Deborah Jane Nelson

Deborah Jane Nelson 72, of Canton passed away on Monday, July 29, 2025, at her home.

She was born on February 4,1953 in Harrisonburg, VA to Charles and Frieda Karmenzind McCartney. She married Stephen Nelson on March 18, 1970 in Canton. He survives.

Also surviving are her children, Stephanie (Todd) Vanmiddlesworth and B.I. (Cassie) Nelson, both of Canton and five grandchildren, Will, Chloe, Cooper, Bryer, and Miley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and one sister. Deborah retired after teaching special education for SEAPCO for over 20 years. She was also an addictions counselor and coowner of A.D.P. where she worked along side her husband for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and was proud of all of their accomplishments.

Memorials may be made to Canton FFA. Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.

Mark Sexton,

Mark Sexton, 70, of Canton, passed away at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at his home. He was born on July 8, 1955 in Canton, IL, to Dale and Charlotte (Cox) Sexton.

He was a devoted father to his four daughters, Michelle Fiveland, Mary Helen (Chad Shaw) Bowman, Mandi (Dan) Siepel, and Mindy Negley. He loved his grandchildren, Tyler Bowman, Danika Negley, Keilie Bowman, Alanna Siepel, Dakota Siepel, Brayden Varnes, Jakob Fiveland, Makenna McGinnis, and Lauren and Lexi Fiveland.Great-grandchildren, Huntleigh and Huxton Bowman. He has 2 brothers, 4 sisters, lots of nieces and nephews who adored him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Kathy.

Mark served in the United States Army.

He worked at Wagner in Havana. He loved to fish, garden, play drums, coached his children’s softball team, cook, but most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Military honors will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 PM. Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded following services with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to Peoria Honor Flight. To view Mark’s DVD or to make and online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Shawneen Patricia Schappaugh Wubben

Shawneen Patricia Schappaugh Wubben, 68, of Canton, passed away at 1:01 AM on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Renaissance Care Center. She was born on June 17, 1957 in Plattsburg, New York, a daughter of Nelson and Theresa (Sweeney) Schappaugh. They preceded her in death.

Also, preceding Shawneen in death was a brother, Michael Schappaugh, and a sister, Julie Hamilton.

Surviving are her children, Eric (Amber) Schappaugh of Canton; Amy (RJ) Schappaugh Gale of Pekin; Nathan (Jamie) Wubben of Canton; Charles Wubben of Lewistown; thirteen grandchildren, Alexander (Karagen) Smith, Jackson (Ashley) Sanders, Kristen, Amelia, Andre, Isaiah, PJ, Keem, Jessa, Josie Schappaugh, Sacora Gale, Lilly and Liam Wubben; seven great-grandchildren, Makyla, Eli, Jakori, Xaviar, Theodore, Beckett, Isabella; two brothers, Mark Schappaugh of Petersburg, Craig (Michelle) Schappaugh of Carver, MN, and three sisters, Lisa (Todd) Owens of Havana; Maria Baughman of Canton; Wendy Mayall of Canton.

Shawneen worked at various places in the area, and the Casey’s General Store in Lewistown.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory, where visitation will be from 4:00 PM until the time of the services. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials can be made to the Shawn Schappaugh Memorial Fund in care of Bank of Yates City for Ameila Schappaugh. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Jack C. “Tinker” Thompson

Jack C. “Tinker” Thompson, 91, of Fairview, passed away at 11:05 PM on Monday, July 28, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on May 29, 1934 in Canton, IL, to Laverne and Georgialee (Everts) Thompson. He married Joy Jean Gilpin on February 8, 1962 at the Canton Church of the Brethren. She survives.

