News Progress

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

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