Dr. Harold “Doc” Frederick Haines Jr., 87 of Taylorville passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 11:21 p.m. at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born on July 2, 1930 in Chicago, IL the son of Dr. Harold and Mildred Haines Sr. He married Delmarie Smith on April 21, 1957 in Saybrook, IL. Doc worked as a chiropractor owning his own practice in Taylorville. He was a Charter Member and Deacon at Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville and Past President and member of the Illinois Chiropractic Society. He served in the United States Air Force spending time in Japan and the Asian Theatre. Doc graduated from Taylorville Senior High School, the University of Illinois and Lincoln Chiropractic College. He was an avid golfer at Lakeshore Golf Course.    

He is survived by his Wife: Delmarie Haines of Taylorville, IL; Daughter: Lynnette Haines and husband Jeffrey Lynn of Janesville, WI; Grandchildren: Jordan (Loretta) Wiley of Castle Rock, CO; Elyse Wiley (Jim Wennmacher) of Peoria, IL; Brothers: Duane (Sharyn) Haines of Richmond, TX; Sisters: Erlene (Tom) Strenfel of O’Fallon, IL; Diane (Larry Cooper) Godat of Greensboro, NC; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter: Paula Windell.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville, IL with the funeral service immediately following the visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville with Pastor Gerald McPhillips officiating assisted by Pastor Philip Neumann. Burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL on Monday, July 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church 900 Northern Ave Taylorville, IL 62568

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Please sign our on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.

Ann N. Ettinger, 97, of Orange City, FL, formerly of Taylorville, IL, passed away on Friday, June 15, 2018 at Fish Memorial Hospital in Orange City, FL.

Ann was born March 6, 1921 in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Charles Arthur and Anna Marie Alt Norman.  She graduated from Millikin University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and she was employed as a reporter for the Decatur Herald and Review.  It was there that she met her future husband, W. Hayden Ettinger, who was a staff photographer.  They married on May 14, 1949 in Decatur, and were married for 59 years, until Hayden passed away in 2007.  Together, they raised their three children on the family farm near Taylorville.

Ann had a life-long love of reading, and she developed an avid interest in gardening.  She also enjoyed family genealogy, needle work, collecting antiques, and her affiliation with P.E.O.  She and Hayden permanently moved to Florida in 1985, living first in the Hammock near Palm Coast, and then moving to John Knox Village in Orange City in the early 2000’s.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Mary A. Yeaman; brother, Charles A. Norman, Jr.; and step-mother, Katharina Norman.

Ann is survived by her son, William H. (wife, Karen) Ettinger of Springfield, IL; daughter, Nancy Tullis of Taylorville, IL; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; brother, James H. (wife, Gail) Norman of Houston, TX; one nephew, two nieces, three great nephews, and two great nieces.

Cremation was accorded prior to ceremonies.

Visitation & Memorial Ceremony: The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the 1st Presbyterian Church, 116 E. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568, with Rev. Michael Evanchak officiating.  The visitation will be held in the fellowship hall, located in the lower level of the church.

Inurnment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Cottey College Scholarship Programs, 1000 W. Austin St., Nevada, MO 64772, or Kemmerer Village, 941 N. 2500 East Road, Assumption, IL 62510.

Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568 has been entrusted with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.

James P. Miller, 64, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018 in his residence.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 22, 2018 in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 101 East Virginia Avenue, Effingham, IL. Visitation was from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 21 in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to the DOVE Program, Shelbyville, IL.

Jim was born on June 18, 1954, in Shelbyville, IL, the son of Forrest W. “Frosty” and Lorraine J. (Miller) Miller. He was a 1972 graduate of Shelbyville High School, Shelbyville, IL, a 1974 graduate of Lake Land College and a 1988 graduate of the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois. Jim was a driver for Sun Oil Company from 1975-1987, Danneberger Oil Company from 1997-2002 and Shelby Energy Company from 2002-2014 all in Shelbyville, IL. He worked for the Shelbyville Police Department as an officer from 1987 until 1995 and as the Chief of Police from 1991 until 1994. Jim was a part of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Auxiliary for 12 years and has been a part-time Sheriff’s Deputy from 2010 to present. Jim served under four Shelby County Sheriffs: Bob Collins, Lloyd Spencer, Mike Miller and Don Koonce. He also taught the DARE program for four years in Shelbyville Schools and worked for the Strasburg Police from 2005-2009. Jim and his father, Frosty, owned and operated the Miller Campground near Moore Bridge until 1990. Jim attended St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham, IL. He was active in the Democratic Party and served as the Vice Chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Central Committee. He served as the facilitator in Shelby County for Senator Dick Durbin, attended the Democratic National Committee meeting in Philadelphia, PA and met President Obama when he was in Springfield, IL. Jim loved to collect Oliver tractors, Jeeps, and International trucks. He also had a love for his second home, Niemerg’s Steak House in Effingham, IL. Jim married Ann Watson Marten on October 5, 1991, and she passed away on February 11, 1998.

