Wesley Foster - Gibson City

Wesley Foster

GIBSON CITY – Wesley Benjamin "Benny" Foster, 83, of Gibson City died at 10:55 p.m. Friday (Aug. 24, 2012) at Heritage Health, Gibson City.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with Rev. Steve Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton, with military honors.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton.
Benny was born Jan. 8, 1929, in rural Ludlow on the Gourley Farm, the son of Robert and Nellie Newkirk Foster. He married Shirley Dale on March 17, 1949, in Peoria. She preceded him in death on Aug. 18, 1978.
He is survived by three sons, Dale (Maggie) Foster of Loda, Don Foster of Urbana and Duane (Teresa) Foster of Mahomet; three daughters, Diana Bidner of Champaign, Dwana Foster of Urbana and Devra (Larry) Strebeck of Mahomet; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Snyder of Plainfield and Joanne Little of Rantoul; and a former wife and dear friend, Johnnie Sickler of Rantoul.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dennis; three brothers; and three sisters.
Benny grew up in Paxton. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 and was stationed in Germany.
He was a farmer; he owned and operated the Dog n Suds Drive In and Central Illinois Disposal, both of Gibson City, and retired as a building service worker from the University of Illinois.
He was a member of the Gibson City Masonic Lodge 733, a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Gibson City American Legion and VFW Posts.
He was an avid Indian artifact collector and enjoyed reading and being around people.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family requests that donations be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children.

Don Miller - Farmer City Lodge

Donald Miller

LeROY – Donald J. "Don" Miller, 87, of LeRoy passed away at 4:27 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 19, 2012) at his home in LeRoy.
Funeral services will be held at noon Thursday, Aug. 23, at LeRoy First United Methodist Church, LeRoy. The Rev. Mary Louise Haxton will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, LeRoy, with military rites accorded.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 23, at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the LeRoy Emergency Ambulance Service or LeRoy First United Methodist Church, LeRoy.
Don was born Sept. 1, 1924, in Eldon, Mo., to Clyde D. and Carrie Oneal Miller. He married Marilyn J. McConkey on June 10, 1950, in Farmer City.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Marilyn J. Miller of LeRoy; three children, Kathy (Robert) Mathewson of LeRoy, Michael (Laura) Miller of LeRoy and Patricia (Peter) Kale of Urbana; nine grandchildren, Rebecca Donahue of Cibolo, Texas, Andrew Horonzy of LeRoy, Angela (Josh) Diehl of Chillicothe, Sarah (Jake) Grainger of LeRoy, Laura (Dan) Vollmer of Normal, Kristin (Eric) Maul of Naperville, Patrick (Stefanie) Mathewson of Normal, Chris Moreland of Normal and Nick Moreland of Normal; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are six siblings, Lucille Epperson of Bloomington, Paul (Jeannine) Miller of Collinsville, Dollie Schramm of Scottsdale, Ariz., Marie (Jack) Gassaway of LeRoy, Dorothy Scott of Bloomington and Linda Cowan of LeRoy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, two brothers and one great-grandchild.
Don was a World War II Army veteran and served with the occupation army in Germany.
He was a member of the Farmer City Masonic Lodge for 64 years, the McLean County Farm Bureau, The Ruel Neal American Legion Post 79, LeRoy, and LeRoy First United Methodist Church.
Don farmed in the LeRoy area for over 50 years before retiring to LeRoy; however, he loved farming so much that he continued to help on the family farm for many more years.
His favorite sports teams were the St. Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini.
He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.

