Friday, December 26, 2025

James B. Howard

James B. Howard, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Elmwood, Illinois, December 23, 2025.

James was born April 27, 1939, to Ora and Hattie (Prather) Howard in Avon, Illinois. He married Judith Kuehn on August 22, 1964, in Canton, Illinois, and she survives.

He is also survived by his three children: Tim (Melissa Bundy) Howard of Avon, Brian (Julie) Howard of Williamsfield, and Daniel (Tiffany) Howard of Meridian, Idaho; one sister, Patsy Fox of Sacramento, California; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and fourteen brothers and sisters.

James attended Avon schools and spent more than 50 years working as a carpenter. He was employed by Noah Herman Sons Builders in Peoria for 35 years, retiring in 2000. In retirement, James continued to share his skills and time by volunteering as a train engineer and carpenter at Wildlife Prairie Park.

In his free time, James enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and traveling. He especially loved spending time in the western states, going on cruises, and traveling to Europe and Japan.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Avon Cemetery.

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

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


Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Eric Hankins

Eric Hankins, 35, of Canton, passed away, at 4:48 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at his home in Canton, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Peoria, on September 17, 1990, to Linda (Carrier) and David Hankins.

He is survived by his mother and father, Linda and David of Canton, one daughter, Alizabeth Hankins of Canton, two brothers, David (Jessica) Carrier of Canton, Arthur (Kara) Hankins of Canton, two sisters, Melinda (Clinton) Grubb of Farmington, and Tabatha (Jesus) Perez of Texas, and eleven nieces and nephews.

Eric previously worked at Sc2 in Bartonville. He enjoyed cooking, making Tik Toks about life, spending time with his family, and hanging out, playing games with his nieces and nephews.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at the AFSCME Local 3585 Union Hall at 1022 West Locust Street Canton, IL 61520, on Sunday, December 28, 2025 starting at 2:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the In Memory of Eric Hankins go fund me account.

Harriet A. Jockisch

Harriet A. Jockisch, 83, of Canton, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton. She was born on March 10, 1942 in Canton to Thomas and Francis (Hess) Eggleston. They preceded her in death along with her grandparents, one daughter, Sarah Lynn Busey, one son, Brian Jockisch and Dow and Sarah Hess by whom she was raised. Surviving are two children, Caleb (Sherri) Jockisch Jr, Richard (Chasity Hoffman) Jockisch, ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Harriet attended the Flamingo Beauty School. She also worked as a bartender for various taverns throughout the area and lastly tending bar at the Canton Elks Lodge. She later worked at the American Red Cross in Canton. She enjoyed playing Bingo, cards and loved her dogs. She was a past member of the VFW Auxiliary. Cremation rites have been accorded per her wishes through the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. A private burial of her ashes will be held at the Apple Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

James R. Clark

Canton- James R. Clark, 85, of Canton passed away at 10:20 AM Monday December 22, 2025 at his home.


He was born January 10, 1940 at Canton the son of Oren and Louise (Palmer) Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and three sisters. Surviving are his children, Monica Clark and Michael Clark both of Canton, one sister, Becky Hilton of Canton, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.


James retired from International Harvester Navistar in Canton. He was a member of the UAW and the Wee-Ma-Tuk Country Club. He enjoyed all sports including bowling, basketball, and especially golf. He was a wonderful caregiver to his family.


A graveside service and burial will be held at 11:00 AM Monday December 29th at the Baughman Cemetery rural Smithfield. There will be no visitation. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Easter Seals. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Monday, December 22, 2025

Thomas “Tomo” Lee Williams

Thomas Lee “Tomo” Williams, 55, of Canton, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at his residence.


He was born on November 28, 1970, in Galesburg, the son of Thomas and Karen (Tinder) Williams. He married Kim Lovelady in August of 1994 in Las Vegas.


He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Kay Elaine Williams.


Surviving are two stepchildren, Brett Lovelady and Corbin Lovelady; one brother, Rodney Earl Williams; one sister, Lisa (Shawn) Reid; and several cousins.


