Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Richard ‘Huck’ Huckstep

News Progress Posted on by

Richard ‘Huck’ Huckstep

Richard ‘Huck’ Huckstep, 72, of Sullivan, passed away at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022 in his residence.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Reed Funeral Home. Burial with military rites conducted by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68 will be in the Moultrie County Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Memorials are suggested to the family.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family request casual attire for the services.
Mr. Huckstep was born November 15, 1949 at Decatur, Illinois, the son of George and Faye Brown Huckstep. Huck had been a brakeman for the Norfolk and Southern Railroad and was a truck driver for 25 years for several trucking companies, most recently working for Wildman Trucking. He was a member and was Commander of the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Huck was a Vietnam Marine Corps veteran.  Huck married Bernita McMahan on November 13, 1971.
Survivors include his companion Cheryl Wheeler and her two sons Ben and Rhett of Sullivan; his former wife Bernita of Sullivan; daughter Staci Huckstep of Sullivan; grandchildren Tyler Young (Jordyn) of Greenville, Illinois and Megan Huckstep (Steven Donaldson) of Sullivan; great grandson Boston Donaldson; brothers George Huckstep and Bill Huckstep, both of Decatur; sister Linda Huckstep of Decatur; several nieces and nephews; and his best friend Butch Davis who is like a brother to Huck and good friend Edna Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step mother Edna Huckstep, several brothers and sisters,  and a nephew Sean Brightman.

Recent Obituaries: Julia Shasteen

News Progress Posted on by

Julia Shasteen

Julia Rose Shasteen, 85, of Sullivan, passed away at 6:36 a.m. Wednesday March 9, 2022 at the Odd Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon.

Celebration of Life services will be at 10 :00 a.m. Tuesday March 15, 2022 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Grant Wade officiating. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Monday.  Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan Thrift Store, the Odd Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon, the Alzheimer’s Association or to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Julia was born August 19, 1936 in Ashmore, the daughter of John Hubert and Luella Leola (Jones) Moffett. She had been a bookkeeper for Shasteen Motors in Sullivan and then a bookkeeper for the City of Sullivan Water and Sewer Department. Julia was a member of the Sullivan First Christian Church. She enjoyed working outdoors and tending to her flower garden, searching for treasures at garage sales, rummage sales and auctions and a good cup of coffee on the front porch. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Julia married Charles ‘Buddy’ Shasteen on October 2, 1954 and he preceded her in death on April 26, 1996.
Surviving are her daughters Carletta ‘Kim’ (Duane) Voegel and Kristie Short and significant other Robert DeMars of Sullivan; brothers Donald Moffett of Cowden, John (Diana) Moffett, Jr. of Illiopolis and David (Jackie) Moffett of Decatur; sister Barbara Wiley of Mattoon; grandchildren Sean (Tiffany) Voegel, Nicholas (Ginger) Voegel, Jennifer Voegel, Katie Voegel and Dylan (Ariel) Short and great grandchildren Carly Voegel, Jonathan Voegel, Sarina Voegel, Miah Voegel, Aston Johnson, Kinley Short and Keller Short.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant sister Luella Moffett, brothers Wayne Moffett, Dwight Moffett and Tom Moffett and sister Illeana Yeager.

