Richard B. Davidage

Richard Bruce Davidage, 93, of Havana, passed away at 3:54am on July 17th, at Arcadia Care Havana. He was born July 9, 1932, at home in Athens, Illinois, to Richard A. and Mercedes J. (Knox) Davidage. He attended grade school in Athens until the family moved to Springfield in 1942, when he then attended Harvard Park Elementary and graduated from Feitshans High School in 1950.

On November 29, 1953, he married Evelyn Mae Rollet at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. From that union of 59 years, they had three children: Rick (Tami) Davidage of Havana, Cheryl (Dr. Bob) Stinauer of Havana, and Lori (Dean) Sisson of Kilbourne. Also surviving are two brothers, Loren (Florence) Davidage of Springfield, and Tom (Claudia) Davidage of Worden, six Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren, one Great-Great Granddaughter (another on the way), and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

He enlisted in the Air National Guard from 1951-1957, serving two tours as a P-51 armament specialist, and during which time he was activated for two years. He worked as a heavy machinery operator and test technician for Allis-Chalmers and Fiat-Allis for 35 years in Springfield and then notably, he helped open and close the proving grounds north of Bluff City, IL. Following his first retirement, he worked as a custodian at Havana Elementary and Havana Junior High School until he finally retired in 1997.

In retirement, he was an avid long-distance runner, completing two full marathons and competing in numerous races, including the first 15 Havana Polka Pace races with a personal best of 19:22 in that 5Km race at the age of 60. He and Evelyn loved to polka dance and were active in the “POLK of A” for many years.

Visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Private graveside services will be held at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens, IL at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Havana Park District. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Lee Guppy, Sr.

Mapleton- Robert L. Guppy Sr., 86, of Mapleton, passed away at 7:55 AM on Wednesday, July 16 2025 at his residence. He was born on October 19, 1938 in Peoria, a son of Edgar C. and Maida F. (Karsjens) Guppy. He married Elizabeth Bergman on November 29, 1957 in Bartonville. She preceded him in death on June 7, 2014.

Also, preceding Robert in death were his parents, brother, Edgar Guppy III; sister, Marge Rhoads, and two grandchildren, Justin and Jill Guppy.

Surviving are his children, Robert (Debra) Guppy Jr of Bartonville; Richard (Debra) Guppy of Bartonville, Mary Kathleen “Kathy” (Jim) Thomason of Mapleton; Jody (Dave) Owen of Mapleton; seventeen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ron (Sandy) Guppy of Springfield; sister, Patricia Blender of Peoria; sister-in-law, Martha Guppy of Bartonville, many nieces and nephews, and his loving, caring companion, Joyce Broadstone of Bartonville.

Robert and Elizabeth owned & operated Bob’s IGA in East Peoria from 1965-1993, they then changed it to New Twist, after ownership of the store, Robert enjoyed farming until retiring in 2000, and fully retiring after four years with Morton Auto Auction. He was a devoted member of St John Lutheran Church in Bartonville, avid Chicago Cubs, and sports fan. Robert enjoyed life, as he was always busy, working or enjoying coconut cream pie, drag racing, riding motorcycles, or fast pitch softball to name a few of his hobbies. But most of all was the time he spent with family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM (Noon) on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville. Pastor Michael Jones will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded through Endsley-Sedgwick Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to St. John Lutheran Church or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com