Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Lena Ann (Botts) Gillenwater

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Lena Ann (Botts) Gillenwater

Lena Ann (Botts) Gillenwater, 96, formerly of Lovington, Illinois, passed away in Imboden Creek Nursing Home in Decatur, Illinois, on Tuesday, July 18, 2018 at 6:27 pm with family at bedside.

She was born on May 22, 1922 in Monroe County, KY to the late William Earlie and Pearliza (Smith) Botts. She married Don Mitchell Gillenwater on September 3, 1946, and they had five children. She attended the Lovington United Methodist Church. She loved spending time with her family, and never met a stranger! Her favorite past times were playing the guitar, singing, listening to music, and dancing!

She is survived by son, Mervin Gillenwater (Pat) of Effingham, IL; daughters, Marjorie Broutin (Richard) of Lovington, IL, Marcella Shinneman (Dave) of Cedar Park, Texas, Marcia Gregory (Everett) of San Antonio, Texas, Michelle St. Pierre (Todd) of Cerro Gordo, Illinois; eleven grandchildren, Richard E. Broutin, Margo Hess, Matt Gillenwater (Susan), Cheri Beasley (Mike), Ryan Jent (Sonya), Dustin Gregory, Jordan Gregory, Gabrien Gregory, Jessica St. Pierre, Hannah Sawyer (Josh), Josie St. Pierre, seven great-grandchildren Sheldon Gee (Cortney), AJ Gee, Megan Wold (Jake), Amanda Benz, Dylan Benz, Max Gillenwater, Owen Gillenwater, three great-great granddaughters, Sophia Carter, Presleigh Jent, Zoey Wold, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, special friend William Little, brothers, Cecil Botts and Kenneth Botts, sister, Vernie Botts, and many special sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:00 am at Strode Funeral Home in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, with burial to follow in Harlan Crossroads Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am – 11:00 am Friday, at Strode Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to Imboden Creek Living Center, Decatur, IL.

Recent Obituaries: James Matthews

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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.

Recent Obituaries: Edwin Robert Kirkwood

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Edwin Robert Kirkwood

Edwin Robert Kirkwood, 94, of Sullivan, passed away 9:58 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at his daughter’s home in Sullivan.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held one hour before the services at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan, with Military Rites by the Sullivan American Legion Post # 68. Memorials may be made to Moultrie County Food Pantry.

Edwin was born November 3, 1923, in Sullivan, the son of Clyde Earl and Pearl Helena (Tolley) Kirkwood. He served in the Navy as a Naval Armed Guard during World War II. He married Noretta Crowe on June 30, 1946; she preceded him in death on April 23, 2002. He attended Smyser Christian Church in rural Gays. Edwin enjoyed hunting, fishing and many other outdoor activities. He loved family activities and spending time with his grandchildren.

Edwin is survived by his daughters, Arlene (Tom) Elder of Sullivan, Cheryl Thompson of Effingham, Brenda (Roger) Moore of Sullivan and Lisa (Gordie) Wood of Sullivan; sister, Joyce (Jim) Leach of Decatur. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parent, wife and one brother.

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

Recent Obituaries: Larry F. Underwood

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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

Recent Obituaries: Doris L. Hugo

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Doris L. Hugo

Doris L. Hugo, 96, of Springfield, formerly of Taylorville, passed away at 2:23 a.m. Wednesday June 13, 2018 at the Illinois Presbyterian Home, Springfield.

Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Bethany with Adam McReynolds officiating. There will not be a visitation. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials are suggested to the Illinois Presbyterian Home, Springfield or to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Building Fund. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Doris was born July 16, 1921 in Sullivan the daughter of Walter Henry and Martha Clora Butts Daum.

Doris moved to Taylorville in 1944 after accepting a position with attorney Harold Williams and became life long friends with his wife Leona (Vollentine). She met her husband Leroy at the One Mile Inn in Taylorville and they married on July 1, 1950 in Bethany, Illinois and he preceded her in death on December 21, 1996.

Doris was a Sunday School teacher and long time member of the Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville, Illinois. She served as a deaconess and on the building/planning committee in 1973. She was a member of the Westside Christian Church in Springfield, Illinois and was active in the Beau Knots class. Doris was a Girl Scout leader and cookie chairman. She served as a volunteer for Memorial Medical Center as a Pink Lady. She was a Fit Club (south) member for 18 years swimming three times a week and credited her health and longevity to staying active including a life long membership to Weight Watchers. She was a Market Street mom for her Taylorville neighborhood.

Surviving are her daughters Catherine (Steve) Rich of Springfield and Leigh (Dennis) Roberts of Spartanburg, South Carolina; sister Hyllis Rhoades of Springfield; grandchildren Lauren (Blake) Burnett, Dylan Taylor, Gavin (Carly) Taylor and Corrine Taylor all of Spartanburg, South Carolina and Stephanie Rich of Springfield and great grandchildren Wyatt Burnett and Harper Taylor of Spartanburg, South Carolina. She is also survived may many beloved nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Frances McReynolds.