Recent Obituaries: Jon French

News Progress Posted on by

Jon D. French, of Forsyth, passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning hours of March 7, 2022.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2022, at Central Christian Church in Decatur, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in French Cemetery, Allenville, IL, at 2:30 p.m. on Monday. Memorials may be made to Central Christian Church: 650 W. William St. Decatur, IL, 62522 or to Decatur Family YMCA: 220 W. McKinley Ave. Decatur, IL 62526 McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, is in care of the arrangements.
Jon was born in a farmhouse near Sullivan on October 13, 1939, to his parents, Otis and Thelma French. He was the second of four brothers, his older brother Donald, and younger brothers Jerry and Barry. When Jon was 13, he contracted tuberculosis of the spine and spent 15 months in a body cast in a sanitarium near Springfield, IL. After receiving experimental medicine, Jon was cured and returned to high school in Sullivan, IL. After graduating high school in 1956, Jon attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana graduating with a degree in Accountancy in 1960. Jon married the love of his life, Jane Wagner in 1961. Jon became a CPA in 1962 and subsequently found work in Chicago at Haskens & Sells. During this time, Jon and Jane had two children, Karen and Nancy. After 7 years in Chicago, Jon wanted to move his family away from the big city and back to a smaller town in Central Illinois.
Jon moved to Decatur, IL, where he worked for Gaugher & Diehl for a couple of years before eventually striking out on his own and building his CPA practice of accounting and tax work. Jon received his Masters in Financial Service from American College in 1982. Jon truly loved serving his clients accounting and tax needs. He enjoyed seeing them and catching up on their lives during tax time. Both daughters followed in his footsteps becoming CPAs themselves. His daughter, Nancy, worked with him for over twenty years until they both retired on October 31, 2021.
Jon was a member of Jaycees and later a member of Rotary International. He had perfect attendance at Rotary for over 50 years, and served as President of Rotary, taking a trip to England for the International Conference. Jon served faithfully on many boards in the Decatur Community including United Way, Symphony Orchestra Guild, Webster Cantrell Hall, and the Finance Committee for the YMCA.
Jon was an active member of Central Christian Church, serving as a trustee, a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, an usher and a member of the stewardship committee. He was recently honored as a Deacon Emeritus.
Jon was predeceased by his parents, Otis French and Thelma French Marlow, his brother Jerry French and sister-in-law, Deirdre French.
Jon is survived by his wife, Jane and daughters, Karen French (Darren) Neuman of Palo Alto, CA, and Nancy (Jay Emrich) French of Forsyth, IL, his brothers, Don French of Lovington and Barry (Sherry) French of Mt. Zion, IL, and two grandchildren, Jules and Eric Neuman of Palo Alto, CA, and many nieces and nephews.
Jon loved his family dearly and will be missed by us all.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Recent Obituaries: Shirley Park

News Progress Posted on by
Shirley Park
Shirley J. Park, 87, of Sullivan, passed away 9:55 p.m., Wednesday March 2, 2022, at Mason Point, Sullivan.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2022, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 7, 2022, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the Moultrie County Food Pantry.
Shirley was born on October 10, 1934, in Bruce; the daughter of John and Beulah (Sutton) Waite. She retired from General Electric in Mattoon. Shirley was a long-time active member of the First United Methodist Church in Sullivan. She loved volunteering at the Moultrie County Food Pantry. She was an avid Cardinals Baseball Fan. Shirley enjoyed working in flower beds, attending baseball games and auctions.
She is survived by her daughter, Keri Pool of Sullivan; brother, Jeff (Linda) Waite of Sullivan; sister, Judith Norman of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Nick Pool of Sullivan, Peyton Pool of Sullivan, Aaron (Becca) Wilhelm of Sullivan and Brandon Wilhelm of Sullivan; great-grandchildren, Maddie and Emersyn Wilhelm.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Mark Wilhelm, former husbands, Leonard Wilhelm and Tom Park.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Recent Obituaries: Jack Shroyer

News Progress Posted on by
Jack Shroyer
Jack M. Shroyer, 98, of Lovington, passed peacefully on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at the Arthur Home, one day before his 99th birthday.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the American Foundation for the Blind: 1401 S. Clark St., Ste. 730Arlington, VA 22202. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

 Jack was born and raised in Lovington until he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1942. During WWII Jack was stationed in San Diego where he met and married Martha Ferling who also served in the Marine Corp.

Jack and Martha returned to Lovington after the war and stayed until 1962 when they moved their young family to New Jersey. Jack retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Contracting Officer around 1982 and he and Martha returned to Lovington.

Jack enjoyed hunting pheasant with his brittany spaniels and enjoyed attending draft horse shows throughout the Midwest. Jack was also a life member of the Free Masons Lovington and Arthur Lodge for 72 years.

