Eastern Illinois Freemasonry

Pancakes and Scottish Rite in St. Joseph

2012-01-29T19:28:00.000-06:00

St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 is hosting a pancake breakfast from 6am-10am on Saturday Feb. 4 at the St. Joseph Methodist Church.

Also the Valley of Danville will have a degree day at St. Joseph Lodge the same day. Registration is at 9am and degrees at 10am. If you are not a member of Scottish Rite this is a great opportunity.

Help need with Veterans

2012-01-28T08:22:00.003-06:00

Greetings Brothers,

You will all be aware of the Masonic Services Association ["MSA"] and its commitment to veterans, especially those from our area who are inpatients at Illiana Health Care System Danville Medical Center at 1900 East Main Street, Danville.

The MSA and local VA need volunteer help on Sunday, February 12 at 1pm to help escort Veterans to the performance of a Quartet that will be playing for all Veterans.

Also, the annual National Salute is taking place February 14 at 10am at the VA and we could use help directing folks from the entry doors to the Social Activity Room.

Your support would be gratefully received and if there are any brothers available please confirm the numbers with me by reply email and/or by calling me on 918-2473 NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 7.

Sincerely,

Andy Phillips
Representative, MSA
Olive Branch

Dale Davidson - Arcola

2012-01-28T08:10:00.000-06:00

Dale Davidson

WATSON – Dale McClleand Davidson, 78, of Watson, formerly of Arcola, passed away at 10:35 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2012) at his daughter's residence.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at Edwards Funeral Home, 221 E. Main St., Arcola. The Rev. Roger McIntire will officiate. Burial with military rites will be in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the funeral home.
Dale was born March 1, 1933, in Litchfield. He was a son of Ellis McClleand and Letta May (Traylor) Davidson. He married Shelby Jean Kurfess on July 24, 1955, at St. Paul's Church in Hillsboro. She passed away July 10, 1997.
Survivors include three daughters, Dawn Davidson of Tuscola, Kim McGeehon and her husband Doug of Arcola and Lori Neal and her husband Rusty of Watson; four grandchildren, Joel and Ted McGeehon and Seth and Cole Neal; two great grandchildren, Shelby and Remington McGeehon; and one brother, William Traylor Davidson and his wife Margarite of Pecos, Texas.
Along with his wife and his parents, one son, Michael Davidson, and one brother, Merrill Davidson, preceded him in death.
Dale was an Army veteran, serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was an intelligence analyst and received two Purple Hearts during the Korean War. He graduated Special Forces in May 1970. Dale served a total of 36 years in the Army, Reserves and National Guard.
Following his military career, Dale had worked at USI in Tuscola and was a bartender at the Embassy in Arcola. Dale had done some sky diving, having completed a Santa Claus Jump.
Dale was a member of Arcola Masonic Lodge 366 AF & AM and Montgomery Masonic Lodge 426 AF & AM at Ranger, N.C. He had a total of 57 years as a Mason. He was also a member of the Sword of Bunker Hill and the United Methodist Church in Murphy, N.C.
Memorials may be made to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals) and the American Cancer Society.

America's Book of Secrets

2012-01-27T21:44:00.000-06:00

Saturday, January 28th at 10PM on History 2 (formerly History International) featuring appearances by Christopher Hodapp and Alice Von Kannon.

Robert Karr - Rantoul

2012-01-23T07:16:00.003-06:00

Robert Karr

INDIANAPOLIS – Robert Lee Karr, 83, current resident of Indianapolis and longtime resident of Rantoul, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2012, at IU West Hospital surrounded by family.
Robert "Bob" was born on Jan. 22, 1928, in Rantoul. He was one of six children born to Fred and Martha Belle Hadley Karr. He graduated from Rantoul Township High School. Bob was retired after a long career at the Illinois Central Railroad. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and received an honorable discharge. He also was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge, spanning more than 50 years of his life.
On Dec. 12, 1953, he married Mary Louise Reichert and they just celebrated 58 years of marriage on Dec. 12, 2011. Bob will forever be remembered and always treasured by his loving wife, Mary Karr; beloved children, Bob Karr, Glenda Karr, Steven Karr and Lisa (Karr) Ordaz; his daughters-in-law, Pam Karr and Thuy Karr; and his son-in-law, Tony Ordaz; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Amber and Amanda Ordaz, Kamie (Karr) Owens, husband Steve, Charlie Karr, wife Angie, April Karr, Corey and Alex Karr, and Madisyn Owens; his devoted brother, Edward Karr; and his loving sister, Virginia Smith.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Karr; mother and stepfather, Martha and Ed Kuyrkendall; two brothers; and a sister, Joe and Bill Karr and Sylvia Lenhart.
Bob loved listening to the radio, watching sports, taking walks, and above all else, spending time with his family. Bob touched so many lives with his kind heart and amazing smile. We will miss him every day and love him always.
Bob's graveside service and celebration of life memorial service will be set for a later date in Rantoul. Donations may be made to the Rantoul Masonic Lodge, 101 1/2 E. Sangamon Ave., Rantoul, IL 61866 or the American Cancer Society.

Monte Goodwin

2012-01-23T07:14:00.003-06:00

Monte Goodwin

DANVILLE – Monte Gene Goodwin, 78, of Danville passed away at 4:01 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2012) at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.
Monte was born Oct. 13, 1933, in Robinson, the son of Valmore and Mildred (Elliott) Goodwin. He married Janet R. Musgrave on June 22, 1957, in Hutsonville. She survives.
He is also survived by a son, James "Jay" E. (Tracey) Goodwin of Lake Mary, Fla.; a daughter, Julie G. (Tony) Clark of Indianapolis; and two grandchildren, Shelby and Travis Goodwin of Lake Mary, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Monte graduated in 1951 from Robinson High School, where he played on two consecutive state championship football teams in 1949 and 1950. He later went on to Purdue University, were he excelled at football. He graduated from Purdue in 1955. After graduating from Purdue, he joined the United States Army, where he served from 1955 to 1957. While in the Army he played on the Army All-Star football, baseball and basketball teams.
After the Army, Janet and Monte were married and he began working for the Marathon Oil Company. After Marathon Oil, he began working for Investors Diversified Services, which later became Amerprise, for 41 years, as a financial adviser, until he retired in 2003.
He was a member of the Jaycees, Rotary Club, Elks Lodge 332, 32nd degree Mason, Shrine Club and a trustee for Newell Township. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder for the church, and a member of the Danville Boat Club.
Monte was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing anywhere he could. He also enjoyed traveling and has spent the last nine years wintering in Florida. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends.
A celebration of the life of Monte G. Goodwin will be at 1 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. Jimmy Hopper officiating.
Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, a Life Celebration Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Hutsonville Cemetery in Hutsonville.
Memorials may be made in Monte's name to the First Presbyterian Church or to the American Cancer Society. Please join Monte's family in posting memories, photos or videos on his tribute wall at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Champaign Royal Arch Chapter

2012-01-22T18:36:00.001-06:00

CHAMPAIGN CHAPTER NO. 50
ROYAL ARCH MASONS
14 Bel Air Ct
Champaign, Illinois

Will confer the Most Excellent Master Degree
And
Royal Arch Degree
on
January 25, 2012
Beginning At
6:00 PM

All are welcome, especially sideliners.

8th Eastern Workers Club

2012-01-15T16:13:00.000-06:00

Brethren,

Next month's meeting will be at Catlin Lodge on Monday, January, 16. Food at 6:15 PM, and work to follow at 7:00 PM. This is our annual meeting, with election of officers for the coming year. Myself and the other officers hope we can get some of the newer members to help us out this year, by serving as an officer.

See you there, and bring a brother!

Fraternally,

Jon Rayls

Whence Came You Podcast

2012-01-14T17:24:00.001-06:00

I recently began listening to a new podcast titled "Whence Came You" produced by Brother Robert Johnson of Illinois. Brother Johnson already has produced 25 podcasts which have covered a variety of Masonic topics including the York Rite, Scottish Rite and many others. The podcasts run about 15-20 minutes each and are available at either the website on in itunes for apple users.

I enjoy listening to them and Brother Johnson has done a great job with these. I encourage you to check out his website and listen in!

Carl Davis - Catlin Lodge

2012-01-12T18:07:00.000-06:00

Carl Davis

May 10, 1926 - January 11, 2012

Carl Davis 85 of Fairmount, well known area farmer, passed away at 1:18 am Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at Carle Hospital in Urbana, after a sudden illness. He was born May 10, 1926 in Muncie, Illinois to Albert & Mary Wise Davis. Carl married Rosemary Salrin September 18, 1949 at the First Presbyterian Church in Fairmount, with Rev. Lee Smith officiating. Rosie survives as well as: two sons: Mike (Marsha) Davis of Danville, Illinois and Bob (Sally) Davis of Fairmount, Illinois; one daughter: Connie Fritz Mullen of Fairmount, Illinois; one brother: Don (Edie) Davis of Covington, Indiana; one sister: Bernice (Bill) Grubb of Covington, Indiana; five grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Joe & Lloyd, and four sisters: Rose-Laverne-Delores-Nellie.

Carl was raised on the farm, and spent his entire life farming, he did custom bailing and shelling. Rosie was his partner and worked alongside him throughout their married life both on and off the farm. Carl especially loved being with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren, he enjoyed coffee with his Oakwood Truck stop buddies, especially Chuck Tiffin. He was an avid Cardinals fan, and enjoyed RV. Traveling and had friends in both the US & Canada. Carl was a member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, GAO Grotto, Ansar Shrine, Eastern Illinois Shrine Club, and rode the 25 man supercycle. He was also a past member of the Elks Club, and had served on the Fairmount Grade School Board.

Funeral services 10 am Monday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial in the Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Visitation is from 2-4 pm on Sunday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Memorials to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or the Fairmount Rescue. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com

Degree's Cancelled

2012-01-12T15:28:00.001-06:00

Degrees are cancelled tonight for January 12 at:

Ogden Lodge No. 754

Russell (Georgetown) Lodge

Donald Karr

2012-01-10T21:40:00.001-06:00

CHAMPAIGN – Donald Karr, 82, of Champaign passed away at 1:37 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 8, 2012) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.Don was born Oct. 6, 1929, in Danville, the son of E. Floyd and Esther (Sederlund) Karr. He married Marylin Saldeen in Paxton on Sept. 12, 1954. She survives.He is also survived by his daughters, Jeanne (Larry) Lewis and Peggie (Jim) Malloy, both of Champaign; three grandchildren, Joe (Dee) Lewis, Kristine Malloy and Andy Lewis, and great-grandson Joey Lewis, all of Champaign.He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter.Don graduated from Paxton High School and attended Gallagher School of Business in Kankakee. He served his country in the U.S. Navy, was past master and a 50-year Mason and a former member of Champaign AMBUCS, C-U Elks and Exchangers Club.A registered land surveyor, Don worked for Goodell Engineering for many years. He was a Realtor, achieved the CCIM designation and was a member of the Champaign County Board of Realtors, of which he was past president. In his retirement, he was employed by Enterprise car rental.Don was an avid Illini and Cub fan.Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive, Savoy. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Steve Jaeger at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the funeral home.Memorials may be made to Food for Seniors, c/o Stevick Center, 48 Main St. Champaign; the Salvation Army; or an organization of the donor's choice.

Blood Drive at Ogden Saturday Jan. 14

2012-01-09T20:41:00.001-06:00

Installation Speech by WB Scott K. Bellis DeKalb Lodge

2012-01-09T07:12:00.003-06:00

Speech Delivered by WB Scott K. Bellis on December 30, 2011 at the Installation of Officers of DeKalb Lodge #144 A.F. & A.M. :

Members of DeKalb Lodge, honored Brethren, friends and family I welcome you here today and thank you for your presence on this special occasion. Thank you to my Installing Officers, under the direction of Most Worshipful Past Grandmaster Daniel Yandel. You did a superb job of installing all of the incoming officers today.
Thank you, also, to the brethren who have agreed to be officers for the upcoming year. With this collection of able men, we are bound to have an extraordinary year.
There have been many famous members of the Fraternity that I admire, but one that truly inspires me is Brother Theodore Roosevelt. Brother Roosevelt, said in 1902, “ One of the things that attracted me so greatly to Masonry…was that it really did live up to what we, as a government, are pledged to --- of treating each man on his merits as a Man.” On March 4, 1905, Brother Roosevelt took the Oath of Office for the second time. He was sworn in with the same Bible used when he was sworn in as Governor of New York in 1898, and it was opened to James 1:22-23. This says:
22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
I would like for every member of this lodge to heed these words this year. Do not go about merely hearing the words of our Fraternity, but take notice of them, listen to them, and practice them. Freemasonry is a system of morality, precepts, tenants and principles all designed to make good men better; better men more honorable; and more honorable men wiser. By observing these principles, and learning the skills of our calling, we are made better husbands; better fathers; better sons; and better brothers. Masonry is religious but Masonry is not a religion. The lessons of Freemasonry from the sacred volume, teach us that we owe respect and honor to God, our neighbors, our families and ourselves. These truths give us the knowledge and inspiration to improve ourselves as men and Masons and to endure the rough valleys of our journey ahead.
There are two quotes from Brother Roosevelt’s Inaugural speech that day that I find pertinent to this group of officers and our year ahead:

“Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves; and we can shirk neither.”

In addition:

“There is no good reason why we should fear the future, but there is every reason why we should face it seriously, neither hiding from ourselves the gravity of the problems before us nor fearing to approach these problems with the unbending, unflinching purpose to solve them aright.”
Inaugural Address of Theodore Roosevelt, SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1905
Masonry has become a very important part of my life. It has helped me to develop trust in God, and more importantly trust in a Brother or mankind. Why am I a Freemason? Because I am proud to be a man who wants to keep the moral standards of life at a high level and leave something behind that others will benefit from. As I become better, I can help others do the same. Masonry has given me tools of moral and ethical truths. I have become part of a brotherhood that transcends all ethnic, cultural, social, educational and religious differences. So as I continue this journey that leads me to understanding myself and fellow human beings I leave you with one last quote from Brother Theodore Roosevelt:

“We must treat each man on his worth and merits as a man. We must see that each is given a square deal, because he is entitled to no more and should receive no less. The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us.”
New York State Fair, Syracuse, September 7, 1903

December's Rose

2012-01-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Olive Branch Lodge No. 38 will host the Scottish Rite Players as they present the very popular play, "December's Rose" on Saturday, January 14 at 7:00. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.
For an enjoyable evening of entertainment and fellowship, please mark your calender and plan to join us. This is opened to the public, so invite your friends as the public is invited and admission is FREE.
Robert L. Blacketer - Secretary
Olive Branch Lodge No. 38

Gerald DeVon Meade - Ogden Lodge

2012-01-06T17:40:00.002-06:00

Gerald DeVon Meade

FITHIAN — Gerald DeVon Meade passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at his daughter’s home in Columbia, Mo., with his family present.

