Obituaries 2025
MICHAEL CHARLES ARTMAN of Sidell, passed away on Dec. 25, 2024 at Accolade Healthcare, Danville. Michael was born March 9, 1952 in Danville to the late Paul Artman and Margaret (Lamb) Artman. Michael graduated from Georgetown High School in 1970 and attended Southern Illinois University majoring in journalism. He was the bass player for a rock band called the Wyld Things for four years. He had considerable musical talent. He worked for General Electric in Danville but health curtailed his employment. He attended the Assembly of God Church in Paris.
He was an avid Chicago Cub and Fighting Illini fan.
The family celebrates and gives thanks to God for the gift of his life. He was a kind-hearted person who was a good listener.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his sisters, Linda Sue (Eric) Sprouls of Wadesville, Ind. and Sandra Kay (Michael) Walden of Trenton, Mo., five nieces and nephews, Troy (Shelley) Walden of Liberty, Mo., Heather (Ian) Brady of Baton Rouge, La., Amy (Marvin) Millsap of Platte City, Mo., Steven Sprouls of Mt. Vernon, Ind. and Katie (Sean Chappell) Sprouls of Goodyear, Ariz., as well as several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation. Graveside services will be at 1:00 PM today (Jan. 2, 2025) at the Fairview Cemetery near Sidell. Sunset Funeral Home Houghton Leasure in Georgetown is handling the arrangements. Condolences and fond memories can be shared with his family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
EDNA EADS, 84, of Catlin, passed away at 5:23 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2024, at Carle Hospital in Urbana. Edna was born Jan. 11, 1940, in Glasgow, Ky., the daughter of Johnnie Sidney Key and Bethany Melvina Key. She married Bobbie Lee Eads on Dec. 1, 1958. He preceded her in death on Aug. 29, 2015. Survivors include three daughters, Brenda L. (Mark) Gale of Danville, Debra J. (Jeff) Ford of Sidell, and Connie M. (Randy) Taylor of Oakwood; six grandchildren, Joshua (Leslie) Gale, Brock (Alexandra) Gale, Nathan (Kali) Ford, Nathalee (Grant) Norman, Caleb (Breea) Taylor, and Aaron Taylor; nine great-grandchildren, Katharina Gale Zechariah Gale, Penelope Snare, Foster Snare, Maclin Ford, Hadley Norman, Greyson Norman, Gentry Norman, and David Gale; siblings, Janet “Sue” Wolfe, Maxie “Junior” (Brenda) Key, Bobby (Debby) Key, Becky Scott; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who she called family. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Helen Thomas, Annie Phillips, Bessie Robertson, James Key, Stella “Louise” Pitts, William Key, Mary “Frankie” Pitts, Larry Key, Roger Key, and Randall Key.
Edna was a very loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved reading, flowers, shopping and lunches with her many friends. She also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Granny.” Edna never knew a stranger and always welcomed people with a hug and a smile. Some of the lucky ones received a homemade pie, cake, or candies.
Funeral services were Dec. 27, 2024, at Living Water Apostolic Church, Danville with Pastor Randy Taylor officiating. Graveside were at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Catlin. Memorials may be made to the PAN Foundation at Patient Access Network Foundation, PO Box 411439, Boston, MA 02241-1439. Robison Chapel in Catlin handled service details. On-line condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
TOM EMERICK, 76, of Georgetown (formerly of Paris) passed away Dec. 16, 2024, at his home with his wife by his side. Tom was born Feb. 8, 1948, in Paris to the late Cecil and Irene (Balding) Emerick.
He was next to the youngest of 16 children. Tom met the love of his life in July 1969, when he came home from Germany after two years serving his country in the United States Army.
After being apart for 41 years, Tom reunited with his love Diana (Luther) Emerick. They have been attached ever since their marriage on June 5, 2020. She survives
Other survivors include a blended family of four children. Sean (Gabriella) Emerick of Bourbonnais, Crystal (Trevor) Stillwell of Browning, Miss., Felicia Potter of Paris, and Eric Snoke of Delano, Minn. Surviving brothers include, Gale Emerick of Roseville, Mich., Leanord Emerick of Three Oaks, Mich., Cecil (Stella) Emerick of Olivet, and his twin brother, Terry (Sheila) Emerick of Cottonwood, Ala.; surviving sisters, Lois Shonk of Marshall, Verna Sly of Ridge Farm and Betty (Don) Pearson Sr. of Georgetown; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Belva Drake of Georgetown and sister and brother-in-law, Janice (Ron) Throckmartin of Paris; and Tom’s dear ole Army buddy, Ken (Bobbie) Atfzenhoefer of Fairmont, Minn.
