Recent Obituaries: Colleen Brewer

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Colleen Brewer

Colleen Brewer, age 69, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at DMH, with her loving sister and brother-in-law by her side.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Bethany. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Todd’s Point Cemetery, rural Findlay. Memorials may be made to Moultrie County PAWS: 10 Leisure Acres, Sullivan, IL 61951.     

She was born on October 5, 1956, in Decatur, to William and Betty Brewer. Colleen is now reunited with her parents, William and Betty, embraced once again in their love—a reunion long awaited, bringing her eternal peace.

She is survived by her siblings: Michael (Margie) Brewer of Bethany, Gene (Linda) Brewer of Nebraska, Charles (Cheri) Brewer of Bethany, David Brewer of Bethany, and Chris (Brian) Richardson of Bethany; as well as her aunt, Nancy Freeman of Georgia. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, along with great-nieces and great-nephews who will remember her in their own special ways.

Colleen was known for her strength and her straightforward nature. She lived life on her own terms, with a spirit that was independent and unwavering. She devoted many years of her life to caring for her parents, a role she carried out with quiet dedication and steadfast commitment. Though she may not have always expressed warmth in traditional ways, she loved her family deeply and consistently in her own way.

Her beloved fur babies, Miracle and Brat, will miss her dearly.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at DMH for their compassionate care and support during this time.

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

Obituaries 5-20-2026: Brenda Meritt

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Brenda Meritt

Brenda J. Meritt, 83, of Sullivan, Illinois died Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m at Sullivan Rehab & Health Care. Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Kennedy & Sons Funeral Home, Pana, Illinois with Pastor Rodney Briscoe officiating. Visitation will also be Friday, May 22, 2026, at Kennedy & Sons beginning at 12:00 Noon until time of service. Burial will be in Myers Cemetery, Herrick Township, Shelby County, Illinois.

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Recent Obituaries: Gary Wayne Newberry

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Gary Wayne Newberry

Gary Wayne Newberry, 66, of Lovington, passed away 7:10 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the Lovington First Church of God. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Gary was born on July 22, 1959, in Decatur; the son of Glenn E. and Joan R. (Randol) Newberry. He was an impressive artist and enjoyed doing art projects for many people. Gary loved collecting rocks and especially loved collecting arrow heads.

Gary is survived by his father, Glenn E. Newberry of Lovington; brothers, Keith (Rhonda) Newberry of Sullivan and Vernon Newberry of Lovington; nephews, Ryan Newberry and Nick Newberry; great-niece and great-nephews, Keegan, Leah and Jackson Newberry.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Joan.

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

Obituaries 5-13-2026: Chester Ray, Jr.

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Chester “Chuck” Ray, Jr.

Chester Francis “Chuck” Ray, Jr., 77, of Sullivan, passed away 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, at his home, with loved ones by his side.

As per his wishes, no services will be held. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

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Obituaries 5-13-2026: Brian Porter

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Brian Porter

Brian K. Porter, 55, of Sullivan, passed away 6:35 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, Mattoon.

Graveside services will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Richland Cemetery, Boyleston, IL. Memorials may be made to the Sarah Bush Cancer Center in Mattoon. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

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Obituaries 5-13-2026: Stanley Davis

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Stanley Davis

Stanley Poole Davis was born in Festus, Missouri on a hot August 10, 1941, just a few months before the United States was plunged in World War II.  84 years later, on December 6, 2025, he closed his eyes in sleep for the last time on this earth as he opened his eyes in Glory to greet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   

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Recent Obituaries: Brian Porter

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Brian Porter

Brian K. Porter, 55, of Sullivan, passed away 6:35 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, Mattoon.

Graveside services will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Richland Cemetery, Boyleston, IL. Memorials may be made to the Sarah Bush Cancer Center in Mattoon. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Brian was born on January 9, 1971, in Fairfield; the son of James and Betty (Allison) Porter. He attended the Solid Rock Chapel in Sullivan. Brian was an avid sports fan with the Dallas Cowboys as his favorite football team, the St. Louis Cardinals as his favorite baseball team and #77 “The Hurricane” Carson Hocevar as his favorite NASCAR driver. Brian also enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. He loved spending time with his family, with his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews being his whole world. He was their biggest supporter and biggest fan.

Brian is survived by his sister, Teresa (Mark) Thrasher of Sullivan; nieces and nephews, Kristen (Phil) Mosser of Decatur, Leah (Waylon) James of Mattoon, Jacob (Jerica) Thrasher of Sullivan and Marissa (Chris) Davis of Sullivan. He is also survived by 8 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James Robert “Robbie” Porter.

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