He lived in the Fithian, Ill., area 89 years before selling the family home in April 2005 to move closer to family.

Gerald was born Oct. 27, 1915, to Earl Meade Sr. and Neva Ellen Poage Meade on the old Meade homestead in Fithian. He was the oldest of four sons, M. Ithul, Earl Jr. and Donald.

In 1934, he graduated from Oakwood Township High School, the first of his family to do so. While there, he read every book in the library.

He worked at Hegler Zinc Co. in Danville until October 1941 when he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served as drill sergeant and demolitions expert and earned recognition as sharpshooter.

After discharge in February 1946, he returned to Fithian and ran the Fithian bulk plant for Standard Oil Co. for 30 years. As a trainer-agent, he trained his brothers, Ithul and Donald, the first brothers ever hired by Standard Oil. After retirement in 1975, he returned to farming and worked for Gerald Barnes 25 years before retiring again at age 86.

Gerald met Mary Casari in November 1945. They married May 18, 1946, and had two daughters.

Gerald was very active in the Fithian community, serving more than 50 years on various boards: Fithian Village Board (12 years as mayor); Fithian Grade School Board; Oakwood Township High School Board; and 30 years on the Fithian-Muncie Stearns Cemetery Board.

He initiated and collected donations for a memorial to honor all war veterans. Gerald was a 53-year member of the Mason Ogden Lodge 754; 63-year member of American Legion Post 998 (Ogden); Scottish Rite in the Valley of Danville; lifetime member of Vermilion County Museum and Vermilion County War Museum; lifetime Charter member, National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.; and member of NRA.

Gerald loved the outdoors and roamed the woods and Salt Fork River mushroom hunting, fishing and game hunting. For 61 years he made annual trips to northern Wisconsin to visit family and to fish. He enjoyed several trips to Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada, with his fishing buddy, Raymond VanBuskirk and family. He loved going to the Oakwood truck stop every day to meet friends.

Gerald was a great family man during his 49 married years, enjoying many family dinners and croquet games on the farm as well as euchre and canasta. In later years, he loved cribbage. He was an honest, fair and generous man to all who knew him.

He is survived by his two daughters, Carole Jean (Guy) Rodon and children, Andre Rodon and Melinda (Brant) Campbell; and Robin Jane (Matt) Cadwell and children, Katie Devon Cadwell (Jesse Bond), Emily Cadwell and Alexandra Cadwell; great-granddaughter, Zion Avery Richardson; sister-in-law, Janet Casari; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, on March 28, 1996; his brothers and their spouses; and two brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 at Sunset’s Oakwood Chapel, Oakwood, with service immediately following. Burial will be at Fithian Stearns Cemetery, with military rites.

Condolences in care of: Sunset’s Oakwood Chapel, 105 E. S. Main St., Oakwood, IL, 61858.

Memorial donations suggested to: Vermilion County Museum or Vermilion County War Museum Society in Danville.

John Hendrickson - Arthur

2012-01-01T08:57:00.000-06:00

John Hendrickson

ATWOOD – John Edgar Hendrickson, 83, of Atwood passed away at 1:10 a.m. Friday (Dec. 30, 2011) at the Imboden Creek Living Center, Decatur.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, at St. John's Catholic Church, 205 S. Pine St., Arcola, with Father Barry Harmon as celebrant. A Vigil Service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, with visitation following from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East U.S. Highway 36, Atwood. Burial will be in the Mackville Cemetery, Atwood.
John was born on Sept. 7, 1928, in Moultrie County, the son of Harold E. "Red" and Irene Swanz Hendrickson. He married Phyllis VonLanken. He then married L. Jean Cook Reeder on June 15, 1977, in Decatur.
Survivors include his wife; son, Gary L. Hendrickson of Suzhou, China; daughter, Margaret A. Kamm and husband, Howard, of Atwood; step-son, Kevin Reeder and wife, Debby of Waukesha, Wis.; four grandchildren, Melissa Kamm, Kimberly (Shawn) Robinson, James (Joan) Reeder and Joseph (Shannon) Reeder; six great-grandchildren, Jordan Reeder, Grace Reeder, Evan Reeder, Aiden Reeder, Ian Reeder and Riley Robinson; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister and a great-granddaughter, Gabriella Reeder.
Memorials are suggested to St. John's Catholic Church, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation or donor's choice.
John farmed for over 60 years. He retired from USI Chemical Company in Tuscola, where he worked for 35 years as a process engineer. John was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Arthur Masonic Lodge, Springfield Ansar Shrine and the Danville Consistory. He retired after serving 30 years as the commander for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 2nd western district.
He was an avid bird watcher and he loved animals of all kinds.
Online condolences to the family may be sent via hilligossshraderfh.com.

William Dunn

2012-01-01T08:54:00.002-06:00

William Dunn

CHAMPAIGN – William E. Dunn 61, of Champaign passed away suddenly at 5:35 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 31, 2011) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
He was born on April 13, 1950, in Chicago to Otis and Lucille Peters Dunn.
He married Sandra Dronen on May 19, 1979, in Champaign and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Nathaniel (Sarah) Dunn of Champaign; one daughter, Sarah (Jonathan) Gray of Camargo; and seven grandchildren, William Gray, Mike Gray, Leah Gray, Benjamin Gray, all of Camargo, and Rosalyn Dunn, Justin Dunn and Grace Dunn, all of Champaign; and four nephews, Charles, Clayton, Todd and Trevor Dunn.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James Otis.
He was a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois, retiring after 32 years.
He was a Shriner and a 7th degree Mason and was also a member at the 1st Baptist Church of Champaign in Savoy.
Memorial services for Mr. Dunn will be held at the 1st Baptist Church of Champaign in Savoy at a later date with interment to take place at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakwood.
Arrangements are being completed by the Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

Twas the Night before Christmas,

And down at the lodge

Not a gavel was stirring,

And in the hodge podge

Of aprons and jewels

And chairs East and West

You could savour the silence,

Most gladly divest

All metal and mineral,

It mattered not,

Since Christmas was nigh

And the coals were still hot

In the hearth of your home place,

All Masons abed,

As visions of trestleboards

Danced in their head;

When up on the roof there arose such a clatter

Our Tyler jumped up to see what was the matter!

He picked up his sword and ran fast to the door,

Three knocks shook the panels - he wondered “What for?”

He answered the knocking with raps of his own,

And once the door opened he saw, with a moan

Of delight, it was Santa, all jolly and red

Except for one notable feature instead!

Upon his large finger he wore what we knew

Was compass and square on a background of blue!

“Why Santa!” he shouted and lowered his blade,

“I see you’re a Mason!” the Tyler relayed.

He looked toward the Master’s most dignified chair

And said, voice near trembling, “Most Worshipful there

Is a Gentleman properly clothed at the gate!”

The Master replied, “Let’s allow him - but wait!

You tell me a Gentleman, but I don’t see

His apron beneath that red suit. Can it be

Our visitor hasn’t been properly raised?

Must we offer a test that is suitably phrased?”

“I do beg your pardon,” ol’ Santa said quick

As he pulled up his coat and displayed not a stick

But a cane with engraving, two balls did appear

And oh, what an apron, he wore and held dear!

Adorned like the Master’s, complete with a sign

Of “Lodge Number One, the North Pole” on one line!

“Now let this man enter,” the Master declared,

And once in the Lodge room, the Brethren all stared,

For Santa was wearing a jewel not seen

For many a century - there in between

The fur of his coat and the splendid red collar

Gleamed two golden reindeer that shone line a dollar!

“It’s Donner and Blitzen, who I must confess

Are actually images brought from the West

By my Warden, a craftsman like none in the world!”

And with a great laugh from his bag he unfurled

An ear of fine corn, and some oil from the East,

“My friend I have plenty. Tonight we will feast

On all that is good! We are Masons, kind sir!”

A murmur went throughout the Lodge, quite a stir,

As presents and promises flew from his sack!

This Santa, a Mason, showed he had a knack

For making this Christmas the best you could glean,

And soon even Deacons were laughing. They’d seen

On this very night only happiness reigned!

This jolly Saint Nicholas quickly explained

That only a Mason could be so inclined

To make all kids happy, make all people find

A Christmas so special. Yes, Santa was right!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Author: Clayton L. Wright

Paul Clark Sr., Bement Lodge

2011-12-23T08:30:00.000-06:00

Paul Clack Sr.

BEMENT – Paul Kenneth Clack Sr., 98, of Bement passed away at 10:30 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 17, 2011) at the Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at Bement United Methodist Church, 249 N. Piatt St., Bement. The Rev. Paul Unger will officiate. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in the Bement Township Cemetery for the cremated remains of Paul Kenneth Clack Sr. and his wife of 75 years, Lucianna Clack, who passed away on Nov. 26, 2011.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Bement United Methodist Church.
Paul was born on Sept. 4, 1913, in Owaneco, a son of Charles Gordon and Roxie Pearl Pittenger Clack. He married Lucianna McNally on April 16, 1936, in Lincoln. She preceded him in death on Nov. 26, 2011.
Surviving children include Margaret (Wayne) Bemis of Rolling Hills, Calif., Paul Ken (Deloris) Clack Jr. of Atwood, Edwin C. (Marilyn) Clack of Red Bluff, Calif., and Carolyn K. Cavallucci of Collierville, Tenn. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and four great-great-
grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters.
In his youth, Paul was a recognized cross-country runner for Lincoln High School, Lincoln. Physical fitness was prominent during his lifetime.
In 1939, he transferred from Lincoln to Bement, working for
Illinois Light and Power Co. He moved his family to Atwood in 1947 to be a Standard Oil bulk plant manager/serviceman. In 1951, he was hired as an electrician at Northrup Aircraft Co. in California and lived with his family in Lawndale, Calif., until his retirement, when he and Lucianna moved back to Bement.
He was a member of the Bement United Methodist Church, Bement Lions Club, Bement Masonic Lodge 365 AF&AM and Shriners; a volunteer fireman; and a former member of the Bement City Council. He loved to hunt, golf, square dance, play pranks and joke with everyone. He took great pride in having huge vegetable gardens and planting trees and orchards; during World War II, he converted his property into a mini-farm to raise chickens, goats and rabbits.
Roux-Hinds Funeral Home, 348 N. Piatt St., Bement, has been entrusted with the family's loved one for Paul's services.

Congrats to Todd Creason

2011-12-22T17:45:00.000-06:00

Congrats to Todd Creason for his recognition from the Illinois General Assembly for receiving his 33rd Degree. He was given the Certificate by State Representative Chad Hays of Catlin.

Harold Dorsett

2011-12-22T08:28:00.003-06:00

Harold Dorsett

GIFFORD – Harold Lee Dorsett passed away at 3:15 a.m. Wednesday morning at the Country Health Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Gifford.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at Morgan Memorial Home at 1304 Regency Drive in Savoy, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Rick Snyder will officiate. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign.
Harold was born in Belle Fourche, S.D., on July 11, 1912. He received his Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate at Law at George Washington University.
Harold belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the Masons, Rotary Club of Champaign and First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.
Harold retired from the U.S. Army as a Full Colonel in 1967. He was the Professor of Military Science at the University of Illinois.
He started teaching Accounting, Criminal Law and Business Law at Parkland Community College in the same year.
Harold finished his working career at the age of 76 as the president of the Sangamon Valley Water District.
Memorial contributions may be made to any organization benefiting veterans.

Latest Edition of Valley Echoes

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Click here to read the latest Valley Echoes

from the Valley of Danville Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite

Edward Blackshaw - Masonic History

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

Edward Blackshaw

Edward Blackshaw

Was born September 1st, 1831, at Bromley, near Dudley, Staffordshire, England, about one mile from the place where iron was first smelted by bituminous coal, by Dud Dudley, son of Lord Dudley, in 1865, at Dud Dudley's. His father was Joseph Blackshaw, his mother was Hannah Hill. He was married in Edgbaston England, April 3, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth Jones, since deceased. He was married a second time, August 17, 1882, to Mrs. J. Strachan, who is still living.

In 1858, on his arrival here, he established his dental office and has done an extensive business ever since. He has always been a thorough student and has introduced the various inventions in his profession as soon as his investigation convinced him of their merits. He was the first to introduce in this county, the following inventions, to-wit: Rubber as a base for artificial teeth, in 1861 or 2, Nitro Oxide or laughing gas, in 1864. Os-artificial as filling for teeth, in 1862, Cheo-plastic as a base for lower sets, in 1860, Weighted Rubber, as a base for lower sets, in 1879, Cavities in lower plate, in 1878, Bro. of Ethyl, in 1883, the local anesthetic for the gums, in 1860, the use of a base plate of metal and fasten the teeth on with rubber for lower sets, in 1884, Tifline, for extracting, June 1885, Robbins Remedy, in August 1885, Yinglings Chlorodont, in December 1885, Emery Burrs and wheels for lathes, in August, 1885. In 1886, the Doctor introduced Moseley's Soporative, which produces natural sleep, which he is using very successfully in his dental business. Dr. Blackshaw is well known throughout the state as a zealous Free Mason. He was made a Mason in 1857, in Fountain Lodge, No. 29, Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin. He has held the office of Master of Urbana Lodge, 157, been High Priest of Urbana Chapter, No. 80, for eleven years, T.I.G.M. of Urbana Council, No. 19, for twenty-one years, served as Captain General of Urbana Commandery. No. 16, and now occupies the position of Generalissimo in same Commandery. He also filled the honorable position of Puissant Grand Master of the Grand Council of the state of Illinois, for one year. The Doctor is known far and wide as a skilled dentist and in every town in Central Illinois has warm friends who always give him a hearty greeting.

