James Meyers

James R. Meyers, 73, of Canton, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Graham Hospital in Canton.

He was born on December 20, 1950 in Peoria to Edward and Judy (Travis) Meyers. They preceded him in death.

Surviving are his sisters, Deborah Miller, Pamela Hughes, brothers, Randy (Karen) Meyers, Rick (JoAnn) Meyers, many nieces and nephews and his good friend, Tina Burd.

James served in the U.S. Navy and later worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co. from where he retired.

He was a dog lover and enjoyed raising and watching his pet turtle. He also enjoyed photography.

Cremation rites will be accorded and there will be no services.

Memorials may be made to T.A.P.S.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Lenny Dean Hughes

Lenny Dean Hughes, 65, passed away on June 26th, 2024 surrounded by family at his home. He was born on December 9th, 1958 to Lloyd and Bertha (Witherall) Hughes in Havana, IL. He married Angel (Tamulis) Hughes on January 25th, 1990. She survives.

Lenny is survived by his wife, Angel Hughes; his daughters, Maxine (David) Richards of Macomb, Keshia (Chris) Williams of Vermont, IL; his grandchildren, Ann Marie Hughes, Todd Hughes, Harlee Hughes, Payten Smith, Brysen Smith, Kaylee Smith, Jordyn Smith, Jaxson Williams, Alexis Inman; his siblings, Ronald (Karen) Hughes of Mt. Carmel, IL, Faye Hughes of Bath, Trina (Charles) Pratt of Kilbourne, Janice (Paul) Stevens of Havana, Llyod (Melody) Hughes of Havana; sister-in-laws, Sharon Hughes and Teresa Hughes; brother-in-laws, John Tamulis and Herbert Tamulis and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, Larry Hughes, his grandson, Jacob Moulton, his parents, his brothers, Russle Hughes and Robert Hughes and his in-laws, John and Barbara Tamulis.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life for Lenny will take place on Sunday August 4th, 2024 at the Kilbourne Fire Department House from 1-4pm . Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Lenny Hughes.

Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Joann “JJ” Jacobus

Joann “JJ” Jacobus, 88, of Canton, IL, passed away at 2:50 pm on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Sunset Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Canton. She was born on April 20, 1936 in Canton, the daughter of Doyle and Melba (Miller) Jacobus.

Joann is survived by one brother; Larry (and Penny) Jacobus of Ipava, IL and one sister; Karen Gage of Ottawa, IL, special nephew; Tim (and Becky) Osborne, and several nieces.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Joann loved watching country music shows, playing BINGO and cards. She always wanted to own a red Corvette.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Shields Chapel Cemetery in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to the Sunset Rehabilitation and Health Care Center Resident Activity Account.

Charles H. “Chuck” Hopping

Charles H. “Chuck” Hopping, 70, of Industry, IL, passed away at 9:08 am on Monday, June 24, 2024 at his home. He was born on March 7, 1954 in Macomb, IL, the son of Clifford and Margaret (McCormick) Hopping.

He is survived by two sons; Charles “CJ” (and Tiffany) Hopping Jr. and Christopher Michael (and Samantha) Hopping, both of Bushnell, IL, ten grandchildren; Tarek, Adian, Katelynn, Azalea, Kyndle, Noah, Huxley, Kinnick, Liam, and Samuel Hopping, two sisters; Donna (and Jerry) VanOpdorp of Atkinson, IL and Ilene Bearce of Macomb, IL, and one brother, Leroy Hopping of Quincy, IL.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Ronald, Gary and Donald Hopping, and one sister; Sue Taylor.

Chuck had worked several years at Sullivan Brothers, later becoming Nutrien AG Solutions in Macomb, IL.

Chuck’s favorite hobby was to work. He enjoyed staying busy and working on things even during down time. He also enjoyed talking to friends, watching football and racing, hot rods and car shows. He loved his family most of all and spending time with them.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on July 6. Memorials may be made to education funds for Chuck’s Grandchildren.

Robert Maurer

Downers Grove- Robert Maurer, 100, of Downers Grove, Illinois, passed away at 12:00 PM (Noon) on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois. He was born on May 17, 1924 in Decatur, Illinois, a son of Carl and Nina (Obourn) Maurer. He married Zelma Kington in June of 1953 in Minnesota. She preceded him in death.

Also preceding him in death were his parents, brother Lloyd Maurer, and his special friend, Madeleine Mulroy.

Surviving is his nephews, Joel (Helen) Maurer, and Gary Maurer; his “adopted” children, Thomas Mulroy, Karen Mulroy, Lynne (David) Smuskiewicz, and “adopted” grandchildren, Jamie Smuskiewicz, Rachel Smuskiewicz, and Logan Alalouf-Mulroy.