Tom is preceded in death by five sisters and three brothers; a sister-in-law, Dorothy, and brother-in-law, Russell Bill Davis, sister-in-law, Alice and brother-in-law, Rick Dailey, sister-in-law Betty and brother-in-law, Arlie Neaville, sister-in-law, Sheryl Luther, and brother-in-law, Steve Drake.
Following visitation on Dec. 20, graveside services were held at Crown Hill Cemetery, Ridge Farm. Memorial on www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
ALFRED WILLIAM “AL” REEVES of Tavares, Fla., formerly of Catlin and Covington, Ind., passed Dec. 18, 2024.
He was born Oct. 9, 1936, in Addison, to Halsey and Goldie (Hamilton) Reeves. He married Marcy (Messenger) Reeves on Oct. 11, 1976.
She survives along with four children, Teresa (Ed) Sudlow of Catlin, Arthur (Letha) Reeves of Danville, Mary (Mike) Bromley of Catlin and Curtis (Terri) Smith of Danville; grandchildren, Paul, Stephanie, Philip, Emily, Betsy, Molly, Maggie, Samuel, Zayden, Samantha, Christina and Shanna; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Charles (Chuck) Reeves.
Al graduated from Newman High School in Newman in 1954. He retired as a millwright from Olin Mathieson/Flexel in 1995. He and Marcy relocated to Florida in 2006, where they were members of the First Baptist Church of Tavares. His hobbies included playing pool and restoring old cars. He was a God-fearing man and will be dearly missed.
An informal visitation will be held Sunday, Dec. 29, at 4:30 p.m. at Second Church of Christ in Danville, followed by a celebration of life at 5:30 p.m. Greg Taylor will officiate. There will be a private inurnment service in Sunset Memorial Park at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
RUTH JANE McGEE PATTERSON, of Sidell, 96 years of age, peacefully left this life on the most blessed of days, December 25, 2024. She resided at the Newman Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.
Ruth was born on May 28, 1928, to Cecil and Margaret Taylor McGee. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Ted McGee and Jerry (Ginger) McGee; two sons-in-law, Michael McNeese and Jack White; and one grandson, Cole Patterson. Ruth married Warren S. “Pat” Patterson on July 17, 1949. Together they were blessed with five children, Kay McNeese, Debbie (John Corbin) White, Cheri Patterson, Gayle Patterson and Lori Patterson. Ruth leaves behind her children and 33 grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren to cherish her loving memory.
Ruth had a blessed life and passed on much knowledge and wisdom to her beloved family. She loved to be outdoors and enjoyed gardening and tending to her fishponds well in to her early 90s. Often she would be out there working in her cherished Red Robe, (of which none of us had the nerve to try to tell her not to). Once while bird watching in the yard, she took up the offer to take a ride around Sidell with her neighbor, Bobby, in his little MG Convertible and what did she have on, that red robe. She was a spunky little thing. Ruth loved to watch the birds and spend time with her family. Ruth had a feisty spirit, all the way to the end of her life. Her wisdom and memories will be cherished and carried on through her family, along with the many life lessons she taught them over the years. Ruth will be missed dearly, and always admired, remembered, and thought of often. She was ready to go home and there is no doubt she was met with open arms by her husband and many family and friends.
So much appreciation goes to the staff at the Newman Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, where Ruth spent the last years of her life. Thank you does not seem like enough for the wonderful care they gave. Special thank you to Barb and Janine, two of her wonderful nurses. She was treated like family and the kindness and caring was so very appreciated. Thank you also to the Transitions Care Hospice service for their attentive and wonderful care.
A memorial dinner will be held at a later date. Please feel free to share any memories that you have of Ruth. The family would love to read and share them. Donations could be made to Sidell and Carroll Township Fire and Rescue Departments.
ROBERT “BOB” JOSEPH CAST, 46, passed away Jan. 21, 2025 after a long and difficult battle with illness. Bob was a remarkable man whose presence touched the lives of all who knew him. He was born Dec. 27, 1978, the son of Ralph “Butch” Cast and Karen Cast-Mansfield. Bob’s life began on a multi-generational farm, where he developed an unyielding love for the outdoors and deep connection with family.