Source: http://genealogytrails.com/ill/champaign/bios1886_pg1.html

Local Masonic History

2011-12-19T22:01:00.001-06:00

Photo by Raymond Cunningham

Charles and Caroline Tinkham Gravestone Homer Illinois

Col. C. J. Tinkham Dies
Daily Commercial
Thursday, August 20, 1891, p 4

At 6 o’clock last evening Col. C. J. Tinkham, a poplar and well-known citizen, departed this life, aged 65 years. Col. Tinkham was a member of Urbana Commandery, No. 16, K. T., of Urbana, Champaign county. The funeral will be held from the residence n Homer Saturday afternoon, Rev. C. H. Little, of this city, officiating burial by the K. T. service. Athelston Commandery, No. 45, K. T., of this city, have been invited to attend as a Commandery.
The time of funeral has been changed to 10 o’clock Saturday morning, Aug, 22. Atheistan Commandery No. 45, K. T., of this city, will attend as a Commandery, leaving here Saturday morning at 8 o’clock and returning at 1:30 o’clock p. m. same day.
_________________________________________
Homer's War Hero.
He was at Lt. Col. in the Civil War but was discharged from the army for intoxication. No one seemed to know that fact in the town and it was alleged he was wounded but the records do not show this to be the case. It appears his wife Caroline, a daughter of the founder of Homer, did not know either.
Tinkham was West Point class of 1849 and worked on the engineering of Chicago's lighthouses before clerking for Michael D. Coffeen in Homer. He ran a store in Homer for years after the war but had little influence in governments

Source: Raymond Cunningham - Homer Illinois Historical Society

The Office of Worshipful Master

2011-12-18T14:06:00.000-06:00

I found this in an old Illinois ritual, describing the Office of Worshipful Master, and thought it was worth forwarding. The language is about 100 years old --

The Office of Master is of great antiquity and respect, and is one of the highest dignities to which we may aspire. Its incumbent, to rule well, should possess and practice several important prerequisites.

As a MAN, he should be of proven integrity and irreproachable morals, freed from the dominion of hasty temper and ill-governed passions, of good repute in the world, and practicing, as an example to his Brethren, the cardinal virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice.

As a CITIZEN, he should be loyal to his government, obedient to its laws, prompt in the duties he owes to society; and, [should demonstrate] a pattern of fidelity in all social and domestic relations.

As a MASON, he should cling to the old landmarks and be sternly opposed to their infringement; be desirous to learn and apt to teach; be prompt to aid and relieve, and be ever mindful that, though elevated for a time above his fellows, he is elevated by them, and should therefore cultivate, everywhere and at all times, the golden tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

As an OFFICER, he should remember, first of all, that he is an individual Mason, sharing in that respect a common lot with his Brethren, and therefore interested in the welfare of each and all; be devoid of undue ostentation and haughty overbearing; be accessible to all, cultivating the closest friendship and the most unlimited confidence with his associate Officers; be eager to take counsel with his Brethren and ready to give it; be ready to reward good; be devoid of favoritism; and, [be] wholly impartial.

Such are some of the most important qualifications the Master should possess and the errors he should avoid. It may be that most, if not all of us, have failed to reach this standard; but, it is attainable, and be it your purpose to reach it, and be a bright and shining example to those who shall come after you.

Maurice Clary

2011-12-17T10:12:00.001-06:00

Maurice Clary

Kalamazoo, Mich. – Maurice Dwight Clary, the father of Vermilion County Circuit Court Judge Michael D. Clary, died peacefully in his sleep Thursday (Dec. 15, 2011) at his oldest daughter's home in Kalamazoo, Mich.
A long-time resident of the Danville area, he would have been 98 on Jan. 4.
He was born Jan. 4, 1914, near Mahomet to Lura Leona Henness and Walter Edward Franklin Clary. He was the fourth of six children, two girls and four boys. Only his sister, Pauline Ziebart of Hoopeston, survives.
He married Audrey Deck in 1938; she passed in 1996. He was a lifelong dairy farmer, the last 67 years on East Voorhees Street, just outside the Danville city limits.
A very active member of Farmer's Chapel United Methodist Church in Danville, Maurice sang in the choir and taught a Sunday school class there for decades. He served in the Illinois Reserve Militia and was a member of the Masons. A voracious reader, he loved history and was very patriotic.
He and his wife had four children, Sandra (Joe) Gagie of Kalamazoo, Mich., Nancy (Jim) Johnson of Estes Park, Colo., Carol (Jim) Gats of Wheaton and Michael (Dana) Clary of Danville; all survive. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Maurice's Life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Farmer's Chapel United Methodist Church in Danville with Pastor Jan Reeder officiating. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, in Danville. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville.
Memorials may be made in Maurice's name to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Please join Maurice's family in sharing photos, videos and memories through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

December's Rose at Olive Branch

2011-12-17T09:32:00.000-06:00

John Dively - Charleston

2011-12-13T07:27:00.004-06:00

John A. Dively (September 24, 1928 - December 7, 2011)

CHARLESTON, IL – John Arthur Dively, Sr., age 83 of Charleston, and a respected school administrator and community leader, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at his home and in the loving presence of his family. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday (December 16) from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 411 Jackson Avenue in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held Saturday (December 17) at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church with Pastor Mike Southards officiating. It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to the EIU Foundation for the John and Joyce Dively Scholarship Fund. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to the EIU Foundation at 860 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920.

John was born on September 24, 1928 in Paris, Illinois a son of the late James B. and Esther (Gleckler) Dively. He attended Paris public schools and, at age seventeen, joined the World War II efforts by enlisting in the United States Army. Following his service to his country, John enrolled at Eastern Illinois University, where he earned his bachelor, master’s and specialist degrees. EIU is also where he met and fell in love with Joyce Elizabeth Reynolds, his wife of fifty-six years. John and Joyce made Charleston their home and were actively involved in the community, where they raised their four children. John became a respected public school educator and civic leader, serving in many roles and earning numerous awards. Most notably, he was principal of the Charleston Jr. High School for thirty-four years, and the school’s gymnasium honorably bears his name. He served on numerous state visitation committees for the North Central Association, and his own school was one of the first junior highs in Illinois to receive accreditation. Beyond service to the public school community, John served as President of the EIU Alumni Association, was a charter member of the Coles County Historical Society, a long-time member of the Coles County Fair Board, Chairman of the Charleston Sesquicentennial Committee, President of the Charleston Civic Association and the only President of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce to serve two terms. He also served on the Board of Directors of First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust. John was a member of First Christian Church and the Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M.

Among his many awards, John received the Charleston Outstanding Citizen Award, was honored with the EIU Distinguished Alumnus Award and was selected as a member of the EIU Centennial 100 for his significant contributions to the university in its first one hundred years.

John is survived by his loving wife Joyce; his son John and his wife, Ronda, of Effingham; his son Joe and his wife, Sheila, of Charleston, and their children, Jake and Emma; his daughter Laura Arney and her husband, Larry, of Effingham, and their children, Landon and Logan; his daughter Amy Wiesenmayer and her husband, Tom, of Elmhurst, and their children Jack, Anna and Grace; sister Helen Carpenter and husband, Bill, of Champaign; sister Margaret Davis of Washington; and sister Kathryn Seaman and her husband, Bob, of New York; brother Steve Dively and his wife, Pam, of California; brother Mike Dively of Champaign; and brother Tim Dively and his wife, Brenda, of Savoy. In addition to John’s parents, two brothers, Jim and Paul Dively preceded him in death.

Illini High 12 Thursday

2011-12-12T20:58:00.002-06:00

The Illini High 12 group will meet this Thursday at noon in the Urbana Garden Restaurant. Bring a friend and hope to see you there.

Clifford Guthrie

2011-12-11T08:06:00.001-06:00

Clifford Guthrie

SIDELL – Clifford D. Guthrie, 84, of Sidell passed away at 7:24 a.m. Friday (Dec. 9, 2011) at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville.
Clifford was born Sept. 14, 1927, in Indianola. He was the son of Charles and Fern Place Guthrie, but was raised by his stepfather, T.O. Dillon.
He married Rhea Bennett on March 19, 1950, in Sidell. She survives of Danville. Also surviving are one son, Gene Guthrie of Danville, Ind.; two daughters, Sue (John) Batts of Yucca Valley, Calif., and Leslie (Henry) Vasquez of Weston, Fla; one brother, Ray (Kaye) Dillon of Veedersburg, Ind.; 10 grandchildren, Chad Batts, Brandon Batts, Geoffrey Guthrie, Ryan Vasquez, Greggory Guthrie, Gretchen Guthrie, Brittany Vasquez, Gary Guthrie, Gina Guthrie and Gabriela Vasquez; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Fae Guthrie; one brother, Gene Allen Guthrie; and daughter-in-law, Jill Guthrie.
Clifford graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's and a master's degree. He was a teacher at Fairmount for one year. He taught and was an administrator at the Danville public schools for 12 years. Then he was a teacher and administrator for the Bassett Unified School District in California for 20 years. After retiring in California, he returned to Illinois and taught at the Jamaica School for nine years. He also coached elementary basketball and Little League baseball. He taught night school and worked recreation on the weekends.
He was a member of the Sidell United Methodist Church, was a 50-year Mason, and was a life member of the California and Illinois Teachers Associations.
He enjoyed sports and was an avid Cubs and Illini fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Sidell United Methodist Church with Pastor Charlie Graul and Pastor Gene Guthrie officiating, with burial in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Sidell United Methodist Church.
Robison Chapel, Catlin, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.robisonchapel.com.

Merl "Stick" Matteson - Villa Grove-Camargo

2011-12-09T13:43:00.001-06:00

Merl Matteson

VILLA GROVE – Merl Leon "Stick" Matteson, 95, of Villa Grove died at 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 6, 2011) at the Newman Rehab and Health Care Center, Newman.
Masonic Rites with funeral services to follow will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Villa Grove United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Nick Showalter officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in the Greenup Cemetery, Greenup. Joines Funeral Home, Villa Grove, is handling arrangements.
Mr. Matteson was born Oct. 19, 1916, in Greenup, a son of Elmer and Rosa (Simerl) Matteson. He married Martha Rogene Ozier on March 11, 1939, in Greenup. She died on Nov. 24, 1996.
Surviving are one son, Robert Matteson of Villa Grove; one daughter, Sandra (Larry) Heneghan of Alvarado, Texas; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Norma (Dan) Tharp of Mahomet.
Mr. Matteson was preceded in death by his wife, son Ronald, six brothers and two sisters.
Mr. Matteson graduated form Greenup High School. He was a member of the Villa Grove United Methodist Church, a charter member of the Villa Grove Lions Club and the Villa Grove-Camargo Masonic Lodge 885. He worked for the Clifford-Jacobs Forging Co., in Champaign. He owned and operated the Matteson Brothers Grocery Store in Villa Grove and he retired from the University of Illinois Maintenance Department. Memorials can be made to the Villa Grove United Methodist Church or to Villa Grove-Camargo Masonic Lodge 885.

Veterans - Masonic Support

2011-12-07T19:10:00.001-06:00

Greetings Brothers,

I have been appointed MSA representative to the Danville Illiana VA Health Care and [some] Valley lodges generously donated funds to allow 15 vet's to attend the afternoon "matinee" performance of the Lodge of Perfection's play. Thank you to those Lodges.

The MSA funds that allow us to support this program are ALWAYS in need of financial support from Valley Lodges.

I would be very grateful if your Lodge could consider a small [or large!] donation to this program.
Similarly, I would be grateful if the Workers' Club could consider a donation at the next meeting.
If you find this an appropriate cause for your hard-earned funding reserve and wish to donate to the MSA direct, please ensure you checks are endorsed "for Danville MSA" or we may never see the funds.

Should you ahve any questions, or wish for me to attend a meeting or your Lodge to make a personal plea for support and/or to talk about this work in/for our community, please do not hesitate to contact me by reply email or give me a call on 217-918-2473.
Yours fraternally,
Andy Phillips

1st Degree at St. Joseph

2011-12-06T22:08:00.001-06:00

First degree at St. Joseph on Thursday Dec. 6. Food at 6pm and Degree at 7pm.

St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 Presents Community Builder Award

2011-12-06T21:55:00.001-06:00

St. Joseph Masonic Lodge No. 970 presented the 2011 Community Builder award to the Reverend Mark Harris for his outstanding committment to our community. Lodge Secretary Curt Bolding who presented the award said "Reverend Harris was of tremendous assistance this year with the Tucker family benefit and the community 9/11 observance. He is committed to serving our community in many ways and making a positive difference."

The Community Builder award is presented annully by the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge to those citizens who contribute to the growth of the community

Les Olson and Bill Norman were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their recent assistance with improvements to the Lodge.

St. Joseph Lodge 970 has been serving the community since 1914. Those interested in membership may contact Greg Knott at gknott63@gmail.com or 841-6142.

Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°

2011-12-03T09:06:00.001-06:00

ll. C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°

February 14, 1924 – December 1, 2011

IN DEO FIDUCIA NOSTRA

FROM THE GRAND ORIENT OF HEREDOM AT WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 1, A.L. 6011

To all the Bodies and Brethren of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States:

SORROW! SORROW! SORROW!

