Danny E. Lock

Danny E. Lock, 80, of Canton, passed away on July 4, 2025 at his residence. He was born on June 13, 1945 in Canton to Robert and Virginia (Ellsworth) Lock.

Surviving is his children; Jeff (Jodi Wilcoxen) Lock and Tammy (Lance) Tindall both of Canton, significant other Kelcy Kaler of Canton, brother Gordon (Lois) Lock of Fairview, sister Donna (Clinton) Parrish of Bartonville, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and his fur baby Milo.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brother Howard Lock.

Danny was a farmer his whole life and Joshua township road commissioner for 32 years. He loved his John Deere tractors but especially loved spending time with friends and family.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton and a private burial of ashes will take place in Fiatt cemetery at a later date.

Memorials can be made to the Fulton County Humane Society.

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

Deborah Jean Huggins

Deborah Jean “Debby” Huggins, 74, of Canton, passed away on July 4, 2025 at her residence. She was born on November 4, 1950 in Canton to Rollin and Edna (Krider) Lybarger. She married Robert “Bear” Huggins on March 13, 1969. He preceded her in death on April 2, 2006. Also preceding her in death were her parents and brother Robin Lybarger.

Surviving are her children Jessica Huggins and Joshua Huggins both of Canton, three sisters, Rebecca Wilson, Kristal Sprague and Donna Evans, three grandchildren; Clayton, Logan and Olivia and three great-grandchildren; Londynn Jo, Bellamy and Rowan.

Debby worked as an Administrator for Health Care Nursing Homes and Caterpillar Inc. retiring in 2016. She enjoyed watching hummingbirds and doing puzzles. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she dearly loved.

Services will be 2 pm Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, where visitation will be 1 hour prior to services. Cremation rites will follow the services. Memorials can be made to the family. To view Debby’s DVD or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Kent R. Kowal

Kent R. Kowal, 79, of Farmington, passed away at 2:10 AM on Thursday July 3, 2025 at his home. He was born on December 21, 1945 in Macomb, IL, to Chester John and Barbara (Rost) Kowal. He married Kathleen Higgs on May 27, 1967 in Farmington, IL. She survives.

He is also survived by three children, Michael (Elyse) Kowal, Matthew (Helena) Kowal, and Ann (Jason) Lembke; six grandchildren, Kayla (Carter) Kowal, Laney Kowal, Laci Kowal, Kate Lembke, Alice Lembke, and Quinn Lembke; two sisters, Karen and Kristine Kowal; two brothers-in-law, Ralph (Sherry) Higgs and David (Carolyn) Higgs; and one sister-in-law, Barbara Higgs.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Hayden Kowal.

Mr. Kowal taught high school English and was a guidance counselor. He was affectionately referred to as “Chief” by his students. Then he began a 41-year career at the Bank of Farmington where he served as president and later chairman of the board.

Mr. Kowal was very active in the community serving on many boards, including FCHS School Board, Rotary, Graham Hospital Board of Trustees, Farmington Betterment Association, Farmington Library Board, Illinois Bankers Association and Farmington Chamber of Commerce.  He was a member of the Farmington Presbyterian Church, where he served as trustee and auditor, and sang in the choir.

For years, Mr. Kowal served as chairman of Italian fest where he wrote the Great Pomodoro clues. He was co-chairman of the Farmington Sesquicentennial (1984).  After he retired, he continued to serve the community as councilman and mayor of Farmington. He served in the National Guard and was an Eagle Scout.

He enjoyed extensive travel with his wife, Kathleen, and golfing  and poker nights with his friends of the gazebo gang.  Chatting with his friends at coffee, hiking, and walking in the woods especially with his dog brought much joy.  He was a voracious reader and excellent writer. He even authored his own book of life stories. Kent was someone who always got along with and was harmonious with others. He was a lifelong learner continuing his education after retirement with classes through OLLI. He enjoyed following a variety of sporting events including St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Bears, Bradley Braves,

and the Fighting Illini. In addition, he loved his Schnauzers, Maggie, Gracie and especially Lucy. Kasey was his faithful companion to the end.

Kent tried to find something to be happy about or be thankful for every day. He believed he was lucky to have had so many happy times and good friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Farmington.  Memorial service will be at 4:00 PM, followed by dinner at the church. Pastor Cindy Bean will officiate. Burial at Trivoli Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Farmington Central Academic Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Farmington Betterment Association. To view Kent’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Phyllis M. Cornelius

Phyllis M. Cornelius, 89 of Industry, Illinois, passed away at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at her home. She was born on the family farm south of Vermont, Illinois on June 30, 1936, the second child of three in a multi-generational farming family. She attended Freeman School through 1947, then VIT High School, graduating in 1954. Following High School, she attended nursing school at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1957. After graduation, she practiced in Doctor A.E. Steer’s office in Springfield.

She married Marion Cornelius on December 27, 1959 in Vermont, while continuing to work as a nurse in Springfield. The two began their family shortly after. In 1962, they relocated to Macomb, Illinois. Phyllis continued as a floor nurse at McDonough District Hospital, eventually advancing to supervisor of nursing on the 3-11 shift until the birth of her daughter in 1967. She returned to nursing as a surgical nurse in 1970 at MDH.

