Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Darlene Burgess

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Darlene Burgess

Darlene R. Burgess, 87, of Sullivan, passed away at 8:45 a.m. Saturday June 4, 2022 in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.

Celebration of Life services will be 12:00 noon. Tuesday June 7, 2022 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Don Lusk officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Darlene was born July 15, 1934 in Moultrie County, the daughter of Delmar and Minnie Kidwell Elzy. She had retired in 1992 from GE in Mattoon. She was a member of the Sullivan Church of God. Darlene married Cecil R. Burgess on October 17, 1953 in Sullivan and he preceded her in death on November 26, 2016.
Surviving are her daughters Shirley (Bill) Lindley, Linda (Richard) Probus and Susie Burgess all of Sullivan; daughter in law Heide Burgess; brothers Kenneth Elzy of Texas, Gale (Charlene) Elzy of Sullivan and Marshall (Kathy) Elzy of Sullivan; sister Inna Pickel of Sullivan; four grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers, a sister, son Ron and Grandson Richie Probus.

Rcent Obituaries: Brady Phillips

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Brady Phillips

Brady T. Phillips, 30, of Tuscola, IL, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022 at his residence.
There will be a visitation on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 4-6 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL.
Brady was born January 4, 1992 in Mattoon, IL, the son of Liz Phillips and Brad Phillips. Survivors include his parents, sisters: Clarisa Phillips and Emmalee Phillips, and other extended family members and friends.
Preceded in death by grandfathers: Floyd Stutzman and Ron Phillips.
Brady served his country as a US Army Sergeant. He worked as a forklift driver at Syngenta. Brady loved going fishing and spending time with his friends. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Please come share memories and stories.
In lieu of flowers, funeral expense donations are greatly appreciated. Monetary donations can be made through Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com

Recent Obituaries: Brady Phillips

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Brady Phillips

Brady T. Phillips, 30, of Tuscola, IL, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022 at his residence.
There will be a visitation on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 4-6 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL.
Brady was born January 4, 1992 in Mattoon, IL, the son of Liz Phillips and Brad Phillips. Survivors include his parents, sisters: Clarisa Phillips and Emmalee Phillips, and other extended family members and friends.
Preceded in death by grandfathers: Floyd Stutzman and Ron Phillips.
Brady served his country as a US Army Sergeant. He worked as a forklift driver at Syngenta. Brady loved going fishing and spending time with his friends. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Please come share memories and stories.
In lieu of flowers, funeral expense donations are greatly appreciated. Monetary donations can be made through Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com

Recent Obituaries: Roger Wilhelm

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Roger Wilhelm
Roger K. Wilhelm, 73, of Sullivan, passed away 9:18 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.

Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2022, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home in Sullivan. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Roger was born July 20, 1948, in Decatur; the son of Ray and Wilma M. (Crane) Wilhelm. He graduated from Sullivan High School in the Class of 1966 and then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University. Roger was a retired truck driver. He attended the Zion Hill United Methodist Church, Mattoon. Roger enjoyed going to family gatherings.

He is survived by brother, Brad Crane Wilhelm of Redmon; sister, Cherryl (Gery) Conlin of Arthur. Roger is also survived by five nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Recent Obituaries: Vivian Binion

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Vivian Binion
Vivian Eileen Binion, 88, of Sullivan, passed away 2:50 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2022, at her home.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2022, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Sunday at the funeral home in Sullivan. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association: P.O. Box 7023. Merrifield, VA 22116-7023

Eileen was born August 10, 1933, in Sullivan; the daughter of Clurie and Violet (Lane) England. She married James E. Binion on October 29, 1949, in Sullivan; he survives. She was a retired Registered Nurse from St. Mary’s Hospital. Eileen enjoyed her family and flowers and she was an avid reader.

She is survived by her husband, James Binion of Sullivan; sons, Bruce (Peggy) Binion of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Royce (Sally) Binion of Wolcottville, IN; daughters, Joy (Ed) Voltenburg of Sullivan and Merry Woolsey of Henderson, KY. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Ramona Ingram and Delores Ryherd; and 2 children, Sharon and Terry Binion.

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

Recent Obituaries: John Reed

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John Reed

John Reed, 68 of Sullivan, formerly of Pana, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in his home. He was born April 3, 1953, in Shelbyville, IL to the late Raymond Samuel & Mary Louise (Clutter) Reed.
John was a graduate of Pana High School, a member of Pana Eagle’s Club #4109, attended Southern Baptist Church, Sullivan and worked for the City of Pana for 37 years. He enjoyed tinkering around working on things and had a heart of gold. He was always willing to help others. John also had a love for food. No matter if it was at home, the local buffet or trying someplace new, he wouldn’t miss a meal. Most of all John loved his grandbabies and great grandbabies.
John is survived by his sons: James (Laura) Reed, Sullivan, IL and Brett (Alexandrea) Reed, Shelbyville, IL; grandchildren: Aaron Reed, who John raised and several other grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters: Judy Kaiser, Sullivan, IL and Joletta (Ray “Frog”) Reynolds, Grand Saline, TX; half-siblings: Jerilea Short, Decatur, IL; Cathy (Jerry) Brummett, Ramsey, IL; and Donald Reed, FL. He was preceded by his parents.
Funeral services for John will be held Sunday, April 3, 2022, in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Dave Altman officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Pana. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until time of the service at the funeral home. In memory of John, the family requests only casual attire. Wear your flannels and bibs and leave the formal wear at home.
Memorials in John’s honor may be made to the family and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.

Recent Obituaries: Richard ‘Huck’ Huckstep

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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

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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

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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

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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