He is also survived by 6 children, Trisha (Kevin) Endres, Kelli (Jeff) Nothacker, Jennifer (Todd) Kielion, Stephanie (Doc) Weyrick, Derrick Stevens, and Adam Stevens; 17 grandchildren, Heather (John) Messer, Holly Arnett, John (Becca) Werland, Jason Endres, Tara (Mark) Plunkett, Nicholas Endres, Jaclyn (Bubba) Pope, Ellen Brown, Josiah Nothacker, Abraham Nothacker, Adrian Nothacker, Josephine (Tyler) Bebee, Trenton Kielion, Tyrus Kielion, Julianne Kielion, 

Noah Stevens, and Abby Stevens; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and one son-in-law, Gary St. Clair.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and two children, Lora St. Clair and Dawn Blunier.

Tinker worked and retired as a design engineer at Caterpillar for over 30 years. He owned Tinkers Toy Shop with two wonderful employees, Gary Vaultonburg and Mark Hess and many other great friends. He was an avid bowler and secretary of the bowling association. He was also a founding member of Gear Jammers for 76 years.

Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at the Canton American Legion. Pastor Monroe Bailey will officiate. Celebration of Life will be held the same day from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Canton American Legion with food provided. Cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

George E. Gillham

George E. Gillham, 70, of Fiatt, passed away, Monday, July 28, 2025, at graham Hospital in Canton.

He was born in Peoria, on August 28, 1954, to James and Wanda (Brown) Gillham.

George is survived by his wife Diane (Fouts) Gillham, whom he married on March 20, 1986.

Also surviving are two children, Charles (Helen) Baker, and Karen (Virgil) Peters, one brother, Butch Gillham, one sister, Lila Gillham, one sister-in-law Betty Gillham, eleven grandchildren, Alecia (Colten), James, Michael, Jeremiah, Jazmin, Hannah, Ashlynn, Gabriel, Bella, C.J., Liam, Glen, and Heaven, and seven great grandchildren.

George is preceded in death by his parents, and ten siblings, Johnny Ray, Scott, Ronnie, Chuck, Roy, Jimmy, Michelle, Sarah, Catherine, and Margaret.

George retired from the Canton YMCA in 2014. He was a proud member of the N.R.A. and enjoyed collecting guns. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and listening to music. Most of all George enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.

Rebecca “Becky” Lynch

Rebecca “Becky” Lynch, 65, of Maquon, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025 at her residence.

She was born on November 1, 1959 in Galesburg to Ronald and Norma (Watters) West.

She married Robert Lynch on November 12, 1977 in London Mills. He survives.

Also surviving is her mother, Norma of Ellisville, three children, Laura (Justin) Snowden of West Burlington, IA, Bob (Sara) Lynch of London Mills, Rick Lynch of Maquon, three sisters, Linda Dowell of London Mills, Ruthie West of Ellisville, Jeannie West of London Mills, seven grandchildren, Kane, Jake, Sidney, Whitney, Makayla, Mia and Karissa and two great grandchildren, Seven and Stevie.

She was also preceded in death by her father, Ronald and one brother Steve West.

She joined OSF in 1988 as a Night Computer Operator with OSF St. Mary Medical Center. The early years of her career were focused on St. Mary’s as she continued as a Systems Analyst, Network Specialist and IT Manager. She later joined the Account Management team and served several areas of the Ministry. As the Portfolio Management team came together in 2021, Becky transitioned to this team bringing her years of experience and helping to develop new processes to ensure projects and optimizations are ready for deployment. No matter her role, Becky has always appreciated the family atmosphere of OSF and knowing the community of support that came with working for the Ministry for 36 years.

She was a fan of football, especially the Philadelphia Eagles and also was a Chicago Cubs fan. She enjoyed Monday Night Football, Super Bowl parties, fantasy football, playing pitch and family trips to the casinos. Most of all Becky loved her kids, grandkids, family and friends. There was rarely an event for any of her grandchildren that Becky wasn’t in attendance. Her grandkids were one of her biggest joys in life.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 2-5 pm at the funeral home. A celebration of her life will be held at the Abingdon American Legion on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 2-6pm with dinner provided.

Memorials may be made to the Illinois Cancer Care Foundation.

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

Phyllis Lingenfelter

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Phyllis Lingenfelter, 86, of Peoria Heights, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Phyllis was born in Canton, IL. on September 11, 1938, to the late Oscar and Mary (Sepich) Denney.

