Howard W. Schnarr

Harold W. Schnarr, 85, of Canton, passed away, Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Graham Hospital in Canton.

He was born on July 24, 1938, in Marietta, to Gustav and Bertha (Brown) Schnarr. They preceded him in death along with two brothers and six sisters.

Harold is survived by his wife, Willa (Stroman) Schnarr, whom he married on April 10, 1992.

Also surviving are his children, Brett (Susan) Schnarr of Table Grove, Robert Schnarr of Cuba, Phillip (Mindy) Schnarr of Cuba, and Nick Stroman of Chicago, the mother of Brett, Robert, and Phillip, Carolyn (Strode) Schnarr, six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and his favorite napping companions, Gracie and Dolly.

Harold first worked construction and at Hiram Walker, later he worked at International Harvester and then retired from Spoon River College as head of maintenance. He said his best job was delivering Gladiolas all over the state for Perkins in Canton.

Harold started racing go karts in 1960, in 1961 he was the Illinois State Champion in his division, He was also at the time second in the nation. In 1965 he bought his only new car and immediately took it to the drag strip. In 1968 he bought a 1967 Ford Fairlane, the car that would turn him into a legend in the Midwest

Over the years he built and maintained several cars for his sons. He was instrumental in building motors for racers as far away as California. Locally he was known as the “Godfather of Ford”. Harold also said “He made a living building Chevrolet engine but would only race a Ford”.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Fulton County Humane Society or to Spoon River College Foundation.

A funeral service will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on Friday at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place immediately following the funeral at Fiatt Cemetery.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Carol D. Williams

Canton- Carol D. Williams, 45, of Canton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, and loving pets on Monday, November 27, 2023 at her home. She was born on December 17, 1977 in Canton, a daughter of Robert Scott and Susan K. (Hackett) Henderson.

Surviving is one daughter, Cassidy Williams of Canton, her father, Robert Scott (Jill) Henderson of Canton; one brother, J.R. (Trudy Kargol) Henderson of Canton; a niece, Bre Amerine, and nephews, Braden Henderson, Jesse and Joseph Hamm.

Preceding her in death is her mother, Susan K. Henderson, and maternal grandparents, John and Anna Hackett, and paternal grandfather, Robert Lee Henderson, and her father & mother-in-law, Donald “Pete” (Helen) Williams.

Carol worked as a paraprofessional for Canton School District #66, and was working to receive a bachelor degree in speech language pathology. She was a past member of the First Baptist Church in Canton.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, where a memorial visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of services. Rev. Curtis Atchley will officiate. Burial of ashes will take place in Maryville Cemetery in Bryant following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a college fund for her daughter, Cassidy. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Randal R. Linder

Randal R. Linder, 60, of Yates City, passed away at 10:35 a.m., on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born June 12, 1963, to Rufus and Thelma (Hardesty) Linder.

Randal is survived by his partner, Elizabeth (Satterfield) Linder; two daughters, Candy (Chris) Vancil and Abigail Forbes; one step-son, Zachary (Kelcee) Clayton; one brother, James (Nora) Linder, one sister, Vivian (Bill) Riley; and six grandchildren.

Randal was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dave Linder and Larry Linder; one sister, Connie Linder; and one step-daughter, Abigail Clayton.

Randal was a Mechanic at Komatsu in Peoria where he retired from after many years. He loved classic rock, cars, fishing, westerns, and being with loved ones.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.

Craig L. McLaughlin

Craig Laird McLaughlin, 69, of St. David and formerly of Lewistown, passed away at 8:34 pm Saturday November 25, 2023 at the Loft in Canton, IL.