Von Hewerdine

Von Hewerdine

DEWEY – Von Hewerdine, 75, of Dewey passed away on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
He was born Sept. 8, 1936, in Dewey, a son of Olive Norr. He married Linda (Meece) Hewerdine in 1990. She survives.
Also surviving are two stepsons, Chris (Debbie) Baldwin of Chicago and Brent (Melissa) Baldwin of Sugar Grove; and two grandchildren, Nicole Baldwin and Brian Baldwin.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
Von was involved in a number of fraternal organizations, AmVets, Shriners, VFW, Gibson City Moose, and he was a 3rd Degree Mason. He owned and operated Thomas Hewerdine and Son Heavy Equipment and also farmed in the Dewey area.
A celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. There will be a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lux Memorial Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

Hubie Collins - Western Star

Hubert Collins

OGDEN – Hubert B. (Hubie) Collins, 72, of Ogden died at 8:30 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 18, 2012) at home.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana; the Rev. Fr. Stephen Willard will officiate. Burial will be at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with military rites conducted by VFW Post 5520, Champaign. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Masonic funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Collins was born July 10, 1940, in Champaign, the son of Hubert and Wanda Slade Collins. He married Mary A. Smith on Feb. 20, 1960, in Champaign. She survives.
Also surviving are his mother of Urbana; two daughters, Chris (Dennis) Miezio of Ogden and Becky (Doug) Mentzer of Ramsey; one brother, Terry Collins of Urbana; and four grandchildren, Devon Miezio, Ashley Mentzer, Emily Mentzer and Doug Mentzer Jr.
He was preceded in death by his father; one brother, Dennis Collins; and one sister, Jeanette Collins.
Mr. Collins was a Marine Corps veteran and was a patrol officer for the University of Illinois and Urbana Police departments. He was the chief of police for 25 years and maintenance supervisor for the Village of Ogden.
He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Champaign, an original member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Western Star Lodge #240 A.F. & A.M., Teamsters Union, Laborers Union.
Mr. Collins was a former Village of Ogden board member and enjoyed fishing, woodworking, camping, motorcycles, spending time with his family and going to Devon's sporting events.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.
Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Charles Miller - Urbana Lodge

Charles Miller
(August 1, 1929 - July 14, 2012)
Send Flowers Send Sympathy Gifts Send Sympathy Card
Guest Book | Sign Guest Book | Send Private Condolences

Charles Miller 82 of Mahomet died at 3:20 p.m. Saturday, July 14, 2012 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2012 at the Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana; Rev. Chris VonHolten officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign, with military rites conducted by the VFW Post 5520 Champaign. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Miller was born on August 1, 1929 in Urbana, the son of Charles E. and Prudia Farris Miller. He married Ruth King on April 5, 1952 in Champaign; she died on September 12, 1984. Survivors include three daughters; Debbie (Ted) Curtin of Mahomet, Karin (Richard) Devore of Plainfield and Marsha Miller of Champaign and four grandchildren; Brent (Alicia) Curtin of Fithian, Kyle Curtin and Megan Curtin both of Mahomet and Zachary Devore of Plainfield. One sister, Eileen Polston of North Richland Hills, Texas and one niece, Brenda Phelix of Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother; George Edward Miller. Mr. Miller was a U.S. Army combat veteran of the Korean War as a SFC Tank Commander with 106th Tank Battalion, a life member of VFW Post 630 and the American Legion, Post 71. He also was past President of the Urbana Lions Club, Urbana Masonic Lodge #757 A.F. & A.M., a 32nd degree Mason, Grand Council Demolay, Illini Chapter. He was a barber in Urbana for over 30 years and retired as a member of the Teamster Union. Mr. Miller was an avid golfer and hunter. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Developmental Services Center, Trowbridge House, 1304 West Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

Herbert Persons

Herbert Persons

FARMER CITY – Herbert W. Persons Jr., 71, of Farmer City passed away at 4:05 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 16, 2012) at Heartland Healthcare Nursing Home in Normal.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20, at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Rev. Bob Hoover officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Sibley with full military rites.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at the funeral home.
Herbert was born April 28, 1941, in Monticello, a son to Herbert W. and Thelma L. (Hiter) Persons. He married Linda L. Butler on Oct. 30, 1960, in Gibson City. She survives.
Also surviving are a son, Chanc Persons of Gibson City; a daughter, Nancee Redding of Wyoming, Ill.; two grandsons, Shane Copher and Clay Persons; and a sister, Laurie (Mike) Gardner of Paxton.
He was preceded in death by a son, Monte; brother, Paul; and his parents.
Herbert was the owner of B&H Construction of Elliott for many years. He was a past Shriner, a Mason, and was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam.
Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House.

