams of Indianola (his wife, Amber Williams preceding in death). He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Indianola Methodist Church. Frist Funeral Home of Clinton, Ind. is handling arrangements.
Alice Faye Cooke, 68, of Westville, died at 1:20 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009, at home surrounded by her immediate family. She was born the daughter of Francis and Ruth (Reeves) Moreman on Feb. 13, 1941.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis Moreman and Ruth (Reeves) Wilson and brother-in-law, Mick
Burrus.
She will be missed by her husband of 51 years, Louie Cooke, whom she married on Feb. 21, 1958; her daughter, DaLee “Dee-Dee” (Jim) Kennedy; and granddaughter, Kiersten Nicole Kennedy, who was Alice’s “Little Treasure” and Gammers called her “Nee-Nee.”
Mom liked boating, water skiing, as well as dancing and collected depression glassware. She was excellent at cooking and sewing. She had sewn her daughter’s wedding gown. She had the sharpest memory and loved seeing her family come through the back door to sit a while and talk at her kitchen table.
She enjoyed all her babies, her kitty cats. Mom looked forward to her daily phone calls with her close sister, Jo-Jo. She was the center of our family and we miss her deeply. Now life will not be the same.
There will never be another Alice Faye.
She also will be missed by: her sisters, Shirley Burrus of California and JoAnn (Oakie) Jones of Fairmount; her brothers, Larry (Dorie) Moreman of Danville, Dennis Wilson of Danville and Robert (Dorothy) Moreman of Westville; and two special cousins, Marol Lee (Ed) Knight and Diane (Ralph) Reed.
She attended Fairmount, Fairchild and Douglas grade schools and Danville High School.
She received her GED from DACC. She worked for GE, Hurletron and the Beef House.
As per her wishes, Alice will be cremated and no services will be held. Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel of Westville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.
Doyle E. Leamons, 86, of Fairmount, formerly a longtime resident of Newtown, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, in Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Doyle was born April 27, 1923, in Vaden, Ark., the son of Ernest and Nellie (Langley) Leamons. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II serving from 1942-1946, Doyle worked as a control room operator for Illinois Power, mostly at the Vermilion Power Plant, for 33 years before retiring in 1986. He attended No. 10 Church of Christ in Potomac. Doyle married Leona B. Gephart, Feb. 14, 1946, in Hot Springs, Ark., and she preceded him in death Dec. 29, 2005.
Surviving is his son, Nolan (Bernice) Leamons of Danville; daughters, Janet (Daryl) Grove of Oakwood and Ruby (Jim) Berlin of Fairmount; grandchildren, Susanne (John III) Wyatt of Indianapolis, Adam Grove and Sarah Grove of Oakwood; brothers, Paul (Betty) Leamons and Burl (Charlene) Leamons of Camden, Ark.; various nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Doyle was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Ann; son, Dean; sister, Beth; and brothers, Forrest and Glen.
The family received friends from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, at the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Funeral service was 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, in the funeral home. Interment with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard was be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials: Illini Christian Children’s Home, P.O. Box 200, Saint Joseph, IL 61873 or No. 10 Church of Christ, R.R. 1 Potomac, IL 61865.
The family of Doyle E. Leamons is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2801 N. Monroe St. Decatur, IL 62526. View the online obituary and send condolences to the Leamons family at: www.moranandgoebel.com.
Andrew J. “A.J.” Lyons, 44, of Tilton, passed away at 6:10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Provena USMC. He was born Oct. 1, 1965, in Danville to Richard and Sandra Sue Williams Lyons.
He is survived by his parents of Tilton; a daughter, Hillary Lyons of Fairmount; four sisters, Candy (Edwin, Jr.) Barton of Westville, Nina Morrison (Jeff Bunting), Julie Kiger and Amanda Lyons (Randy Pierce) all of Tilton; nieces and nephews, Sandra Morrison, Linda Atwood, Lucas Barton, Brian Klugow and Dwayne Kiger; and great-nieces and nephews, Gavin Klinkow, Layla Atwood and Demi Klugow. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard E. “Boone” Lyons, Jr.
