Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Charlene Joyce Elzy

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Charlene Joyce Elzy

Charlene Joyce Elzy, 86, of Sullivan, passed away at 7:44 p.m. Tuesday November 28, 2023 in Sarah Bush Hospital, Mattoon.

Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday December 2, 2023 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Bob Vail officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Jonathan Creek Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Charlene was born July 17, 1937 in Arthur, the daughter of Thomas and Erma Kercheval Jocelyn. She had worked at the State Bank of Arthur and then was a homemaker. She later worked at the Villa and Shoes Too in Arthur and was an Avon Representative. Charlene had been a member of the Arthur United Methodist Church and the Jonathan Creek Christian Church. She married Clifford Gale Elzy on October 10, 1958 in Arthur.
Charlene dedicated her life to her family and enjoyed spending time with them most. She also enjoyed baking, knitting, playing yahtzee with her husband and tending to her flowers.
Surviving are her husband Clifford Gale Elzy of Sullivan; sons Lyle Elzy of Sullivan and Jeff (Rachel) Elzy of Sullivan; daughter Jennifer (Tom) Lambdin of Bethany; grandchildren Aaron (Jamie) Elzy, Brandon Elzy, Hilari (Tyler) Willdrick, Cassandra Lambdin, Kendra Elzy, Hayden Elzy (Breea Brown), Elizabeth Lambdin, Hannah Elzy, Tyler (Kyleigh) Elzy, Natalie (Mikhail) Smith, Bralyn Elzy and Brixtyn Elzy and eight great grandchilden.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Mark, two sisters and a brother.
The grandchildren of Charlene would like to extend gratitude and additional sympathy to Charlene’s youngest daughter, Jennifer, who served as her primary caregiver through the end of her life.

Recent Obituaries: Ward Casteel

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Ward Casteel

Ward Casteel, 71, of Lovington, passed away Friday October 6, 2023 in his residence.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 12, 2023 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until service time on Thursday. Burial will be in the Keller Cemetery, Lovington with military honors by the Lovington American Legion. Memorials are suggested to the Lovington Ambulance Service or to the Arthur Ambulance Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Ward was born August 15, 1952 in Decatur, the son of John Foster and Veda Marie Bolsen Casteel.  Ward graduated from Lovington High School in 1970. He had been a livestock and grain farmer, a corrections officer for Moultrie and Douglas County and served as a Moultrie County Auxiliary Deputy. Ward retired from Firestone in Decatur. Ward was a lifetime member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, the Lovington American Legion, the Lake Fork Sportsman Club and was a Moultrie County Republican Precinct Committeeman. Ward was a veteran of the U. S. Army Reserves in Decatur. He married Carolyn Elliott on September 29, 1973 in Lovington, and they had been married 50 years and one week.
Surviving are his wife Carolyn of Lovington; daughters Rachel (Dr. Paul) Marx of Sullivan, Ryan (Brent) Wildman of Mattoon and Ranee (Robert) Kidd of Sullivan; grandsons Brycen Wildman and Kolten Kidd; brother Berle (Linda) Casteel of Lovington; nephews Luke, Brock and Derk Casteel; mother-in-law Aileen Elliott of Arthur and brother-in-law David (Natalie) Elliott of Lovington and niece Bailey Peadro.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Willie B. Elliott and sister-in-law Patti Elliott.

Recent Obituaries: David L. Kinert

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David L. Kinert
David L. Kinert, 65, of Lovington, passed away 9:28 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 2, 2023, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Burial will be in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. The family requests casual attire for the services. Memorials may be made to the Lovington Fire Department.

Dave was born on February 7, 1958, in Decatur; the son of Mervin and Kathryn (Travis) Kinert. He married Julie Boyd on July 2, 1994, in Lovington; she survives. Dave worked for IDOT as a Highway Maintainer, a farmer for many years and was everybody’s favorite mechanic. He was a member of The Passion Community Church in Mt. Zion. He was retired from the Lovington Fire Department after serving the community for numerous years. Dave enjoyed NASCAR Racing, NHRA and tractor pulls. Dave loved his ‘69 Camaro, his Queenie girl and taking her for golf cart rides around the property.

He is survived by his mother-in-law, Rochelle Boyd of Arthur; wife, Julie Kinert of Lovington; children, Lauren (Craig Elder) Kinert of Lovington, Wyatt (Amanda) Ciszkowski of Canada and Josiah (Bailee) Kinert of Hammond; grandchildren, Griffin Hilton, Landon Elder, Kaitlin Ciszkowski and Maddie Ciszkowski; siblings, Jim (Jane) Kinert of Ozark, MO, Gail (Phil) Pignon of Poulsbo, WA, and Robin (Rich) Fierce of Greer, SC. Dave is also survived by his dog Queenie and granddogs Rigley and Rowdy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Mildred Kinert and father-in-law, Richard “Ike” Boyd.