Robert Patterson - Further Light Lodge

Robert Patterson

OAKWOOD – Robert Royal Patterson, 80, of Oakwood died 10:41 p.m. Monday (Aug. 13, 2012) at his home in Oakwood.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at Pape Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams St., Danville, IL 61832 with Pastor Rod M. Godley officiating. Visitation will be 4:30 to 7 p.m. today (Thursday, Aug. 16) at Pape's. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Vermilion Heights Christian Church, 725 Oakwood Avenue, Danville, IL 61832.
Bob was born Sept. 27, 1931, in Danville to Roger Royal and Grace Ethlyn Smith Patterson. He attended Ash Corner grade school and graduated from Danville High School in 1949. He also attended the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and the FBI Academy.
He served with the National Guard during the Korean Conflict, serving in Korea and Japan.
He retired as a lieutenant from the Danville Police Department in 1983 after 26 years. While there, Bob started the Crime Scene Identification Unit and the Police Explorers Group. He spent seven years at the Danville Correction Facility as supervisor of the bureau of identification.
Bob was a member of the Vermilion Heights Christian Church, Further Light Masonic Lodge 1130, Danville Scottish Rite Bodies, Ansar Shrine, Eastern Illinois Shrine Club, Gao Grotto and Danville Boat Club. He served as president of the Illinois Division of the International Association of Identification.
Bob married Carole Anne Connor Beltrone on April 10, 1955, at Catlin Methodist Church and she survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Lisa (Steve) Lane; a grandson, Joshua Robert Edward Lane; a nephew, John Scott (DeAnn) Currier; a sister-in-law, Joanna Marie Marrow; and a brother-in-law, James Dale LaFrance. He was preceded by his parents and a sister, Patty Nantz Loar. A guest register is at www.papemortuary.com.

Gary Newlin - Anchor Lodge

Gary Newlin

AnonymousCommercial-NewsThe Commercial-NewsSat Aug 11, 2012, 11:02 PM CDT

DANVILLE — Gary Newlin, 62, of Danville, formerly of Ridge Farm, passed away at 3:10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, at Danville Care Center.

He was born Aug. 8, 1950, in Danville, the son of Albert and Nina Edwards Newlin. He married Linda Mullins on Aug. 21, 1971, at Farmers Chapel in Bismarck.

She will miss him along with two sons, Gary (Angel) Newlin II of Maquoketa, Iowa, and Bill (Emily) Newlin of Potomac; a daughter, Laura (Rick) Boyd of Danville; seven grandchildren, Amber, Corey and Elizabeth Boyd, Destney Borden and Trenity Lathem, Caaden and Brooklynn Keltner; two sisters, Alberta (Byron) King of Morton and Pamela (Howard) Byron of Loogootee, Ind. He was preceded by his parents.

Gary was employed at Bell Helmets in Rantoul as a maintenance worker. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Philippines at Clark Air Force Base. Gary was a 32nd Degree Mason and past Master and lifetime member of Anchor Lodge 980 and a member of the Gao Grotto. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved fishing, bow hunting and camping. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

A celebration of life funeral service for Gary Newlin will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, at Ridge Farm Friends Church, 201 N. First St., Ridge Farm, with Pastor Ron Drage officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Visitation for family and friends will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown. Memorial contributions can be given to United Samaritans Cancer Center in Danville.