Robert worked in advertising, as a bill poster, retiring in 1986. He was an avid golfer, and served his country, serving in the United States Army.

Graveside services and burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, where military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and the Canton VFW Post 1984. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Benjamin Kochanski

Benjamin Kochanski, known to others as ‘Ben’ or ‘Benny’, passed away at his home in Darien, Illinois on June 21st, 2024 at the age of 60. He was born on October 23rd, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois to Marie & Richard Kochanski. He was a fun-loving and outgoing child who enjoyed playing with his best friend Tim and spending time with his brother George. Ben’s fondest memories as a child were the moments spent with his brother reading the Sunday comics, which Ben continued this tradition with his own family. Benjamin grew up in Bellwood, Illinois where he graduated from Proviso West High School in 1981 and continued his education at Triton College for two years. He was a devout Catholic and always went to church on weekends with his wife and children. Ben both grew up with and fell in love with his wife, Cheryl. Ben and Cheryl were married in St. Simeon’s Church in their hometown of Bellwood on October 18th, 1992. Ben and Cheryl had three wonderful children, two sons and one daughter: Richard Kochanski, Vincent Kochanski, and Mary Kochanski. Ben took pride in his family and was a loving family man who supported them endlessly. During his career, Ben was a loyal employee of UPS, serving the company for over 40 years before retiring in 2023. Ben served the community of Westchester, Illinois for many of those years as a package truck driver and was loved by so many of his customers. Ben was a hard-working man who went above and beyond to care for his customers. Ben was preceded in death by his father, Richard, his mother, Marie, his aunt, Aida, and is survived by his wife Cheryl, his children, Richard, Vincent, and Mary, his brother, George, and his newborn granddaughter, Sonnie Reese. He will be greatly missed but the love he shared will continue to live on in our memories forever. Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a chapel service and rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. A visitation will be held on Saturday June 29th, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until beginning of 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, 139 E. Chestnut St., Canton, Illinois. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Canton, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/), are appreciated. 

Durlin D. Criagmiles

Lewistown – Durlin DeWayne Craigmiles, known affectionately as Dewey or Duke, passed away on June 23, 2024 at the age of 83 at rural Lewistown. Born on December 3, 1940 at Calhoun County, Illinois the son of James Everett and Nancy Lucille (Bauser) Craigmiles. He married Barbara Schumann on March 4, 1962 at Kampsville, IL. Durlin leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of 62 years, Barbara; one daughter, Christine (Kevin Harn) Stone of Lewistown, one granddaughter, Shannon (Jason) Pace of Lewistown, and two great-grandchildren, Gavin & Addison Pace of Lewistown, two sisters, Diane Null, and Grace Keen, two brothers, Rick Craigmiles, and Lavere Craigmiles. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister.

Durlin retired at 48 from a fulfilling career at Caterpillar in Mapleton, where his playful spirit brought joy and laughter through numerous pranks on his colleagues. Durlin’s retirement years were rich with passion and community involvement, particularly in the bluegrass music scene. An avid musician and fisherman, he traveled extensively to various festivals, engaging in “pickin and a grinnin” sessions with fellow musicians. He was a regular at Webb’s Valley View Campground, local opry houses, and the annual New Salem jam session by the cabins, among others. Known for his generosity and handy skills, Durlin was the go-to person for fixing anything from engines to musical instruments, always refusing any form of payment. He will be greatly missed by his great grandchildren, Gavin who was his little sidekick riding on the 4-wheeler and Addie who had great grandpa wrapped around her little finger.

A visitation will be held from 2 until 4 pm Sunday June 30th at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown. Cremation will be accorded following the visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Thomas William "Tom" Cluney

Canton- Thomas William “Tom” Cluney, 82, of Canton, passed away at 10:15 AM on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at his daughter’s residence in Topeka. He was born on April 30, 1942 in Lewistown, a son of Wilbur and Icel (Stanley) Cluney. He married Helen M. Vangitham on September 1, 1962 in Silvis, Illinois, and later married Helen L. Thompson on May 20, 1994 in Canton. She preceded him in death on April 28, 2018 in Canton.

Also preceding him in death were his parents, two daughters, Sheila and Kristy Cluney; son Rick Session, brother, Billy and sisters, Beverly and Betty.

Surviving are his children, Beth Martin of Havana; Beverly Cluney of St. David; Tommy (Shanita) Cluney Jr. of North Carolina; Scott Session of Canton, Chris (Robert) Chown of Topeka; Tricia Darnell of Havana; Tawnya (Glenn) Denham of Pekin; 25 grandchildren; several great & great-great-grandchildren, and brother Larry (April) Cluney Sr. of Canton.