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

Recent Obituaries: Betty June Harl

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Betty June Harl

Betty June Harl, of Newman, formerly of Sullivan and Charleston, passed away 11:35 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Newman.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 2, 2023, at French Cemetery, Allenville. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Betty was born June 11, 1933, in Lovington; the daughter Vernon and Ester (Breckenridge) Newberry. She married Kenneth W. Harl on April 3, 1955, in Sullivan; he preceded her in death on October 7, 1996. She attended Home Church in Charleston. Betty enjoyed shopping and hanging out with her grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Mary (Steve) Smallwood of Westfield, Valerie (Duane) Kauffman of Oakland and Sandy (Denny) Kerschner of Newman; brother, Glen Newberry of Lovington. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers and son-in-law, Mike Elam.

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

Recent Obituaries: Patrick Jerome “Sam” Slaughter

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Patrick Jerome "Sam" Slaughter

Patrick Jerome "Sam" Slaughter, 75 of Sullivan, IL, passed away at 7:10 AM on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in his home.
A Celebration of Sam’s life will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 5 East Jefferson, Sullivan, IL. Inurnment with Military Rites will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 2, 2023 in the Camp Butler National Cemetery near Springfield, IL. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Sam was born on March 19, 1948, in Taylorville, IL. He was the son of Thomas Keith and Helen Virginia (McCormick) Slaughter. He married the love of his life, Sharon Ann (Bringle) on October 31, 1970, in Mattoon, IL.
Sam is survived by his wife, Sharon of Sullivan, IL, two daughters, Kaye (Billie) Stain of Texas and Ann (David) Wirey of Texas, five grandchildren: Alicyn (Jared) Ferguson, Mason Stain, Catherine (Joshua) Anderson, Hannah Stain, Chloe Wirey, two great grandchildren, Somara Ferguson and Cameron Anderson, three brothers, James (Dolores) Slaughter of Hinsdale, IL, Phillip (Betty) Slaughter of Mattoon, IL and Mark Slaughter of Mattoon, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Connie (Paul) Kimrey, and two brothers, John Thomas “J.T.” (Linda) Slaughter and Frank Slaughter.
His family meant everything to him, especially his brothers and nephews. They were an unbreakable pack and had a bond like no other.
Sam was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School in 1966. He participated in multiple sports such as wrestling, football, and track. He held the high school pole vault record for many years.
After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army. The sacrifices he made while serving in Vietnam during this time are commendable and led him to co-found the Veterans Protective League in Springfield, IL later in life. Through this organization he passionately advocated for veterans’ rights and worked tirelessly lobbying for their needs.
In 1970 he joined the IBEW Electrical Apprentice Program. In 1974 he graduated and became a journeyman wireman. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 146 in Decatur. Later in his career he worked for JLAllen in Tuscola, IL as a project manager. His trade carried him across the country, each location a new adventure.
Anyone that knew Sam knew he was generous and giving to a fault and wholehearted in his efforts to help those in need.
Sam, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother will forever be remembered by his sharp shooting, his suspender dancing, his wooden toe, his milkshakes and his tuna canopies. He was a grand visionary, a storyteller, a talented artist, a dispenser of wisdom, and an entrepreneur. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Recent Obituaries: David Kirk Bowers

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David Kirk Bowers

David Kirk Bowers, 73, of Paris, Illinois, passed away at 2:03 a.m. EDT Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington, Indiana. He was an engineer with the former Midwest Body Corporation and had previously worked at MECO. He later worked for many years in auto sales with Burger Dodge and Vigo Dodge of Terre Haute, Indiana.

He was born October 23, 1949, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of the late Robert G. and Imogene (Dickerson) Bowers. He married Mary Jane Rhoads on May 10, 1975, in Paris, and she survives.
Other survivors include two children, Tina Suzanne Hefner and Heath Gehret Bowers both of Paris; a brother, Richard (Sandra) Bowers of Atlanta, Georgia; three sisters, Daurene (Robert) Worth of Indianapolis, Indiana, Rona (Steve) Walling of Fairhope, Alabama, and Denise (Rick) Wilkins of Mt. Zion, Illinois; two grandchildren, Skylar and Olivia Foote of Paris; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Doris Bowers, and an infant grandson, Hunter Hefner.
Mr. Bowers was a U. S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He attended St. John’s Military Academy of Delafield, Wisconsin, and was a graduate of Lake Land College. He was a member of Bell Ridge Christian Church of Paris and a Lifetime Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3601. Kirk was an extremely hard worker and liked being busy and active. In those rare times when he did relax, he could be found in his easy chair with a Pepsi or some ice cream, occasionally shouting at Fox News. Above all else, Kirk loved spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Freya.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to Bell Ridge Christian Church or to V.F.W. Post #3601.