Please join Gary’s family in sharing memories through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Orville Grove - Mahomet Lodge

Orville Grove

MAHOMET – Orville F. Grove, 83, of Mahomet died at 12 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 11, 2012) at Heartland Healthcare Center, Champaign.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, with the Rev. Jeremiah Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Grove was born Nov. 9, 1928, in Mansfield, the son of Orville H. and Della M. Wilson Grove. He married Juanita M. Lewis on Jan. 1, 1949, in Urbana. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Carrie M. (John Seals) Grove of Kiln, Miss., and one granddaughter, Jessica Seals.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Dora Lee Smith.
Mr. Grove was a letter carrier for the Champaign Post Office, then Post Master of the Mahomet Post office for 13 years.
Mr. Grove served on the Mahomet Village Council from 1989 to 1995.
He was a member of the Mahomet United Methodist Church, Mahomet Masonic Lodge #220 A.F. & A.M., and Eastern Star #901, Mahomet. He loved cars.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mahomet United Methodist Church, 1302 E. South Mahomet Road, Mahomet, IL 61853.
Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Kenneth Grider - Olive Branch

Kenneth Grider

DANVILLE – Kenneth Ralph Grider crossed over and found peace on Aug. 8, 2012.
Ken or Kenny, as he was known to many, was born Sept. 9, 1926, to Mahala "Gertrude" and Samuel L. Grider in Georgetown.
He had two older sisters, Pauline and Willabelle, and four older brothers, Samuel, James, Robert and Ezekiel. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia Ann (George) Grider; two children, Cynthia Ann Grider Davis (Gene) and Timothy Leo Grider (Shane); two grandchildren, Adam Guy Davis and Kelly Dawn Davis Lenhart; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Ken grew up in Georgetown, but also lived in Chicago and Covington, Ind. He was 46 when he received his high school diploma, as he had dropped out of high school to go to the Navy, where he served for four years during World War II. While in the Navy, he was a Golden Gloves boxing champion. Ken worked briefly at Marshall Field in Chicago before working for more than 30 years at the Veteran's Administration in Danville, where he started as an aide and retired as an X-ray technologist. His son, Timothy, followed in his footsteps as an X-ray technologist.
It was at the VA that Ken met the love of his life, Patty. "She was standing on a ladder the first time I saw her. When our eyes met, I knew she would be my wife." They married July 3, 1952. He was proud to tell everyone, "I've never even looked at another woman after I fell in love with my wife." His family and friends can attest to his unending love of Patty. They were known as "Ken and Barbie" at the Oakwood Truck Stop, where they frequently dined.
Ken was proud of his Cherokee heritage, and was given the nickname "The Bald Eagle" after losing his hair later in life. He was an avid hunter and supplied the family with squirrel, pheasant, rabbits and deer. He enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling, camping and family vacations.
Ken played baseball for the Des Moines Twilight League for many years as a catcher. He loved sports, and had a special affinity for the Cubs.
Ken will always be remembered for his sense of humor. At any given moment, he might erupt with an euphemism or colorful saying. He was a proud member of the "International Order of Turtles," in keeping with his sense of humor; and was also a 32nd Degree Mason. He was quite a humanitarian - always willing to help his friends physically and financially, took in foster children, and even opened his home to a number of dogs and cats.
You have been a great inspiration to us and we will always remember and love you! - Your family.
The family requests all memorial contributions be made to C.A.R.A. no-kill animal shelter.
A service to celebrate the life of Ken Grider will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, in Danville. Pastor Susan Starr will officiate. Burial will follow in Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service on Saturday, also at Sunset in Danville.
Please join Ken's family in sharing memories, photos and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

3rd Degree Saturday August 11 at Olive Branch

Brethren,

On Saturday morning August 11 my oldest Brother, Michael Scott McBride will receive the Master Mason Degree at the Danville Masonic Center.   Olive Branch Lodge #38 will be conferring the Degree as a courtesy to Catlin Lodge #285, where he will be a member.  The slate will be filled by members of the Ancient Craft Degree Team of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Danville, who will be dressed in tuxedo.

Scott, as he prefers to be called, retired from the 30-year career in the United States Army with the rank of Colonel in early 2011 and he is very excited to become a Master Mason.

I and my Dad, John McBride would like to invite each of you and any other Brethren you would care to invite to attend the Degree and share in this proud experience.

Coffee and donuts will be available at 8:00am and the Lodge will be opened at 9:00am.  The candidate will be examined for proficiency on the Fellowcraft Degree using the traditional "long form" catechism in open Lodge prior to the conferral of the Master Mason Degree.

