Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

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.

Recent Obituaries: Ronald G. ‘Ron’ Coy

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Ronald G. ‘Ron’ Coy
Ronald G. ‘Ron’ Coy, 69, of Sullivan, passed away with his family by his side at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2023 at the Reed Funeral Home with Pastor Kathy Prideaux officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Monday evening. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan Fire and Ambulance Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Mr. Coy was born on November 22, 1953 at Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Charles and Donna Ragen Coy. Ron was a bricklayer for 30 years and then worked for the Illinois Dept. of Transportation for 22 years. Ron was a former volunteer with the Sullivan Fire Protection District. He enjoyed playing softball, camping, cooking and helping Terry Warren Catering. He was an avid fan of his children and grandchildren’s sporting events, he hardly ever missed a game. He enjoyed mowing and helping Chris with his mowing business. Ron loved to travel and go on cruises with Angie. He married Angela Lindley on March 24, 1973 in Sullivan.
Survivors include his wife Angela; children Misha (Kris) Hutchings of O’Fallon, Missouri, Chris Coy of Sullivan and Brooke (Greg) Garrison of St. Charles, Missouri; grandchildren Konner Hutchings, Kyrstin Coy, Paiten Coy, Kensley Garrison and Jersey Garrison; sisters Rhonda Creek of Neoga and Carla Coy of Sullivan and a brother Tim (Kim) Coy of Sullivan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Kathy Glover.

 

Recent Obituaries: Billy Joe Robbins

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Billy Joe Robbins

Billy Joe Robbins, 87, of Bethany, passed away 7:41 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2023, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Monday at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Oak Grove Baptist Church, rural Bethany.Billy was born February 10, 1936, in Pine Knot, KY, the son of Jesse and Elsie (Anderson) Robbins. He married Arletta McDaniel on August 10, 1954, in Owensboro, KY; she survives. He was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church in rural Bethany. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren and riding bicycles.

Billy is survived by his wife, Arletta of Bethany; son, Larry Robbins of Allenville; daughters, Glenda Rigg of Mt. Zion and Cheryl (Mike) Kidwell of Bethany; grandchildren, Michelle (Greg) Owczarzak, Todd (Kristi) Rigg, Nathan (Sara) Robbins, Quinn (Jeremy) Richardson, Laniesa (James) Robbins, Daniel (Lauren) Kidwell, Derick (Kaylee) Robbins, Travis (Deniel) Robbins and Taylor Robbins; brothers, James, Eugene; half-brothers, Steve, Gary (Joan) and Karl (Barbara); step-brother, Kenny (Ruby) Butt; step-sisters, Doris Prater and Betty Clevenger. He is also survived by 25 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Billy Joe Robbins, Jr., 6 brothers and 2 sisters.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice for their wonderful care of Billy.

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

Recent Obituaries: Dorothy Ellen McComas

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Dorothy Ellen McComas

Dorothy Ellen McComas passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the age of 95 while residing at Lakewood Senior Living in Boiling Springs, South Carolina.

Dorothy was born June 9,1927 in Caldwell, IL to the late Carl and Mary (Lee) Fleischauer. She is a graduate of Lovington Township High School, Class of 1945, Lovington, IL. Her life took her to Kansas City, Ks where she met Charles Dale McComas Piper, Kansas.
She and Dale wed in May of 1947 and made their home on the farming in Edwardsville and then Piper, Ks. Together they had and raised four children, Albert, Samuel, Charles and Robert. During Dale’s illness and subsequent death, Dorothy entered the life of retail. Upon her retirement, she returned to Lovington, IL to attend to the care of her parents. Following their death, she moved to Boiling Springs, SC to live with her son Samuel and his wife Marsha. In 2018 Dorothy entered Lakewood Senior Living, LLC in Boiling Springs where she resided until her death.
She is survived by her sisters Edna, Decatur, Il; Regina, Belton, Tx and her children, Albert (Al)of Piper, KS: Samuel (Sam) of Boiling Springs, SC; Charles (Chuck) of Seffner, FL and Robert (Rob) of Grand Prairie, TX and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at Lakewood Senior Living March 15, 2023 at 2 PM. Burial services will be held in Lovington, IL at a later date.

Recent Obituaries: Delano Yeakel

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Delano Yeakel
Delano Yeakel, 73, of Arthur, IL passed away at 1:49P.M. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL.Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at the Arthur United Methodist Church, 128 E. Illinois St. in Arthur, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at the Arthur United Methodist Church. Rev. Jill Bunker will officiate. A funeral luncheon will be served at the church prior to the burial.  Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in rural Sullivan, IL. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.Delano was born on August 26, 1949 in Decatur, IL, a son of Joseph Milton and Marilyn Elane (Selock) Yeakel.  He married Martha K. Stock on July 12, 1969 in Arthur, IL.He is survived by his wife Marty; two children, Jason Yeakel and his wife Tiffany of Arthur, IL, and Kyra Beth Yeakel of Cadott, WI; six grandchildren, Kaylee and Addison of Arthur, and Shane, Izzy, Taylor, and Kassie of Cadott; an honorary grandson, Jake Thomas (Kory); his mother, Marilyn Yeakel of Sullivan, IL; one brother, Duane Yeakel and his wife Linda of Decatur, IL; a  niece, Stacy Bice and her husband Chad of Goshen, IN, and a nephew, Zachery Yeakel and his wife Marissa and great niece, Amelia and soon to be great-nephew, Brian of Peoria; one sister-in-law, Sally (Stock) McCarthy and her husband Don and their son Matthew, all of Arthur. Niece Leslie Yeakel and great-nephews Bryson and Brandon.Delano was preceded in death by his father, and a brother-in-law, Kent Stock.Delano graduated from Sullivan High School in 1967. Delano enjoyed bowling for many years and he and Marty bowled on a doubles team for many years on Sunday nights. The couple also spent many nights playing cards with friends Edward and Connie Lane and others. Delano was a Knights fan and spent many years as statistician for the Arthur Knights football team.He retired as a supervisor from Agri-Fab of Sullivan, IL in 2012 with 35 years of service.He was a member of the Arthur United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees. He was also a member of the Arthur Masonic Lodge 825 A.F and A.M.Delano was very involved with Arthur Boy Scouts, Troop 74, and he served as a Roundtable Commissioner for Boy Scouts of America, Prairielands Council.Delano really enjoyed the game of golf. He enjoyed playing golf with his golfing buddies at Timberlake Golf Course in Sullivan, IL and Eagle Creek Golf Course in Findlay, IL. He had the elusive hole in one twice in his lifetime. Not only did he love playing golf, but he also enjoyed hunting golf balls and had accumulated hundreds if not thousands of golf balls with his golfing buddy Joe IkemireDelano also enjoyed working in his yard, working on cars or just about anything else that needed worked on.  He was “handyman” and the go-to person if you needed to get something done.  It didn’t matter if it was around home, at church, or if someone just needed a hand with something, you could always count on Delano to get the job done.
Memorials may be made to the Arthur United Methodist Church or the Arthur Boy Scouts, Troop 74.