Bruce E. Condill, 82, of Arthur, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, December 21, 2025. Born in Elgin, IL on June 23, 1943, Bruce grew up in nearby Barrington, IL, where he cultivated his love of nature and adventure roaming Barrington’s neighborhoods with his brothers and friends. He was a 1961 graduate of Barrington Consolidated High School and a 1965 graduate of Culver-Stockton College, where he studied biology, entomology, and history and met the love of his life, Mary Beth McDonald of Arthur, IL. He was an All-Conference selection in basketball in 1963, 1964 and 1965 and also an Honorable Mention NAIA All-American. He joined the Peace Corps in 1966 and served three years in Uganda, where he helped establish the Ibanda Secondary School for boys, teaching multiple subjects, coaching basketball and track, and helping build many of the facilities at the school. He made lifelong friends in the Peace Corps, coming back with stories to tell his family for years to come, including harrowing tales of climbing some of the highest peaks in the Ruwenzori Mountains.

He married Mary Beth on December 30, 1967, in Arthur, IL. Their first year of marriage was spent in East Africa, forging a lifelong partnership and connection that was obvious to all who spent time with them. Their time together in Africa carried over into their home on the farm, sharing a worldview of the wonders of nature and humanity. After returning from Africa, he taught science at Urbana Middle School for one semester, at which point he had the opportunity to try his hand at farming. Learning from his father-in-law Charles McDonald and other family and community members, he ended up tending the land for the next 50 years. He and Mary Beth raised three sons on the farm and hosted an endless series of visits from friends, family, and acquaintances, helping to connect all of them to the land. He was very active in the community and served as a basketball coach in Arthur at the middle and high school levels for many years. In 1976, he played a large role in establishing what became the Arthur Cheese Festival. As a member of Vine Street Christian Church, he served as Elder, Sunday School teacher, Board moderator, choir member, and a Children’s Story teller (one of the best), for over 50 years. He was also a longtime chairman and member of the board of the Arthur Home.

In 1989, he and Mary Beth founded The Great Pumpkin Patch, which was successful beyond his wildest dreams and continues as a community staple today. Bruce was very proud of the Patch and loved giving the red-carpet treatment to visitors on his trusty golf cart each fall. He was an award-winning member of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association, board member of the Kaskaskia Watershed Association, and Vice Chair of the Upper Kaskaskia Ecosystem Partnership. Bruce also served on the board of The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan for many years, and he and Mary Beth attended every show, some of them more than once. He was a fixture at local sporting events, not only following his sons’ and grandchildren’s games, but many, many others. By some estimates, Bruce watched over 7,000 basketball games over the course of his life. Bruce loved music and was a proud member of the Coles County Barbershop Chorus for over 10 years. This group, as he said, was an unexpected opportunity to make a whole new set of friends later in life. He especially loved church hymns, and always became emotional at the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus at Christmastime.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Buck and Fern Condill of Barrington, IL, along with two brothers, Bill and Charles, both of Elgin. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Beth, son Kit and daughter-in-law Emily of Champaign, son Mac and daughter-in-law Ginny of Arthur, and son Buck and daughter-in-law Shana of Whittier, North Carolina. He is also survived by grandchildren Benjamin, Charley, Kai, Ayla, Mackenzie, Norah, Coewn, and Phoebe, his brother Jim, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. He loved family history and family reunions, and took great pride in passing on family stories to the next generation. Bruce had a unique connection to nature and the land. He loved collecting insects and observing nature all around him, which he passed along to his children and grandchildren. The wonder of the Earth and the spiritual connection he felt as a steward of the land was very important to him. The farm became his place to care for, and he wanted to share it with all he knew, and those he didn’t know yet. The Great Pumpkin Patch was an extension of his community-minded mission and his servant-centered heart. In his final weeks, he was able to connect with friends and family all around the world, and he felt truly lucky to be able to feel his family and friends' love during his last days at the farm. His signature greeting to the kids he encountered was the ol’ rubber arm handshake, and the delight he got from the smiles of those kids was the essence of Bruce: spread love, have fun, and be connected to humanity.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025 at the Vine Street Christian Church, 249 South Vine St., Arthur, IL. A Memorial service will follow starting at 12:00 p.m., Noon, on Friday at the church. Rev. Alex Hack will officiate. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vine Street Christian Church or The Little Theater on the Square.

Eric Michael Gabbard, 36, of Sullivan, peacefully passed away at 7:15 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025 in his residence.

Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Mackville Cemetery in Atwood. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Eric was born October 12, 1989 in Decatur, the son of Michael Gabbard and Debra Creek. He was a woodworker for Monarch Manufacturing in Sullivan. Eric graduated from Oakland High School

Eric’s hobbies and passions included spending as much time as he could with his kids and his dogs. Eric had a huge heart of gold that loved deeply, and everybody that knew him well, felt the love he gave. That favor was returned by many, as he was greatly loved by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and his presence will be remembered forever.

Surviving are his lifetime partner Haylee Polk of Sullivan; children Giselle Randall, Tristyn Gabbard, Saveah Gabbard and Ari Gabbard, all of Sullivan; mother Debra (Tony) Creek of Sullivan; father Michael Gabbard of Arthur; grandmother Darlene Phillips of Atwood; grandfather Robert Gabbard of Camargo; brothers Steven Hutchcraft (Sarah Chain) of Peoria, Chris Creek (Devanne Lawson) of Charleston, Ethan (Amy) Gilbert of Sullivan; sisters Samantha Gabbard of Arthur, Anglea Gilbert of Portage, Indiana and Jessica (Cory) Gibson of Tuscola.