A soup and sandwich lunch will be served by the Brethren of Catlin Lodge following the Degree.

I would personally like to thank Olive Branch Lodge for conferring this Degree as a courtesy to Catlin Lodge and allow us the privilege of added seating capacity above what our Lodge has available, and also the Ancient Craft Degree Team of the Valley of Danville for filling the slate.  Many Brethren from several areas have expressed an interest in attending this Degree and it would be a pleasure to enjoy your company and your fellowship.


Fraternally,

Sean McBride
Secretary, Catlin Lodge #285

Night Golf Sponsored by Olive Branch Lodge

Night Golf

Hosted by:

Olive Branch Masonic Lodge #38

Friday September 7th, 2012

7:15 PM Registration

7:45 PM Shotgun

Entry Fee:  $45.00 Non-Harrison Park Member

           $38.00 Harrison Park Member

(Fee includes Greens Fee, Cart, Night Golf Equipment, & Prizes)

Please call Harrison Park Pro Shop for Reservations at 217-431-2266.

Or Robert Blacketer – 217-497-3833 or blackie3272@yahoo.com

Hillious "Red" Binion - Arthur Lodge

Hillious Binion

ARTHUR – Hillious "Red" Binion, 87, of Arthur passed away at 11:55 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 4, 2012) at his daughter's residence in Arthur.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at Edwards Funeral Home, 221 E. Main St. in Arcola. The Rev. John Stewart will officiate. Burial with military rites conducted by the Arthur American Legion Post 479 will be in the Arthur Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the funeral home. Public Masonic rites will be conducted by the Arthur Masonic Lodge 825 AF and AM at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Edwards Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.edwardsfh.net.
Red was born Aug. 23, 1924, in Scottsville, Ky. He was a son of Roy and Flossie (York) Binion. He married Madonna Carolyn Lawrence on Dec. 19, 1959, in Arthur. She passed away on Nov. 3, 2003.
Survivors include one daughter, Debbie S. Howell of Arthur; seven grandchildren, William Michael Binion and his wife Suzanne of Arthur, Bobbie Jo Ellison of Mattoon, Kimberly Williams of Decatur, Tosha Duzan of Arthur, Brandon Artis of Champaign, Nathan Schrock of Anchorage, Alaska, and Hank Schrock and his wife Whitney of Phenix City, Ala.; 14 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Robert Binion and his wife Helen and Billy Binion, all of Arthur, and Wilbur Binion and his wife Ann and James Binion and his wife Ilene, all of Sullivan; one sister, Doris Rich of Arthur; and his loving companion, Marge Bialesbhki.
He was preceded in death by his wife; one son, Gary Binion; one sister, Clarine Howard; and two brothers, Neal and Donald Binion.
Red was a member of the Arthur First Baptist Church, the Arthur Lions Club and the Arthur American Legion Post 479, and he was a 50-year member of the Arthur Masonic Lodge 825 AF and AM.
Red was an Army veteran of World War II. He drove a semi for several years; after he retired from driving a semi, he and his wife opened the Busy Bee Ceramic Shop in Chesterville. Red also taxied Amish all over the United States for several years. The past few years Red enjoyed spending time with family and friends and especially his bff, Kenny "BB" Mentzer.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Valley of Danville Travels to Crete

The Valley of Danville - Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite traveled to Crete Lodge No. 763 today and presented the 4th, 6th and 26th degrees.  Crete Lodge brethren were great hosts.

Elmer Woodard - St. Joseph Lodge

Elmer Woodard

ST. JOSEPH – Elmer Woodard, 81, of St. Joseph passed away at 8:11 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 2, 2012) at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Sally Swaim officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Elmer was born Nov. 13, 1930, in Jasper County, the son of Ralph and Lillian Elliot Woodard. He married Mary Ann Dellert on June 24, 1951, in Decatur. She survives.
He is also survived by his children, George Woodard of St. Joseph, Lou Ann Carper of Champaign and Robert (Kathy) Woodard of St. Joseph; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, one brother, Charles Woodard of Decatur; and two sisters, Audrey Dart of Decatur and Dorothy Webber of Mattoon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
Elmer was co-owner of St. Joseph Supply Company, then the Cool Company. He was a 50-year member of the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge. Elmer enjoyed family get-togethers. He was a St. Louis Cardinals and fighting Illini fan.