DEAR BRETHREN: A great affliction has fallen upon us—the sharp blow of an expected and grievous calamity. Our venerable and beloved Brother

CHRISTIAN FREDERICK KLEINKNECHT, JR., 33°

of Maryland, our Past Grand Commander, will be seen by us no more in this world. It was not so long ago, when our Supreme Council closed, that he stood in the circle of the brethren around the altar and repeated with them the solemn words of parting: “It may be that we shall not all again assemble together in Council.”
Bro. Kleinknecht was born February 14, 1924, in Washington, D.C., where he graduated from their public schools. His major interests were writing and business, but World War II descended and put an end to his transition from classroom to commerce. He served in the Navy and, with millions like him, gave to the world the precious gift of freedom.
In 1947, he took a job at the House of the Temple, learning about the Scottish Rite from the ground up. This hands-on approach remained the trademark of Fred, as he liked to be known, throughout his fifty-six years at the Supreme Council. Within a year of joining the Temple staff, Fred married his childhood sweetheart, Gene Elizabeth Kamm, a life-partner in the truest sense, and they had four children: Gene Ellen, Henry, Scott, and Joan. Gene’s confidence in Fred’s potential was the turning point in his life, and with her encouragement and support, he studied accounting at Benjamin Franklin University.
In 1949, he began his Masonic journey in Maryland’s Silver Spring Lodge No. 215. He joined the Scottish Rite in Baltimore in 1950, received the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1955, and was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary of the Thirty-third Degree in 1959. He was also a member of Mt. Pleasant Chapter No. 13, R.A.M., King David Council No. 19, R.&S.M., St. Elmo Commandery No. 12, K.T., Boumi Shriners, the National Sojourners, and many, many other Masonic organizations.
In the Supreme Council, Fred applied his education to reforming the bookkeeping methods, quickly saving the Rite tens of thousands of dollars. His initiatives demonstrated his leadership potential. From accounting, he moved up through numerous administrative positions at the House of the Temple.
By 1966, the then current Grand Commander, Luther A. Smith, placed Fred in positions of increasing responsibility, leading to his appointment as Assistant to the Grand Commander on January 1, 1966, and Acting Grand Secretary General on January 1, 1967. The Supreme Council endorsed Bro. Smith’s confidence and elected Fred Grand Secretary General and S.G.I.G. at-large on September 28, 1967. He served in this position for nineteen years until the Supreme Council elected him Sovereign Grand Commander on October 23, 1985.
Immediately, Fred set about repositioning the Order within the context of a changing world. To accomplish this mission, Fred sought quality. He said, “Because Freemasonry lives not just for today, but for generations to come, we must be first class in whatever we do.” Working closely with his staff, Fred initiated profound innovations in every area of Scottish Rite endeavor and brought an Ancient and Accepted Order into the new millennium.
Fred knew that building strength for tomorrow’s Rite meant growing financial support today. He rebuilt the Rite’s endowment infrastructure and helped generate forty-seven state and local Scottish Rite foundations. His commitment to securing a sound financial future benefited the House of the Temple itself. He established the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc., and in just twelve years, its endowment enabled construction of the Pillars of Charity Alcove and the Scottish Rite Hall of Honor to recognize major donors.
The annual Scottish Rite Calendar Program, an effort Fred began in 1989, has enabled much-needed improvements in the House of the Temple, including reconstruction of the Temple’s damaged grand entrance steps and completion of the Cornerstone of Freedom Hall, the Hall of Scottish Rite Regalia, the George Washington Memorial Banquet Hall, the Burl Ives Room, the Americanism Museum, the Albert Pike Museum, and the total renovation of the Rite’s most valuable scholarly resource, the Supreme Council Library. In 1991, Fred approved the creation of the Scottish Rite Research Society and supported it in word and deed, becoming member #1.
Following Grand Commander Albert Pike’s lead, Fred officially presented a copy of the Revised Standard Pike Rituals to the Supreme Councils of Prince Hall Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Wanting to debunk long-standing fictions about Freemasonry, Fred manned forceful action against an extremist faction within the Southern Baptist Convention that tried to condemn Freemasonry. He also took unprecedented steps of meeting with high Vatican officials in Rome and in Washington.
Internationally, Fred appointed a Deputy to oversee Western Europe and Africa, restored a regular Scottish Rite presence in Portugal, established new Supreme Councils in Togo and the Ivory Coast, and reestablished the Scottish Rite in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, and Romania.
At home in the U.S., the Rite responded to a nation in need. Immediately following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the Southern Jurisdiction pledged $1 million to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund to assist children and spouses of 9/11 victims. Fred encouraged the expansion of the RiteCare Speech and Language Disorders Clinics with direct and indirect support.

These few facts, briefly sketched, highlight only a small portion of Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht’s service to the Supreme Council, 33°, for the Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. His eighteen-year tenure as Grand Commander was exceeded only by Grand Commanders Albert Pike and John Henry Cowles. A family man who valued his wife, children, and grandchildren above all else, Fred extended that love and loyalty to his church, country, Freemasonry, and, most of all, to the Scottish Rite. Rapid and resolute, Fred rejuvenated the Scottish Rite and inspired dynamic activity in every area of our order’s mission. The Kleinknecht legacy of leadership will inspire us for years to come.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE, FRATER.

The funeral for Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, Past Grand Commander, will be held at the House of the Temple, 1733 16th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202–232–3579 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202–232–3579 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. W. Kenneth Lyons, 33°, G.C., Grand Chaplain of the Supreme Council. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc.
December 2, 2011

Jerry Price

2011-12-01T07:32:00.001-06:00

Jerald Price

LAURIE, Mo. – Jerald "Jerry" Price, 77, of Laurie, Mo., passed away at 3:28 a.m. Monday (Nov. 28, 2011) at the Laurie Care Center in Laurie, Mo.
Born Sept. 9, 1934, in Danville, he was the son of Ray and Edith Price. He was married to Janet Dolbee in 1981, and she preceded him in death. He later married Gwen Moreland, and she survives in Ridge Farm.
Also surviving are a son, Jeffrey Price of Auburn, Ind., and his partner, Tabitha Cummins; a daughter, Darcy (Niles) Vance of Kendallville, Ind.; his twin brother, Gene (Shirley) Price of Danville; two stepchildren, Kary (Donna) Dolbee of Evansville, Ind., and Lisa (Charlie) Cinq-Mars of Spokane, Wash.; 10 grandchildren, Matthew Vance of Fort Wayne, Ind., Sara Vance of Omaha, Neb., Ryan Price of Auburn, Ind., Tylor and Kyle Price of Phoenix, Ariz., Nathan Dolbee of Austin, Texas, Victoria (Aaron) Milanowski of Evansville, Ind., and Jean-Luc, Kira-J and Jonathan Cinq-Mars of Spokane, Wash.; and two great-grandchildren, Chase and Logan Milanowski of Evansville, Ind.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Roland, Walter and Allen Price; and two sisters, Betty Keen and Vera Talbert.
Mr. Price was a U.S. Navy veteran. He worked for several years as an electrician for the Caterpillar Corporation in Montgomery and was later employed for more than 30 years as a union electrician with IBEW Local 538.
Jerry was an avid gardener, golfer, bowler and fisherman and a lifelong Cubs fan and an exceptional dancer. Before moving to Laurie on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, Mr. Price was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Danville. In Laurie, he was a past officer of the Osage Community Elks Lodge 2705.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Wolf Creek Golf Club, 2521 Perrysville Road, Danville.
Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

Robert Trinkle - Western Star

2011-11-29T19:02:00.001-06:00

Robert W. Trinkle
(June 27, 1950 - November 28, 2011)

Robert W. Trinkle, 61, of Champaign, died at 2:30 a.m., Monday, November 28, 2011, at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 2, 2011, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Champaign. The Rev. Fr. Stephen A. Willard will officiate. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011, at Renner-Wikoff, Urbana. Masonic services will be conducted by Western Star Lodge #240 A.F. & A.M. at 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.
Mr. Trinkle was born on June 27, 1950 in Champaign, the son of Earl and Pauline (Kirby) Trinkle. He married Candice Vaught on August 9, 1969 in Urbana; she survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Angela Pilotte of Champaign, and one son, Jeffrey Trinkle of Chicago; four brothers, Paul, Jerry, Roger, Larry; one sister, Judy; three grandchildren, Nathan, Madison and Caleb. Uncle Bobby will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Bob was retired from the Illinois Central Railroad and Peoria Charter Coach Company. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Champaign; United Transportation Union, Western Star Lodge #240 A.F. & A.M., Champaign Chapter #50 R.A.M., Urbana Council #19 of Cryptic Masons, Urbana Commandery #16 Knights Templar, Ansar Shrine, Illini Shrine Club and the Hi-Lo Wheelers.
Bobby had a warm smile, generous nature, magnetic personality, and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved spending time with his family and many friends. He was an avid Illini baseball fan and a Cardinals fan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners’ Hospital for Children.
Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Burl Ives - Scottish Rite Mason

2011-11-25T22:08:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving I was driving to my wife's families house in southern Illinois and I had the opportunity to stop and visit the cemetery in which American folk singer Burl Ives is buried. He is one of my favorite singers of all time and I had the opportunity to see him perform in 1981 when I was Scout attending the National Scout Jamboree at Ft. A.P. Hill Virginia.

Bro. Ives had a long association with freemasonry:

Brother Ives was involved in Freemasonry as a youth, becoming a DeMolay on December 5, 1927. Then, after moving to California, he petitioned Magnolia (now Magnolia-La Cumbre) Lodge No. 242 and, in 1977, The Scottish Rite Bodies of Santa Barbara, California, becoming a dual member in the Valley of Bellingham, Washington, in 1990. In recognition of his many services to our Order, he was invested with the Rank of Knight Commander Court of Honour in 1985, coroneted an Inspector General Honorary in 1987, and elected a Grand Cross by The Supreme Council in 1993.

Appropriately, the passing of Ill.·. Bro.·. Ives was marked by a memorial service held, under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of F..&A..M.. of California on May 4, 1995, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Los Angeles. Also, following graveside services by the Reverend Stephen Willis, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of New- ton, Illinois, the officers of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F.& A.M. Masons of the State of Illinois assembled on May 15, 1995, at Mound Cemetery to conduct a memorial service of the Craft for Brother Ives as a courtesy to his home Lodge, Magnolia-La Cumbre No. 242, of Santa Barbara, California. The cremains of Bro.·. Ives were then placed in the grave.
As I walked through the Cemetery, I noticed that several other members of the Ives were also buried there including his parents Frank Ives 1880-1947 and Cordella Ives 1882-1954, both of whom were associated with Masonry and Order of the Eastern Star. Their graves are right next to Bro. Ives.

.

Frank Walters

2011-11-20T09:36:00.001-06:00

Frank Walters

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, Ark. – Frank A. Walters, 85, of Hot Springs Village, Ark., passed away on Wednesday (Nov. 16, 2011) at his home.
He was born May 18, 1926, in Campbellsville, Ky., to Jesse Taylor Walters and Mary Alma Martin Walters.
Frank was in the U.S. Cavalry during World War II. He was a graduate of U.S. Army Services Refrigeration School and Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, being recognized as Outstanding Instructor in Refrigeration in 1970.
He worked for Twin City Refrigeration and Nance Refrigeration prior to joining Reliable Plumbing and Heating, where he retired in 1988.
Frank formerly lived in Bloomington-Normal and Urbana.
Frank was a member of the Elks and Moose lodges. He was a 32nd-degree Mason and a member of True Kindred with his wife Lou. Frank went from being a runaway at age 14, riding the rails as a hobo, to become a veteran of foreign wars, master
mechanic and instructor with only an eighth-grade education.
Frank was an avid fisherman and after retirement became a thespian, appearing in five plays in the Village. He was a member of the Computer Club, played bridge and pinochle and most recently built ventriloquist dummies.
Frank was a devoted husband and father who was known for his dry wit and humor and as a back-porch philosopher. If something broke, people always called Frank to fix it.
He is predeceased by his parents; his wife of 66 years, Ethel Lou Walters; and brothers, William B. Walters and Marvin Walters.
Frank is survived by his son, Alan Walters of Prosper, Texas; grandchildren, Kevin Walters of Madison, Wis., and Whitney Walters of Plano, Texas; brother, Harold Lloyd (Helen) Walters of Muncie, Ind.; nephew, Harold Dean Walters of Muncie, Ind.; and niece, Debbie Walters of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Services will be at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village at a later date.
Special thanks from the family to Ruth Weatherwax, Janice Morrison, Henry Browder, Christ of the Hills Church, Meals on Wheels, Arkansas Hospice and Village Home Care, Kelley Scarbrough and Terrie Alston, Frank's Angels.
Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com. Caruth Village Funeral Home in Hot Springs Village is in charge of arrangements.

Illini Shrine Club Holding Hog Raffle

2011-11-19T18:20:00.001-06:00

Truman Grandson to be made a Mason at Sight

2011-11-18T17:00:00.001-06:00

Brethren,

The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Illinois would like to invite to you to attend the extremely rare making of a “Mason at Sight”.

Mr. Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of Past Grand Master, and U.S. President Harry S. Truman will be the candidate. We will administer the obligation in the first and second degrees and confer the entire third degree.

This special event will be held at the Joliet Masonic Temple, 350 N. Midland, Joliet, IL, on Saturday December 3, 2011 starting at 1:00 p.m. A banquet will follow at 5:00 pm.

The Grand Officers from the Grand Lodge of Missouri will be attending and will be making a special presentation.

If you will able to attend we ask that you RSVP the Grand Secretary via email by November 25, 2011. We would like to know if you will attend the degree, the meal, or both.

The seats for the degree and banquet are on a first come (reserved) first served basis.

Fraternally,

Frank Cline, Grand Secretary

Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Illinois

2866 Via Verde Street

Springfield, IL 62703

(217) 529-8900 ext. 210 Office

Pawn Stars Help Shriners Hospitals

2011-11-16T21:59:00.001-06:00

"Pawn Stars" Support Shriners Hospitals for Children

History Channel's "Pawn Stars" recently presented a check for $11,500 for Shriners Hospitals for Children®.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the hospital system were employees of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

During the month of September, Rick Harrison and the team of Gold & Silver Pawn donated $1 for each T-shirt sold at the popular Las Vegas shop to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Scottish Rite NMJ Unveils Website

2011-11-16T21:37:00.001-06:00

The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has unveiled a new website. The site contains lot's of great information for members, descriptions of the degree, the Northern Light magazine, including many back articles.

Be sure to check it out.

Karl Anderson - Olive Branch

2011-11-14T11:06:00.001-06:00

Brethren:

A memorial service and Masonic Rites will be conducted for Karl Anderson, a 54 year member of Olive Branch Lodge No. 38. Service will be at the American Legion Post #210, on North Jackson Street, on Saturday, November 19th at 1:30 PM.

Please take note and plan to attend if possible. We really need a better attendance than what we have been having, to honor our fallen brothers.