A.J. enjoyed fishing, music and being with his family and friends. He was just a big kid and loved his collectibles. He worked for Dick Crowe Masonry.
Funeral services were today (Thursday, Oct. 22) at 11 a.m., at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Father Bowan Schmitt officiating. Burial was in Atherton Cemetery. Online condolences: www.RobisonChapel.com.
Donald F. Strohl, 86, of Homer died at 3:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Healthcare System in Danville.
There was a memorial service at 11 a.m. today (Thursday, Oct. 15), at the Homer United Methodist Church. The Rev. Steve Burwell officiated. Burial was in Davis Cemetery in Fairmount. There was no visitation. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Strohl was born on June 19, 1923, in Homer, a son of Joel and Hattie White Strohl. He married Adora Brandon on Dec. 4, 1976, in Homer. She survives.
Also surviving are a son, Niles Strohl; two stepdaughters, Margo Snider of Peninsula, Ohio, and Vicki (Michael) Wilsey of Rankin; five grandchildren,; four great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Dona Sgogren, Dorothy Tate and Nellie Pletch. He was preceded in death by one son, Michael Strohl.
Mr. Strohl spent 38 months in the Army Air Forces during World War II. He was a retired teacher and principal from the Georgetown School District after 26 years. He was a pastor with the United Methodist Church for 23 years, a member of the Homer United Methodist, where he was a teacher for 30 years. He enjoyed his family very much.
Memorials to Homer United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.
Mabel I. Willis, 90, of Indianola passed away at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home. She was born Jan. 20, 1919, in Georgetown, the daughter of William and Victoria (Whitecotton) Reed. She was united in marriage to James W. Willis on Jan. 8, 1937, in Danville. He preceded her on Oct. 26, 1997.
Those who will miss her are her son, James R. (Patsy) Willis of Indianola, her grandchildren, Kimberly (Calvin) Smith of Georgetown, Karla Scott of Indianola, Amy (Robert) Fillers of Indianola, Debbie (Steve) Smith of Terre Haute, Ind., Tammy Hill of Danville, Lori High of Georgetown; great-grandchildren; Kala Fillers, Latasha (Frank Stanis) Fillers and Nevan Grant, all of Indianola, Jenny (James) Peoples of Alabama, Calvin (Heather) Smith of Indianola; great-great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Austin Peoples of Alabama, Keirstynne Smith of Indianola, also survived by other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Beverly Hayworth, and three sisters and two brothers. Mabel had worked at the former Republic Plastics in Georgetown for 25 years and she enjoyed playing bingo, cooking and taking care of her grandchildren.
A celebration of life funeral service was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown. Officiating was Pastor James Blue. She was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Condolences can be sent at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
Hellen M. Tomlinson, 72, of Heber Springs, Ark., passed away Sept. 16, 2009.
She was born Feb. 16, 1937, to Floyd and Imogene Martin in Fithian, former Fairmount area residents.
She is survived by her sons, Mark A. Tomlinson of Phoenix, Ariz., Scott A. Tomlinson of Heber Springs, Ariz., and Rex A. Tomlinson of Anchorage, Alaska; five grandchildren, Scott (Kim) of Concord, N.C., and Ryan (Brittany) of Cornelius, N.C., Austin of Seaside, Ore., Victoria “Tori” of Phoenix, Ariz., and Vanessa of Fairfax, Va.; two great-grandchildren, Kaydence and Kyeler; brothers, David (Karen), Clarence (Carol); sisters, Ruth, Carolyn (Don); also several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Tomlinson, and her brother, Chuck.
Also many thanks to her caregivers, Carla Scott, Michelle Davis, Connie Frazier and Susanna Edwards.
Services were Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at the Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville. Internment followed at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville.
Richard Edgar Boyer Sr. 80, of Ridge Farm, formerly of Indianola, passed away at 12:55 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, at his family’s residence.