Throughout years of struggle watching their father suffer from cancer, Bob remained a steadfast and exemplary big brother who introduced his siblings to countless fun activities – fishing, hunting, skiing, and gathering mushrooms or blueberries. A natural learner with the ability to master any subject, Bob became the first in his family to graduate university, breaking barriers and paving the way for others.
Despite his sharp mind, he always found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. An avid fisherman, Bob could catch any fish with skill and patience. His passion for the sport led him from his humble farming roots to the helm of his own fishing charter, ‘Living the Dream’, where he shared his love of the water with countless others. Bob possessed a gift for cooking that was second to none. His culinary creations were a testament to his creativity and care.
A man of towering stature and overflowing in heart, intellect, and personality, Bob was a pillar of his family, whose absence will leave a weight difficult to bear.
He is survived by his caring partner, Tamara Garrett, and her sons, Andrew, Trevan and Ethan whom he loved as his own; his mother and stepfather, Karen and Robert Mansfield; brothers, Adam Cast, and John (Jacqueline Audas) Cast; and sister, Alyssa (Pawel) Piotrowicz.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ralph “Butch” Cast, Jr.; grandparents, Leo and Marjorie Bernier; Ralph Sr. and Phyllis Cast and close uncle John D. Bernier.
A private memorial service will be held with close family to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to www.searchhomeless.org/donate in his memory.
Sharing memories, at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. Sunset Funeral Homes Oakwood Chapel is caring for the family.
VIRGINIA ARLENE (TUTT) FIELD, 93, went to be with her Lord at 7 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025, at Pleasant Meadows Senior Living, Chrisman.
Virginia was born June 18, 1931, in Springfield. She was the daughter of Roy and Gertrude Brunner Tutt. She married Berton Luther Field on March 12, 1950. He preceded her in death on May 6, 2013.
Virginia enjoyed cooking for family and loved to entertain. She served 19 years as Catlin High School Secretary. She was a member of the Catlin Church of Christ since 1967 and served as church secretary for five years. She and Bert were youth sponsors at the Catlin Church of Christ where she helped with the women’s church newsletter. Survivors include her son, Timothy (Pam) Field of Crawfordsville, Ind.; her daughters, Carolyn Juvinall of Oakwood and Barbara (Jeffery) Lewis of Catlin; sisters, Reta (William) Kuhns of Byhalia, Miss., Shirley (Lawrence) Puckett of Springfield and Patsy Tutt of Springfield; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren: and several step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Roy Tutt, Jr.; sisters, Eloise (Charles) Gooden and Sharon Williams; and son-in-law, Richard Juvinall.
Funeral services were Jan. 28 at the Catlin Church of Christ with Buzz Roberts officiating. Burial was in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin. Robison Chapel in Catlin is in charge of arrangements. Memorials to Catlin Historical Society. Condolences: www.robisonchapel.com.
KENT A.FLORA, 81, of Champaign passed away at 8:51 p.m. on Thurs., Jan. 30, 2025, at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
He was born on Jan. 7, 1944, in Urbana, the son of L. Lee and Ercel Puzey Flora and the great-grandson of Henry Puzey I, a pioneer settler of Jamaica Township, Illinois. He married the love of his life, Sharon Bray Underwood, Dec. 31, 1974, at the family residence at Fairmount. She survives. Kent is also survived by his three sons, Brent Flora of Pheonix, Ariz., Don Underwood of Bloomington and Christopher Underwood, of Leander, Texas; four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, and his lifelong best friend, Ralph Livengood of Indiana.
Kent was a product of the Drummond School of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the Fairmount school system, and a graduate of Jamaica High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He was an Animal Science graduate of the University of Illinois, a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity, and the Block and Bridle Club. He was a member of the 1966 University of Illinois Livestock Judging Team. He was a fourth-generation steward of the family farm for the greater past of his life and received the honor of being named “Outstanding Young Farmer of Vermilion County’ in 1972. Kent was a national-recognized breeder of Shropshire sheep and was a exhibitor at state and national shows throughout the central, eastern, and southern United States, winning many state and national championships. He was a founder and president of the Illinois Shropshire Association, a board member of the Illinois Purebred Sheep Breeders Association and served as the youngest national president in the history of The American Shropshire Registry Association. Kent was very involved in his home-town community of Fairmount and Vermilion County. He served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve. He also was a member of the Global Surveillance Department of NEG Micon, Inc. (later Vestas Wind Energy) and oversaw the operation of wind turbine generators (windmills) in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. He loved his family, travel, University of Illinois football and basketball, and spending time with friends.
