Carol Severt

Carol Severt, 77, of Cuba, passed away, Wednesday, December 3 2025, surrounded by her family at her home in Cuba. She was born in Canton, on April 26, 1948, to William “Bill” and Arthalene (Utsinger) Widger.

She is preceded in death by her father William “Bill” Widger, infant daughter, Tonja Severt, and grandson, Jacob Burgard.

Carol married Gary Severt on October 15, 1964. They shared 45 years of marriage before he passed away on January 14, 2009.

She is survived by her mother Arthalene Widger, three children, Tammy (Ken) Harr, Tracey (Jeff) Behymer, and Bill (Jill) Severt, four sisters, Sue (the late Gordon) Ault, Nancy (Jerry) Schumacher, Mary Bradley, and Cindy Brown, six grandchildren, Anthony (Kathleen) Harr, Jackie Harr, Skyler Burgard, David Severt, Laura Severt, and Hannah Severt, and one great grandchild, Harley Harr.

Carol first opened and operated TLC Learning Center. She then attended Western Illinois University, where she obtained a dual master’s degree in education. Carol was a master teacher, and dedicated her life to elementary education. She taught for 35 years at Cuba Elementary School. She also helped countless children with tutoring after school. She was a founding member of Bag Buddies through the Cuba School District. Outside of the school she enjoyed gardening, and her numerous cats. Carol was a member of Wiley Lutheran Church, Retired teachers Association, and Spoon River College Alumni. Most of all Carol enjoyed spending time with her family.

A visitation will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at Wiley Lutheran Church in Ellisville on Friday December 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will immediately follow the service at Wiley Cemetery in Ellisville.

Memorials may be made to Bag Buddies at the Cuba School District, or to Wiley Lutheran Church.

Jesse James Burke

Jesse James Burke, 49, of Havana, passed away at his home at 9:20 p.m., on Sunday, November 30, 2025. He was born December 8, 1975, in Orange, California, to William and Colette (Street) Burke. He married Jennifer Gordon, on September 3, 2020 at Dixon Mounds, near Lewistown, Illinois. 


Jesse is survived by his wife, Jennifer, of Havana; mother, Colette, of Oklahoma; three children: Gilbert, Austen, and Nathan; step-children: Tony, Jaekob, and Izabella; brothers: Ted Burke and Timmy Street, both of Oklahoma; and brother-in-law: Danny Gordon, of Forest City, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his father.

Jesse worked for Apex Fire Control and was a 28 year member of Sprinklerfitter Union Local #669. He loved motorcycles, music and his family.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pets Without Parents. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home, in Havana, is in charge of arrangements.

Thelma Joan (Schisler) Beaird

Thelma Joan Beaird, 90, of Canton, passed away on November 27, 2025 at Red Oak Estates. She was born on April 4, 1935 in McDonough County to Trueman and Annabelle (Fitch) Schisler. She married Grover “Zeke” Beaird on February 28, 1957. He preceded her in death in 2009. Also preceding her in death were her parents, step father Clarence Schrodt, two sisters; Darlene Cash and Clarice Coeur and two brothers; Eugene Schisler and Claire “Pete” Schrodt.

Surviving is her daughter Peggy (Kenneth) Lisenbee of Canton, two granddaughters; Heidi (Rev. Edwin) Brinklow and Hope (James) Lingenfelter both of Canton, two great grandchildren; Tanner Putman of Bahrain (in Navy) and Aubrianna Putman of Canton two brothers; Dwight Schrodt and John Schrodt and four sisters; Jane Icenogel, Clarine Royer, Jean (Ralph) Bell and Maribell Davis who was an extremely dedicated and loving sister who continually went the extra mile for Thelma.

Thelma retired from Canton Union

School District #66 in 1997. She enjoyed crocheting, baking and collecting her Fiesta dishware.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Services will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to Copperas Creek Fire Department (Norris Unit). To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

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.