Angeleque "Angel" D. Wright

Angeleque, “Angel” Deanne Wright, 52, of Canton, passed away, Sunday, November 30, 2025, at her home in Canton.

She was born April 30, 1973, in Canton, a daughter of Clifford and Nancy “Candy” (Collins) Wright.

She is survived by her mother, Candy Wright, two siblings, Chastity “Chatty” (Brandon Murphy) Wright, Jessie (Sonja) Wright, two nieces, Jesse (Ethan Ward) Waddell and Shelby (Cole Norton) Waddell, one great nephew, Elliot “Small Fry” Ward, one great niece, Harper Ward, and her beloved cat, Mini Bob (aka Dew Floppy).

Preceding her in death was her father, grandparents, and her beloved cats, Mr. Boots, Mr. Boots II, and Pumpkin.

Angel was a member of the special Olympics Canton Crush Team. She loved attending K.A.R.E. Camp and being involved in all its activities. She enjoyed bowling and attending Thursday night Bingo. Angel was a life long member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Canton. She was a graduate of Canton High School with the class of 1993, and never missed a class reunion, purple and gold continued to be her favorite color.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton; a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to K.A.R.E.

Lawrence Melton

Lawrence E. Melton, 96, formerly of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025 at Farmington Village in Farmington.

He was born on October 16, 1929 in Bristow, OK to Lawrence A. and Pearl (Phillips) Melton.

He married Phyllis Doran on April 22, 1950 in Arkansas. She preceded him in death on November 13, 2013.

Surviving are his children, Gary (Robin) Melton of Elmwood, Steve (Peggy) Melton of Bartonville, Diane (Dave) Nichols of Farmington, Mike (Jan) Melton of Trivoli, sister, Patty Watson of Morton, son-in-law, Larry Hampton and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great- grandchildren.

Also preceding him in death are two children, Cathy Hampton, Ronald Melton, several brothers and two sisters.

Lawrence worked as a self-employed contractor in central Illinois throughout his life. He was a passionate Cubs fan.

A graveside burial service will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 11 am at Smithville Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

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

Memorials may be made to the Farmington Village Nursing Home.

To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

George Edward Sebree

With full and loving hearts, the family of George Edward Sebree announces his peaceful passing on November 30, 2025, at the age of 99. Born on July 17, 1926, in Canton, Illinois, he was the cherished son of Hester A. (Wysong) and Harry L. Sebree, raised on the Sebree family farm where the values of hard work, integrity, and devotion to family were instilled.

On April 16, 1955, he married the love of his life, Karolyn A. (Woodcock) Sebree, beginning a 70-year partnership filled with companionship and adventure.

He was the proud father of George H. (Gail) Sebree, Canton, IL, Janice C. (Scott) Baker, Belleville, IL, Stephen B. (Margo) Sebree, M. Susan (John) Nell, Newberry, FL

Grandfather to: David (Amy) Baker, Edwardsville, IL; Dana (Brett) Line, Belleville, IL; Daryl (Heather) Baker, Mapleton, IL; Devin Baker, Mobile, AL; Deanna (Brandon) Ewing, Cartersville, GA; Eric (Beth) Sebree, Lewistown, IL; Heidi Schiff, Mesa, AZ; Stephanie (Jeff) Carrier, Casa Grande, AZ; Amy (Ray) Bergevin, Peoria, IL; Carrie (Mike) Rickey, Osprey, FL; Danielle (Andy) Empey, Morton, IL; Kathy (Trevor) Plankenhorn, Gainesville, FL; and Sarah (Chris) Houze, Archer, FL

Step-grandfather to: Erin (Tony) Wuebbling, Canton, IL; and Aubrey Courtney, Canton, IL; as well as numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Dorothy L. Jones and Charlotte Phillips; an infant brother, James, and his son Stephen B. Sebree.

In his early years, he contributed to the family business, Sebree Dairy, which served the Canton community until 1958. He also served proudly in the United States Navy. After returning home, he spent decades working the land he loved as a farmer at Sebree Farms, retiring in 1987.

In 1988, he and Karolyn began a new chapter in Venice, Florida. Never one to sit still for long, he worked at Mission Valley Country Club until retiring again in 1998. He was a member of Church of the Palms in Sarasota, Fl where he grew a deep devotion to the Lord. Retirement brought the joy of travel, and together he and Karolyn explored the United States and Canada by motor coach, visiting every state except Hawaii. In 2023, he and Karolyn returned to Canton.

He was known for his playful sense of humor and his constant singing, always keeping us smiling and laughing. He kept meticulous records and kept everything organized and in good running order. He adored his many pets: Kay-Gee, Dalai, Sebastian, Sylvester, Missy, and Sammy. And he especially loved Karolyn’s desserts, never happier than when she made his family’s treasured recipe for Chocolate Steamed Pudding, with the topping affectionately known as “Goop.” His presence brought joy and laughter to all he met and his absence will be felt profoundly.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorial Service will be held the same day at 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Son-in-law, Scott Baker will officiate. Cremains burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Illinois at a later date.