He was born October 8, 1954 at Pittsfield, the son of John and Patricia (McIntire) McLaughlin. He married Paula Chamberlain in 1979. Survivors include his wife Paula of 44 years, two sons, John Paul McLaughlin, and Joey (Desire) McLaughlin, three granddaughters, Kalie, Joley, and Taylen McLaughlin,  one grandson, Deagen McLaughlin, and a special friend and loving companion of his late father, Stella Zillic. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Craig grew up on the family farm near Fishhook. He graduated in 1972 from Griggsville High School, and from Spoon River College in 1974. He then attended WIU for 2 years. He farmed with his dad and granddad, and was a member of the Pike County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He was a member of the Pike County Pork Producers and also sold Crows seed corn for 25 years. He worked part time for the Illinois Farm Bureau for several years and had also worked for DOT Foods. He ran a cattle farm at Wilder Farms (formerly Norris Farms). He spent many years selling and repairing tires for different companies before retiring from Canton Farm King where he managed the tire shop. After retiring from Farm King he went to work for his son J.P. at Illinois Technical Firearms Training. His sons used to laugh that they needed to have an employee meeting since Craig worked for J.P. and Paula worked at the school for Joey. Working through the years on the family farm and working for and with J.P. with firearms were the highlights of his life. He loved his grandkids and loved showing them how to shoot the guns. He always looked forward to deer season and the family time with all. He was a tireless worker.

Cremation will be accorded and a visitation will be held Wednesday November 29, 2023 from 5-7 pm at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown. A memorial service will be held Thursday November 30, 2023 at 12 Noon at the Detroit Christian Church in Detroit, IL where a visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Interment of ashes will be in Hinman Cemetery at Pike County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hinman Cemetery.

Dewey G. Wright

Lewistown- Dewey G. Wright, 90, of Lewistown passed away Tuesday November 21, 2023 at Graham Hospital in Canton.

He was born February 22, 1933 at Canton the son of Carl Wright and Blanche (Woods) Parkinson. He married Margaret Pedigo on July 3, 1951 in Havana. She survives along with one daughter, Rhonda (Ray) Windmiller of Liverpool, two grandchildren, Sarah (Brendon) Adams of Goldendale, WA; and Emily (Tommy) Malerich of Germantown Hills, four great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters.

Dewey was co-owner of the former D&D Red Fox grocery store in Lewistown and then worked as a meat cutter for many years. He was a member of the Lewistown Lodge AF&AM 104, and the Alligator Club.

Services will be private and burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. To send online condolences visit henrylange.com.

Amy Jo Shaffer

 

Ipava – Amy Jo Shaffer, 45, of Ipava passed away Monday November 20, 2023 at her home.

She was born April 17, 1978 at Rushville the daughter of Stephen and Peggy (Bradfield) Shaffer. She was preceded in death by her father, and grandfather.

Surviving are her mother, Peggy (Lee Nebergall) Shaffer of Lewistown, her grandmother, Willadean Shaffer of Astoria, and her brother Cory Shaffer of Lewistown.

Amy was a cook at the Roadhouse in Ipava.

Cremation will be accorded. The family will plan a benefit at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Henry-Lange Memorial home to assist the family with final expenses. Online condolences as well as contributions may be made at henrylange.com.

Jeannette B. Stambaugh

Jeannette B. Stambaugh, 87, of Astoria, IL, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at her home. She was born on June 12, 1936 in Beardstown, IL, the daughter of Cecil and Edna (Lucas) Norton. On July 11, 1954, Jeannette married Richard D. Stambaugh in Beardstown, IL. Richard preceded Jeannette in death on August 23, 2017.

Also preceding her in death are her parents, two grandsons, Emanuel and Samuel Waugh, her brothers, Eldon and Charlotte Norton, Edward and Betty Norton, and Gene Norton, her sister, Alberta and John Groves, and her son-in-law Jim McCombs.

Surviving include her five daughters; Mary (and Johnny) Groves of Astoria, Peggy McCombs of Astoria, Rhonda (and John) Hunter of Browning, IL, Denise (and Chad Mertens) Stambaugh of Macomb, IL, and Angela (and Harry) Waugh of Monmouth, IL, her five sons; Ricky (and Michelle) Stambaugh of Astoria, IL, Ronald Stambaugh of Astoria, David (and Carolyn) Stambaugh of Beardstown, IL, James Stambaugh of Vienna, IL, and Daniel (and Tracy) Stambaugh of Augusta, IL, 24 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Jeannette was a farmer’s wife who put caring for her ten children and everyone else’s needs first. She loved to bake cakes, pies, and was famous for her apple dumplings. She enjoyed making treats for the grandkids. She loved getting lottery tickets, going to parties, playing BINGO, watching game shows and westerns on television and listening to country music award shows. Her favorite singers were Freddie Fender and Johnny Cash.

