On Friday, June 28, 2019 at 4:00 pm, surrounded by her loving family, Leticia Diane Champley, passed away at the age of 70. Diane was born on March 21, 1949 in Taylorville, IL to Evan Hershel and Stella Sparling. On November 28, 1965 she married Joseph Frances Champley. She received her certification as a beautician in 1966 and worked in this field for 16 years. In 1982 she began work as a teachers aid for the Taylorville Community School District until retiring in 2004. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Joseph and children Joseph (Wife Debra) Champley, Michael (Wife Bobbi) Champley and Rebecca Champley; grandchildren: Tanner, Evan and Lia Champley, Ryan and Katie Womack, Payton Champley ans Leighton Morrissey; great-grandchild Ella Womack all of Taylorville, IL; Sister: Linda (Tom) Marini of Dixon, IL and niece Pamela McConnell, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. Siane considered her grandchildren as the light of her life and selflessly devoted herself to caring for her husband, children, grandchildren and family. She enjoyed her weekly coffee club meetings with her special cousins and niece. Diane was preceded in death by her father Hershel, mother Stella, sister Patricia Emerling and niece Barbie Emerling. Visitation will be held in Monday, July 1, 2019 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Msgr. David Lantz officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church 108 W. Adams 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.

Elsie Mabel (Hendricks) Reed, 80 of Taylorville passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 11:51 p.m. at Life’s Journey Senior Living Center in Taylorville, IL. She was born on June 26, 1939 in Taylorville, IL the daughter of Adam and Verda (Stephens) Hendricks. She married Carl Reed on September 1, 1956 in Mississippi. Elsie worked as a hairdresser for many years.

She is survived by her Husband Carl Reed of Taylorville, IL; Sons: Rusty (Heidi) Reed of California; Ricky Reed of Taylorville and Mickey (Christine) Reed of Springfield, IL; Grandchildren: Jacob Reed, Adam Reed, Shannon (Dan) Guetter and Brandon (Laura) Reed; Great Granddaughter: June Guetter and Sister-in-Law: Bonnie Stolte of Shumway, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister: Brenda Credille, Brother: Everett Hendricks and infant brother: Stephen Hendricks.

Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Fraley Cemetery in Taylorville with Pastor Rodney Blomquist officiating.

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

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

Richard Warren Covington, 89, of Stonington passed away at 10:50p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  He was born on July 5, 1929, the son of Paul and Verna (Buckmire) Covington.  He married Helen Snyder on December 3, 1949 and they enjoyed 69 ½ years together. Richard graduated as Salutatorian from Stonington High School.  During high school he competed in track, baseball and basketball and played in the high school band.  As a trumpet player in school, he played Taps at many veteran’s graveside services.  Richard farmed in the Stonington area for 48 years and was a member of the Christian County Farm Bureau.  He was a life-time member of the Stonington United Methodist Church where he served in many roles including church treasurer.  Richard was also very active in his community having served on the Stonington School Board and Stonington Township Board for many years.  In his free time, he enjoyed reading and enjoyed attending many sporting events that his children and grandchildren took part in.  Richard and Helen enjoyed spending part of their retirement traveling to Gulf Shores, Alabama during the winter months.    
He is survived by his wife: Helen Covington of Stonington; children: Richard Covington Jr. (Jill), Jeannine Covington, Tom Covington (Cheryl) all of Stonington, and Vicki Furry (Jeff) of Normal; grandchildren: Brent Covington (Abby) of Chesterfield, Missouri, Natalie Sutimek (Thay) of Bloomington, Kyle Furry (Margaret) of LaGrange, Matthew Covington (Tiffany) of Roselle, and Megan Cocagne (Chase) of Taylorville; great grandchildren: William, Jane, and Kate Covington, Mason, Graham, and Sophie Sutimek, Kendall and Reese Cocagne, Joey, and baby Furry due in September, and Elle Covington.  He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter: Kate Covington.