The family invites all who knew and loved him to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life beautifully lived. The family will have a gathering after the service at the Canton Elk's Lodge. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to the Humane Society.

May his legacy of humor and love continue through the many people whose lives he touched.

Michael Buckley

Michael Buckley, 75, of Laura, IL passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 7, 1950, in Peoria, to Cornelius and Wilberta (Irions) Buckley. They preceded him in death, as well as one brother, Joel Nicoll.

Mike is survived by his wife Denise (Adair) Buckley. They were married on May 6, 2000.

Also surviving are seven children, Jason (Jessica) Buckley, Brandi (Kevin) Ferretti, Jarrod (Alexandria) Buckley, James “Jimmy” (Amber) Buckley, Patrick (Jessie) McMeen, Kelly (Molly Perry) McMeen, and Sarah (James) Maher, one sister Theresa (Ron) Kenyon, and fifteen grandchildren.

Mike came from a railroad family, he served as a conductor like his father and grandfathers before him for 42 years, first for Atchinson Topeka and Santa Fe, which turned into BNSF. He retired in 2010. He also farmed with his father and enjoyed raising cows and pigs, as Buckley Pork Farms. Mike served in the Army National Guard in Peoria from 1970 until 1976. He enjoyed the outdoors, tending flowers and planting trees. In his free time Mike enjoyed taking care of their farm animals. He believed there was no such thing as a stray or feral cat He made lasting memories fishing in Branson Missouri, and Lake Michigan. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan, but most of all Mike enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

A memorial funeral mass will be held on Saturday December 6, 2025, at St. Jospeh’s Catholic Church in Brimfield at 11:00 a.m.,

A celebration of life will follow starting at 12 noon at the Harrison Hall in Brimfield.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. Memorials can be made to the Brimfield Food Pantry c/o CBI Bank in Brimfield

To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

James OBrien

James “Jim” M. OBrien, 87, of Havana, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born on January 7, 1938, in Greenview, IL, to Donald and Sadie (LeMasters) OBrien.

He married Sue Hill on July 12, 1995, in Reno, NV. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Kary Nolesviki of Hawaii, Rory (Lori) OBrien of Topeka, and Kathy Chin OBrien of Orlando, FL; his stepchildren, Dennis Clayton of Plymouth, IN, and Dawn Clayton; his brothers, Walt Pate and Jack OBrien; nine grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Marvin; one daughter, Tennessa; one brother, Larry; and one sister, Donna Abbott.

Jim worked as an over-the-road truck driver for more than 53 years, retiring in 2008 at the age of 70. He enjoyed yard work and was a devoted sports fan. His greatest loyalty was to Notre Dame football, eagerly following every season, whether watching from home or catching a game in South Bend, cheering for the Fighting Irish was one of his lifelong joys.

Cremation rites have been accorded per his wishes through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Wanda L. Helms

Wanda Helms, 79, of Canton, passed away, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at her home in Canton.

She was born on September 1, 1946, to Kenneth Butte, and Martha (Helms) McWhirter. They preceded her in death as well as her son John A. Conner.

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Kathy Michel, and two grandchildren, Leanna Velazquez, and Jake Conner, great granddaughter, Ily’ana Velazquez, and her dog Jabber.

Wanda retired from Mail tech. She enjoyed doing puzzles, crocheting and watching thunderstorms. Most of all Wanda loved spending time with her family.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

Charlotte Louise McMillan

Charlotte Louise (Ball) McMillan (98) of Canton, formerly of Monterey, passed away November 25, 2025, at Farmington Village. She was born on December 14, 1926 to Reverend Charles E. Ball and Mary Alice (Belt) Ball. She married Glenn M. McMillan on August 14, 1954 at the Monterey United Methodist Church parsonage. He preceded her in Death on Nov. 29, 2013.

Surviving are 2 children, Rick McMillan of Canton, Linda (Dennis) McLouth of Berwick, IL & daughter-in-law Vickie McMillan of Canton. 5 grandchildren Valerie (Jay) Nussel, Randy II (Tamatha) McMillan, Lindsay (Bryan) Boothe, Kyle (Kara) McLouth, Jennifer McLouth; 10 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Randy McMillan, sister Helen Brown, brother Austin Ball, and an infant sister Martha Evelyn Ball.

She was a Nurse Aide at Graham Hospital for 20 years, taking care of the babies in the maternity ward. She loved music, playing her console organ at home, crocheting, and learning to paint. She was a member of the Monterey United Methodist Church, and sung in the choir for over 40 years. She also sang with the Fulton County Civic Singers for several years.

Per Charlotte’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Private family burial of ashes will take place in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Monterey United Methodist Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com