Tomo attended Spoon River Valley School and later earned his GED. He worked for Excel in Beardstown and previously was employed at Gates Rubber in Galesburg. He also served as a District Manager for Goodyear in Houston, Texas.


An avid outdoorsman, Tomo enjoyed playing golf and was a devoted Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. He liked relaxing while watching Gilligan’s Island, The Andy Griffith Show, and classic 1970s sitcoms. He was also a true pet lover.


Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A private burial of his ashes will be held at West Midway Cemetery at a later date.


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


Wesley S. Cleeton

Wesley S. Cleeton, 63, of Peoria, passed away on December 16, 2025 at his residence. He was born on April 21, 1962 in Macomb to Olen E. and Susan (LeRoy) Cleeton.

Surviving is his mother, Susan Cleeton of Peoria, three children; Matthew (Kendra) Cleeton of Woodinville, WA, Nicole Cleeton-Lawver of Elmhurst and Haley (Nick) Pemberton of Chicago, one sister, Michele (Tammy) Girard-Cleeton of Dunlap, two grandchildren; Emma Cleeton and Landon Cleeton, one nephew, Connor Cleeton and one niece Kennedy Cleeton.

He was preceded in death by his father and his significant other Donna Giles.

Wesley worked at Caterpillar Inc. and attended the Presbyterian church in Peoria. He was an avid Saint Louis Cardinal fan, loved the outdoors, especially fishing and enjoyed watching sports.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Elnora Frances Kidd


Elnora Frances Kidd, age 86, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at her residence.


Elnora was born on February 12, 1939, in Canton, Illinois, to Peter Paul Marinich and Elnora Berry. She was united in marriage to Fred A. Kidd on November 24, 1960, in Davenport, Iowa. Fred preceded her in death on August 9, 2005.


Elnora was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She found great joy in her family and cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her greatest pleasures was being involved in 4-H and FFA during her younger years, and later attending as many of her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities as she could. She also took pride in working at Emerald Estates, where she formed many meaningful friendships.


She is survived by her children: Stephanie (Elmo) Taylor of Springfield; Steven (Paula) Kidd of California; and Sheldon (Terry) Kidd of Canton.


She is also survived by her sisters: Kathryn Jugovic (Bruno, deceased) and Eva Ireland (Robert, deceased).


Elnora leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Ebene, Stevie (Jordan Rich), Smarjesse, Patricia, Stephawn (Victoria), Rhonda, Dennis, Allen (Ashlea Kidd), Jacob, Hannah (Trevor Shubert), Austin (Megan Kidd), Matthew, and Jacob.


She was blessed with many great-grandchildren: Saighen, Octavian, Sophia, Adelina, Asai, Bentley, Aubree, Ryker, Cairo, Terrol Aamir, Theodore, Ezekiel, Hallie, Diamond, Jasmin, Lilly, Valentine, Kellen, and Kendon.


She is further survived by her nieces and nephews: Bruno Paul (Joyce), Marion Jugovic, Ernest Jugovic (Kathy), Leanne Calhoun (Troy), and Mike Ireland.


Great-nieces and great-nephews include: Nicholas Jugovic; Benjamin (Kari); Tova; Emmerson; Kinley; Riley; Joseph (Faeyth); Molly (Adam); Haley; Jacob; and Joseph.


Elnora was preceded in death by her grandparents, Frank T. (Fannie A.) Marinich and Elmer F. (Viola E) Berry; her granddaughter, Hallie Kidd; and her great-nephew, Daniel Jugovic.


Funeral services will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, Illinois on Saturday, December 27, at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Monroe Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Howard Cemetery. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service.


Pallbearers will be Austin Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Elmo Stephawn Taylor, Allen Kidd, Octavian Harms, and Jordan Rich.


Elnora’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She trusted in God’s promises and found comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. While she will be deeply missed, her family finds reassurance in the hope of eternal life and the joy of knowing she now rests in the loving arms of her