Recent Obituaries: Michael Porter

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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

Recent Obituaries: Clarence Ingram

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Clarence Ingram

CLARENCE L. “DOC” INGRAM, 97, of Oakland, IL passed away at 5:45 A.M. on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL.  Rev. Kent Conover will officiate.  Burial will be in the Hugo cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Clarence was born on February 1, 1921 in Hugo, IL.  He was a son of James and Alice (Franklin) Ingram.

He is survived by four children: Daniel Ingram and his wife Nikki of Sullivan, IL, Robert Ingram and his wife Rita of Oakland, IL, Patty Stark and her husband David of Oakland, IL, Marty Clapp and her husband Richard of Villa Grove, IL;  ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters: Hazel Tanner and her husband Jack of Mitchell, IN and Minnie Gossman of Tullahoma, TN; and a special friend: Flossie Stevens.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Barbara LeGrand; one grandson, John Willison; three brothers, Louie Ingram, Howard Ingram and an infant brother; and two sisters, Mary Katherine and an infant sister.

He worked at Walnut Point Park for seven years, he drove a school bus, USI Underground Oakland Ford garage, Construction and worked in Ford Garage in Jolliet, IL.

Clarence enjoyed playing music; he played on WDZ radio station, played in Nashville, TN for several years when he was younger, and he played in a band every Friday and Saturday night during the 80s and 90s.  He also enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Edwards Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

Recent Obituaries: Hilda May Mercer

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Hilda May Mercer

Hilda May Mercer, 94, of Decatur, formerly of Lovington passed away 9:50 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2018 in her daughter’s home, Decatur.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Burial will be in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, Lovington.

Hilda was born May 28, 1923 in Lovington, the daughter of Frank B. and Fon M. (Duvall) Bolsen. She married Don Aschermann, he preceded her in death in 1999. She married Leonard Mercer and he preceded her in death in 1987. Hilda was retired from General Electric and Bonanza Steak House, Decatur. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Lovington. Hilda enjoyed baking, dancing and helping others. She loved social gatherings.

Hilda is survived by her daughter, Karen (Dave) Doty of Decatur; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 daughters, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, step-daughter and step-son.

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

 

Recent Obituaries: Richard Eugene Brown

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Richard Eugene Brown

Richard Eugene Brown, 93, of Bethany passed away 3:34 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2018 at Mason Point, Sullivan.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Visitation will be held one hour before the services at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany with Military Rites by the Bethany American Legion Post # 507.

Richard was born January 12, 1925 in Hennepin, the son of Clyde and Mildred (Dunn) Brown. He married Ella May Moon on June 30, 1948 in Decatur. She preceded him in death on July 2, 2008. Richard was a Navy veteran of WWII. He was a retired General Contractor. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Bethany. He was also a member of The Bethany American Legion Post # 507, Bethany Masonic Lodge and the George A. Sentel Masonic Lodge #764. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and horseshoe pitching.

Richard is survived by his sons, Stephen (Debbie) Brown of Bethany and James Brown of Decatur; brother, Lawrence (Darlene) Brown of Bethany; sisters, Maxine Robinson of Bloomington and Helen Jane (Jack) Brown of Mt. Zion; grandchildren, Brad Brown, Brooke Hagerman, Jace Brown, Breea Brown; great-grandchildren, Marissa, Alex, Sydney, Peyton, Sam, Eli and Wesson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Hazel Davis.

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

Recent Obituaries: John R. Lambdin

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John R. Lambdin

John R. Lambdin, Jr. 96 years young, of Sullivan, formerly of Lovington, went home to be with the Lord on April 26, 2018.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 30, 2018 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Lovington. Burial will be in Odd Fellow Cemetery, Moweaqua, with Military Rites by the Lovington American Legion Post #429.Memorials may be made to the Lovington Christian Church or to the First Baptist Church in Sullivan.
John was the first of five children born to John R. and Beulah (Linder) Lambdin on February 11, 1922. John married Mary Anna Becker in October 1942 and had 6 children. H. Byron (Linda) Lambdin of Sullivan, the late Carl Eugene Lambdin, Rita (Roy) Edenfield of San Diego, CA, Clyde (Shirley) Lambdin of Sullivan, Stella (Roger) Gilmore of Sullivan and the late Bonnie Rhodes of Hesperia, CA. Mary Anna preceded him in death on April 28, 1988. He married Nancy Mills in September of 1988 and she preceded him in death in January of 2008. He remarried a third time to Betty Coventry in May of 2010; she survives. John was drafted into WWII and served his country for 3 years. He worked for and retired from USI of Tuscola in 1986. His nickname at work was “Honest John” and was known for his pranks. He was a part of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star for over 50 years. He served as Grand Patron for 2 separate terms. John also did mission work with SOWERS (Servants on Wheels Ever Ready) during the winter months until 2002 and worked with Habitat. John was a member of the First Christian Church of Lovington since the early 1990’s.   

John is also survived by 8 step-children, 15 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, 14 step-grandchildren and 1 sister, Zelma Sybert of Lockport.

John was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, 2 sisters, 3 children, 2 wives, 1 grandchild and 3 great-grandchildren.

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