William M. Bass

Canton- William M. Bass, 87, of Canton, passed away at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at The Loft of Canton. He was born on February 19, 1939 in Shelbyville, Indiana, a son of Verle and Ruth (Kanouse) Bass. He married Evelyn J. Arnett on May 7, 1960 at St. Louis Crossing Baptist Church. She preceded him in death on May 28, 2022 in Canton.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents, and a brother.

Surviving is his best friend and caregiver for the last several years, Donna Hebb of Lewistown.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, from which he honorably retired. Following his military service, he continued his strong work ethic, working for Heilig-Meyers Furniture Store in Canton.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Nathan L. Allen

Nathan Levi Allen, 45, of Yukon Oklahoma, formerly of Astoria Illinois, succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife, Sarah, family and friends as he transitioned on his next journey.

He was born on November 14, 1980, son of DeeVon Mummert-Schisler (Wendell) of Astoria, Illinois and Kent (Debbie) Allen of Jacksonville Illinois. They survive. Nathan is survived by two sisters, Miranda (Jacob) Hoppock of Twin Falls, Idaho and Tara (Damon) Sherrod of Astoria, Illinois, one brother Brenton (Jenna) Allen of Jacksonville, Illinois, his grandmothers Patsy Layne of Manito, Illinois, Loretta Mummert of Macomb Illinois as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Len Allen of Rushville, Bob Mummert of Astoria and Terry Layne of Manito, Illinois and grandmother Donna Cockerill of Rushville Illinois.

Nathan married the absolute love of his life, Sarah (Martinez) Allen, on July 8, 2023. He also left behind his children; two sons; Levi and Rain and his daughter Scarlett. Included also he left behind bonus children; Jaqulyn, Savannah, Nichole, Cailey and Malik, and five grandchildren; Kaiden, Juliann, Koa, KyAire and Zalyus.

Cremation rights have been accorded. A visitation will be held on April 18 from 2 to 4 pm with a service to follow at Shawgo Funeral Home in Astoria Illinois. Jonny Mummert will be officiating. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held in Oklahoma on April 25, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Fulton County.

William "Bill" Blankenship

William "Bill"  Blankenship, 81, of Canton, passed away at 10:40 AM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Farmington Village in Farmington. He was born on January 14, 1945 in Peoria, Illinois, a son of William and Betty (Milburn) Blankenship. He married Mary Sass in 1993 in Las Vagas, Nevada. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Greg (Donna) Blankenship of Metamora; Jeff (Donna) Blankenship of Wisconsin; Tammy (Ed) Heap of Smithfield, twelve grandchildren, Shawn & Shannon Malivuk, Brad & Samantha Vaughn; Amanda & Chris Brannan; Austin Blankenship, Jonathan Heitzman, Jimmy Davies, Ryan Hughes, Wyatt, and Hunter Heap; brother, Gary; sisters, Ginger and Karen.

Preceding William in death were his parents.

William dedicated many years of service working at Caterpillar before continuing his career as a court officer with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. He was a proud member of the Masons and honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps. William had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found hunting or simply enjoying nature.

Per William’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com