Services celebrating his life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Templeton Funeral Home with Bro. Kurt Speece officiating. Burial will follow in Edgar Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #211. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Please consider sharing a memory, photo, or condolence with Kirk’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com

Recent Obituaries: Kaytlyn Louise Hettinger

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Kaytlyn Louise Hettinger

Kaytlyn Louise Hettinger, 28, of Tuscola, formerly of Sullivan and Troy, passed away at 9:17 a.m. Sunday September 3, 2023 in her residence.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday September 11, 2023, in New Life Church, Sullivan with Pastor Dave Dolan officiating. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan and 9:30 - 10:30 Monday at the New Life Church, Sullivan. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the Anthony Hettinger Family at First Community Bank of Moultrie County, P. O. Box 440, Lovington, IL 61937. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. Family requests casual attire.
Kaytlyn was born October 7, 1994, in North Las Vegas, Nevada, the daughter of Edgar Dean Courtright, Jr. and Georgene M. Bumgartner. She then moved to Sullivan with her dad where she graduated near the top of her class at Sullivan High School in 2013. She then attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2017 with a  Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a minor in criminal justice and a  Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University in Muncie,  Indiana  in 2021. She was a  Board Certified Behavior Analyst for Sunshine Advantage of Lakewood, New Jersey. She married Anthony Hettinger on February 28, 2020, in Highland.
Surviving are her husband Anthony of Tuscola; daughters Delilah Ann Hettinger and Charlotte May Hettinger; father Ed (Rose) Courtright of Sullivan; mother Georgene Ross of Twin Falls, Idaho; sisters Alexis (Joe) Green of Las Vegas, Nevada and Sarah (Justine) Reeves of Twin Falls, Idaho; half-brother Ed (Erin) Sullivan of Arcola; mother-in-law Debbie Hettinger of Lovington; uncle Jan (Betty) Courtright of Findlay; two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law and several aunts, uncles and cousins..

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Recent Obituaries: Roger Edwards

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Roger Edwards

Roger Llyn Edwards, 79, of Sullivan, passed away 3:30 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the Smyser Christian Church, rural Gays. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Smyser Christian Church, rural Gays. Burial will be in Smyser Cemetery, rural Gays, with Military Rites by the Windsor American Legion Garrett-Baldrige Post #725. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Roger was born on May 13, 1944, in Decatur; the son of Ralph L. and Barbara (Rose) Edwards. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Roger married Ruby June James on September 2, 1967, in Greenup; she preceded him in death on January 1, 2015. He later married Patrice DeVilbiss on September 8, 2018; she survives. He was a member of the Allenville Christian Church and Smyser Christian Church. He was a Chaplain for the Windsor American Legion Garret-Baldrige Post #725. Roger enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Patrice Edwards of Sullivan; daughter, Tamara Liane (Neil) Snyder; grandchildren, Olivia, Lindsay Shain and Marissa Snyder; sister, Liane Hickman of Wenatchee, WA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruby, 3 brothers and 1 son, Timothy.

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

Recent Obituaries: Roy Righter

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Roy Righter

Roy E. Righter, 91, of Sullivan, passed away at 3:49 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2023 in Carriage Crossings, Arcola.

Celebration of Life services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at the Reed Funeral Home with Pastor Rodney Houser officiating. Burial will be in the Jonathan Creek Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Lovington Church of God. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Mr. Righter was born on October 13, 1931 in Sullivan, Illinois, the son of Emery and Fern Ashbrook Righter. Roy graduated from Sullivan High School and Illinois State University with a bachelors degree in chemistry. Early in his career he was a spiney lobster fisherman in the Florida Keys and later farmed in Moultrie County spanning three decades. He was a member of the Lovington Church of God and a U. S. Army veteran serving in the Chemical Corps during the Korean Conflict. Roy was a member of the Illinois Tractor Pulling Association with his Lil’ Duece Coupe. Roy married Betty Hahn on February 5, 1956 at Dwight, Illinois.
Survivors include his wife Betty of Sullivan; sons Edwin (Cheryl) Righter and Mark (Amber) Righter, both of Sullivan; grandchildren Jared (Melissa) Righter of Naperville, Kelsey Righter of Texas, Hannah Righter and Hayden Righter both of Sullivan; four great grandchildren; brothers Kenneth (Rita) Righter of Mattoon, John (Mary) Righter of Troy, Montana; sisters Lois Hamilton and Helen Landrus both of Trilla.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Recent Obituaries: John Patrick Toohill

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John Toohill

John Patrick Toohill, 59, of Sullivan passed away at 9:18 a,m, Thursday August 24, 2023 in his residence.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday August 29, 2023 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Grant Wade officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Monday. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan with military honors by the Sullivan American Legion Post # 68. Memorials are suggested to St Jude Children’s Hospital, the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library or the Sullivan Schools Library. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
John was born October 14, 1963 in Fairbury the son of Edward P. and Frances K. Bowman Toohill. He was retired from the U. S. Army Reserves and had served active duty in Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. He has been working at MasterBrand Cabinets in Arthur. John married Debra Case on December 28, 1991 in Chatsworth.
Surviving are his wife Deb, daughters Jessica Wortham of Piper City and Meggie (Ryan) Whitten of Sullivan; sons Patrick Toohill of Sullivan, Lucas Toohill of Sullivan and Robert J. Toohill of Champaign; father Edward P. Toohill of Cissna Park; brothers Ed (Lucille) Toohill of Missouri, Steve (Elise) Toohill of Iowa,; sisters Kathy Stephens of Piper City, Sarah (Gene) Wallrich of Collum and Teri (Mark) Runyon of Fairbury; eleven grandchildren, one great grandson and two great granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his mother.