Tom started working for Frank’s Pizza from 1961 until 1962, and later worked for Walker Forge, retiring after 32 years, and then retiring twice from AutoZone in Canton. He was of the Baptist faith, loved his Dodge Demon, his dogs, Mater & Gracie, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and enjoyed riding motorcycles.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, where visitation will be from 4:00 PM until the time of services. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Burial of ashes will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Fulton County Humane Society. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Norman Hukill

Norman Hukill, 73, of Cuba, Passed away, Saturday, June 22, 2024, at his home in Cuba. He was born in Canton on July 17, 1950, to Carl and Velma (Carruthers) Hukill. They preceded him in death as well as two brothers.

Norman is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy (Mitzelfelt) Hukill. They were married on July 16, 1983.

Norman attended the Roosevelt Military Academy. He later worked with his father at Hukill Funeral Chapel in Cuba until 1980. Lastly, he worked at FS in Kingston Mines. He was part of Cuba ESDA, and the Roosevelt Military Academy Alumni Association. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to South Dakota, listening to “Doo-Wop” music. Norman was also very proud of his Scottish heritage from his mother’s side of the family.

Cremation rites will be accorded, a burial of his ashes will take place at Cuba Cemetery, on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Cass-Putman Rescue Squad, or to Cuba Food Pantry.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Raymond Riekena

Raymond “Ray” Carl Riekena, 68, of Canton, passed away at 4:55 pm, June 21, 2024 at Graham Hospital Emergency Room in Canton. He was born on April 21, 1956 in Peoria, IL. to John C. and Dorothy (Fischer) Riekena. Ray married Joyce Flexsenhar on October 6, 1979 in Glasford, IL. She survives along with three children; Bryan Riekena of Colp, IL, Renee (Clayton) Brinker of Oak Ridge, NC and Kyle (Melissa) Riekena of Incline Village, NV, two sisters Nancy (late Joe) Marlow of St. Charles, MO and Bonnie Mills of Moline, IL, sister-in-law Lynda (late William “Bill”) Riekena of Bartonville, IL. and four grandchildren; Hadley, Graham, Brooklyn and Lucas.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and brother.

Ray was the owner/operator of Country Financial Insurance in Canton for 36 years. He was a member of the Canton Kiwanis Club, Banner/Copperas Creek Fire Department, Can – Y – Cuda (YMCA) Swim Team, and (former) St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Glasford.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Thursday, June 27, 2024 at the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Services will be 11 am, Friday, June 28 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in rural Glasford with a visitation 1 hour prior (10am) at the church. Memorials can be made to Lakeland Community Church in Canton, Banner/Copperas Creek Fire Department or the Canton Family YMCA.

To view Ray’s memories or to leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

David C. Dainty

David C. Dainty, 87, of Havana passed away at 5:15 pm Friday June 21, 2024 at his home.

He was born March 9, 1937 at Astoria, the son of Chester and Stella (Oldfield) Dainty. He married Ruth Ann Clark on August 25, 1962 at Summum. She died April 26, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters. Survivors include two children, Cindy Dainty of Havana, and David Dainty Jr. of Havana, two granddaughters, Alicia Dainty and Candace Cain, and four great grandchildren, Makayla and Myles Dainty, and Mason and Stella Cain.

David worked at Dana Corporation for many years before retiring. He had also worked at Lacrosse Lumber Company and Norris Farms. He was a member of the Havana Church of the Nazarene where he had served as the church bus driver. He was also a member of the Chautauqua Park.

A funeral service will be held at 11am Tuesday June 25, 2024 at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown where visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Pastor Ben Brown will officiate and burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery at Lewistown. To view David’s life tribute video or to send condolences visit henrylange.com

James “Barry” B. DeMent

James “Barry” B. DeMent, 76, of Elmwood, passed away at 4:06 a.m., on Friday, June 21, 2024, at OSF Saint Francis Hospital in Peoria.

He was born June 2, 1948, to James and Corrine (Spencer) DeMent in Peoria.

He married Wanda Craig on April 11, 1974, in Peoria. She survives.

Barry is also survived by three children Laura (Jason) Lawrence, Joshua (April) DeMent, and JaeLee (Khao Toum) DeMent; one sister, Wendy Studt; ten grandchildren, Patrick (Velvet Thomas) Lawrence, Ashley Lawrence, Spencer (Annabelle Kellogg) DeMent, Kevin and Corrine DeMent, Marissa Herrick; Emilee (Jay Alford) Eldridge; Noah, RaeLee, and Liliana Toum; and four great-grandchildren, Luna Lawrence, Jasper DeMent, Eden Herrick, and Jaxon Alford.

Barry is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Susie.

Barry served in the U.S. Marine Corps from March 1971 to September 1973, including 31 days in Vietnam. He worked 30 years at Caterpillar as a maintenance electrician. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and aggravating his grandkids.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be made to B.Y.E. Ambulance.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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