Jim is survived by his sister, Frostine Thomas (Mike) of Herscher, IL; nephew, Matthew Thomas (Jennifer) of Channahon, IL; niece, Stephanie Addicks (Aaron) of Bloomington, IL; four great nephews and nieces; and special friends, Larry and Tracey Danneberger of Shelbyville, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ann; and half-sister, Virginia L Durland and her husband Don.

Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com

Gary L. Blackman, 76, of Taylorville passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 18 in his home. He was born on December 27, 1941, in Logansport, Indiana the son of Kenneth and Bonnie (Shaefer) Blackman. He married Marsha Pacotti on June 1, 1984, in Taylorville.

Gary graduated from Logansport High School in 1959 and went on to Indiana University where he earned his undergraduate degree and was ultimately awarded the Doctor of Optometry Degree. Dr. Blackman was a long time partner in the Central Optometric Associates (Advance Eye Care) in Taylorville, retiring in May of 2014 after 50 years of practice.

Gary was extremely active in many professional organizations. He was a member of the Illinois Optometric Association and was named Optometrist of the Year in 1997. During his tenure as President of the IOA, he was instrumental in the creation of laws allowing optometrists to prescribe therapeutic drugs for eye health. He was also passionate about providing eye care to nursing home residents having developed many of the protocols, something he continued to do even in his retirement. He was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and was also a member of the American Optometric Association, serving in various leadership roles up to Vice President. In addition, Dr. Blackman was a devoted volunteer to V.O.S.H. (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity), making countless humanitarian trips to Central and South America, as well as Poland and Africa to care for the less fortunate. He served as the first President of Illinois V.O.S.H. Gary was equally involved in his local community in many ways. He was a member of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, helped for the Key Club at Taylorville High School, and was named Kiwanian of the Year in 1967. He, along with the husbands of other junior high teachers, helped start what is now known as Coats for Kids in Taylorville. Another community activity was serving on the board for the Christian County Mental Health Association. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and participated in a men’s Bible Study Group. In his spare time, Gary loved to golf, garden and work in his yard, work on his 1937 Packard, and exploring new technologies. He also had a love of travel and traveled extensively to many locations in the United States as well as around the world, including Africa, China, Europe, Cuba, Southeast Asia, Russia, Poland, Central and South America, Jordan, Egypt, and Israel. Most recently he returned May 19, 2018, from a trip to Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. One of his most memorable and moving experiences was being baptized in the Jordan River at the exact sight where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist.

Above all, Gary loved his family and cherished his time spent with his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed attending their sporting events, which included local venues, many states, and overseas venues such as England and France. He will be greatly missed are his wife Marsha, son Jeff (Laura DeBruce) Blackman of Sanibel, Florida; daughter Stephanie (Andy) Ballard of London; and daughter Amy (Jeff) Juhlin of Chatham, IL. Grandchildren include Abigail, Margaret and Katherine Juhlin; Luke Blackman; and Nathaniel, Joshua, Benjamin, Jessica, and Quentin Ballard; brothers include Stan (Susan) Blackman, Tucson, Arizona, and Tom (Ginny) Blackman , Carmel, Indiana. Nieces and nephews include Neil and Blake Blackman; Greg and Lindsey Blackman; and John and Angela Pacotti.

A memorial service for Dr. Blackman will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2018 at the Taylorville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Becky Lembke officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3 until 6 p.m. at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.

Memorials in Gary’s honor may be made to V.O.S.H. Illinois, Taylorville First United Methodist Church, or the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation.

McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is handling arrangements.

Memories of Gary, or condolences to his family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.

Cassandra Agnew, 38 of Taylorville passed away on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 9:50 p.m. at her residence in Taylorville, IL. She was born on December 8, 1979 in Decatur, IL the Daughter of William and Mary (Miller) Agnew. Cassandra worked as an associate at Walmart in Taylorville. She was a loving mother, cherished daughter and sister. She adored her animals, spending time with her family and listening to music.

Surviving is her Son: Matthew Noller of Taylorville, IL; Father: William Agnew of Taylorville, IL; Brothers: William (Elaine) Agnew of Edinburg, IL; Timothy (Heather) Agnew of Taylorville, IL; Sisters: April (Jeff) Jefferies of Springfield, IL; Christyl (Nick) Crowe of Taylorville, IL; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. She was preceded in death by her Mother.

 
Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Taylorville with Pastor Don Bettis officiating. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Taylorville.

Memorials may be made to her son Matthews college fund C/O: Sutton Memorial Home 327 N. Clay St. Taylorville, IL 62568

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Please sign our on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com

David Eugene Slagel of San Antonio, Texas passed away on May 11, 2018 at the age of 53.  A former Taylorville, IL resident, he retired as a Tech Sergeant for the US Air Force after serving his country for 20 years.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends for his compassion and sense of humor.  