Visitation will be held from 3 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  The funeral service will be at 10a.m. on Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Caleb McGregor officiating.  Burial will take place at Old Stonington Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Stonington United Methodist Church.

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

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

Janice “Elaine” McKinney-Johnston, 58 of Taylorville passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 11:35 a.m. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. She was born on April 26, 1961 in Taylorville, IL the daughter of Larry and Barbara (Boehler) McKinney. She married Wade Johnston on October 27, 1990 in Las Vegas, NV. She and her husband Wade managed mobile home parks in California and later moved back home to Taylorville where she worked as a cashier at Taylorville Food Center in Taylorville. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, she loved the lake, traveling and she never met a stranger.

She is survived by her Husband: Wade Johnston of Taylorville, IL; Parents: Larry and Barbara McKinney of Taylorville, IL; Brother: Eric McKinney of Taylorville, IL; Sisters: Susan Nelson of Taylorville, IL; Maureen Landers of Citrus Springs, FL; Nieces: Amelia White, Elizabeth Nelson, Rebecca Nelson, Nephew: Michael Nelson and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister: Donna White, Grandparents: Nick and Helen Boehler of Waggoner and Earl and Florence McKinney of Palmer. 

Elaine will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 14th from 1-4pm, at the American Legion in Taylorville.

Memorials may be made to the Charity of the donors choice.

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

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

Donald William Hendricks, 58, of Taylorville passed away at 6:10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 in his home, surrounded by his family.  He was born on October 15, 1960 in Taylorville, the son of Herbert and Shirley (Smith) Hendricks.  He married Leann Nizzio on January 14, 1999 in Taylorville.  He attended Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, earning his degree in Building Trades. Don retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation where he worked as a highway maintainer for 28 years.  He had a love of woodworking and home improvement projects.  More that anything, he loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.  

Don is survived by his wife: Leann Hendricks of Taylorville; parents: Herb & Shirley Hendricks of Taylorville; daughters: Jayme Hardin (Matt) of Taylorville and Jessica Hendricks of Centralia, Missouri; bonus children: Aubrey Jordan, Lindsay Hoover (Jason), and William Jordan all of Taylorville; sister: Diane Lewis (Gary) of Springfield; brothers: Doug Hendricks and David Hendricks (Hilda) of Taylorville; 8 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a son, Drew Hendricks.

In keeping with his wishes, Don will be cremated, and no services will be held.  

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.  

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

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

Arthur G. LeBeane Sr. 96 formerly of Taylorville, IL, moved to his eternal home on Monday, June 17, 2019 at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, IL. Arthur or Bud, as many knew him, was born on February 17, 1923 in Chicago, IL the Son of James and Juanita (Young) LeBeane. He volunteered for military service in WWII but was declared 4f due to a bad eye. He spent the war in Chicago, working as a drill press operator for 7 years. But when the nation called a second time, he volunteered for service again, this time in the Korean War. He fought on that Peninsula from late summer of 1950 through spring of 1951, earning a Bronze Star with the V designation for valor and the oak leaf cluster. He was exceptionally proud of his service for our country. On July 4, 1952 he parried Esther M. Ealey at a farm in Bolivia, IL eventually settling in Illiopolis, IL. Arthur worked the majority of his life at the DeKalb AgResearch chicken farm in Illiopolis, IL, retiring in 1979. He moved to Mt. Auburn, IL after retirement but then went back to work at the chicken farm until 1985. When he finally retired for good, he and the Mrs. moved to Taylorville.

He is survived by his Sons: Arthur G. LeBeane Jr. of Taylorville, IL; Randy A. LeBeane of Taylorville, IL; Ricky L. LeBeane of Springfield, IL and Joseph W. LeBeane of Nashville, TN; nine Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren and four Great-Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers Earl, Clyde and Norbert and an unnamed infant son.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 24, 2019 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Following the visitation, a graveside service with military honors will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL at 2:00 p.m.

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

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

Claudia Mae (Beard) Droke, 72 of Taylorville passed away on Monday, June 17, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. She was born on November 3, 1946 in Taylorville, IL the daughter of Floyd “Huck” and Arlena (Heiple) Beard.