She was a sweet, kind and gentle soul. Her favorite days were the mother and daughter day outs. Jeannette was old fashioned, doing laundry in a wringer washer, scrubbing them by hand for a house full of kids, and hanging them on the line outside to dry.

She attended Grace Bible Church in Astoria and her Diabetic Support Group.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Matt Haberman will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 27th from 5-7 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Astoria. Memorials may be given to the Rushville Help Center or the Astoria Fire and Rescue Squad.

Clyde H. Prater

Clyde H. Prater, 65, of Cuba, IL, passed away at 8:05 pm on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at The Loft in Canton. He was born on July 28, 1958 in Springfield, IL, the son of Orin and Beverly (Dean) Prater.

He is survived by four children; Salina (and Robert) Gilson of Vermont, IL, Jedediah (and Pamela) Prater of Cuba, Zachary (and Jennifer) Prater of Vermont, and Natalie Prater of East Peoria, IL, nine grandchildren; Gage (and Abigail) Gilson, Kianna Gilson, Justin Gilson, Drew (and Natalie) Prater, Sollie Prater, Payson Prater, Randy Leonard, Jessica Leonard, and Rachel Hammond, eighteen great-grandchildren; Ryder Prater, Riverlynn Prater, Griffin Gilson, Alexis Leonard, Hailey Leonard, Cooper Leonard, Elliot Leonard, Brinlee Leonard, Emmerson Leonard, Asher Leonard, Declan Leonard, Jackson Keyhais, Kaitlyn Thomas, Logan Thomas, Glen Ford III, Harlan Hammond, Joplin Hammond, and Fenton Hammond, two brothers; Leroy (and Janice) Prater and James Prater, both of Sulphur, LA, one sister; Brenda Cummings of Sulphur, LA, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother; Roger Dean Prater, one sister; Darlene Ward, and one grandson; Tyler Gilson.

Clyde was a HVAC Estimator in construction and worked at GM Mechanical in Canton, IL. He also worked at PAG Seed Co. in Astoria, IL. When Clyde lived in Arizona, he also did HVAC work there.

He was an avid New Orleans Saints fan. He also enjoyed bowling and playing BINGO.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in the Summum Cemetery. Pastor Matthew Thiner will be officiating. Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society.

James "Jimmy" L. Blickenstaff

James “Jimmy” L. Blickenstaff, 54, of Summum, IL, passed away at 3:02 pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Mason District Hospital in Havana, IL. He was born on September 2, 1969 in Rushville, IL, the son of Robert and Gladys (Clemens) Blickenstaff. After years of searching for the love of his life, Jimmy married Tammy Bollinger on January 28, 2023 in Ipava, IL. She survives.

Also surving are three sons; J.R. Robertson of Austin, TX, and Mason Blickenstaff of Summum, and Klynton Bollinger of Altona, IL, and one daughter; Destini Bollinger of Summum, six grandchildren, 2 brothers; Marty (and Ellen) Clemens of Pleasant Plains, IL and Chris (and Donna) Blickenstaff of Troy, IL.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert “Bobby” (and Angela) Blickenstaff.

Jimmy was a welder and millwright. He loved to be outdoors, fish, and tinker in his garage. He loved his family and was very family oriented.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Wanda M. Ohaver

Wanda Marie Ohaver, 90, of Farmington, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. She was born at home on September 3, 1933, in Aledo, Illinois, to Harlan and Dorothy (Wood) Johnson. She graduated from Aledo High School as the valedictorian of her class. When she was in grade school, she told her girlfriend that she was going to marry Delano Ohaver one day when she saw him in the hallway, and she did on her 20th birthday. They were married 69 years. She and Delano attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois. They then moved to Champaign-Urbana for Delano to attend veterinary school at the University of Illinois. During that time, she worked at the music library at the university while attending classes. In 1957, they moved to Farmington. Wanda called herself Delano's "office girl," as she answered the phone and set up appointments for his veterinary practice.