Eric was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandfather, uncle Bill and cousin Darcy.

Billie Jean (Hutchinson) Lawyer, 63, passed away unexpectedly, leaving her family and all who loved her deeply heartbroken but forever grateful for the love she so freely gave. Born on March 2, 1962, Billie lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to caring for others.

On July 26, 1985, she married the love of her life, Bill Lawyer, and together they shared nearly 41 years of partnership, devotion, and family. Billie cherished her role as a wife, mother, and “Grandma Billie” more than anything. Her family was her world.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughter, Whitney (Dustin) Cole, and grandchildren Isla, Brooks, and Knox; and her son, Blayne (Danielle) and grandchildren Harper and Hudson. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Bear and Jaxx, who she spoiled endlessly—especially with treats—and who brought her daily joy. They were her boys.  

Billie had a heart of gold that overflowed with love. She found joy in making others happy—whether creating treat bags for trick-or-treaters, putting together thoughtful gifts for the EIU women’s golf team, or showering her children and grandchildren with surprises big and small. She loved giving, celebrating, and finding little ways to brighten someone’s day.

She treasured her yearly beach trips to Florida with her sister, Abbie, a tradition filled with sunshine, laughter, and the simple happiness of being together.

A visitation will be held for friends and loved ones from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Toys for Tots in Billie’s memory. The holiday season was something she looked forward to every year. She loved Christmas and sharing joy with children during the holiday season was something she loved deeply. We would love to continue that tradition in a meaningful way to honor her generous spirit through donating toys for children in need. Through this, we hope to carry forward the love and kindness our sweet, Grandma Billie, shared so freely.

Billie’s life was a beautiful reflection of gratitude, generosity, and heart. Her love will continue to guide and bless her family forever. We will miss her more than words can say.

Dorothy Mae Kirkwood White, 73, of Decatur, passed away 5:57 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 

Dorothy was born on May 15, 1952, in Linton, IN, the daughter of John Clifford Kirkwood and Alice Marie Nixon. She was a retired teacher from the Decatur Public School, where she worked for many years. Dorothy married Robert Terry White on March 25, 1972, in Bethany, at the Free Methodist Church (where they have been lifetime members) where they met and she was the Church Treasurer for many years. Dorothy traveled with her husband of 53 years to the many places that the army sent them for 21 years until they retired and returned to Illinois never to move again.

Dorothy was very happy being the mother of Dorian Elizabeth (Kevin) Howard, Dana Leann (Reggie) Brown and Jonathan Robert (Katie) White; but she really shined when her grandchildren began with Danielle Elizabeth (Skyler) Daum, Eilyjah JoVon Woods, Isaiah J (Kaleigh) Woods, Carmen Lee Howard, Tori Rae Howard, Beatrix Marie White, Margo Elizabeth White and Ailani Lenah Brown; and great-granddaughter, Nora Jane Daum. Dorothy is the guardian angel over all of her children, their spouses and grandchildren.

Dorothy and Terry spent the majority of their time supporting all of their grandchildren in the many sports, music and dance programs they were a part of. They knew that their “Grandparents” would always be there.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren and siblings, Clifford Eugene (Mary) Kirkwood, Rose Fern (Martin) Willer, Anna Marie Poole and Daniel Wayne (Nitra) Kirkwood, Sr. she is also survived by many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Charles Wayne Kirkwood and sister, Sarah Alice Thompson.

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

Barbara Jean (Molzen) Trower, 90, of Lovington, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Eberhardt Village in Arthur, Il. 

Graveside services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Arthur Cemetery, Arthur, IL. As per Barbara’s request there will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to The Eberhardt Village Activity fund, St, Jude or Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Barbara was born on January 13, 1935, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Ralph and Sarah Frances (Devine) Molzen, spending her youth growing up on the family farm in rural Lovington. She graduated from Arthur High School in 1952 and continued her education at Brown’s Business College in Decatur. Barbara had a diverse career, starting with the Mueller Company and retiring from Masterbrand in Arthur. Her biggest joy was spending time with her family; she would often joke that she spent half her life in school gyms or on football and soccer fields watching her children and grandchildren participate in various sports. She also enjoyed preparing large meals when most of her family would return for the holidays; the food was always plentiful and excellent. Always a sports fan, she watched the Illinois football and basketball teams whenever possible as well as football on Sundays.  During her later years she enjoyed doing crafts which she would proudly display in her apartment. She was a member of the Antioch Christian Church of Decatur.

Surviving are her sons, Jeff (Carolyn) of Lovington, Tim (Sandy) of Baraboo, WI, Phil (Gayla) of Beebe, AR; daughter, Pam Wood of Rock Hill, SC, sister, Phyllis Regalia of Ukiah, CA; brother, Roger Molzen of Sullivan IL.  She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. 

She was proceeded by her parents, husbands, Robert Trower and Loren Phillips, and son, Mark. 

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the Eberhardt Village staff for their friendship and excellent care during her years there and most importantly their compassion during her final months, allowing her to spend her final days in her apartment with grace and dignity. We would also like to express our appreciation to the hospice nurses from Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice for their kindness and excellent care and Dr. Ellington for years of excellent care.

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