David is survived by his brother, Daniel Slagel, his sisters, Princess Slagel-Bucshon and Faith Collins, and his step-mother, Shirley Slagel.  He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne E. Slagel.

A private memorial service will be held for David later this year.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.

Helen Ruth Foley-Bilyeu, 93, of Assumption, passed away at 8:00a.m. on Monday, June 18, 2018 in her home, surrounded by her family.  She was born on September 2, 1924 near Dalton City, the daughter of John “Jay” T. and Pearl (Hogan) Foley.  She was confirmed in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dalton City.  After graduating from Bethany Township High School, she attended Brown’s Business College in Decatur and was employed as a secretary at the Merchants & Manufacturers Association for three years prior to her marriage.  She was later employed in the Secretary of States office in Springfield.  She was a member of several genealogical societies and compiled a family genealogy.  She married Robert Edward Bilyeu on November 19, 1946 in Chicago, at the Chicago Temple First United Methodist Church.  Helen farmed alongside her husband Robert for many years while she raised their three daughters.  She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed puzzles.  

Surviving are her husband: Robert E. Bilyeu of Assumption; daughters: Michelle Mullendore of Chicago, Ramona Stalets (Lon) and Lesia Adcock (Tom) both of Assumption; grandchildren: Sasha Schaive (Chad) of Springfield, Allegra Muellner (Mike) of Chicago, Adam Stalets (Kim) of Bloomington, Luke Stalets (Mandy) of Heyworth, Adrian Kuffel (Adam) of Forsyth, and Weston Adcock of Assumption; great grandchildren: Kaylin Cunningham, Eva Stalets, Alex Stalets, Max Muellner, Avery Muellner, and Tighe Kuffel.  She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 sisters: Irene Moody and Eloise Jurgens.

A private family funeral will be held at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Rev. Becky Lembke officiating. Burial will take place in Pleasant View Cemetery in Assumption.

Memorials may be left to the Moultrie County Genealogical Society or donor’s choice. 

McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the Bilyeu family with arrangements.

Memories of Helen, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com

Russell “Rusty” Eugene Durham, 89 of Taylorville passed away on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 9:50 a.m. at his residence in Taylorville. He was born on June 15, 1928 in Taylorville TWP in Rural Christian County, IL the son of Julius and Floy (Cook) Durham. He married Janiece Mosley on April 16, 1949 in Kincaid, IL. Rusty served in the U.S. Marine Corps, worked at the Breeze Courier and later in maintenance at St. Vincent Hospital in Taylorville where he retired. He was a member of Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville and a past member of the Carpenters Union Local 270 in Springfield. He loved to play cribbage with his children and grandchildren, he loved gardening, working on bicycles, having garage sales and doing carpentry projects for his friends and family.  

Surviving are his Wife Janiece Durham of Taylorville; Children: William Durham of Taylorville; Robert Durham of Texas; James Durham of Arizona; Mary and Donna Durham both of Taylorville and Brenda Durham of Pana, IL. Grandchildren: Jason Durham of Taylorville; Jennifer Durham of Wapella, IL; Seth Durham of Texas; Michael and Misty Durham of Arizona; Joseph Kilhoffer and Hamilton Norris of Alaska; Caleb Sexson of Decatur, IL and Jacob Sexson of Texas; Ten Great-Grandchildren; 1 Great-Great-Grandson; Brother Clarence (Betty) Durham of Taylorville; many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Brother: James Durham and Sisters: Rosalie Weiman and Laurel Quaid.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 17, 2018 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Funeral service will be held on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Tiney Walker officiating. Burial will be held in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville with military graveside honors.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or Davis Memorial Christian Church 1500 W Franklin St, Taylorville, IL 62568.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Please sign our on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com

Mary Pauline Curry, 92 of Taylorville, passed away at 10:10p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  She was born on September 23, 1925 in Taylorville, the daughter of Dwight and Thelma (Bethard) Neece.  Pauline married Charles K. Curry on February 6, 1946 in Taylorville and he preceded her in death on May 19, 2000.  She was an active member of the Taylorville First Presbyterian Church for many years.  Before her children were born, Pauline owned and operated Curry’s Studio of Dance in Taylorville.  Her love of dance continued throughout the years along side her husband who together with other seniors entertained for many years as “Charlie and His Angels”.  She loved her time spend at the Senior Center where she always stayed active including teaching tap lessons.  Pauline also had a love of games, including watching Wheel of Fortune and playing puzzle games such as crossword and cryptogram.  She was also skilled at many crafts such as cross stitch and quiling-creating paper sculptures.  