Jack is survived by his children, Gary of Lovington and Rebecca of Pioneer, CA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Martha, his brothers Don and Harold and his sister Betty Jane who passed as a young child.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Recent Obituaries: Everett and Doris Elzy

News Progress Posted on by

Everett and Doris Elzy

Doris Elzy, 84 of Sullivan, passed away at 12:50 a.m. Thursday January 13, 2022 in the Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday January 17, 2022 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Mark Bjornbak officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan First Baptist Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family requests that those attending the visitation and funeral to please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Everett was born March 6, 1932 in Doniphan, Missouri, the son of Delmar and Minnie Kidwell Elzy and Everett passed away on June 21, 2021 in his residence in Alton, Missouri. He had worked as a chemical engineer for U.S.I. at Tuscola from 1956 until 1993. Everett was a
U. S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and had been a member of the Sullivan First Baptist Church. He is survived by his sisters Darlene Burgess and Ina Pickle of Sullivan and brothers Gale (Charlene) Elzy of Sullivan, Kenneth Elzy of Gainesville, Texas and Marshall (Kathy) Elzy of Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother and sister and brothers Ralph ‘Red’ Elzy and Dean Elzy and granddaughter Rebekah..
Doris was born March 14, 1937 in Bethany, the daughter of Walter and Leota Hughey Oathout and Doris passed away on January 13, 2022 in the Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She had worked as a cook for the Sullivan School System and the Masonic Home in Sullivan. Doris had been a member of the Sullivan First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Marion Oathout, Bill Oathout and Clyde Oathout and granddaughter Rebekah.
Everett and Doris were married May 22, 1955 in Sullivan. They moved to Colorado in 1997 where they open their home and became foster parents to over sixty children until 2010. They were members of the Faith Fellowship Church in Canon City, Colorado. They are survived by sons Steven Elzy of Monrovia, Indiana, Gary Elzy of Mattoon and Daniel Elzy of Lake George, Colorado; grandchildren Evan Elzy, Bethany Elzy, Jacob Elzy and Samuel Elzy and great grandchildren Damien Martinez Elzy and Aiden Martinez Elzy.

Recent Obituaries: Myra Williams Beachy

News Progress Posted on by

Myra Williams Beachy

Myra Williams Beachy, 78 of Arcola, IL passed away at 4:50 A.M. on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL. Pastor Darrel Miller will officiate. Burial will be in the Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston, IL. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral, from 10:30 A.M to 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, at the funeral home.
Myra was born on December 18, 1943 in Charleston, IL. She was a daughter of John and Bernice (Sims) Elston. She married Tommie Williams in 1976 in Arcola, IL; he passed away in 1991. She later married Larry Beachy.
She is survived by her daughters, Jeanette Suding of Sullivan, IL, and Tara Reed and her husband Charles of Villa Grove, IL, her husband Larry Beachy of Arthur, IL, two step-sons, Randy Williams and his wife Lennie of Arcola, IL and Mickey Williams and his wife Cindy of Oakland, IL, one step-daughter, Cindy Clements of West Frankfort, IL, nine grandchildren, Lindsey Slama and her husband Stephen of Fenton, MO, Jara Mendenhall of Mattoon, IL, Ben Good of Effingham, IL, Zach Good and his wife Darian of Fairgrange, IL, Matt Williams and his wife Lyndsay of Arcola, IL, Allison Biggs and her husband Rob of Arcola, IL, Andrea Robertson and her husband Alex of Waterloo, IL, Brandon Williams of Oakland, IL and Nathan Clements of West Frankfort, IL, 14 great-grandchildren, and one very special sister, Donna Canary and her husband Don of Springfield, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and one husband, Tommie Williams.
Myra was a member of the Arthur Mennonite Church. She really enjoyed managing the Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum in Arcola, IL. She had worked at Eastern Illinois University and the Dutch Kitchen in Arcola.
Myra loved to decorate cakes, antiquing and flower gardening. She enjoyed visiting Florida, looking for seashells on the beach and spending time in the sun, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her girls.
Memorials may be made to the Arcola Public Library, Moultrie County PAWs or Sullivan Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Recent Obituaries: Loueva Spires

News Progress Posted on by

Loueva Spires

Loueva Spires, 81, of Sullivan, formerly of Litchfield, passed away at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday December 21, 2021 in Mason Point, Sullivan.