She married Harvey Droke and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her Children: Floyd (Pamela) Meacham, Brenda Meacham-Travis, Connie (Jay) McEvers, Teresa Vaughn, Barbara (Kristy) Droke, Harvey (Bobbi) Droke, Steve (Bonnie) Droke and Judy Droke and Jerry (Freda) Smith; Grandchildren: Zachary, Stephanie, Derek, Angela, Harvey, Jessica, Toby, Adam, Claudia, Cristina, Tiffany, Justin, David, Michael, Austin, Carter, Traci, Payton and Christopher; Thirty seven Great-Grandchildren and several Great-Great-Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, life partner Donald “Duck” Meacham, Granddaughter: Sierra Droke, Grandson: Raymond Meacham, brothers: Raymond and Frank Beard and several Aunts and Uncles.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Funeral service will follow the visitation starting at 6:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home with Rev. Russell Beard officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. 

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

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

John Walter Bogan, Jr., 79 of Taylorville, IL, was called home to our Lord’s heavenly angel band at 5:55 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019 at Heritage Health in Springfield, IL.

John was born December 13, 1939 in Springfield, IL, the son of John Ludwig and Catherine Louise (Pekol) Bogan, Sr. Both of his parents were accomplished musicians. John Sr., a concert violinist and maker of violins and violas, taught at the Springfield College of Music and gave private lessons as well. Catherine was a concert pianist and also gave private lessons in their home. John Walter was likewise a gifted and an accomplished musician, trained as a classical accordionist and pianist. He showcased his accordion skills playing in his band, “The Five Keynotes”, for many years. He played the accordion and piano daily. Everyone enjoyed his playing, especially his pieces by Liszt on the grand piano. John enjoyed many genres of music, but his favorite composers were Liszt, Beethoven and Mozart plus the Polka King Frank Yankovic on accordion.

John Walter graduated from high school in Springfield, IL, then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army, completing Advanced Individual Training in Company B, 1st Battalion, 1st Training Regiment, Engineer at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. John was stationed in Germany during the Berlin Crisis.  In Germany he was able to put his musical talents and knowledge of the German language to good use by accompanying his Colonel everywhere by jeep. Following his service, he enrolled in Springfield Computer College. He also worked for several siding companies in the Springfield area, and eventually retired from Griffiths Construction as a top-notch salesman.

He married Elizabeth Alice (Shehan) Minnis on April 4, 2002 in Springfield, IL. With Elizabeth’s many musical talents, including classical piano, they were a great match.  He enjoyed driving her to attend Classical Concerts at Millikin University and UIUC’s Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.  They especially enjoyed piano concerts by UIUC Professor Emeritus Ian Hobson. When not playing music, John enjoyed traveling with Elizabeth, including twice to South Dakota and extensively in Missouri plus many local excursions to go hiking and birdwatching with his many pairs of fine binoculars. John loved dogs and raised several Miniature Afghans. John also enjoyed telling good jokes, tinkering with electronics, dark room photography, and was a great model train aficionado. A final passion was his love of fast cars, and he was a highly skilled driver.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and step-son Kevin Charles Minnis.

John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Alice Bogan of Taylorville, IL; step-daughters Dr. Denise DeNell Bader of Litchfield, IL and Sylvia Suzanne (husband, Eric) Minnis-Woebling of WI; and 5 step-grandchildren.

Visitation & Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive guests from 10:30 a.m. until the time of ceremony at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568, with Rev. Jim Ferrill officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL. Bereavement dinner to follow interment will be held back in Taylorville, IL at the First Presbyterian Church

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Memorial Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Taylorville, 116 E. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62569.

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

Allen Joseph “Zeke” Mizeur, 74 of Owaneco, died at 3:33 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2019 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

Allen was born June 15, 1944 in Pana, the son of Raymond and Betty (Neel) Mizeur. He married Donna Hill on May 15, 1965 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Pana, by Fr Bernard LaBonte. She survives.

