Obituaries 2026
RICHARD MYLER, 85, of Sidell passed away at 12:05 p.m. Sat., Dec. 20, 2025, at his home.
He was born on Sept. 1, 1940, in Sidell, the son of Raymond and Hazel Cope Myler. He married Peggy Lomax on Dec. 8, 1962, in Catlin. She survives.
Other survivors include a daughter, Tina Peterson of Danville; sister, Betty (Richard) Brown of Sidell; three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Richard was a veteran of the US Army. He retired from Bohn Aluminum after many years of work. He was a member of the American Legion in Sidell and the Sidell Baptist Church. Richard enjoyed woodworking and working on cars.
As per his wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be held. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling service details.
CURTIS EDWARD GIDDING passed from this life on Sat., Dec. 20, 2025. He was born in Danville on Oct. 17, 1945, and was adopted by Carl and Helen (Swigart) Gidding of Fairmount.
He graduated from Danville High School in 1963 and from Rose Polytechnic Institute in 1967, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He built a career in agriculture, working in the animal feed and chemical industries in roles spanning sales, marketing, product management, and business development.
Curtis had many interests, including horses, model trains, amateur radio (KC9UL), and philately. Among these, stamp collecting was his true passion for more than 45 years. He delighted in exploring stamps from around the world, wrote numerous articles for stamp journals and publications, served as a stamp dealer for 25 years, and was most recently active in the Champaign-Urbana Stamp Club. He also attained the rank of Eagle Scout while active in Troop 19 in Danville.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Velma Anderson Gidding and Ann Frances Hunt Gidding; his granddaughter, Jessica Gidding; and his parents, Carl and Helen Gidding. He is survived by his wife, Marcia Horton Gidding; her daughter, Marci Tempel; her son, Darrin Horton (wife Sumer); and her 3 grandchildren. He is also survived by his former wife, Susan Day, the mother of his sons, Jack (Janet) and Greg (Danielle). He is also survived by his eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign (www.champaignfaith.org/). A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 17 at Faith Methodist
PEGGY J. MYLER, 84, of Sidell passed away at 10:08 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 29, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Peggy was born on Nov. 13, 1941, in Danville, the daughter of Ralph R. and Edna M. Lovett Lomax. She married Richard Myler on Dec. 8, 1962, in Catlin. He preceded her in death on Dec. 20, 2025.
Survivors include a daughter, Tina Peterson of Danville; three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters. Peggy was a member of Sidell Baptist Church and was the Chaplin for The Sidell Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed crocheting, cats, and watching the wildlife in her backyard.
As per her wishes, she will be cremated and no services will be held. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling details.
BRUCE W. DARR, 66, lifelong farmer and devoted father, engaged in the Lord’s work, passed away suddenly at 12:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 3, 2026, in the emergency room at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
Bruce was born Oct. 1, 1959, in Danville to Paul and Margaret Whitaker Darr. Growing up as the oldest son on the Fairmount family farm. He married Linda A. Crowe on Nov. 3, 1979, at the Sidell United Methodist Church in Sidell. Linda survives, as well as one son, Derek Darr of Indianola; one daughter, Amanda Darr of Oakwood; his brother and farming partner Doug (Karla) Darr of Catlin; five grandchildren, Leighton Darr, Ryleigh Darr, Wrenleigh Darr, Ophelia Lorenzen and Sonny Lorenzen, He was preceded in death by his son, Trenton Alan Darr and his parents.
Bruce was a proud and doting son, dad, and grandpa. He served as an Elder at the Catlin Church of Christ and was passionate about his service to the church. He loved tending to his community, farm and family. He was a graduate of Jamaica High School and trained as a carpenter, later assuming the operation of the family farm, along with his brother Doug. He enjoyed harvest time, especially driving his John Deere equipment. Operating the combine was something he especially liked. In his spare time he enjoyed watching westerns and target shooting.
Funeral service 10 a.m. Thurs., Jan. 8, 2026, at the Catlin Church of Christ. Chris Lawler will officiate. Burial alongside Paul and Margaret and his son, Trenton, will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Visitation was on Wednesday. Memorials in his memory to the Catlin Church of Christ or the Vermilion County Animal Shelter. The Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling arrangements. On-line condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
RONALD W. SMOOT, 74, prominent Fairmount and Catlin area farmer and longtime township official, passed away unexpectedly at his home at 8:24 p.m. on Tues., Jan. 6, 2026. Ronald was born Dec. 5, 1951, in Danville to Donald P. and Susie M. Kizer Smoot. He married Kay Harby on Aug. 7, 1971, at the Catlin United Methodist Church. Kay survives, as well as two sons, Matthew (Jill Wilson) Smoot and Jed (Tara) Smoot; two brothers, Donald E. (Jackie) Smoot and John Kevin (Teresa) Smoot; his sister, Dianna (Kevin) Kirk; and his grandson, Sullivan “Sully” Smoot. Survivors include two brothers-in-law, Mike Pirtle and David (Terry) Harby and numerous nieces and nephews and their children, all of whom he maintained a great relationship with and they loved their “Uncle Ronald.” He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Sue Pirtle.