Bob Blacketer - Secretary

Freeman Buddy Hicks - Olive Branch

2011-11-11T14:43:00.001-06:00

Freeman 'Buddy' Hicks

DANVILLE – Freeman Elwood "Buddy" Hicks, 87, of Danville passed away Wednesday (Nov. 9, 2011) at his residence.
He was born Dec. 27, 1923, in Oakwood, the son of Clarence and Jenny Hicks. Both are deceased.
He was married to Louise Guffey until her death in 1999. His survivors include his son, Steve (Donna) Hicks of Danville; three grandchildren, Amanda (Bruce) Rutland of Camp LeJeune, N.C., Gina (Kevin) Spencer of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Steve (Emily) Hicks, also of Fort Dodge, Iowa. He is also survived by his six great-grandchildren, Andrew Rutland, Alexis Rutland, Koty Spencer, Sydney Spencer, Cameron Hicks and Shayla Hicks; and his special nephew, Robert Boyer of Arkansas. In addition to his parents and his wife, Louise, his two sisters also preceded Buddy in death.
He joined the United States Navy in 1942, and made it a career, retiring as a Signalman 1st Class in 1963. During his enlistments, Buddy saw the world first hand, was awarded several medals, and was involved in World War II and the Korean War.
After his retirement from the military, Buddy was employed with the Sheriff's Department, and worked as a security guard for Lauhoff's.
He was a member of the Danville VFW, Danville Moose Lodge and a 32 degree Mason. He had a passion for antique cars and he will be missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of the Life of Freeman E. 'Buddy' Hicks has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville with burial to be held at Sunset Memorial Park with full military honors being conducted by the Danville VFW. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, with a 1:30 p.m. Masonic Rite Service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Please help the Hicks family share in the memories, pictures, and videos of Freeman E. Hicks by logging on www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Bud Hamilton

2011-11-11T14:42:00.001-06:00

Bud Hamilton

ROBERTS – Ira "Bud" Hamilton, 83, of Roberts died at 11:28 a.m. Wednesday (Nov. 9, 2011) at Heartland Healthcare in Paxton surrounded by his loving family.
His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Congregational Christian Church in Roberts with the Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today (Friday) at the church and for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Lyman Township Cemetery in Roberts with military rites accorded.
Bud was born on Feb. 29, 1928, in Cornell, a son of Chet and Mary Ann (Hahn) Hamilton. He married the love of his life, Marilyn McCorkle, on May 1, 1955, in Roberts.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Roberts; three sons, Greg (Monica) Hamilton of Gilman, Scott (Linda) Hamilton of Covington, La., and Mark Hamilton of San Francisco, Calif.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five brothers and sisters, Raymond (Jane) Kurtenbach of Gilman, Rosemary Wright of Normal, Jeanne (Bob) Gerdes of Piper City, Patricia (Tom) Grimsey of Champaign and John (Carol) Kurtenbach of Roberts; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Chester "Chub" Hamilton, and his parents.
Bud graduated from Roberts High School, where his love of sports began. He attended Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Mo., where he participated in track and field, swimming and basketball. He carried that love of sports through the years by being actively supportive of his son's activities as well as other friends and family.
He was an avid Illini fan, voracious reader, NASCAR fan and took interest in anything his family deemed important.
Bud's strong patriotism began by proudly serving the U.S. Marine Corps, where he earned a Rifle Sharp Shooter medal. His service to his country continued through his many years as the Lyman Township precinct committeeman and support of the Republican Party. He was a member of the Roberts Congregational Christian Church and the Masonic Lodge. He served as a board member on the Ford Central School Board and was a Boy Scout leader.
During his working years, he served as Timekeeper for the workers when Central Soya was built in Gibson City and later retired in 1983 from Illinois Central Railroad.
Family and friends will remember Bud for his love of movies, photography, sports, eating out, reminiscing with friends and family and never ending a discussion without referencing "my wife and my boys." Memorials may be made to the Roberts Gym, the Congregational Christian Church, or the Roberts Library.

Walter Boman - Bellflower

2011-11-11T14:33:00.001-06:00

Walter Boman

BELLFLOWER – Walter E. Boman, 87, of Champaign, formerly of Bellflower, died at 5 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 9, 2011) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City. The Rev. Louella Pence will officiate.
Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at the funeral home.
Private family interment will be in Bellflower Township Cemetery at a later date.
Mr. Boman was born June 26, 1924, in Urbana, a son of George ("Ted") and Mary Doss Boman. He married Mary Dee Harrell on Oct. 28, 1945, in rural LeRoy. She died March 30, 2003.
Surviving are a son, Michael (Vicki) Boman of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; two daughters, Rita (David) Flint of Farmer City and Margo (Gregory) Lykins of Champaign; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a great supportive friend, Faye Cole.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother and a great-grandson, Austin Tharp.
Mr. Boman attended the Black Country Grade School in Farmer City and Bellflower Township High School, graduating in 1943. He was a grain farmer for over 50 years in Bellflower. He also raised cattle, chickens and pigs. He retired from farming in 1993 and then worked at Prairie Gardens for 10 years, retiring again in 2003. He also periodically worked with friends as a part-time stage hand at the Assembly Hall in Champaign.
Mr. Boman and his wife and friends spent several winter seasons in McAllen, Texas, and after his wife passed away, several winter seasons in Gold Canyon, Ariz., with his son and daughter-in-law.
Mr. Boman was a longtime member of the Bellflower Methodist Church. A strong advocate of the Bellflower community, he served as a member of many organizations including the Bellflower Lions Club (Charter Member), Bellflower Senior Social Club, Bellflower Sportsman's Club, Bellflower Masonic Lodge (for over 60 years) achieving the 32nd degree, the Farm Bureau, board member of Bellflower Township, Foosland Grain Company, 4-H and FFA advisory groups. He assisted with the Bellflower Community Christmas Pageant and Fourth of July celebrations and also served as a longtime McLean County Republican Precinct Committeeman.
As a pastime, he enjoyed making art such as drawings and farm landscapes from reclaimed wood. He also enjoyed Canadian Fishing trips with friends.
Mr. Boman never met a stranger. He often made it a point to meet and speak with all around him. He had a great recollection of events and people and loved to "spin" a story or two. He truly enjoyed people and people enjoyed him. He enjoyed gardening, driving all over central Illinois noting the beauty and uniqueness of the area, early breakfasts at the Lion's Den in Bellflower and Taffies in Champaign.
Memorials may be made to the new Champaign County YMCA Building Fund, 500 W. Church, Champaign, IL 61820.

Illini Freemason Lunch Club: Join Us For Lunch: Thursday, November 17th at Noon...

2011-11-11T08:21:00.001-06:00

Illini Freemason Lunch Club: Join Us For Lunch: Thursday, November 17th at Noon...: Next Thursday, November 17th at noon, at the Urbana Garden (at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Interstate 74), the Illini Freemason Lunch C...

Welcome to the Illini Freemason Lunch Club

2011-11-08T08:54:00.000-06:00

Illini Freemason Lunch Club: Welcome to the Illini Freemason Lunch Club: On Thursday, November 3rd, the Illini Freemason Lunch Club held its first official meeting at Urbana Garden (Lincoln Avenue and Interstate 7...

Clifford Shull - Effingham

2011-11-07T09:02:00.002-06:00

Clifford Shull Effingham Daily News EFFINGHAM — Clifford Roy “Cliff” Shull, 93, of Effingham was called home to the Lord at 3:10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, at The Glenwood, Effingham, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Centenary United Methodist Church, Effingham, with the Rev. Carroll Lewis and Dr. Joe Scheets officiating. Burial will be in Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, with military graveside rites. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, Nov. 7, with a 6:30 p.m. Masonic service at Johnson Funeral Home, Effingham. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com. Clifford was born Nov. 8, 1917, in Montrose, the son of Tracy Fernando and Elsie Elizabeth (Myers) Shull. He married Lois K. Doty on Nov. 22, 1947, in Effingham, and she survives. Cliff was a World War II veteran of the United States Army, having served in the North African and European theaters. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, Effingham; Effingham VFW Post 1769; and Effingham Masonic Lodge 149. Cliff was a barber for 53 years. He owned and operated Cliff’s Barber Shop in Effingham. He developed a devoted clientele, including a client that drove from Chicago on a regular basis. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes, hunting, fishing and gardening. Cliff is survived by his wife, Lois K. Shull of Effingham; children, John (wife, Connie) Shull of Springfield, Tamara (husband, Duane) Atchley of Alton and Tracey (husband, Robert) Kelsey of Glen Carbon; grandchildren, Andrew (wife, Jennifer) Shull, Madeline Kelsey, Dana Kelsey and Colin Kelsey; brother, Dan (wife, Joyce) Shull of Mattoon; and sister, Alice (husband, Lowell) Cooper of Philo. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Lois Elaine Shull; brothers, Elza Shull and Joseph Shull; and sisters, Zella Mae Gaston, Mabel Higgenbotham, Lucy Gaston and Cleo Young.

Thomas Tutt - Mattoon

2011-11-07T06:56:00.000-06:00

Thomas Tutt

MATTOON – Thomas Wright Tutt, 81, of Mattoon died at 8:15 p.m. Friday (Nov. 4, 2011) at home surrounded by his family and friends.
Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Ave., Mattoon, will host services honoring and celebrating his life at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, with the Rev. Ken Hutchens officiating. Following the services, entombment will be at Mound Cemetery, Charleston. Masonic Services will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at the funeral home. Visitation for the public will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children.
Mr. Tutt was born Feb. 21, 1930, in Seven Hickory Township of Charleston, a son of Robert Bruce and Stella May Swango Tutt. He married Jane Elizabeth Hall of Paris, Ill., on May 30, 1951, in Corinth, Miss. She survives.
Surviving family members include his four children, Timothy Tutt of Mattoon and fiancee Anita Daubs of Lerna, Tyler Tutt of Mattoon, Tamyre Diamond and husband Mark of Portland, Ore., and Paul and Chrissy McKillip of Mattoon; five grandchildren, Joseph Tutt, on duty with the U.S. Marine Corps, Jessica Tutt of Mattoon, Moorea and Breea Diamond of Portland, Ore., and Kyle Daubs of Lerna; two sisters, Thelma Bartimus and husband Chuck of Mattoon and Juanita Woods and husband Leon of Phoenix, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Tutt was preceded in death by his sister, Roberta Gibbons and husband Jim; and one infant sibling.
Mr. Tutt grew up in Charleston, where he was a member of the Class of 1947. While in high school, Tom bought a delivery truck and spent much of his time hauling items for many people. His first job was working for Bob Ruple at the Feed & Grain in Charleston. Soon after, Tom moved to Kentucky to haul coal and iron, then returned to Charleston.
He then hauled prefab homes from Mississippi to Illinois. Mr. Tutt then met the love of his life, Jane Elizabeth Hall. They eloped to Corinth, Miss., in 1951, and set up their home in Effingham shortly after.
Later, Tom worked for Effingham Poultry and Egg, where he would take eggs and deliver chickens. Many times he took a load of chickens to the stockyards in Chicago.
Mr. Tutt moved to Mattoon in 1955 and worked for A & B Transfer Trucking, where he met many of his lifelong friends. He worked for Bowen Transport before starting Mattoon Excavating with Henry Hall. They later bought Service Equipment in Mattoon, the local Case Franchise. Later, they formed Service Disposal. A decade later, they formed Service Equipment Transport with Billy Hall. The proudest business accomplishment Thomas had was the hundreds of people he had brought together and who have remained business associates and close friends because of him and their relationship with Service Equipment Co.
In a newspaper article as Mr. Tutt approached age 70, and after 30 years in business, Tom Tutt figured it was time for someone else to be in charge. "I'm getting old enough, this needs to go over to somebody younger," Mr. Tutt was quoted as he decided to pass the torch. Birkey's Construction Equipment Co., a division of Birkey's Farm Store Inc., purchased the business with responsibility for the Case Corp. equipment.
Mr. Tutt was a Master Mason and lifetime member of Lodge 260 in Mattoon; a 32nd Degree Mason and lifetime member of the Danville Consistory in Danville; a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church in Mattoon; a member of the board of directors of the former Mattoon Bank; a lifetime member of the Ansar Temple in Springfield; past director and major fundraiser of the Corn Belt Shriner's Club and one of the founding members of the Corn Belt's Shriner's Cycle Patrol.
Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com to light a virtual candle or share a memory with the family.

Duane Judy - Star Lodge Hoopsten

2011-11-06T17:52:00.003-06:00

Duane Judy

HOOPESTON – Duane "Newt" Judy, 79, of rural Hoopeston died at 5:41 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 3, 2011) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Born Oct. 12, 1932, near Goodwine, he was the son of Kenneth and Beulah (Sites) Judy. He married Donna R. Swartz on Aug. 4, 1956, in Prairie Green Township. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Darrell (Kathy) Judy of Milford and Dwight (Diana) Judy of Hoopeston; three daughters, Denise (Rick) Ried of Wellington, Diana (Tim) Frederick of Westmont and Delaine (Michael) Webb of Hoopeston; seven grandchildren, Derek (Ashley) Ried, Amanda (Nolan) Kitterman, Bethany (Ethan) Burt, Brooke Judy, Zachary Judy, Christopher Webb and Bradley Frederick; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Glen Judy of Champaign; two sisters, Doris Johnson of Paxton and Charlene Raihala of Makinen, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Judy served with the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.
He was a lifelong farmer in Prairie Green Township.
Newt was a member of the Prairie Green Church of Christ and attended the Rossville Church of Christ. He was also a member of Star Masonic Lodge 709 in Hoopeston, Danville Consistory and the Hoopeston American Legion. He had been Prairie Green Township supervisor for 22 years, served on the Iroquois County Board for six years and served on the Wellington School Board for many years. He enjoyed playing cards at the Multi Agency in Hoopeston and drinking coffee with his many friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Judy will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at Brown-Alkire Funeral Home, 309 E. Washington St., Hoopeston. The Rev. Robert Teegarden and Pastor Kevin Purdy will officiate. Burial with military rites accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion and VWF Color Guard will be at the Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Hoopeston American Legion Post 384, Star Masonic Lodge 709 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Ernest Harris - Prairie Lodge

2011-11-04T07:28:00.000-05:00

Ernest Harris

PAXTON – Ernest Harris, 92, of Paxton and a former Paris, Ill., resident, died at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 2, 2011) at Heartland Health Care Center of Paxton.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the First United Methodist Church, 220 W. Center St., Paxton, with the Rev. Terry L. Westerfield officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Paris Memorial Gardens, Paris, Ill.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today (Friday, Nov. 4) at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton.
Ernest was born Oct. 16, 1919, in Lyford, Ind., the son of Bert and Jennie Cornell Harris. He married Virginia M. Valerine on Dec. 5, 1942, in Clinton, Ind. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Carol (Jim) Beck of Topeka, Kan., and Sherrie (Ron) Morrison of Paxton; six grandsons, Craig (Jennie) Beck of Bonner Springs, Kan., Kevin (DeAnne) Beck of Topeka, Kan., Chris Morrison of Miami, Fla., Sean (Randi) Morrison of Colfax, Zachary (Michelle) Morrison of Champaign and Adam Morrison of Peoria; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mildred (Dale) Crooks of Rockville, Ind., and Loretta (Bob) Evitt of Woodward, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.
Ernest graduated from Clinton High School in 1939. He then went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps at Turkey Run, Ind. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. While stationed in the states he was an anti aircraft specialist and while serving overseas he was a combat engineer, building Bailey bridges for General Patton.
He worked for CIPS in Clinton, Ind., for a number of years and in 1949 moved to Paris, Ill., where he became a partner with his father-in-law and brother-in-law in the Valerine West Side Market for 12 years. He retired from the Illinois Cereal Mill in 1982.
Ernest was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paxton, Prairie Lodge #77, Eastern Star Paris Chapter #7, and a life member of VFW Post 6653. He was an avid Cardinals fan and enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, gardening, golf and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, First United Methodist Church of Paxton or an organization of the donor's choice.