Wanda loved people and relationships. She found much happiness sitting at her kitchen table visiting with family and friends over coffee and her delicious pies. Their door was open to everyone! They housed actors and actresses who worked at the dinner theater in Farmington and hosted exchange students from Brazil and France. For many years in the fall, she and Delano had an apple cider stand and a popcorn wagon (made by Delano at her request!) at the Spoon River Scenic Drive. Wanda was a Mary Kay consultant for decades and, once again, loved the social aspect of selling cosmetics. She and Delano owned rental properties in Farmington, and she always enjoyed chatting with the tenants. She loved writing letters, sending cards, and talking on the phone.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Farmington and P.E.O. Chapter AE for over 60 years. Wanda was an avid reader and seamstress. Among the many items she made through the years were prom dresses, Halloween costumes, and doll clothes. She even made her wedding suit for her high school home economics class.

She loved doing daily crossword puzzles with Delano, watching "Gunsmoke" reruns, "Jeopardy!," "Wheel of Fortune," and her favorite movie, Dirty Dancing.

Wanda is survived by two daughters, Mary (David) Moermond of Des Moines, Iowa, and Susan (Dino) Vlahos of Sleepy Hollow, Illinois; two granddaughters, Olivia Vlahos of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Taylor Desmond of Crystal River, Florida; one great-granddaughter, Rilee Jo; one sister, Sandra Powell of Aledo and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Joe; three sisters, Connie Johnson, Judy Newton, and Peggy Brooks; and two brothers, James "Butch" Johnson and Kenny Johnson.

Services will be held at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home, 341 E. Fort Street, Farmington, Illinois. The visitation will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. Pastor Linda Philabaun will officiate. After the burial at Oakridge Cemetery, a soup luncheon will be served by the Presbyterian women at the church.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington or the Lulu Corkhill Williams Friendship Fund (7128).

Richard L. Hughes, Jr.

Richard L. “Richie” Hughes Jr., 54, of Canton, passed away at 4:22 pm, November 25, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 21, 1969 in Canton to Richard L. and Crystal K. (Behymer) Hughes Sr. They preceded him in death along with one son Jonathan “Randy” Hughes and sister Robyn K. Walters.

Surviving are seven children; Jacob DeMott of Pekin, Kalee Engle, Brandi Belden, Makalia Hughes, Cade Hughes and Makenzie Wade all of Canton, and Kevin Eddlemon of Cuba, two brothers; Tim Marvel of Bloomington and Brian Hughes of Missouri, step-father Richard Terry of Canton and ten grandchildren.

Richie worked as an independent truck driver. He fought a 10-year battle with cancer, his kids and grandkids are what kept him fighting through it all.

Richie was a great father, who took pride in each one of his children no matter the circumstances. He would move mountains for all of them. He was hilarious in his own way, always joking and making light of any situation. He thankfully passed down his humor to his children. He loved his football and 80’s hair metal bands. Richie was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. There was nothing he loved more than football besides his grandkids. All of them held a special place in his heart, loving each of them in his own special way.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration will take place at a later date. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton are in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Zelda Schenck

Zelda Schenck, 53, of Canton, IL, passed away at 9:04 PM on Monday, November 20, 2023, at her residence. She was born on May 4, 1970 in Hannibal, Missouri, a daughter of George and Leta (Gosney) Schenck.

Surviving Zelda is her mother, Leta Schenck of Girard, IL; one sister, Tessy (Michael) Buckman of Monroe City, MO; one brother, Howard (Sarah) Schenck of Mentone, IN; 10 nieces and nephews, Ryan (Morgan) Maddox of Cuba, IL, Ryder Schenck, Reece Schenck, Krayton Schenck, Greyson Schenck and Zachary Nelson, all of Valparaiso, IN, Evan Nelson of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Grace Anne Nelson of Chicago, IL, Carly Buckman of Fessenden, ND, and Ty (Shaina) Watson of Minnesota; and 4 great-nieces and nephews, Kezli Watson of Monroe City, Missouri; Carson Watson of Minnesota; Aivyn Lawson of Fessenden, ND, and Dean and Case Maddox of Cuba, IL.

Preceding Zelda in death was her father, George Schenck; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Gosney; and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Orbert Schenck.

Zelda was a graduate of Canton High School, Class of 1989, and she worked for Cook Medical Group in Canton.

As per her wishes, there will be no services. Cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes and Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials can be made to the Fulton County Humane Society. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Jack “Poppy” Poppenhager

Jack “Poppy” Poppenhager, 90, of Canton, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Graham Hospital in Canton.