Ronald was engaged in farming at an early age with his father and brothers, and transitioned into the building trades. He was the longtime office manager for the Smoot Construction Company. He served for over 30 years on the Catlin Township Board and was the current treasurer of the Catlin Historical Society. Ronald was the 2009 recipient of the Catlin Lions Club Man of the Year Award. He was a member of the Pollywog Association in Oakwood. He had been active in the FFA Association and had held several offices with them. He had been an avid hunter and fisherman along with his brothers Donald and Kevin. Ron and Kay enjoyed socializing with friends and he especially enjoyed cooking on the grill for family get-togethers. He enjoyed watching baseball and basketball games and helping the boys farm. He loved his family and community. He was never a complainer and loved helping others. Playing solitaire was a favorite activity. His greatest joy came from his grandson Sully and the time they spent together.
Funeral services were Jan. 13 at the Catlin United Methodist Church with Pastor Trevor Oetting officiating. Burial was in Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Memorials to the Catlin Historical Society or the local FFA Chapter. The Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling service details. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com
SHARON E. TAYLOR, 82, of Watertown, Wis., went to her heavenly home on Jan. 6, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Bethel Baptist Church in Georgetown. A brief Celebration of Life service will follow at 3 p.m.
Born Oct. 30, 1943, in Danville, the eldest of three children to Merle and Edith Doolen, Sharon grew up on a small farm in Indianola, attended and served at Bethel Baptist Church of Georgetown, graduated from Georgetown High School, attended Bob Jones University, and married the love of her life, Joel G. Taylor of Indianola. At his passing in 2023, they had been married 56 short and sweet years.
Sharon was a homemaker, often a farm hand, a Sunday school teacher, a church pianist, eventually a secretary and executive assistant, a friend to all, but is missed most today by those who call her Mom and Grandma. Known both for her magic in the kitchen and on the piano, Sharon used her time and gifts to invest in others all her life. Her quick wit, humble charm, and unfailing knack of staying positive encouraged all who crossed her path. It was her trust in God that brought her through victories and defeat alike, and she would often urge others to “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8.
Sharon is preceded in death by both parents, her husband, brother (Kenneth Doolen), and sister (Mary Ann Glass). She is survived by her three children, Tamara (Larry) Farr of Lafayette, Ind., Becky Lazzell of Watertown, Wis., and Todd (Kimberly) Taylor of Raleigh, N.C., and seven grandchildren.
Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home & Cremation of Watertown, Wis. is in charge of arrangements.
STEPHEN R GLASGOW, 52, of Fairmount passed away on Sat., Jan.10, 2026 at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
Stephen was born on July 18, 1973 in Urbana to Gene and Jeanne McCurdy Glasgow. He married Dawn Bidner on June 5, 2004 in Savoy. She preceded him in death in 2010.
He is also preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Denise Patterson.
Stephen is survived by his children, Gwynna Glasgow and Drew Glasgow and his parents, Gene and Jeanne Glasgow.
Stephen graduated from Jamaica High School in 1985 and received a Fine Arts degree from Parkland College and a Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois. Growing up he enjoyed going to turkey run to hike on the trails, and loved to play on the computer and received most of his computer knowledge from his mother. This computer knowledge helped him begin his career as an independent commercial graphic designer, then he received a job at the U of I as a graphic designer, and finally got a job at Carle hospital as a lead designer.
He had a passion for design and art outside of work as well. He spent many hours working on his own projects and selling them at various local events, and posting a lot of his work on his Facebook page for all to see. Stephen was involved in creating podcasts with friends from various parts of the country, attended Comic-Con for a few years, and loved to read an array of different genres of books with some being science fiction, fantasy fiction, biographies, and historical fiction. He also had a love of online video games which is shared with his son and daughter, and he was a member of the Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church.
A visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mon., Jan. 19 at the Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church with a funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at the Fairfield Cemetery north of Newman.
Memorial donations may be made to the Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church.
GARY A. CATLETT, 89, of Catlin, passed away peacefully at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind. on Jan. 5, 2026.
Gary was born on the family farm in Fairmount, on Nov. 25,1936 to Keith and Viola Fitzsimmons Catlett. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister, Karen Catlett Kepling. He is survived by two daughters, Kala-Jo Weller of Catlin and Kim (Ron) Taylor of Fairmount; three grandsons, Cole (Makayla) Taylor, Connor (Rachyl) Taylor, Josh Weller; one granddaughter, Jenna (Zach) Dable; and two great-grandchildren, Mika Taylor and Isla Taylor. After graduating from Jamaica High school, Gary was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1960. He was stationed for most of his two years of service in Germany, where he was able to visit many countries and make lifelong friends. At the completion of his service Gary was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He was proud to have served his country and to be a veteran.
Gary was a lifelong farmer and his passion began at the early age of six. Even at six years old, he felt like the farm could not operate without him. He enjoyed a full life on the family farm until he retired in 2002. After retiring, he moved to Florida where he continued being active, working at Shell Point Golf Club near Fort Myers for 10 years. Gary then moved back to Illinois where he has lived for the past several years. Gary looked forward to visiting with his friends for breakfast over the years. He was grateful to have spent the last year, and especially Christmas, with his daughters and their families.
Funeral services were held Jan. 10 at Muncie Baptist Church in Muncie, with Todd Creason officiating. Burial was in the Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Memorials may be made to Muncie Baptist Church. The Robison Chapel in Catlin handled service details.