Richard was born on March 29, 1929, in Hunter, Mo., the son of Edgar Taft and Hilda (Duncan) Boyer. He married Josephine Mary (Grovier) on May 4, 1957. She preceded him in death on July 22, 2006. His parents; a son-in-law, Jerry Carl Binkley; a brother, William Boyer Sr.; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ann and Marlin Lee; and a grandchild, also preceded him in death.
Richard is survived by his children, Fredrick Boyer of Ridge Farm, Richard Edgar (Kara) Boyer Jr. of Danville, Juliann Binkley of Danville, Linda (Don) Kiger of Danville, Cynthia (Philip) Henschen of Georgetown and Donna Register; his brother, Fredrick (Nancy) Boyer of Simi Valley, Calif.; his sister, Pauline (Jack) Brannin of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a sister-in-law, Kathleen Boyer of Indianola.
He has 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Richard was a Korean War veteran. He worked as a mason, carpenter and farm hand. He enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and being with his
family.
A Celebration of his Life will be conducted graveside at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Michaels Cemetery, Indianola, with the Rev. Patricia Phillips officiating.
Judith Kay Hawkins, 69, of Danville, passed this life on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Judy was born March 30, 1940, in Danville, to Harold and Kathryn (Knapp) Hughes. She attended Roselawn Grade School and Danville High School, graduating in 1958. Judy married James Hawkins on May 5, 1960, and they raised three children in their 37 years together.
Surviving are two sons, Kent (Mary) Hawkins of Collison and Clint Hawkins of Catlin; a daughter, Kelly (Allen) Hockett of Sidell; four grandchildren, Kyle Hawkins, Travis Hockett, Clayton Hawkins and Macey Hawkins; and a very special friend, Linis “Torch” Prentice. Judy was preceded by her father, her mother and her stepfather, Robert Craig.
Judy started out as a homemaker and later worked at Jamaica schools as a cook. She also worked at The Fashion, The Friends Café, the Sweet Shoppe and then at the Vermilion County Health Department for the past 18 years. She enjoyed cooking, hosting family dinners, shopping with her daughter, traveling with “Torch,” watching her grandkids show hogs at the fairs, raffle and breakfast at the Legion and dining out with the DHS girls. She was a member of Central Christian Church.
Services were Nov. 24, at Pape Memorial Home, Danville, with Pastor Hank Anderson officiating. Burial was at Spring Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Central Christian Church, 1101 Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832. Guest register: www.papemortuary.com.
Good Friends: It is not part of God’s plan that each one of us has beauty or fame. But believe He did intend for all of us to know the kindness and compassion of a friend.
Scott “Boogie” Lee Tomlinson III, 1, of Danville, passed away at 2:12 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.
Boogie was born Sept. 30, 2008, in Danville, the son of Linsey Foster and Scott Tomlinson Jr. of Danville.
He is survived by his parents; one brother, Camdon Foster of Danville; maternal grandparents, Brad and Jeannie Foster of Sidell; paternal grandparents, Scott and Tamela Tomlinson Sr. of Danville; maternal great-grandparents, Pat (Jim Cox) Standage of Paris, Paul Foster of Danville and Kay Barrett of Metcalf; paternal great-grandparents, Richard and Rose Decker of Danville; aunt, Samantha Tomlinson of Danville; uncles, Richard Standage of Marshall and Ryan “Scrappy” Runyan of Danville; cousins, Laila Tomlinson of Danville and Jordan Standage of Marshall; and several very close family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Opal and Richard Netzley and Frances Dean and Elmeritta Tomlinson; great-uncle, Bobby Standage; great-uncle, Gene Tomlinson and great-aunt, Sue Decker.
