Sara BakerSara L. Baker, 60, of Sullivan, passed away at 5:47 p.m. Tuesday in Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur.Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Dave Dolan officiating. Visitation will be from 10 -11 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Arborcrest Memorial Park, Effingham. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family request that masks be worn and everyone practice social distancing for the visitation and funeral.Sarah was born May 25, 1960 in Vandalia, the daughter of Leonard and Virginia Antrim Mack.She was a member of the New Life Tabernacle in Sullivan and was a licensed cosmotologist and had also worked for the Sullivan Senior Center and had been a DJ for Cromwell Broadcasting in Mattoon. She married Larry Baker on February 14, 1987 in Normal.To her family and friends, she has left her legacy of holding faith, family and friends as the most important ingredients of a life well lived. She rested knowing that they would keep the faith and care for each other.Surviving are her husband Larry of Sullivan, daughter Brianna (Phil) Stoneburg of Mt. Zion; sons Jeremy Baker of Mattoon and K. R. Baker of Oakley eight grandchildren and a grandson.Sara’s life well-lived included a very extended family that embraced and loved her. Her grandmother and her namesake, Rosalie Sarah Antrim, and her grandfather Alonzo Maloy Antrim, as well as aunts and uncles from bother her mother’s family and father’s family have preceded her in death. She is also survived by aunts Joan Lynch, who she lovingly called "Aunt Mom" and Betty Toops; as well as uncles Richard Antrim and Lee Antrim. Sara was also loved by her many cousins who have survived her, especially Cathy Hawks who was Sara’s kidney donor.
Category Archives: Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries: Mary E. James
Mary E. JamesMary E. James, 90, of Sullivan, passed away at 7:00 a.m. Saturday August 29, 2020 in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.Private family Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Nikki Reed, Certified Funeral Celebrant officiating. There will not be a public visitation. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to the Moultrie County PAWS, Moultrie County Food Pantry or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family atreedfuneralhome.net.Mary was born June 8, 1930 in Augusta, Illinois, the daughter of Frank and Alice Magill White.She graduated from Augusta High School and Western Illinois University. She had been a physical education teacher and worked with her husband at their Sullivan Veterinary Clinic. She married Jason E. ‘Doc’ James, DVM on July 3, 1955 in Augusta, Illinois and he preceded her in death on January 21, 2007.Mary was a member of the Sullivan United Methodist Church. She enjoyed bowling, playing Bridge, the Birthday Club, watching sports and reading.Surviving are her sons David M. (Jackie) James of Lovington and Robert W. (Sarah) James of Shelbyville; granddaughter Kaya Sue James of Lovington; sister-in-law Allene White of Quincy; nieces Janet (Jim) Totsch of Quincy and Lori (Tracy) Kirbach of Springfield; nephews Paul (Ann) White of Minier and Richard (Dee) White of Quincy and numerous great nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Bob White and Richard ‘Dick’ White and sister-in-law Judy White.
Recent Obituaries: Linda Taylor
Linda Taylor
Linda K. Taylor, 75, of Bethany, passed away at 6:46 a.m. Friday August 14, 2020 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur.
Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany with Pastor Ron Otto officiating. Visitation will be from 10 - 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family atreedfuneralhome.net. Please wear a face mask and observe social distancing at the visitation.
Linda was born February 28, 1945 in Springfield, the daughter of Joseph Parker, Jr and Beulah Elmore Parker. She had been a registered nurse for Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois in Decatur. Linda married William Taylor on June 21, 1969 in Assumption.
Surviving are her husband William of Bethany; daughter Jennifer (Paul) Bone of Clinton; son Todd Taylor of Orlando, Florida; brother Joseph D. (Lynn) Parker of Pawnee; grandchildren Camillia (Bryce) Hunsley of Manito, Brittney (Zach) Horrell of Kahoka, Missouri, Allison Bone of Clinton and Quentin Bone of Clinton and great granddaughter Eliza Hunsley.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter Hope Bone.
Recent Obituaries: Frank Elzy
Frank Elzy
Frank Elzy, 87, of Sullivan, passed away at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday July 14, 2020 in his residence.
Celebration of Life services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan with military rites conducted by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family requests that those attending please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Frank was born August 11, 1932 in Sullivan, the son of William Hurl and Lottie Ballenger Elzy.
Frank had been a farmer and was a member of the Sullivan Highway Church of Christ. He had been a member of the Sullivan AMBUCS, the Sullivan American Legion Post and the Sullivan VFW Post and is a member of the Moultrie County Rural Public Water District Board. Frank was a U. S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He married Marilyn Wood on May 26, 1951 in Sullivan.
