Donald Finch

Mr. Finch was born in Decatur, IL on March 31, 1932. He passed away peacefully at his home in Converse, TX on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.
Donald served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Sasebo, Japan. He also served aboard the flagship, USS Mt. McKinley as a Teletype Seaman (TESN). In May 1956 near the Martial Islands in the South Pacific, Don and his shipmates participated in the first Hydrogen bomb test to be witnessed by dignitaries and journalists from the deck of the Mt. McKinley.
His greatest loves in life were God, country, family and carpentry. He was faithful to each.
Don was the youngest son of Neal Owen and Ruby Fern Finch. Those preceding him in death were both parents, his sister Virginia Harrison and five brothers; Eugene, his twin Dale, Robert, Neal Jr., and Paul Harry, all of whom were past Decatur residents. His beloved daughter, Amanda McClung, also completed her heavenly journey several years ago.
Mr. Finch is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Dowdell) Finch, his son Tad Finch of Anderson IN and daughter, Tara Martinez of Converse TX, as well as six grandchildren; Michael Finch, Madison Finch, Caleb McClung, Jonathan McClung, Benjamin McClung and Noah Martinez. Don and Carolyn were also named honorary grandparents to Miriam McClung and Eva McClung. Also surviving are many neices, nephews and extended family members.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 4th at Reed Funeral Home, 1112 South Hamilton Street, Sullivan IL 61951. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by procession to Penn Township Cemetery near Prairie Home, IL in rural Shelby County for interment. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Catherine England

Catherine “Cathy” Susan (King) England, 58, of Sullivan, IL, passed peacefully at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, July 29th in her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Services will be at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan, with a visitation on Wednesday, August 1st from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and funeral services on Thursday, August 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Casual attire is requested. Memorials can be made to Beacon Bright Start, a program that she enjoyed taking her grandson to.
Cathy was born May 15th, 1960, in Mattoon, IL to Ralph “Bud” King, Jr. and Fern (Lutz) King. She graduated in 1978 from Lovington High School where she was fortunate enough to meet her lifelong best friend and partner in crime Pat (Hendrix) Miller. She moved to Sullivan where she became everyone’s favorite waitress, bartender, and manager at Jibby’s Restaurant. She ran an in-home daycare where all of her babysitting kids became part of her family and still are. She spent 14 years at her dream job at Sullivan High School running the cafeteria. There she was a person both staff and students could go to when they needed a laugh, smile, or just someone to talk to.
Her greatest joy in life was her family. She married her soulmate David England on June 6th, 1992. Their years together were spent attending sporting events, concerts, spoiling their four Yorkies (Bernie, Isabel, Axle, and Toby), spending time with their kids, but mostly just being together. She was so proud of her three kids and loved telling everyone all about them. She spent the last two years living her dream of being a grandma.
Cathy is survived by her husband, David England of Sullivan; daughters, Heather (Brett) Samonds of Illiopolis and Jennifer (Alicia) Starr of Sullivan; son, Grant England of Sullivan; grandchildren, Layla and Davey; mother-in-law, Judy England of Sullivan; brothers-in-law, Kevin (Shelly) England of Houston, TX and Jon (Renee) England of Sullivan; and many friends she considered family.
She was proceeded in death by her mother, father, sister, Sharon Cobble, brother, Rodney King, father-in-law, Sonny England and two nieces.
Cathy will be remembered by many for her smile that could light up a room, and for giving the best mom hugs.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