Boogie loved eating, taking baths, animals, bouncing toys, playing with toys and riding his four-wheeler. He also enjoyed watching his dad work on cars and playing with his tools. His cute little smile will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Graveside services for Scott “Boogie” Lee Tomlinson was at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at Sunset Memorial Park, with Pastor Mike Cox officiating. Memorials may be made to the Danville Humane Society in honor of Boogie’s love for animals. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Philip Carlton Ferber, 72, of Dyer, Ind., passed away on Nov. 6, 2009 while being rushed to the hospital from an apparent heart attack. Phil was a former Fairmount resident before moving to Dyer in 1971.
He was born March 22, 1937, in Fairmount, a son of George E. and Gertrude DeWitt Ferber. In 1959 Phil married Carmen F. Deck and they had one daughter, Dena D. Ferber. Dena (Mark) Brittain survives in California. Phil and Carmen’s marriage ended in 1966 and in 1968 he married Sharon L. Freyser in Chicago. She survives, as well as a son, Brian (Betsy) Ferber of Crown Point, Ind. and a daughter, Tanya Ferber of Crete, Ill. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Glenn H. Ferber, Clyde E. Ferber, George C. Ferber, Jr. and Herbert J. Ferber, and one sister, Darlene J. Turpin.
Phil worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for 30 years as a clerical employee. He retired in 1999. Since that time he’s enjoyed corresponding with friends and family by email, gathering at his local McDonald’s every morning with friends for coffee, but most of all growing in his faith in Christ Jesus by prayer and Bible study.
Per Phil’s wishes, a small grave side service was conducted on Nov. 9 at Memory Lane Memorial Park Cemetery located in Schererville, Ind.
He will be missed most by his loving wife of 41 years, Sharon Lee.
Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army in his memory.
Albert Wayne Cordes, 73, of Fairmount passed away at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, in Danville.
He was born June 3, 1936, at Crumbstown, Ind., to Claude and Bertha Hendricks Cordes. He married Martha Surr on Aug. 4, 1957, at Danville. She preceded him in death in 1999.
Survivors include one son, Ronald of Victorville, Calif.; one daughter, Vanesa Jones of Fairmount; three brothers, Tom Cordes of Danville, Don Cordes of Tilton and Gene Cordes of Florida; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Cordes.
Albert enjoyed fishing, camping, NASCAR and watching the grandchildren’s activities. He was a retired farmer and had previously been the Vance Township road commissioner.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Robison Chapel in Catlin, with Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial was in the Davis Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for great-granddaughter Brooklynn Kay. Online memorials may be sent to the family at www.robisonchapel.com.
Audrey (Jordan) Miller, 89, of Indianola, passed away at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman.
She was born on May 23, 1920, in Warren County, Ind., the daughter of Carl and Ruth (Lucas) Brandenburg, both deceased. She was united in marriage to John Jordan in 1940 until his death in 1958. She later married James A. Miller on Oct. 21, 1961, in Jamaica, until his passing on Jan. 11, 1991.
Those who will miss Audrey include her children, John David (Charlotte) Jordan of Owasso, Okla., Arthur (Valerie) Jordan of Charleston, Tenn., Roy Michael (Peggy) Jordan of Maiden, N.C., William (Becky) Miller of Indianola, Barbara Gail Pereira of Winslow, Ark., JoAnne (Roy) Johnston of Indianola, Rhonda (Hal) Doyle of Henderson, Nev., Janet (Jeff) Poynter of Paris, and Joyce (Theo) York of Palestine; her 17 grandchildren; her 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two infant daughters; one brother, Charles Brandenburg; and two sisters, Laura Bahrns and Musetta Taylor.
Audrey was a homemaker who enjoyed tending her flower and vegetable gardens. She also enjoyed mowing her lawn and other outdoor activities. She was well-known for her cooking and used to can her homegrown vegetables. She was an active member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Georgetown. Audrey especially loved being a grandmother and spending time with her family. She found it rewarding to be a volunteer for hospice.