John Wildman - Bement Lodge

2011-11-02T07:09:00.003-05:00

John Wildman

MONTICELLO – John C. Wildman, 78, of Monticello died in his home on Friday (Oct. 28, 2011) with his family gathered around him.
He was the son of Golda (Brown) and Ervin Wildman and brother to Ervin Jr., Jim and Lois (Chevron) and Vicki (Anderson).
John was a Korean War veteran. He was owner of Kenwild Industries, Bement, and a contract tile setter.
John was a member of American Legion Post 102, Bement, Bement Masonic Lodge, Ansar Shriners and Bement Methodist Church. He also served on the Bement Village Board.
John was an avid Illini and Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed Westerns and NASCAR racing. He loved to travel with his wife and was a master woodworker.
He is survived by loving wife Rebecca Strater Wildman; daughters, Cheryl (John) Hite, Lori Wildman and Robin (Greg) Brewer; son, Chris; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Children Hospital or Kirby Medical Hospital. His strength of character and love for his family will be his legacy.
A Masonic service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, Monticello, with a funeral service immediately following. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Bement Township Cemetery with military graveside rites.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com

Karl Anderson - Valley of Danville

2011-11-02T07:05:00.004-05:00

Karl Anderson

DANVILLE – Karl Eugene Anderson, 84, of Danville passed away at 1:17 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 1, 2011) at his home.
He was born Sept. 11, 1927, in Lemmon, S.D., to William T. and Helen Hoefling Anderson. Karl married Phyllis Neese Denny on March 23, 1974. She survives, as well as one son, Michael D. (Diane) Anderson of Tolono; one stepdaughter, Deborah Kay (Ray) Zbinden of St. Joseph; two sisters, Lorraine (Francis) Veal of Belle Fourche, S.D., and Sandra Kramer of Lafayette, Ind.; four grandchildren, Kelly Jo Anderson, Gabrielle Anderson, Anna Jean Anderson and Aidan Anderson; one stepgrandson, Brian Zbinden; two great-grandchildren, Matthew Jefferies Jr. and Jonathan Anderson; 13 nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; eight great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and one brother-in-law, Charles (Margie) Neese of Oak Lawn.
He was preceded in death by two infant brothers, one brother-in-law and one nephew.
Karl was an Army veteran. He had been a printing pressman for over 40 years, owning his own print shop in Mansfield and later working with Printing Impressions and later Ace Printing in Champaign.
He was a 50-year Mason and member of Danville Consistory and the American Legion. He enjoyed barbershop singing, square dancing, and camping with the members of the square dancing club, and was a member of the Pinochle Club in Urbana. He also liked woodworking and furniture refinishing.
Memorial services will be announced later. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery near his parents in his hometown of Lemmon, S.D.
Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling service details. Online condolences may be offered at www.robisonchapel.com.

Valley of Danville Fall Reunion Info - this Friday and Saturday

2011-10-30T20:49:00.002-05:00

Valley of Danville
Fall Reunion 2011

Joseph W. Ethridge, 33° Class

Friday, November 4th
4:00 p.m.. Registration
5:00 p.m. 4th Degree
6:00 p.m. 14th Degree
7:00 p.m. Dinner
8:00 p.m. Tony Pace Concert

Saturday, November 5
8:00 a.m. Class Pictures
9:00 a.m. 15th Degree
10:00 a.m. 5th Degree
11:00 a.m. 18th Degree
Noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. 19th Degree
2:00 p.m. 32nd Degree
4:00 p.m. Reception
5:00 p.m. Afterglow

Candidates fees will be $150.00 plus prorated dues of $48.00 for a total of $198.00.

This year’s reunion will include Tony Pace in concert on Friday night as a
fundraiser for the Learning Center. Tony is a Las Vegas performer advertised
as “THE MAN WITH THE VOICE, WHO JUST HAPPENS TO BE
FUNNY”. This concert will be open to the public. Tickets are $20.00 each.
Candidates and their wives will be guests of the Valley.

For more information, please call the office at
217-446-7620 or toll free at 1-800-917-2277

Rusty Nail Degree in Paxton

2011-10-29T08:49:00.003-05:00

There will be a Rusty Nail Degree at Paxton #416 on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 7pm. The address of the Lodge is 149 1/2 N. Market St., Paxton, IL. This is open to all Masters Masons from any Lodge. Contact for questions or directions. Hope to see you there. Thank you. F&R, Bro. Cash Wiedemann, Jr. Warden 815-457-2304

Gordon McMullins - Olive Branch

2011-10-26T17:00:00.003-05:00

Brethren:

Gordon Neil McMullins, a 63 year member of Olive Branch has passed away. Masonic Services for Bro. McMullins will be Friday, October 28th at Sunset in Danville at 7:30 PM.

If at all possible please attend and honor this Brother.

Fraternal regards,

Robert Blacketer - Secretary
Olive Branch Lodge #38

Larry Rollings - Arcola

2011-10-23T08:58:00.003-05:00

Larry Rollings

CHAMPAIGN – Larry Burton Rollings, 65, of Champaign, formerly of Arcola, passed away at 5:35 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Larry was born on Oct. 29, 1945, in Tuscola. He was a son of William Lloyd and Thena (Walden) Rollings. He married Linda Wilson on Dec. 17, 1966, in Bloomington, Ill.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Rollings of Champaign; three daughters, Tiffany Gruber and her husband James of Libertyville, Vanessa "Becky" Giannis and her husband James of Chicago, and Molly Rollings of Champaign; three grandsons, Riley James Gruber, Jackson Burton Gruber and James Dean Giannis II; one sister, Julie Ashworth; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Larry was a 1963 graduate of Arcola High School. He went on to earn a degree in risk management from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1967. Larry remained active at Illinois Wesleyan and served on numerous committees and boards throughout his life.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in Morocco and Okinawa as a communications technician. Larry returned to Arcola in December 1971 and purchased a partnership interest in the Dimond Bros. Insurance Agency and expanded it to multiple locations throughout central Illinois before selling the agency in January 2000.
He worked with the new Dimond Bros. management team to continue growing the agency into a statewide presence. Larry was a well-known agent and always enjoyed a friendly, professional relationship with his fellow agents.
Larry loved his profession and never tired of helping others professionally and personally. He worked in various volunteer positions with the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, which he served as past president.
Larry was active in multiple civic and regional organizations. He was a member of the Arcola Fire Department for 29 years, during which he served as a volunteer firefighter and president of the fire protection district. The Arcola Fire Department was a very special love of Larry's.
He was a member of the Arcola Masonic Lodge 366 AF&AM. Larry was a lifelong member of the Arcola First Christian Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher and served as deacon and elder for decades.
Larry was an avid Arcola High School girls' sports fan. He was an excellent cook and fine wine connoisseur. Larry was passionate about his family and friends, great food, bad jokes and good wine. His sense of humor was his trademark and remained with him to the very end of his life.
Larry was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a very rare form of Parkinson's plus. With his diagnosis came a desire to become instrumental in finding a cure or a stopgap for MSA. He participated in many studies and clinical trials through Northwestern University, including donating his brain to science for further research.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, Larry asked that all donations be made to Northwestern University to augment specific research funds for Parkinson's and Parkinson's plus diseases, such as MSA, to complement his donation to the Northwestern Brain Bank.
Donation information is as follows:
Checks can be sent directly to: Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Attention: June Ulrey, 420 E. Superior St., Rubloff Building, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 (Memo: Larry Rollings, Parkinson's Plus).
Or online donations can be made at:
www.giving.northwestern.edu/nu/feinberg. Under "Additional Feinberg Designations," select "Parkinson's Research Gift Fund."
Thank you for your generosity.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, at the First Christian Church of Arcola. A private celebration of Larry's life is planned for the end of the month. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Russell Ingrum - Arcola

2011-10-22T08:55:00.003-05:00

Russell Ingrum

ARCOLA – Russell Ray Ingrum, 75, of Arcola passed away at 1:32 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 18, 2011) at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at the United Methodist Church, 121 S. Locust St. in Arcola. The Rev. Vince Rohn will officiate. Burial will be in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at Edwards Funeral Home, 221 E. Main St. in Arcola. Masonic rites will be conducted at 5:45 p.m. Sunday by the Arcola Masonic Lodge 366 AF and AM.
Russell was born on Dec. 4, 1935, in Tuscola. He was a son of Hubert and Edith Margaret (Durnil) Ingrum. He married Harriet Elaine Miller on Dec. 7, 1958.
Russell is survived by his wife, Harriet Ingrum of Arcola; two daughters, Abby Lynn Ingrum of Urbana and Angela Jo Kennedy and her husband Patrick of Cary; one granddaughter, Monica Autumn Kennedy of Cary; one brother, Roger Ingrum and his wife Patricia of New Concord, Ky.; and three sisters, Mildred Childress of Alden, Minn., Ethel Needham of Denver, Colo., and Mary Olehy of Crawfordsville, Ind.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joe Ingrum and Lawrence Ingrum; three sisters, Maxine Ingrum, Vera Hussong and Fern Emberton; one step-brother, Dale Utsler; and one stepsister, Nora Utsler.
Russell had worked at USI in Tuscola and later for his father-in-law, Clarence Miller, at Miller's Service Station in Arcola. He operated Miller Oil Bulk Gas Plant, and most recently, he worked at the Arcola True Value for over 20 years, retiring in 2010.
Russell was a member of the Arcola United Methodist Church, The World Famous Lawn Rangers, Arcola Lions Club and the Arcola Masonic Lodge. He served on the Arcola City Zoning Board and was an Arcola Township Cemetery trustee for many years.
Russ was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. His heart touched so many people and brought great happiness to all. He was a people person and a man who loved everyone. He will be dearly missed by all.
Memorials may be made to the Arcola United Methodist Church, the Arcola Lions Club or the Julie Arthur Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ron Wood - Villa Grove-Camargo

2011-10-18T06:43:00.005-05:00

Ron Wood

VILLA GROVE – Ronald R. Wood, age 76, of Villa Grove died at 8 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 16, 2011) at his home in Villa Grove.
Funeral services will be held at noon Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, in the Joines Funeral Home, Illinois Route 130 South, Villa Grove, with Pastor Duane Piercy officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon Thursday. Burial will be at a later date.
Mr. Wood was born Sept. 1, 1935, in Elmer, Mo., a son of Albert and Lillian (White) Wood. He married Helen (Painter) Klienmeyer on Sept. 10, 1966; she survives in Villa Grove.
Also surviving are two sons, Leslie D. (Theresa) Wood of South Lyons, Mich., and Marvin (Marsha) Klienmeyer of Camargo; one daughter, Ronalda (Kay) Daughtery of South Lyons, Mich.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Mr. Wood was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Mr. Wood retired from the Union Pacific Railroad, sold MFA insurance in Missouri and worked for the Trunkline Gas Co. in Tuscola. He and Bill Ohms owned and operated the Bill and Ron Tavern (Ye Olde Tavern) in Villa Grove.
He was a member of the Tuscola Moose Lodge and the Villa Grove-Camargo Masonic Lodge 885.
Memorials can be made to the American Lung Association.

Dean Winder - Fraternal Lodge

2011-10-17T06:45:00.000-05:00

Dean Winder

MONTICELLO – Dean F. Winder, 83, died at 5 a.m. Saturday (Oct 15, 2011) at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at Mackey-Wright Funeral Home and funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the funeral home.
Dean was born August 29, 1928, in Lodge, the son of Phillip and Gladys (Foster) Winder. He married Alice Louise Grabb on Oct. 15, 1949, in Piggott, Ark. She preceded him in death on Sept. 20, 1995.
Survivors include daughters Alicia of Monticello and Alexia Gossett of Champaign; sons Alan of Monticello and Robert of Aurora; nine grandchildren, Allison (Zack) Chapin of Noblesville, Ind., Ashley Gossett of Carmel, Ind., Timothy (Emily) of Champaign, Alexandra Gossett of Champaign, Amanda Gossett of Carmel, Ind., Taylor Gossett of Champaign, Jarrod Winder of Belleville, Abbey Winder of Bloomington and Autumn Winder of Monticello; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson Chapin of Noblesville, Ind., and Tinley Franklin of Champaign, IL.
He is also survived by two sisters, Phyllis Colvin of Lexington, Ky., and Josie Faught of Tucson, Ariz.; and two brothers, Lester Winder of Monticello and Warren (Jeannette) Winder of Buckley. Dean also leaves behind longtime companion Sally Moore of Monticello.
Dean retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Monticello, after 24 years. He was a member of the Monticello Junior Chamber Commerce, serving as state president in 1964; thirty-second degree Loyal Order of Mason, Monticello Lions Club, serving as district 1-L governor, Piatt County Sportmen's Club.
Dean enjoyed collecting antiques, fishing, traveling, playing poker and collecting coins. He enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Cubs and Atlanta Braves.
Memorials may be made to the Monticello Lions Club.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.