Funeral services were Feb. 5 at Robison Chapel, Catlin with Pastor James Blue officiating. Burial was in Davis Cemetery, Fairmount. Memorials may be made to The American Shropshire Registry Association, 41 Bell Rd., Leyden MA 01337. Condolences www.robisonchapel.com.
DAVID HETH SAWYER, 92, of Catlin, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Sat., Feb. 1, 2025, at Goldwater Nursing Home in Danville.
David was born on March 26, 1932, in Sidell, the son of Earl Thomas and Hazel Miller Sawyer. He married Lorene Sacre on March 10, 1954 in Catlin. She survives along with his daughter, Lisa (George) Willis of Noblesville, Ind.; two grandsons, Jack David Hall (Hilary Mohs) and Zachary Joseph Hall; and two step grandsons, Philip George Willis and Mitchell William Willis. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Earl Tyrus Sawyer.
David graduated from Eastern Illinois University and was a member of the TKE Fraternity while there. In 1953, he joined the army and was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. He taught high school for one year in Wyoming, Ill. He entered dental school at Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis, Ind. and graduated in 1961. While at IUSD, he joined the Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity. He started out as a private practice dentist in Danville with Dr. Wayne Vaught. Eventually, he started his own practice at 518 North Logan in Danville where he practiced dentistry for over 25 years. He loved being a dentist and was respected by his patients. After retirement, David kept busy as a beloved part-time instructor at the IU School of Dentistry in Indianapolis. He was an avid golfer and member of the Harrison Park Country Club in Danville. He attended the Catlin Church of Christ and was a member of the Danville District Dental Society.
Memorial services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, Feb. 7 at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Paster Craig Roller officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 noon prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter, 14775 Catlin Tilton Road, Danville, IL 61834. Condolences to the family may be sent to Robison Chapel, www.robisonchapel.com.
FRED ALLEN MAJORS, 97, currently living in Kamiah, Idaho and formerly of Ridge Farm, passed to his eternal rest in Heaven on Tues., Jan 21, 2025.
He was born April 4, 1927 in Danville to Bertie and Alice (Walthall) Majors. He was the second of four boys in their family.
Until the age of 14 the family lived on a farm near Quaker, Ind., after which they moved to a farm near Kingman, Ind.
Fred graduated from Kingman High School in the spring of 1945 and then entered the Navy, serving in the Pacific for the last several months of WW2. He signed up for the Air Force during the Korean War. About this time he reconnected with a neighboring farm girl from the Quaker area, Dorothy Castle. The two were married in Spokane, Wash., on March 24,1952, where Fred was stationed at Fairchild Air Base.
Fred was shortly after stationed at Yakota Air Base in Japan for seven months, where he flew night reconnaissance missions over North Korea to photograph the countryside.
He returned to the states in time for the birth of his first son, Stephen, born in Topeka, Kansas.
Upon mustering out of the Air Force in 1954 Fred and Dorothy returned to Ridge Farm, to farm the Castle farm, where they would be for the next 30 years. Two daughters were born there, Janice and Becky, and two Korean children were adopted, Allen at age 1 and Ann at age 5. They were a musical family, traveled a lot, and made friends everywhere. They were always involved in church.
After their kids were older, Fred started a second career in construction in Houston Texas. This new career led Fred and Dorothy to travel and work jobs from coast to coast over a 10 year span. After Fred retired from his second career, Fred and Dorothy moved to Zavalla, Texas where they raised emus, continued to travel, stayed connected with family, made new friends, and were always involved in church activities.
In 1999 they returned to Ridge Farm, where they lived when Dorothy passed in October 2015. In late 2020 Fred moved to Kamiah, Idaho to be near family.
He is survived by his five children, Stephen (Bonnie) Majors of Kamiah, ID, Jan (Rick) Kvam of Rochester, MN, Becky (Tucker) Quetone of Rochester, MN, Ann (Michael) Lashansky Majors of Glen Allen, VA, and Allen Majors of Seoul, Korea, his 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
There will be a memorial service at the Hopewell Friends Church, Quaker, Ind. Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2:00 p.m. Indiana time.