Private family graveside services will be Thursday December 24, 2021 in the Rosamond Grove Cemetery in Rosamond, Illinois with Pastor Roy Eller officiating, assisted by Pastor Don Lusk. Memorials are suggested to the Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi, Illinois. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Loueva was born December 31, 1939 in Coffeen, the daughter of Lawrence E. and Hazel D. McClain Williams. She had worked as a medical billing clerk for various area doctors. She was a member of the Sullivan Southern Baptist Church. Loueva married Kenneth Spires on July 5, 1958 in Oconee, and he preceded her in death on July 1, 2014.
Surviving are her sons William (Linda) Spires of Springfield, David (Daina) Spires of Bartelsville, Oklahoma and Lonnie (Jennifer) Spires of Bollingbrook; daughter Lisa (Eric) Shuman of Sullivan; brother Lorrie George Williams of Crossville, Tennessee; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Lawrence “Lannie” Williams and a grandson Tyler Lawrence Spires.

Recent Obituaries: Robert Floyd Abbott

News Progress Posted on by

Robert Floyd Abbott

Robert Floyd Abbott, 77, of Sullivan, passed away 9:20 a.m. Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at his home in Sullivan.
Memorial services will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, with Military Rites following the memorial service by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Wednesday evening at the funeral home in Sullivan. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the service. Burial will be at a later date in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Robert was born on March 25, 1944, in Mattoon; the son of L. G. and Lulu (Gullion) Abbott. Robert attended Sullivan Schools. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Robert married Mary Elizabeth Musson on December 20, 2003, in Mattoon; she survives. He was a member of the Grant Street Church of Christ in Sullivan. Robert worked for the Illinois Central Railroad as an inspector and he was a ASC Certified Mechanic. He loved NASCAR, was an avid Jeff Gordon fan and had a huge Jeff Gordon memorabilia collection. Robert built his own Drag Car and loved drag racing, he also loved country music and came from a musical family and he played the bass guitar.
He is survived by his wife, Mary of Sullivan; son, Robert Glen Abbott of Michigan; daughter, Melinda Dawn Abbott of Mattoon; step-daughter, Lila Drennan of Tennessee; siblings, Merlyn Abbott of Mattoon, Eva Closson of Flora and Glenda Webster of Mattoon. He is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Albert Lloyd Abbott; brothers, Roger, Bill and Clark; step-daughter, Shari Caine.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Recent Obituaries: “Jay” Lane

News Progress Posted on by
“Jay” Lane
JH “Jay” Lane passed away peacefully at 7:22 a.m. Sunday, December 12, 2021, at his home in Lovington with family members at his side. He was 85 years old.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at Keller Cemetery, Lovington. The family requests face masks to be worn and to practice social distancing for the graveside services. Memorials may be made to the Lovington Ambulance Service. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
Jay was born April 16, 1936, to James Delbert and Lois (Linville) Lane in Scottsville, KY. He and the former Lovina Kirkwood were married February 1st, 1956 and they were blessed with three daughters, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Jay was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and father-in-law and a devoted family man who enjoyed nothing more than the time he spent with his girls and their children.
He owned Lane Siding and Seamless Gutters for many years. Jay loved vacationing with his family in their motorhome and he also logged countless hours and miles being a “baton Dad” as each of his daughters were competition baton twirlers. He could always be found in the stands proudly holding trophies and medals as they were awarded. When not traveling to baton contests or working, you could often find Jay with his charcoal grill. He could grill almost anything, but his specialty was his golden “Lake Shelbyville Chicken.” Jay also loved to fish and did so every opportunity he could, but his family always came first.
Jay is survived by his wife Lovina; daughters, Diane Gore of Lovington, Beverly (Mike) Dillow of Jackson, MO, Pamela (Charles) Allen of Mims, FL; grandson, Heath Meece of Mims, FL; granddaughter, Angela Gore and great-grandson, Logan Emel both of Lovington; sister, Carolyn (Oliver) Walker of Sullivan and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three older brothers, Roger, Aubrey and Willie.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com.