News Progress

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.

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.