Ogden Lodge No. 754: Joe Silkey Recieves Honorary Past Master

2011-10-14T22:48:00.000-05:00

Ogden Lodge No. 754: Joe Silkey Recieves Honorary Past Master: One of the October meeting highlights was when Brother Joseph W. Silkey was recognized for his contributions to Ogden Lodge No. 754 over the...

2011-10-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

Sword of Bunker Hill October 15, 2011 - 10:00 AM at Gao Grotto 2400 Denmark Road Danville, IL Presented by Cumberland Road Order #122 of Indianapolis, IN Cost of $25 Please Contact: Bob Gill at 217/497-4079 – bgill@thsnyderco.com or Dick Clark at 217/267-2235 – Dickrl@aol.com Lunch Served after Order is Completed

Harlan James - Western Star

2011-10-10T07:23:00.000-05:00

Harlan James

CHAMPAIGN – Harlan D. James, 80, died Friday (Oct. 7, 2011).
James, a Champaign native, was born Aug. 6, 1931, at Burnham City Hospital, the second son of William Leslie and Ruby Denison James.
James attended Southside Grade School and graduated from Champaign High School in 1949. He began his secondary education at the University of Illinois and graduated from the Illinois Business College with a degree in accounting after honorably serving in the United States Marine Corp from 1951 to 1954.
James began his professional career with the Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1956 in Kankakee and held various positions in Alton, Champaign (1964-66), Danville and Joliet. He returned to Champaign in 1975 as the business office manager and was named area manager of community relations in October 1983. His responsibilities included the economic development, community and media relations for Champaign-Urbana, Danville, Decatur and Iroquois County, retiring in 1990 after 34 years of service.
James was very active in community affairs in previous years in Champaign and other towns, serving as a past president of the United Way of Champaign County, chairman of the Champaign Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, board member of the Greater Urbana-Champaign Economic Development Corporation, Champaign County Crimestoppers, Champaign Chamber Board of Directors and the Urban League of Champaign County. He was also a Life Member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, 50-year Member of the Eastern Star and the Western Star Lodge 240 and a 25-year member of the Champaign Lions Club. James also had been a member of the Kiwanis Club, Optimist Club and worked on several campaigns for the United Way, YMCA and the Leukemia Society of America.
After retirement, James and his loving wife of 55 years, Cynthia Guthrie James, split their time between Champaign and Punta Gorda, Fla. In addition to his wife Cynthia, James is survived by his three children, Marc L. James of Bossier City, La., and his wife Karen, David R. James of Atlanta, Ga., and Cheri A. Pierce of Mattoon and her husband, Kevin. James is also survived by four grandchildren, Blake, Cole, and Derek Pierce of Mattoon and Benjamin James of Atlanta. James is also survived by his brother, Roger S. James of Mahomet.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, with a memorial service and Masonic Rites immediately following thereafter. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.

St. Joseph Lodge Wins Award

2011-10-08T16:50:00.000-05:00

St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 of St. Joseph, Illinois was the winner of the 2011 Grand Master's Award of Excellence at the 172nd Annual Grand Communication of the Most Worshipful Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois.

This is the first time St. Joseph Lodge was won the award in the history of the Lodge. St. Joseph Lodge also won an award for Lodge Membership Increase for the 2nd year in a row.

Ralph Siders - Bement Lodge

2011-10-07T17:58:00.000-05:00

Ralph Siders

MONTICELLO – Ralph R. "Bus" Siders Jr., 93, of Monticello, formerly of Bement, went to be with the Lord at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 4, 2011) at the Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Bement United Methodist Church, 249 N. Piatt St., Bement. Pastor Marsha Frederick will officiate.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the church. Masonic services will be given at 9:30 a.m. by Bement Masonic Lodge 365 AF&AM.
Burial will be in the Bement Township Cemetery, Bement. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Albert Parker American Legion Post 620, Bement.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bement United Methodist Church, Piatt County Nursing Home in Monticello or the charity of the donor's choice.
Bus was born on Aug. 23, 1918, in Bement, a son of Ralph Raymond and Cora Baker McClure Siders Sr. He married Gertrude Caroline Buck on June 30, 1941, in East St. Louis; she survives in Monticello.
Surviving are two daughters, Susan (Bruce) Siders Berry of Memphis, Tenn., and Carol (Joe) Siders Maier of Germantown Hills, as well as grandchildren Britton, Ray, Becky and David and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Bus was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Daniel F. Siders.
Bus graduated from Bement High School in 1936 and later attended the University of lllinois and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon national fraternity.
Bus served his country in the Army Air Force during World War II. He retired as owner/operator with his brother Dan of Siders Brothers Rexall Drug Store, worked with his father at the Siders-Taylor grain elevator and was retired owner of Siders Antiques Refinishing.
Bus was a lifetime member of the Bement United Methodist Church, Bement Masonic Lodge 365 AF&AM, Ansar Shrine Temple of Springfield, longtime member of the Monticello Golf Club, Albert Parker American Legion Post 620 and Bement Lions Club. He served on the Centennial Committee Board, Bement Township Cemetery Board, church board and Top Flight Grain board and was a 1955 village trustee.
Bus and his wife Gert recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Bus truly loved the Bement community.
Roux-Hinds Funeral Home, 348 N. Piatt St., Bement, has been entrusted with the family's loved one for Bus' services.

William Bumgarner Sr. Arcola Lodge

2011-10-06T13:23:00.003-05:00

William Bumgarner Sr.

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ARCOLA - William E. Bumgarner Sr., 84, of Arcola, IL, passed away at 8:15 A.M. Sunday, October 2, 2011 at his residence. A visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main in Arcola, IL. Masonic rites will be conducted by the Arcola Masonic Lodge 366 AF and AM following visitation on Thursday at the funeral home and a celebration of Bill's life officiated by Rev. Don Winch will follow the Masonic rites at the funeral home on Thursday. Bill was born on May 2, 1927 in Morganton, NC. He was a son of Conley H. and Katherine (Hyatt) Bumgarner. He married Margaret Natalie Wheelon on January 20, 1945 in Gaffney SC. He is survived by his wife, Natalie Bumgarner of Arcola, IL, four children, William E. Bumgarner Jr. and his wife Colletta of Greenfield, IN, Patricia Hawkins and her husband Leon of Arcola, IL, Eric Bumgarner and his wife Paula of Rochester, IL and Debra Hicks and her husband Ralph of Morganton, NC, six grandchildren, Jeff Gardner and his wife Margy of Tuscola, IL, Christopher Bumgarner of Bloomington, IN, Nicholas Bumgarner of Mattoon, IL, Shawna McNamer and her husband Ryan of Arcola, IL, Amy Martin and her husband Adam and Gary Achor and his wife Sara Jo all of Greenfield, IN; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Connie Smith of Morganton, NC; and two brothers, Harmon Bumgarner and his wife Patsy and Donald Bumgarner and his wife Lamarr of Bean Station, TN. Bill retired from the military after twenty-four years of service. He served in the Army and the Illinois National Guard. After the military, he worked at Ron Smith Trucking, King Brothers and Terra Fertilizer. He enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends, mowing and farming especially harvest. He was a member of the Arcola Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and elder. He was a member of the Arcola Masonic lodge where he served as a past master and he was a member of the Arcola Lions Club. Memorials may be made to Sarah Bush Cancer Center or to the Arcola Masonic Lodge.

Wayne Cope - Homer Lodge

2011-10-06T11:03:00.003-05:00

Wayne E. Cope
(August 3, 1924 - October 4, 2011)

Wayne E. Cope 87 of Homer died at 2:54 p.m. Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Canterbury Ridge, Urbana.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2011 at the G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer by the Homer Masonic Lodge #199 A.F. & A.M. Military rites will be accorded. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Cope was born on August 3, 1924 in Westville, the son of Boyd and Bessie Cowell Cope. He married Dorothy M. Endsley on September 20, 1947 in Homer, she survives.
Also surviving are on son; Boyd Dale (Karen) Cope of Brunswick, Georgia, one daughter; Debbie (Greg) Vaughn of Flatville, one son – law; Dennis Rein of Homer, one brother; Dale (Irene) Cope of Littleton, Colorado, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one daughter; Melody Rein, three brothers, one sister and one grandson; David.
Mr. Cope retired from the University of Illinois as a carpenter.
He was an Air Force veteran of WW II, where he was a P.O.W. for eleven months and was liberated by the third Army led by General George S. Patton.
Mr. Cope was Presbyterian. He was a member of Homer Masonic Lodge # 199 A.F. & A.M., Homer American Legion, Illiana P.O.W. Chapters, Moose and Elks.
He enjoyed crossword puzzles and working in his woodworking shop.
Memorial contributions may be made to Provena Covenant Hospice, P.O.W. M.I.A., or the Wounded Warriors.
Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Albert Wharmby

2011-10-05T07:05:00.003-05:00

Albert E. Wharmby

Graveside Celebration of Life services for Albert E. Wharmby, 84, of Niles, Ill., formerly of Champaign, will be at 1:30 p.m., Monday, August 29, 2011, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.
The Rev. Tom Corum will officiate. Masonic Rites will be accorded.
Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Wharmby passed away at 8:36 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, at Kindred Hospital, Northlake, Ill.
He was born Nov. 1, 1926, in Champaign, the son of Albert and Lois (Ayers) Wharmby. He married Margaret Grant Oct. 30, 1954, in Champaign. She preceded him in death on Feb. 6, 1996.
He is survived by two sisters, Barbara Seifert, of Twin Falls, Idaho; and Mary Jo (Duane) Foster, of Downers Grove.
Before his retirement, Mr. Wharmby was employed as a freight conductor with the Illinois Central Railroad. He was a graduate of Urbana High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Amvets.
Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Condolences to the family may be offered online at www.HeathandVaughn.com.

Guy Wooldridge

2011-10-05T06:54:00.000-05:00

Guy Wooldridge
(April 23, 1920 - September 25, 2011)

Guy Francis Wooldridge, 91, of Champaign passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the C-U Regional Rehab Center in Savoy. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Guy was born on April 23, 1920 in Thomasboro, Illinois to Guy B. and Almeda (Craig) Wooldridge. He married Edith E. Harker on September 2, 1939 in hope, Indiana; she survives. Survivors include daughter; Glenda Manning (Jim), son; John Wooldridge (Karen), grandson; Matt Wooldridge (Renee), two precious great-granddaughters; Makaylee and Makenna Wooldridge, and one granddog; Patsy Manning, all of Champaign.
Guy served in the U.S. Army from May 1943 until February 1946. During WWII, he was stationed in India with Company C, 726th Railway Operating Battalion. Guy started working on the railroad in Indianapolis, Indiana. After moving to Urbana in 1949, he continued to work for the Penn Central Railroad (Conrail) until his retirement in 1983. Guy was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the American Legion Post 24 and the V.F.W. Post 630.
Guy was a Cubs, Bears and Illini fan and he loved the game of golf. He, his wife and friends took several vacations and ballroom dancing classes together. Guy and Edith were excellent ballroom dancers. Guy was an avid follower of his grandson’s baseball career. From grade school, little league, high school, and Legion Post 24 baseball, he rarely missed a game. He dearly loved his family. The light of his life was his two great granddaughters and his granddog. Mr. Wooldridge lived a full life and will be missed by his family and friends

Billy Hallowell - Western Star

2011-10-04T07:24:00.003-05:00

Billy Hallowell

URBANA – Billy Paul "Jake" Hallowell, 75, of Urbana died at 5 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 2, 2011) at his home.
Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at the IBEW Hall, 3301 N. Boardwalk Drive, Champaign. Mike Dilley will officiate. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 4 to 6 p.m.
Billy was born on Aug. 11, 1936, in Douglas County, the son of Paul Franklin and Daisy (Patrick) Hallowell. He married Sylvia Mangian Hansen on Nov. 27, 1994, in Champaign.
He is loved and will be dearly missed by his wife, Sylvia; children, Cheri Garrett of Champaign, Brian Hallowell (Terri) of St. Joseph, Lori Hallowell of Bondville, stepson Rodney Hansen of Urbana; 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; great-aunt, Pauline Milsap of Altoona, Wis.; and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Buddy Hallowell.
Billy was a graduate of Unity High School and served in the U.S. Navy in the 1950s.
He was an electrician with IBEW Local 601. He was a member of Urbana VFW Post 630, Urbana American Legion Post 71, Western Star Masonic Lodge No. 240, the Fairmount Club and the Champaign Athletic Club.
He was a black belt in tae kwon do, enjoyed riding motorcycles and was an avid hunter, NASCAR fan and sports enthusiast, especially for the Illini and Chicago Bears.
Memorial contributions may be made to Urbana VFW Post 630. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

News from the 8th Eastern District

2011-09-30T21:23:00.003-05:00

Brethren,

September Worker's Club was held at Potomac Lodge, with 15 members present. Sean McBride was the speaker, talking about membership retention, how to involve new members, and the invitation to petition. Olive Branch and Potomac Lodges tied for the traveling gavel, so since Potomac Lodge hosted, they got to keep it. I would like to thank Worshipful Brother McBride for speaking to us, and to Potomac Lodge for hosting.

We had some good discussion about many different topics, including: RWB Clark spoke about Brother Brian Pettice's son, who has Sensory Processing Disorder. He is in the CARE Class at Rossville, and they have found that he has benefited from his use of an IPhone/ IPad. These are expensive tools, but very beneficial to these children. He also talked about Lodges working to try to help fund the purchase of several of these for Vermilion County's 21 CARE Classes.

This is an idea if your Lodge is looking for a cause to donate to. Dick also spoke about the Masonic Service Association, and announced that Brother Andy Phillips has been named as the Veteran's Representative for the district, and mentioned that he thinks that it would be a good thing to have a rep from each Lodge to assist Andy with this.

RWB Tom Barrett also spoke about investigation committees and their duties. He also discussed the proposal for Grand Lodge to conduct background checks, as this will be discussed at Grand Lodge. He also talked about individual lodge's By-Laws, and asked how many lodges have reviewed theirs recently. Tom also gave a great talk on Masonic Education.