H.E. Sonny Yeargin Jr. - Urbana Lodge

H.E. Yeargin

URBANA – H.E. "Sonny" Yeargin Jr., 80, of Woodstock, formerly of Urbana, died Saturday (July 28, 2012) at Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. A memorial service will follow directly afterward. Masonic rites will be accorded. Burial will be private.
Mr. Yeargin was born Dec. 3, 1931, in Nashville, Tenn., the son of H.E. and Margaret Yeargin. He married Edna M. Tenbrook on June 17, 1954, in Urbana. She preceded him in death.
He is survived by daughters, Candice I. Yeargin of Woodstock and Jill S. Yeargin Tully of Washington, Ill.; a son, Greg Yeargin of Champaign; a sister, Jean Y. Lewis of Mississippi and her six daughters, Dawn Howard of Arkansas, Debbie Jones, Mona P. Jones and Cindy Currie, all of Tennessee, Donna Joy Jones of Florida and Bonnye McDonald of Mississippi; grandchildren, Emma C. Tully of Washington, Ill., and Dylen C. Yeargin of Fithian; sisters-in-law, Virgina Gibson of Colorado and Nettie Tenbrook of Urbana; and brother-in-law, Claris Tenbrook of Peoria; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and a brother, Bill Yeargin of Arizona.
Mr. Yeargin attended Champaign Central High School after his discharge from the U.S. Navy. His mechanical career spanned six decades in the Champaign-Urbana area. He was a business owner in Urbana - Sonny's Towing Service, along with a service station and auto repair for many years.
He was an avid golfer and was the Ranger during summers at two local golf courses after his retirement. He loved just about any kind of racing, especially stock cars. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Urbana Lodge No. 157.
The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois in Barrington.

Edward Peden - Paxton Lodge

Home » Obituaries

• View
• Guestbook

Edward Peden

PAXTON – Edward K. "Bud" Peden, 91, of Paxton passed away at 7:05 p.m. Monday (July 30, 2012) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with Pastor Milton Cruz officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington, with military honors by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at the funeral home.
Ed was born Jan. 23, 1921, in Towanda, the son of Samuel Gaither and Mary Pearl Hargrove Peden. He spent his childhood in Towanda and graduated from Towanda High School and entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1939. He was active army in 1942 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1960, having achieved the rank of senior master sergeant.
He received many awards and decorations during his military service including the American Defense, American Campaign, European Theatre with three combat stars, crew member wings, Army commendations, Army Good Conduct Medal and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
He married Margaret W. Potts on Jan. 16, 1950, in Yorkville. They moved from Rantoul to Paxton in 1953. She preceded him in death on Jan. 19, 1996.
Surviving are two sons, John (Kim) Peden of Vienna, Va., and Jim Peden of Ludlow; a daughter, Susan (Ron) Graham of Alabama; seven grandchildren, Jake (Laura) Peden, Mandy (Lucas) Young, Erin (Jarod) Oliver, Drew Graham, Kaitlyn, Megan and Jack Peden; four great-grandchildren, Tyler and Madi Peden, Brady and Lily Young.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, William Peden; two brothers; and three sisters.
Ed was a civil service training specialist at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, from 1960 to 1981. He was awarded several commendations.
Ed was a member of the Paxton Church of Christ. He was also a member of the Loda Sportsman's Club, Paxton American Legion Post 150, Towanda VFW and a 50-year member of the Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 A.F.&A.M.
He was an avid sportsman who enjoying fishing, hunting and trap shooting. He enjoyed morning coffee with his many friends and his daily visits to Market Street Barber Shop.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.