She married Gerald (Jerry) Lingenfelter of Canton on October 9, 1959, and was married to him until his untimely death in September of 1969.

Phyllis graduated from Canton HS in 1956.

She worked at the Peoria Bergner's Distribution Center until its closure in the late 1980s.

She then worked at the accounting firm of McGladrey & Pullen until the late 1990s.

She went on to work at the Apostolic Christian Skylines until her retirement at the start of the COVID pandemic in early 2020.

Surviving is one son, John Lingenfelter of Peoria.

Phyllis loved to do arts/crafts type decorating of her home for the different holidays every year.

She also enjoyed travelling on group trips with her many friends, earning the nickname "Friendly Phyl" along the way.

She was also a guardian, caretaker, and beloved friend to a half-dozen or so kitty cats over the years.

For some reason, she enjoyed mowing the lawn.

She will be missed.

No funeral services by request.

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Karen Rose Bowton - Markley

“Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always there. So loved, so missed, so very dear.”

Karen Rose Bowton-Markley was born January 29th 1959, in the heart of Canton, IL. She peacefully left this world on July 26th, 2025 at the age of 66. Though her journey on Earth has come to a close, she left an indelible mark on all who loved her.

Karen was a force of nature, known for her strong-willed spirit. She dedicated her years caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant where she touched countless lives with her compassion and dedication. She always loved to make people laugh with her quirky personality, but don’t let that fool you; she had a way of raising her voice that made most back down. Her heart was as big as her laugh; her stubborn streak always kept life interesting and could only be matched by the depth of love she had for her family. She loved fiercely and unapologetically.

Karen’s favorite things included her love for movies; she loved to go to the cinema and she had an extensive movie collection at home, organized in such a way that nobody but her could decipher. Her favorite foods were Chinese cuisine and Chocolate; and she was always up for a shopping trip. She was also a puzzle aficionado; jigsaw, crossword, sudoku, and mahjong were a few.

Proceeded in death by her parents Ralph and Rosemary (Rosie) Bowton, and her brother Pat Bowton. Karen leaves behind her four children, Brooks Bowton, Micah (& Kendra) Bowton, Bek Ripper, David (& Kirsten) Markley II; her five granddaughters, Piper, Addyka, Tayla, Lily, and Sutton; her siblings, Kathy (& Rick) Wilson, Crystal (& John) Moran, and Steve (& Yvonne) Bowton; and several nieces and nephews.

Karen’s wishes were not to have a funeral, but to have a Celebration of Life. This Celebration will be held at 1pm on August 7th 2025 at the Donaldson Center in Canton, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Mary L. Behrends

Mary Louise Behrends, 89, of Havana, passed away at 7:19 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Arcadia Care Nursing Home in Havana. She was born on December 21, 1935 in Havana to Ralph and Alma (Osing) Vanderveen. She married Deane O. Behrends on August 2, 1959 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana, and he preceded her in death on January 24, 2015.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Steve Fornoff) Davenport-Fornoff, Karen (Chip) Boggs, and Gail (Gale Rampley) Behrends; son, Brian (Lindsey) Behrends; grandchildren, Kyle (Katie) Davenport, Travis (Rachel) Davenport, Ty Fornoff, Cameron (Alexandria) Boggs, Cooper (Taylor Sarnes) Boggs, Landin Behrends, and Taylin Behrends; great-grandchildren, Myles, Klay, Ollie, and Kyler Davenport; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Delores Worner; brother, Don Vanderveen; brother-in-law, Meredith Worner; and son-in-law, Tommy Davenport.
Mary was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana. She enjoyed taking photos, especially of her grandchildren. She ran a daycare and loved the children she babysat. Mary and her husband enjoyed traveling all over the world and camping at Friendship. Most of all, she loved her family and loved spending time with them.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana, with a visitation two hours prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Rev. Ian Henize will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana.
Memorial donations may be made in Mary’s name to the Christian Ducks Learning Pond. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.