Surviving are his wife Marilyn of Sullivan; daughters Lisa Jean Elzy of Charleston and Tania Marie Davis of Searcy, Arkansas; brothers Richard Elzy of Alton, George Elzy of Lexington; step-brother Dale Hall of Tennessee; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son Eric.
Recent Obituaries: Wandalee Rankin
Wandalee Rankin
Wandalee (Wanda L.) Latch Rankin of Mattoon died around 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care. Wanda was born September 30, 1926 in rural Shelby County, Illinois to Artie D. and Mabel (Williams) Latch. She married Donald E. Rankin on February 21, 1946 at the rural Windsor residence of Reverend Ira Blythe. Don preceded her in death on December 29, 2014.
Wanda helped Don manage their farming operation near Sexson Corner until their retirement in 1985. She was the Ash Grove “Avon lady” for many years. In addition, she was a talented seamstress, gardener, crafter, and cook, as well as a very loving mother and grandmother. Cherishing the memories of her love are her four children David (Cheryl) Rankin of Mattoon, Carolyn (George) Ledbetter of Sullivan, Steven (Susie) Rankin of Decatur, and Beverly (Lee) Williams of Ohio. Wanda also leaves twelve grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. One great-grandchild and two great-great-grandchildren preceded her in death.
A celebration of Wanda’s life will be held on Tuesday July 7, 2020 at Lovins-Lockart Funeral Home in Windsor at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be at the same location from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please dress casually. The family understands that some may be keeping to themselves at this time. Condolences may be shared through the funeral home’s website at https://www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com/ or to any of the children individually.
Wanda was a life-long member of the Ash Grove Christian Church. The family requests that those who wish to make memorial donations in her honor do so to the church or to the Activity Fund at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care where Wanda was very lovingly cared for the last several years.
Recent Obituaries: Patricia Hagerman
Patricia Hagerman
Patricia Ann Sitton Hagerman died July 4, 2020 at her home in Sullivan, IL, surrounded by her family. Patricia was born on February 4th, 1936 in Nacogdoches, TX and grew up in Marshall, TX. She met Felix Hagerman of Sullivan while vacationing in Estes Park, CO, and they married in 1960. She held secretarial positions at Shell Oil in Houston and at several Sullivan businesses. Patricia was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who cherished time spent with her family. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and weekly coffee and lunches with friends. Patricia was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ in Sullivan. She was preceded in death by her loving husband in 2017, her parents and two brothers. She is survived by son David (Teresa) Hagerman of Sullivan, daughter Felicia (Dave) Benning of Sullivan, and grandchildren Camille, Keeley (fiancé Ked Houser), Sydney, Shelby, Isabella, Savannah, and Gabriel, and honorary daughter Sandy Hagerman. The family would like to thank all of the many loving caregivers who made it possible for Pat to live at home, especially Carlin, Dani, and Lily for their overwhelming kindness and compassion that helped develop her age-in-place program.
Celebration of Life services will be at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ with Vanessa Patient and Brigham Hagerman officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until service time at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to the Moultrie County Food Pantry. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family requests that those attending to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan.
Recent Obituaries: Roxie Davis
Roxie Davis
Lovington- Roxie LaVerne Davis, 100, of Lovington, passed away at 8:02 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2020, at her home in Lovington.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at the Lovington First Christian Church. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services Tuesday at the church. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the services. Burial will be in Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta.
LaVerne was born March 20, 1920 in Clinton; the daughter of Richard and Carrie (Smith) Cheatham. She married James Robert Davis on March 2, 1940, in St. Louis; he preceded her in death on November 29, 1977. She was a member of the Lovington First Christian Church and the Women’s Widow Club in Lovington.
LaVerne was an incredibly strong and caring woman who brought joy to every gathering with her laughter and wit. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an avid gardener and made beautiful flowerbeds wherever she lived. LaVerne enjoyed collecting glassware. She was a wonderful cook and generous with her delicious pies. She loved the Lord and her family.
LaVerne is survived by her daughter, SuzAnne Parrott of Lovington; sons, John Davis of Lovington and Gary (Carla) Davis of Herrick; grandchildren, Cameron (Beth) Parrott, Terry Parrott, Jim (Felicia) Parrott, Robert (Shayla) Parrott, Monica (Brandon) Ashley, Gretchen Davis, Joshua (Quinn) Davis, Ben (Jennifer) Davis, Brianna Brodbeck, Justin (Avegail) Davis, Jill (Javier) Navarro and Thomas James “T.J.” Davis. She is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren and 1 brother, Harold (Joshie) Cheatham of Melbourne, FL.
LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, 1 grandchild and 2 great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
Obituaries 6-24-2020: Timothy Lee Edwards
Timothy Edwards
Timothy Lee Edwards, 47, of Sullivan, passed away 1:06 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at Aperion Care in Olney.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Smyser Christian Church, rural Gays, with Pastor Richard Coen, Pastor Bob Vail and Pastor Jason Kinder officiating. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. The family requests casual attire. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the services. Burial will be in Smyser Cemetery, rural Gays. Memorials may be made to the Smyser Christian Church.
Timothy was born September 7, 1972, in Mattoon; the son of Roger L. Edwards and Ruby June (James) Edwards. He was a member of the Smyser Christian Church. Timothy was fan of NASCAR and the CUBs. He enjoyed Star Wars, his Ford Mustang, country music and fishing.
Timothy is survived by his father, Roger Edwards of Sullivan; step-mother, Patrice Edwards of Sullivan; sister, Tammy (Neil) Snyder of Harrodsburg, KY; nieces, Olivia Snyder of Harrodsburg, KY, Lindsay (Troy) Shain of Oakland and Marissa Snyder of Lawrenceville.
Timothy was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby June.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
Recent Obituaries: Raymond Emel
Raymond Emel
Raymond “Kent” Emel, 79, of Sullivan, passed away 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, June 9th, 2020, at Mason Point, Sullivan.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2020, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, with Military Rites following the service by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services Monday at the funeral home. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the services. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Sullivan Senior Center, Moultrie County Illinois PAWs, Sullivan VFW or to the Sullivan American Legion Post #68.
Kent was born February 7, 1941 in Sullivan, the son of Bill Emel and Dorothy (Matheson) Craig. He served in the United States Air Force. Kent married Sharon Craig on September 26, 1964 in Sullivan; she survives. He attended the Oak Grove Baptist Church in rural Bethany. Kent was the owner of Ham’n Egg Restaurant and Sharon’s Family Restaurant. He also worked at Caterpillar for 31 years. He was well known for his fried catfish, poppy seed dressing and biscuits and gravy. He was a VFW Quartermaster. His favorite days were spent in his jon boat on the Tennessee River, in Kentucky, with a fishing pole in his hand. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage, spending time with his family and visiting his daughter and her family in Arizona.
He was the man that could fix anything, a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and a true American Veteran. Kent had the deepest love and respect for his family and Country; and he will be missed more than words can say.
Kent is survived by his mother, Dorothy Craig of Sullivan; wife, Sharon Emel of Sullivan; daughter, Becky (Renie) Fawson of Kingman, AZ; brothers, Roger (Ann) Emel of Bethany, Ron (Linda) Emel of Bethany, Dick (Barb) Emel of Bethany, Bob Emel of Sullivan and J.R. (Catherine) Craig of Sullivan; sisters, Anne (Charlie) Tegarden of Kingman, AZ, and Cindy (Joe) Taber of Sullivan; grandchildren, Zane Fawson and Valen (Brennan) Cassidy of Kingman, AZ; great-grandchildren, Payton, Carter and Kentleigh Cassidy.
Kent was preceded in death by his father; special nephew, Chad Loy; and aunt, Pat Burcham.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
Recent Obituaries: John Sharp
John Sharp
John William Sharp, 88, passed away on June 9th, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2020, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, IL. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan, with Military Rites by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing for the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Central Christian Church in Seymour, IN.
If you asked a hundred people who John William Sharp was, they’d all give you a different story. He was a husband. A father. An avid Cardinal baseball fan. A lover of sports and Illini Basketball. A grandfather. A professional Fisherman. The tallest man in the world. A leader. But, no matter what version of the story you’d hear, it seemed as though he was all of the above.
John was born February 17th 1932 in Bruce, IL. to his parents Charles and Leola (Waite) Sharp. From a young age, John was involved in many activities and was a very active in the community. He could often be found playing basketball and baseball and with competitive, yet kind hearted determination. He graduated from Sullivan high school and was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He was married to, Carolyn Shedelbower King on November 6th, 1971 in Tolono, IL.
He worked as a sales manager for Midway Supplies in Seymour, IN, while also taking on many leadership roles in different communities. John coached many little league and travelling teams in Tolono, IL and Seymour, IN. and played a major role in creating the Village of Tolono’s park district. He had a God-given ability to communicate with everyone, young and old. He also served as the Commander and Vice Commander of the American Legion. John donated many hours to service projects and charities including the Christmas Miracle Project and President and past President of the Sertoma (SERvice to mankind) in Seymour, IN.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn Sharp and his children, Tammy Beaird (Ron Beaird), Timothy Sharp (Adrian Kok), Tracy Wilson (James Wilson) and Trudy Godsell (Michael Godsell) along with his step children Robbie King (Julie Zike) and Connie Downey and Lisa King. John was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Leola Sharp.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com