James Matthews

James Elliott ‘Jim’ Matthews, 82, of Sullivan, passed away at 3:00 a.m. Friday June 29, 2018 in his residence.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday in St. Columcille Catholic Church, Sullivan with Fr. John Titus, Celebrant. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday with Prayer Service at 4:00 p.m. in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Rite of Committal and Burial will be in the Arthur Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Columcille Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus or to Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Jim was born September 22, 1935 in Glen Dean, Kentucky, the son of Elliott Z. and Sylvania M. Berry Matthews. He married Ruth C. Taylor on June 12, 1954 in Decatur. Jim retired from the Illinois Masonic Home as the Laundry Manager. He was a member of St. Columcille Catholic Church, Sullivan and the Knights of Columbus.
Surviving are his wife Ruth of Sullivan; children Patty Cazel of Cadwell, Rick (Janine) Matthews of Sullivan, Scott (Bonnie) Matthews of Decatur, Jean (Steve) Hazel of Decatur, Joan (Joe) Matheson of Sullivan, Julie (Terry) Cox of Moweaqua; brother Charles (Carol) Matthews of Springfield; sisters Loretta Mercer Matthews of St. Petersburg, Tennessee, Laurita (Rollin) Goodrich of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Carolyn (Dave) Laudenback of Alton, Darlene (Jim) Biggs of Elburn; 20 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Jim was always a very happy and pleasant person to be around, always wise and caring. He loved to go fishing and especially enjoyed watching his children catch fish. One of his greatest joys was spending time in his garden and making various wind driven toys for his kids and grand kids. He would get very excited about any St. Louis Cardinals Game whether at the stadium or at home with Mom. Jim devoted the last years of his life spending quality time with his wife of 64 years.
His greatest accomplishments are loving his family of six children and their families whom he cherished greatly.
Jim wanted to express his gratitude toward the Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants, especially Dr. Caceres and Ellen Zindel.

Larry F. Underwood

Larry F. Underwood, 75, of Bethany, went to his heavenly home, 8:08 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018. 

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Bethany. 

Larry was born February 12, 1943 in Dalton City, the son of Walker W. and Belva (Lockwood Burress) Underwood. He graduated from Mt. Zion High School in 1964 and then attended Laura Hallford Beauty School. He married Shirley Jean Ferguson on March 18, 1967; she preceded him in death on July 14, 2009. He was involved in many things, such as, Decatur Hairdresser Association President, Illinois Cosmetologist Association Director and was Vice President twice. He was a Trustee on the Village Board of Bethany, President of the Marrowbone Park Board and a Zoning Board Trustee. Larry was the Treasurer of the Moultrie County Democrat Central Committee and also a member of the Bethany Mustang Booster Club. He worked at Merchant Street Salon, Roberta Beauty Shop, Loretta Beauty Shop and Larry’s Beauty Shop from 1976 to 2013. He also worked at Casey’s in Bethany as a pizza maker and cashier for 13 years. Larry was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Bethany. His favorite saying was “Let God be the Light of your Life forever.”

Larry is survived by sons, Jim (Tara) Underwood of Bethany and Gene (Marilyn) Underwood of Las Vegas, NV; 4 grandchildren, Race, Destiny, Jacob and Justin; brothers, Wayne “Popeye” Underwood of Findlay and Terry (Diane) Underwood of Dalton City; sister, Sandra (Dale) Brown of Hawesville, KY; brother-in-law, Tom (Orla) Ferguson of Shelbyville. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Larry also leaves behind a great friend for many years, Judy Weaver Vogel from Altamont.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. 

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

Michael Porter

Michael W. Porter, 60, of Atwood, formerly of Sullivan, passed away 10:51 a.m. Thursday, May 31, 2018 in Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. 

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2018 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2018 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. 

Mike was born November 13, 1957 in Decatur, the son of James W. and Dorothy Mae (Allen)Porter. He was a graduate of Sullivan High School in 1975. Mike married Judi Davis on September 20, 1986 in Sullivan; she survives. He worked at MasterBrand Cabinets in Arthur. Mike loved hunting, fishing camping and anything outdoors; he also enjoyed wood working.

Mike is survived by his wife, Judi of Atwood; son, James L. Porter of Atwood; brothers, Kenneth L. (Barbara) Sampson of Allenville and Philip W. (Karen) Sampson of Sullivan; sister, Sandy Eaton of Kansas City, KS; granddaughter, Reilly Leach.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David. 
 Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com