He was born on February 23, 1933 in Summum, IL to Wayne and Wanda (Howard) Poppenhager.

He married Joan Derry on February 4, 1951 in Palmyra, MO. She survives.

Also surviving are his nieces and nephews including, Lyn Pedigo, Amy (Tom) Ingles, Jim (Trina) Poppenhager and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Roger Poppenhager.

Jack served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and in 2021 received an Official Proclamation for being an Ambassador for Peace. He later worked for International Harvester Company in Canton retiring in 1983. He was the oldest person ever to go through the IH apprenticeship at age of 39.

He enjoyed flying and worked as a commercial pilot and as a private flight instructor. He was a founding member of the International Cessna 120-140 Association and was the 1st elected president.

He also was an Auxiliary Police officer for the Canton Police Department and was awarded Canton Police Department Auxiliary Officer of the Year for 2010, 2014 and 2016.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton per his wishes. Burial of his ashes will be held at the Astoria Cemetery.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Allen L. Shembarger

Allen L. Shembarger, age 73 of Berrien Center, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his “happy place”, his deer camp in Astoria, Illinois on Friday, November 10, 2023. He was born on August 30, 1950 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the son of Maurice F. and Elfrieda E. (Richter) Shembarger. He married Teresa J. Hinderliter on September 1, 2007 in St. Joseph, Michigan. She survives.

Also surviving are four step-children, Chris Hinderliter, who Allen always called his son, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, Brittany Hinderliter of Pleasant Plains, Illinois, Chuck Hinderliter of Virginia, Illinois and Beth (and Gibbs) Glisson of New Berlin, Illinois, 4 step-grandchildren, his brother Richard (and Vicki) Shembarger of Berrien Springs, Michigan, two sisters-in-law, Betty Shembarger and Joan Shembarger, both of Berrien Center, Michigan, father-in-law Charles Trone of Rushville, Illinois, two brothers-in-law, Bill (and Jill) Trone of Beardstown, Illinois and Kevin Trone of Astoria, Illinois and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Bob Shembarger, Don Shembarger and Jerry Shembarger and his nephew Jon Shembarger.

Allen was the owner and operator of Shembarger Construction. He was an avid rabbit hunter and raised several beagles for hunting.

A Celebration of Allen’s Life will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 1-4 pm at the Berrien Springs, Michigan American Legion Post #85, 112 North Bluff Street, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Allen’s memory may be given to the Shiloh Beagle Rescue in Berrien Springs, Michigan. (Shilohsplace.org.)

Karen A. Belmonte

Karen Ann (Stralow) Belmonte, 72yrs, of Lewistown, Il passed away peacefully on Thursday Nov. 16, 2023. Karen battled pancreatic cancer for 19 months. She was surrounded by her family in her last days. Born to Herman and Patricia Stralow, she grew up in Chicago with her brother Richard. She attended Alvernia High School graduating in 1969. That summer she married her high school sweetheart, Fiore Belmonte Jr. Fiore and Karen had an amazing life together which included 5 Children, 19 Grandchildren, and 10 Great-Grandchildren.

Karen was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She volunteered in many capacities within the Church. Karen was always ready with a pot of soup, a plate of cookies, and a smile. Karen's testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ, guided her in life and gave her hope in death.

Karen's career of choice was being and mother and a Nana. Her example of love and compassion will impact generations of her family. Her love of reading led to her work as the Director of the Virginia Illinois Public Library and later she became the President of the Friends of the Library in Tooele Utah. She also partnered with her husband in many business ventures through their 54 years of marriage.

Karen is survived by her husband Fiore Belmonte, brother Richard Stralow of South Jordan Utah, her Brother-in-Law Christopher Belmonte of Chicago and their five children...Fiore III (Christine) Belmonte of Auburn, Illinois; Constance (Troy) Matthews of Pekin, Illinois; Rachel (Matthew) Fehl of Bartonville, Illinois; Alexis (TJ) Moeller of Sandy Utah and Joseph (Sarah) Belmonte of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Karen is also survived by 19 Grand Children and 9 Great-Grandchildren with one more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her younger brother Carl Stralow, her sister-in-law Cheryl Stralow and a Great-Granddaughter Winnie Belmonte.