A celebration of Audrey’s life was Jan. 2 at Sunset‚ Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown, with Pastors Gerald McPhillips and Ray Silvers officiating. She was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Memorials may be given in Audrey’s name to Camp Assurance in care of Bethel Baptist Church. Condolences: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
James T. Dedman, 78, passed away on Dec. 5, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell, Mont. He was born May 25, 1931, in Sullivan, and raised in Illinois. He attended Sidell High school, graduating in 1949. He then attended Blackburn College in Carlinville for two years, and graduated two years after, from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed one year at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and one year in England, building air strips.
On Sept. 12, 1959, he married Barbara A. Cain, in Champaign. Jim worked in various jobs as a teenager, mostly on farms. In college, he worked for engineering firms and the state of Illinois, five years with Illinois Bell Telephone Co., and 25 years with the Engineering Department of the U.S. Forest Service, in Missoula and Kalispell.
In retirement he worked for Pacific Power and Flathead Electric as an energy consultant. Jim was a member of the church councils of Bethlehem Lutheran and Eidsvold Lutheran churches, on the Somers School board, Flathead Safety Council and the Technical Advisory Committee, working on various safety concerns and the alternate route issue.
He was a member of the Kalispell Lions and received the Melvin Jones Award. He was also responsible for building the picnic tables and maintaining the trees and landscaping in Lions Park. Jim enjoyed woodworking and built many pieces of furniture for his family.
He also started the Destitute Cattle Co. with his friend Floyd LaBrant, finishing locker beef. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth (Wetzel) Dedman; and an infant daughter, Katherine Marie.
Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Dedman; sons, Thomas (Karla), Daniel and David (Tiffiney) Dedman; grandchildren, Taylor Dedman and Chloe and Colter Dedman; sisters, Connie (Clifford) Puzey of Indianola; and Ginger (Jerry) McGee of Sidell; sister-in-law, Jane (Charles) Becker of Springfield; and nieces and nephews in Illinois.
A memorial service was held Dec. 9, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers. Memorials are suggested to the Kalispell Lions, P.O. Box 321, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Blackburn College, 700 College Ave., Carlinville, IL 62626
Ruth M. Sconce, 89, formerly of the Fairmount-Sidell area passed away at 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at Edmunson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Ruth was born March 2, 1920, in Centrailia, the daughter of Ruben C. and Lennie Crawford Kelly. She married Walter Orris Sconce Aug. 20, 1938, in Rockville Ind. He passed away Sept. 12, 1987.
Survivors include, two sons, Donald Sconce of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Kenneth Sconce of Indianapolis; three daughters, Margaret Sconce of Wauconda, Marian Smith of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Beverly Jackson of Cleburn, Texas; one sister, Margaret Magee of Era, Texas; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Ruth and Orris had made their home in Chicago for many years. She was a longtime LPN at Illinois Masonic Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount, with Dave Burger to officiate. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until time of service on Friday at Carrington’s. Memorials to the March of Dimes in her memory.
Kelvin Duaine “Short” Kresin, 63, of Chrisman, went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 8, 2009, at 8 a.m. at Paris Community Hospital.
Short was born April 3, 1946, in Tuscola to Earl Robert and Wilma Edna (Schweineke) Kresin. He lived in the Chrisman area over 30 years, moving from Homer. He was a farmer and raised a variety of livestock.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Paris, the Chrisman Area Community Club and formerly was a member of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed reading, watching his Fox News, dining out at a variety of restaurants, hanging out with the “Coffee Club” and appreciated a good cigar from time to time. He dearly loved his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela Kresin; four sons, Eric Kresin of Savanna, William Kresin of Terre Haute, Skip (Cyndi) James of Homer, and Rick James of Chrisman; two daughters, Rebecca (Andy) Hicks of Manhattan Beach, Calif., and Karen (Aaron) Johnson of Westville; one sister, LeAnn (Charles) Benner of Homer; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by two brothers.
Funeral services Dec. 12 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands. Interment was at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Krabel Funeral Home in Chrisman, was in charge of arrangements. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Chrisman Volunteer Fireman’s Association in care of the funeral home.