Pauline is survived by her children: Rev. Charles K. Curry (Kathy) of Springfield and Christina Chrisman of Taylorville; grandchildren: Ted Curry Jr., Barbie Curry, Alyse Curry, Melissa Loy, Michael Chrisman, Amanda Fisher, Joshua Curry, Dusty Doyle, Gabriel Curry, and Clinton Curry; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; niece: Sherri Waterman and nephews: Troy Neece, Todd Neece, and Tim Neece.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son: Ted Curry, sister: Wilma Jean Waterman, and brother: Dwight L. Neece.  

A funeral service for Pauline will take place at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Rev. Michael Evanchak officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10 until 11a.m. Tuesday.  Following the services, Pauline will be cremated, and inurnment will take place Wednesday at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. 

Memorials may be left to the Taylorville First Presbyterian Church or the Christian County Senior Citizens. 

McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Memories of Pauline, or condolences to her family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com

Amanda Y. Vedas, 76 of Taylorville passed away at 3:25p.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in her home following a lengthy illness of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  She was born on January 12, 1942 in Taylorville, the daughter of Clyde and Dorothy (Kuntzman) Yonker.  She married Jack W. Vedas on August 10, 1963 in Taylorville and he preceded her in death on December 24, 2011.  Amanda graduated with a nursing degree from the Capital Area Vocational Center and was valedictorian of her class.  She worked as a nurse for many years in the ICU at St. Vincent Memorial Hospital in Taylorville and the burn unit of Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.  She was involved with the Christian County Extension and enjoyed cooking, playing cards, camping, traveling and spending time with her close group of friends.  

She is survived by her son: Kirk Vedas (Fen Tamanaha) of San Francisco, California; brothers: Paul Yonker (Daurice) of Pawnee, Gene Yonker (Will) of Taylorville, Stephen Yonker (Penny) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Darrell Yonker (Maxine) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter: Carla Griffiths.  

Mrs. Vedas will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.  Inurnment will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. 

McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Memories of Amanda, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.

Ruth Anne Sullivan, 83, of Taylorville passed away at 10:02a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.  She was born on May 22, 1935 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, the daughter of Noble M. and Oleta E. (Scarborough) Hawkins.  She married Russell McClane “Mick” Sullivan on August 25, 1956 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  Ruth attended the Oklahoma College for Women, Illinois State University, and received her Master’s Degree as part of the first graduating class from Sangamon State University.  She taught for many years at Sacred Heart in Springfield teaching business and computer classes.  Ruth was a member of Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville where she was very active in many aspects of the church’s ministry.  She loved to garden and to travel.  She was active in many activities while raising her 4 daughters including volunteering as a Girl Scout leader.  

She is survived by her husband: Russell M. “Mick” Sullivan of Taylorville; daughters: Amy Nuss of McHenry, Sherry Ward of Belleville, Kathy Sullivan of Taylorville, and Patty Sullivan (Ted Brannon) of Springfield; grandchildren: Alexis Wisniewski (Timothy), Zachary Nuss, Alex Ward, and Ryan Ward; great grandchild: Niah Wisniewski; brother: Edward F. Hawkins (Peggy) of Arvada, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law: Brian Nuss.

Mrs. Sullivan will be cremated, and a memorial service will take place at noon, on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville with Rev. Tiney Walker officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00a.m. until the time of the service at noon, Saturday in the church.  A funeral luncheon will be held in the fellowship hall of the church following the service and inurnment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery at a later date. 

Memorials may be left to Davis Memorial Christian Church.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Memories of Ruth, or condolences to her family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.

Lanny Weston Barker, 52, of Taylorville, passed away peacefully at 7:34 p.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2018 in his home with his wife and sons by his side.  Born on July 15, 1965 in Evanston, Wyoming, Lanny was the son of George and MaryAnn (Mills) Barker. He married Lori Manion on September 26, 1992. Lanny worked as a water plant operator for the City of Taylorville. He also worked as a mechanic and formerly owned and operated Lanny’s A to Z Automotive Repair. Besides his family, Lanny’s true loves were music, playing his guitar, and fishing.

Along with his wife, Lanny is survived by his sons: Jake and Riley, of Taylorville; parents: George and MaryAnn Barker of Randolph, UT; brother: Pat (Renae) Barker of Randolph, UT; sister: Kathi (Deb Wagstaff) Barker of Bear River, WY; mother-in-law: JoAnn (Verlin) Hibbs of Springfield; father-in-law: Tommy (Chris) Manion of Aubrey, TX; sister-in-law: Lisa Funderburg; brothers-in-law: Stu Funderburg, Kyle (Havey) Manion; Doug (Taffy Coventry) Hibbs; several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

In accordance with his wishes, Lanny will be cremated and his family will host a celebration of his life on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Kiwanis Park Pavilion in Taylorville.

McClure Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memories of Lanny, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.