A memorial service will be held Saturday December 2, at 10:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 2104 S 14th St, Pekin, Illinois.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

An additional memorial will be held in Tooele, Utah at a future date.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Allen L. Shembarger

Allen L. Shembarger, age 73 of Berrien Center, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his “happy place”, his deer camp in Astoria, Illinois on Friday, November 10, 2023. He was born on August 30, 1950 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the son of Maurice F. and Elfrieda E. (Richter) Shembarger. He married Teresa J. Hinderliter on September 1, 2007 in St. Joseph, Michigan. She survives.

Also surviving are four step-children, Chris Hinderliter, who Allen always called his son, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, Brittany Hinderliter of Pleasant Plains, Illinois, Chuck Hinderliter of Virginia, Illinois and Beth (and Gibbs) Glisson of New Berlin, Illinois, 4 step-grandchildren, his brother Richard (and Vickie) Shembarger of Berrien Springs, Michigan, two sisters-in-law, Betty Shembarger and Joan Shembarger, both of Berrien Springs, Michigan and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Bob Shembarger and Jerry Shembarger and his nephew Jon Shembarger.

Allen was the owner and operator of Shembarger Construction.

A Celebration of Allen’s Life will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 1-4 pm at the Berrien Springs, Michigan American Legion Post #85, 112 North Bluff Street, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Interment will be private.

Phyllis E. Martin

Phyllis E. Martin, 89, formerly of Vermont, passed away peacefully at 4:40 pm on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at the Macomb Post-Acute Care Center in Macomb.

She was born on February 15, 1934 in Vermont to Earnest and Chloe (Stone) France. She married Richard L. Martin on June 28, 1952 in Ipava. He preceded her in death on June 21, 2016.

Phyllis is survived by three sons: Michael (and Tamara) Martin of Astoria, Rick (and Cindy) Martin of Macomb, and Eric Martin of Astoria; four grandchildren: Kendra (and Billy) Archer of Litchfield, Ryan (and Ashley) Martin of Colchester, Christopher (and Alayna) Martin of Des Moines, IA, and Austin Martin of Astoria; four great-grandchildren: Raymond, Autumn, Mya, and Lilyana. She is survived by one brother Merle Franc of Indianapolis, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; five sisters: Vera Markley, Jean Heavenridge, Dorothy Knight, Ilene Rogers and Wilma (Babe) Bassett; two brothers: Charles France and Virgil France, and one daughter-in-law, Laurie Martin.

Phyllis was a homemaker who in later years enjoyed a part-time job at Carol’s Grocery Store in Vermont and assisted various local organizations as a Certified Food Handler. She was a proud member of the Vermont Breakfast Club and an accomplished seamstress who did alterations for many years. She enjoyed pottery, raising dachshunds and most of all spoiling and loving her children and grandchildren.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Vermont Cemetery in Vermont, IL. Pastor Matthew Thiner will be officiating. Shawgo Memorial Home will be in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Vermont Fire and Rescue Squad.

John S. Barrett

=John S. Barrett, 78, of Canton, passed away, Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on April 6, 1945, to James and Jessemond (Brennan) Barrett. They preceded him in death along with a daughter Tracy Barrett, two brothers, James (Christine) Barrett Jr., and Jerry Barrett, and three sisters, Beverly (Myron) Copus, Joyce (James) Beranek, and Patricia (James) Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Cates) Barrett. They were married on March 24, 2000. Also surviving are three children, Don (Christy) Barrett of Mississippi, Matt Barrett of Peoria, and Stephanie (Kurt) Webster of Elmwood, two step children, Jason (Jodi) Hinds of Cuba, and Josh Hinds of Canton, eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. John retired in 2000 from Caterpillar. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Canton, Wee – Ma – Tuk – Hills Country Club, and a past member of Maple Lane Country Club in Elmwood. He was an avid outdoorsman from deer and waterfowl hunting to fishing on the lake at his home. He was always competitive in sports. He participated in softball, traveling golf, trap shooting, and bowling. John was a dedicated Green Bay Packers fan, but most of all John loved spending time with his family, and attending many of his grandchildren’s events. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to OSF Hospice, or to Calvary Baptist Church. A funeral service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will immediately follow at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com