Next meeting will be on Monday, October 17, at Ridge Farm Lodge. Refreshments will be at 6:15 PM, with work at 7:00 PM.

Fraternally,

Jon Rayls

Ronald DeBarba - Anchor Lodge

2011-09-30T11:04:00.002-05:00

Ronald M. "Dago" DeBarba

Commercial-News

BERRYTON, Kan. — BERRYTON, Kan. – Ronald M. “Dago” DeBarba, 72, of Berryton, Kan., formerly of the Danville/Westville area, passed away at 5:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Stormont-Vail Health Care, Topeka, Kan.

He was born on Oct. 7, 1938, in Danville, the son of Maurice and Martha (Johnson) DeBarba, both deceased. He had previously married Barbara Lewis, and later, he was wed to Deborah Donaldson. In 1984, he was married to Mary Watson. She will miss him.

He is survived by his son, Douglas (Carla) DeBarba of Grape Creek; his stepsons, Michael (Meagen) Vaughn of Little Elm, Texas; David Gumm of Germany; and Richard (Karen) Watson of Berryton, Kan.; his stepdaughters, Betty “Sissy” Reynolds of Rossville; and Geneva Vaughn of Westville; his grandchildren, Douglas DeBarba, Brandy DeBarba, Chaz Vaughn, Zachary Vaughn, Jaiden Vaughn, Mady Beemer, Kailee Beemer, Noah Beemer, Jonah Beemer, MacKenzie Reynolds, Madison Reynolds, Macie Vaughn, Kyra Digby, Colton Digby-Jackett, Harlan Watson, Shelby Watson, Alexis Watson, Emily Watson and Makennah Long; and his sister, Sharon Anderson of Greer, S.C.

He was preceded in death by a stepson, Michael Watson.

In his early years, Dago worked for E.S.C.O in Danville and also at Gastoff Ornament Factory. He then went into law enforcement starting in Westville, serving for a time as the chief of police. He then went to work at the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department, retiring at the rank of sergeant. He also worked part time at Catlin Police Department. All told, he served in law enforcement for 34 years.

Dago was a member of the North Bay Fellowship Church in Ingleside, Texas, and a third degree master mason with Anchor Lodge 980 as well as a 32nd degree mason of the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville. He was member of the Vermilion Fishing Club. He had been a volunteer fireman with Catlin Protection District. He enjoyed fishing and hunting but especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids.

A celebration of Dago’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, Westville, with Tom Schoenherr officiating. A committal service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Ridge Lawn Cemetery in Martinsville. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at the funeral chapel, with Masonic services at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, his family wishes memorials be made to North Bay Fellowship Church of Ingleside, Texas, or to Berryton Baptist Church of Berryton, Kan.

Please, join Dago’s family in sharing memories of his life through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Lloyd Beynon - Divernon Lodge

2011-09-29T18:39:00.002-05:00

Lloyd Hale Beynon

Commercial-News

DANVILLE — Lloyd Hale Beynon, 87, of Danville, passed away at 10:43 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at Hawthorne Inn Nursing Home in Danville.

Lloyd was born on March 29, 1924, to Louis and Emma (Squires) Beynon in Divernon.

He was raised and educated in Divernon where he graduated high school then left on April 7, 1943, to join the United States Army Air Force.

On April 21, he was sent to Kearns, Utah, for basic training where he was promoted to private first class and then sent to administration school in Brookings, S.D. In August 1943, he was assigned to guard duty on the USS Argentina on a trip to Burtonwood, England. As much as he wanted to fly, his feet were firmly on the ground in England to help supply the troops. In June 1944, he was on detached service where he lived in private homes or in an apartment and had a permanent 24-hour pass, a British ration card and lived like a British civilian. In February 1946, he was promoted to sergeant. In each of his assignments, he was administrator and finance noncommissioned officer.

While serving in the United Services Automobile Association, he met the love of his life, an English gal, Marjorie Mary “Joan” Tarzey. On March 19, 1946, they married in Bristol, England. On April 10, 1946, he boarded the USS Tusculum Victory at Southampton for the trip back to the USA.

After his wife arrived from England, they settled in Decatur. Using the GI Bill of Rights, Lloyd attended Millikin University in Decatur. After graduation from Millikin, Lloyd, Joan and daughter, Gay, went to England where he attended Bristol University. Arriving back in the USA, he worked for a short time for Firestone in Danville as office and credit manager. In 1952 he accepted the position of customer billing supervisor, ballast department at General Electric. He held various positions, all in the financial section, until retiring in 1986.

Lloyd was a partner with Robert “Bud” Britton in a real estate partnership that bought and renovated homes. He was an avid participant in the Boy Scouts, serving as scout master on the council level organizing “camporees” and was inducted into The Order of the Arrow. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 210, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Vermilion County War Museum in Danville, Burtonwood Association in England and the Masons in Divernon.

Lloyd was a conservative and very generous man, establishing three endowments at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in the memory of Gerry and Ted Murzynski. He also set up a Charitable Remainder Trust, benefiting the Danville Public Library, Danville Area Community College Foundation and Provena United Samaritans Foundation.

Surviving are one son, Mark (Janne) Beynon; one daughter, Gay (Bill) Takakoshi; two granddaughters, Sarah (Eric) Lindley and Jessica (Craig) Barton; one great-grandson, Grayson “Lloyd” Lindley; a very special friend, Nancy Naylor; sister-in-law, Simone Tarzey; two nephews, Daniel (Netti) Tarzey and David (Ann) Leonhard.

His parents preceded him in death as well as his wife, Joan; two sisters, Gwendolyn (Ed) Leonhard and Geraldine (Ted) Murzynski; one brother, Louis Evan Jr. (Ruth Durst) Beynon; his mother-in-law, Mrs. E.B. Tarzey; and brother-in-law, Hugh Tarzey.

Cremation rites have been accorded. All services are private for the family. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, in Danville, is in charge of arrangements. A burial of ashes will take place at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Danville, Brush Creek Cemetery in Divernon and Clifton Downs in Bristol, England, at a later date.

Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers to Danville Public Library, Danville Area Community College, Provena United Samaritans Medical Center or the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

I am Freemasonry

2011-09-27T06:59:00.000-05:00

I Am Freemasonry I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when men first dreamed of God. I have been tried through the ages, and found true. The crossroads of the world bear the imprint of my feet, and the cathedrals of all nations mark the skill of my hands. I strive for beauty and for symmetry. In my heart is wisdom and strength and courage for those who ask. Upon my alters is the Book of Holy Writ, and my prayers are to the One Omnipotent God, my sons work and pray together, without rank or discord, in the public mart and in the inner chamber. By signs and symbols I teach the lessons of life and of death and the relationship of man with God and of man with man. My arms are widespread to receive those of lawful age and good report who seek me of their own free will. I accept them and teach them to use my tools in the building of men, and thereafter, find direction in their own quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult to attain. I lift up the fallen and shelter the sick. I hark to the orphans' cry, the widows tears, the pain of the old and destitute. I am not church, nor party, nor school, yet my sons bear a full share of responsibility to God, to country, to neighbor and themselves. They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties and alert to lurking danger. At the end I commit them as each one undertakes the journey beyond the vale into the glory of everlasting life. I ponder the sand within the glass and think how small is a single life in the eternal universe. Always have I taught immortality, and even as I raise men from darkness into light, I am a way of life.

Author Unknown

Guy Wooldridge

2011-09-26T06:52:00.002-05:00

Guy Wooldridge

CHAMPAIGN – Guy Francis Wooldridge, 91, of Champaign passed away Sunday (Sept. 25, 2011) at the C-U Regional Rehab Center in Savoy. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Guy was born on April 23, 1920, in Thomasboro to Guy B. and Almeda (Craig) Wooldridge. He married Edith E. Harker on Sept. 2, 1939, in Hope, Ind.; she survives. Survivors include daughter, Glenda Manning (Jim); son, John Wooldridge (Karen); grandson, Matt Wooldridge (Renee); two precious great-granddaughters, Makaylee and Makenna Wooldridge; and one granddog, Patsy Manning, all of Champaign.
Guy served in the U.S. Army from May 1943 until February 1946. During World War II, he was stationed in India with Company C, 726th Railway Operating Battalion.
Guy started working on the railroad in Indianapolis. After moving to Urbana in 1949, he continued to work for the Penn Central Railroad (Conrail) until his retirement in 1983. Guy was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of American Legion Post 24 and VFW Post 630.
Guy was a Cubs, Bears and Illini fan and he loved the game of golf. He, his wife and friends took several vacations and ballroom dancing classes together. Guy and Edith were excellent ballroom dancers.
Guy was an avid follower of his grandson's baseball career. From grade school, little league, high school and Legion Post 24 baseball, he rarely missed a game.
He dearly loved his family. The light of his life was his two great granddaughters and his granddog. Mr. Wooldridge lived a full life and will be missed by his family and friends.
Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Freemasonry Over The Road

2011-09-25T18:53:00.000-05:00

I noticed this semi-truck today with a square and compass on the rear end of the trailer. It was great to see it! There was a web site www.freemason.com that pointed those interested towards for more information. It was sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Ohio

Sword of Bunker Hill Coming

2011-09-25T18:03:00.002-05:00

Cumberland Road Order No. 122 will perform the Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill on

Saturday October 15, 2011 at the GAO Grotto 2400 Denmark Road, Danville, IL

Presented by Cumberland Road Order #122 of Indianapolis, IN

Cost of $25

Please Contact: Bob Gill at 217/497-4079 – bgill@thsnyderco.com
or Dick Clark at 217/267-2235 – Dickrl@aol.com
Lunch Served after Order is Completed

Michael Clay - Russell Lodge

2011-09-14T12:44:00.000-05:00

Michael W. Clay

Commercial-News

GEORGETOWN — Michael W. Clay, 70, of Georgetown, passed away at 3:42 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family and dear friend and companion, Sandy.

Michael was born April 1, 1941, in Weaver, Ala. He was the son of Colvin and Willie Mae Clay.

He was a resident of Georgetown since 1965. He married A. Jane Clay in Danville in March 1963. She preceded him in death in May of 2001.

Michael retired after 25 years at the General Motors Central Foundry as a millwright. He was a past master at Russell Lodge 154, member of ANSAR Temple, Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, Eastern Illinois Shrine Club and Western Indiana Shrine Club. He was a member of the American Legion, Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard.

Surviving are his children, Donald E. Clay and his wife, Melinda, of Santee, Calif. (Ashley and Kevin), and Michael D. Clay and his wife, Angi, of Georgetown (Cole, Zachary, Travis, Tayler, Madison and Hannah); two sisters, Emma Clark of Weaver, Ala., and Louise Canada (Aubrey) of Lincoln, Ala.; three brothers, Colvin “Sonny” Clay (Mardell) of Jacksonville Ala., Bill Clay of Anniston, Ala., and Dennis Clay (Roberta) of Southside, Ala.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jane.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, with Masonic services following at Pape Funeral Home in Danville. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Pape Funeral Home in Danville, with friend of First Church of Christ, Kent Leasure, officiating. Mike will be escorted to Sunset Memorial by the American Legion Riders and Illinois Patriot Guard. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial, with full military honors by the American Legion Dornblazer Post 203 of Georgetown.

St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 Sponsors 9/11 Observance

2011-09-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 along with numerous Scouting groups sponsored a 10th anniversary 9/11 observance at the St. Joseph-Ogden HS football field. The field was filled with Scouts, fireman, police and members of the Masonic Lodge in large display of flags and patriotism.

Dr. John Sims who was one of the first clergy at Ground Zero was the featured speaker. Brother Todd Hitt of St. Joseph Lodge, who is also a Champaign Fireman played the bagpipes and led an impressive Fire Department Bell Ceremony.

Scouts performed a Flag Retirement ceremony in front of the nearly 400 persons in attendance.

7 Knights hits the Stand

2011-09-13T21:35:00.001-05:00

Photo by Matt Huber - Danville Commercial News

Brian "Rooster" Cox, WM of Catlin Lodge No. 754 has released his new book "7 Knights" and he was recently featured in the Danville Commercial News:

Brian “Rooster” Cox is the first to admit he doesn’t have a “silver pen.” But he has something just as important — a good story.

“When you read it, you picture it as a movie,” Cox said of his first novel, “7 Knights.”

Although it’s getting good reviews, Cox downplays his writing talent, and considers himself an actor rather than a writer. In fact, his dream is that “7 Knights” will become a movie.

Ogden Lodge Blood Drive

2011-09-13T21:20:00.002-05:00

Ogden Lodge No. 754 will host a blood drive:

Saturday September 17 9am-1pm

Ogden Masonic Lodge.

Bernard Brillhart - TJ Picett Lodge Bushnell

2011-09-12T07:22:00.000-05:00

Bernard Brillhart

CHAMPAIGN – Bernard W. Brillhart, 82, of Champaign, formerly of Bushnell, died at 7:45 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 10, 2011) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
He was born on Aug. 22, 1929, in Hermon, a son of Chester and Lizzie E. (Horner) Brillhart.
He married Elizabeth "Betty" Smith on Jan. 16, 1986, in Champaign. She survives, of Champaign.
Also surviving are a daughter, Lynn (and Bill Carroll) DeAndrea of Denver, Colo.; sons Stan (and Sue) Brillhart of Andalusia, Steve (and Mary Ann) Brillhart of Kennett Square, Pa., and David Brillhart of Denver, Colo.; stepsons Jeffrey Higgins of Delray Beach, Fla., and Kevin (and Melanie) Higgins of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; stepdaughter, Kimberley (and Randy) Smith of Villa Grove; six grandchildren; and sister, Lola Fusco of Drexel Hill, Pa.
He was preceded in death by five sisters and three brothers.
He was manager of grain elevators in Ipava, Table Grove, Bushnell and Knoxville.
He was a 50-year member of TJ Pickett Lodge 307 of Bushnell,
where he wrote much of their history. He was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Quincy Consistory. He was a 1967 graduate of Western Illinois University.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, with minister Gary Sheets officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home, where Masonic services will be held immediately following visitation.
Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.
Memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children.

We will never forget

2011-09-11T08:16:00.000-05:00

We will never forget.