Allen lived his entire life in Owaneco. He is a 1962 graduate of Taylorville High School.

Allen passed away peacefully with his wife of 54 years and his four beloved daughters at his side. He adored his loving wife and cherished the family they built together. Allen’s Catholic Religion was equally important in his life. He knew the balance between hard work, family and religion.

Allen and his twin brother Alvin were the oldest of twelve children. The children are all still very close, even in adulthood.

Allen was a strong advocate for giving back to those who were less fortunate. Allen will be remembered as a gentle giant who always had a smile on his face and thought of others before himself. He volunteered his time and resources to those in need. He was a farmer, factory worker, Township Road Commissioner, owned a trucking business and was a volunteer fireman in his community for 55 years.

Allen had a second love in his life which was drag racing. The family spent many a Saturday evening at the Assumption Raceway, running his 55 Chevy “Ole Blue’ down the quarter mile. Prior to the illness that took this extraordinary man from our presence, he had begun a project to restore “Ole Blue.” His dream was to have his daughters have the opportunity to share his love of the sport. Allen expressed his disappointment in not being able to fulfill this dream, but asked his daughters to do their best to carry on his dream.

Along with his wife, Allen is survived by his daughters: Christine Ann (Jeffrey) Yucaneer of Owaneco; Karen Lynn (Steve) Miller of Morrisonville; Mary Frances (Rick) Coy of Taylorville; Samantha Jo of Taylorville; grandchildren: Carey, Shane, Corey, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Alana, Miranda, Larson, Shelbi; seven great-grandchildren; siblings: Alvin (Janet) Mizeur of Owaneco; Rick (Kathy) Mizeur of Owaneco; Larry (Cathy) Mizeur of Owaneco; Dale (Doris) Mizeur of Blue Mound; Phillip (Karen) Mizeur of Oconee; Chuck (Bill) Mizeur of Springfield; Sandra Moma of Decatur; Mary (Kim) Petschow of Elgin; Patty Beck of Taylorville; Judy (Mike) Wilhour of Altamont; many nieces & nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many inherited family members.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law: Todd & Frances Hill; one brother: Paul Mizeur; nieces: Michelle Mizeur and Haley Wilhour; nephew: Johnny Cartee; and one brother-in-law: Bill “Boomer” Beck.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Monsignor David Lantz officiating. Interment will follow at Owaneco Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2019 from 4 – 7 p.m. also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers and food, the family requests donations please be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611 or the St. Mary’s School We Believe Campaign. McClure Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the Mizeur family with arrangements. Memories of Allen, or condolences to his family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.

Kathryn Loretta Roth, 90 of Stonington passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 11:05 a.m. at her home in Stonington, IL. She was born on October 28, 1928 in Moweaqua, IL the daughter of Fred and Bessie Murray. She married William John Roth on October 21, 1947 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington, IL and he preceded her in death on April 6, 2014. Kathryn worked as a school teacher and she was a lifelong partner to her husband. She was a lifelong resident of Stonington, IL, she taught school in a one room school house east of town and she was active in the Holy Trinity Parish all of her life. Kathryn farmed with her husband and they were the owners and operators of Reel Manufacturing and Sales. In retirement they travelled extensively to enjoy their family.

She is survived by her Sons: Mark (Diana), Fred (Lori), Tim, Ted and Tony Roth; Grandchildren: Keely (Traves), Ryan (Danielle), Connor (Keri), Zachary, Gregory (Valerie), Karen (Heidi), Emily, Joseph, Stephen, Delaney, Daniel, and Christian; Great-Grandchildren: Everett, Griffin, Owen and Quinn; Sister: Margaret Pieper; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. She was preceded in death by her Parents, husband, Brothers: Wayne, Leo, Jim, and Francis.   

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 10, 2019 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington, IL. Funeral Mass will follow the visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington with Monsignor David Lantz officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. 

Memorials may be made to the Alter and Rosary Society at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 308 N Pine St, Stonington, IL 62567. 

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

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