Robert Henry “Bob” Jinks, 88, of Maple Lane Farm, Homer, passed away at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, in Columbus, Miss.
“Bob” was born at home May 23, 1921, to Nellie Blanche (Darr) and Claud Valentine Jinks. His grandparents were Lydia (Brooke) and John Henry Jinks and Susannah (Hopper) and George W. Darr. He attended Liberty School and graduated from Fairmount High School in 1939, where he was an exceptional athlete, excelling in basketball, track and baseball. Upon graduation Bob commenced farming in Vance Township with his father.
Bob married Jean Evelyn McKean of Fairmount on March 8, 1942, at the Homer United Methodist Church. After 54 years of marriage, she passed away on Oct. 26, 1996.
Together they had four children, Terry Lynn (Donald) Danner, Tamara Sue (James) Craddock, Claud Vincent (Anita Primmer) Jinks and John McKean (Patricia Primmer) Jinks; seven grandchildren, Cathy and Tim Danner, Tyler and Shelby Craddock, Ryan and Erin Jinks, and Jennifer Jinks; and eight great-grandchildren, Matt Doolan (Cathy and Tim Doolan), Pierce (Tyler and Dana Craddock), Kaylyn and Rowan (Shelby and Lyn Nelson), Mira and Celeste (Erin and Dan Winemiller), Alicia (Jennifer and Troy Bradley), and Victoria Adams (Tim and Becky Danner); and a great-great-grandson, Matthew Spartz.
Bob is survived by his second wife, Ruby Woolsey Jinks of Philo, whom he married on Jan. 1, 2007.
Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; wife, Jean; son, John; sister, Louise Isabelle (Edwin) Parrish; brother-in-law, Edwin and many aunts, uncles and cousins from the Darr family.
While his passion was farming, at different times in his life he owned the Purina Feed dealership and mill in Homer, worked as a licensed plumber and drove a student bus for Disability Services at the University of Illinois, from which he retired in 1986.
Bob was a devoted family man, spending countless hours with his family. Having foregone the opportunity to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1941 due to the outbreak of WWII, he used baseball as a metaphor to teach his children about life, reminding them that even “if you have two strikes on you, you still have a chance. Never give up, you might get a hit.”
The Jinks family spent many days at the Fairmount Quarry Sportsman’s Club lakes picnicking, swimming and fishing. The family often made trips to Chicago to attend White Sox games, or to visit Santa and Marshall Fields before Christmas. He took his family on camping trips to Wisconsin, Nebraska and South Dakota. He loved to hunt pheasants and quail and also kept several pointers and setters over the years, spending many hours in the evening working with the dogs in the field, training them to hunt.
Bob’s funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at the Homer United Methodist Church. Rev. Steve Burwell will officiate. The burial will follow in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. There will be a visitation from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Kirby Funeral Home; 708 S. Main St.; Homer and from 10 a.m. until service time at the church on Friday. Memorials may be made to the Disability Resources and Services Fund at the University of Illinois; 1305 W. Green St.; Urbana, IL 61801.
Thelma Gale (Pollman) Winkler, 69, of Danville, went home to be with the Lord at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home.
Mrs. Winkler was born Aug. 3, 1940, in Paris to Herman and Martha (Forsythe) Pollman, and grew up in Metcalf. She married Luther D. Winkler on Dec. 16, 1993, in Danville.
She was a seamstress and showed horses in her younger years. Sewing was her passion, and she also enjoyed cooking, crocheting and collecting cows. She especially loved her family and her dog.
She is survived by her husband, Luther Winkler of Danville; two sons, Bruce (Shelly) Bright of Paris, and Michael (Serena) Winkler of Fairfield; four daughters, Gayle Wade of Georgetown, Marty (Kenny) Clarkston of Indianola, Dixie Lee (Doyle) Inselmann of Hopedale and Michelle Winkler of Mt. Vernon; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; and one brother.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Krabel Funeral Home in Chrisman. Interment followed at Young America Cemetery in Hume. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home