News Progress

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.

Michael Christian Duvall of Aurora, Illinois, passed away at the age of 50 on November 24, 2025.

Michael was born on March 22, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Donald Edward and Sandra Paulette (Woolridge) Duvall.

Michael graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School in June 1993. He attended Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, where he became a member of the Gamma Zeta chapter of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. Michael ultimately received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in May 2007.

Michael was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan and a life-long sufferer of the Chicago Bears. He was a self-proclaimed band nerd and a fan of all manner of music from Metallica to John Williams. He loved playing the drums and once proclaimed, "My Awesome God gave me a drum to bang."  

Michael was a born-again Christian who loved God and knew his final home is in Heaven.

Michael is survived by his loving parents, Donald E. and Paulette (Woolridge) Duvall; sister, Marcee C. Duvall; brother, Matthew C. Duvall; and nephew, Jacob R. Duvall.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Thomas E. Duvall and Bette A. (Bock) Duvall; maternal grandparents Oscar Woolridge and Imogene (Elzy) Woolridge.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan, Illinois. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan with Pastor Grant Wade officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Memorials are suggested to the Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.