In the late 1960’s, the couple owned a small aircraft for a few years, which she learned to pilot.

During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, she and her family spent numerous summer vacations touring the western and northern US, as well as Canada.

In 1973, she and Marion acquired a small farm west of Industry. During the summer of that year, Phyllis and her husband Marion constructed their “forever” home located on a hilltop overlooking Grindstone Creek, which they refer to as Valley View Farm.

In 1983, Phyllis retired from MDH and she and Marion acquired a small lumber yard in Industry which became known as C & E Lumber. Over time, she added a craft store to this enterprise. Both managed the establishment for a few years.

In subsequent years, Phyllis spent time developing her talent for craft and acrylic painting. She shared her interest and talent with others, by teaching the medium in various locations.

From 1982 to 1988, both of them worked together as volleyball referees for area high schools.

In 2003, an opportunity arose to acquire the original Freeman School that Phyllis and her brothers attended through 1947. The building was donated by a farmer who used it as a machine shed, and was relocated to a site in Ipava. It is now known as the Easley Pioneer Museum, which documents local history of the area through the mid-20th century.

Phyllis lived a rich life in the area and is survived by her husband Marion, son Steven (Michelle) Cornelius of Wasila, Alaska, daughter Teresa (Scott) Ramsey of Houston, Texas, granddaughters Miranda (Zach) Cornelius-Fisse of San Valley, Arizona and Paige (Jaden) Holcombe of Houston, Texas, great-grandchildren Maxwell and Samuel Fisse and Finnegan Holcombe and her brother Ronald (Sheila) Easley, who resides in the Philippines.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Roger Easley.

Phyllis’ services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 7th, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois. Pastor Mike Ulmer will officiate. There will be no visitation. Interment will be held in the Vermont Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Phyllis may be directed towards the Easley Pioneer Museum.

Curtiss A. Farwell

Curtiss A. Farwell, 85, of Lewistown, IL passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. He was born on January 12, 1940 in Havana, IL, the son of Dean and Helen (Richardson) Farwell. On December 10, 1957, Curtiss married Sharon Sue Moses in Rushville, IL. Sharon preceded Curtiss in death on February 17, 2021.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Joey Long, and his sister, Shirley Russell.

Surviving are his son, David Farwell of Lewistown, his daughter Ginger (and P.J.) Long of Havana, IL, five grandchildren, Nicolas (and Amanda) Long, Matthew Farwell, Nathan Farwell, Timothy Long, and Misty Long, and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Bella, and Eli Long, and two brothers, Regis Farwell of Florida and Randy (and Yvonne) Farwell of Peoria, IL.

Curtiss was a United States Navy Veteran.

Curtiss first worked at Caterpillar in Peoria, IL and International Harvester in Canton, IL. He was also a life farmer. He retired from farming in 2009 and moved to Lewistown.

He enjoyed arrowhead hunting and fishing. Curtiss loved playing cards with his great-grandchildren. He was a devoted Christian.

Services will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 3 pm at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Kent Tangman will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Browning Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Herbert Leo Parsano

Herbert Leo Parsano, 87, of Vermont, IL, passed away at 10:08 pm on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at his home. He was born on June 16, 1938 in Ray, IL the son of Herbert and Vera (Ogden) Parsano. Leo married Marry Ann Woodworth on August 20, 1960 in Mount Sterling, IL. Mary Ann preceded Leo in death on July 19, 1985. Leo later married Paula Cooper on June 29, 1996 in Vermont. She survives.

Also surviving are four children; Mike (and Missy) Parsano of Rushville, IL, Tana Parsano of Mount Sterling, Crissyanna (and Charles) Schwettmann of Lemon Grove, CA, and Jason Cooper of Vermont, thirteen grandchildren; Dusty Downs, Candace Andrade, Beth Parsano, Robert Parsano, Aaron Parsano, Damon Thurman, Michael Roberts, Anahi Cooper, Analia Cooper, Annabella Cooper, Brantlee Parsano, Cole Cooper and Anaria Cooper, eleven great-grandchildren, sister; Brenda (and George) Hite of Industry, IL, two brothers; Ronald (and Melinda) Parsano of Vermont and Donald Parsano of Macomb, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter; Mandi Downs; three brothers; David Parsano, Michael Parsano and Gerald Parsano, and one sister; Donna Bottens.

Leo served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam War Veteran.

He worked at the Vermont Foundry for 44 years, retiring in 2000.

He was a member of the Ipava American Legion, Forty and Eight and the California VFW. Leo loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed a beer or two, teasing people and fishing and hunting.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A military service will be held in the Vermont Cemetery on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11 am. A celebration of life will be held at the Vermont American Legion on Friday, July 11 following military service. Memorials may be made to the Ipava American Legion or the Camp Ellis Museum.

Nancy C. Abernathy

Nancy C. Abernathy, 76, of Table Grove, IL, passed away at 4:42 pm on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Wesley Village in Macomb, IL. She was born on September 21, 1948 in Macomb, the daughter of Raymond and Elsie (Smith) Abernathy.

She is survived by two children; Daphne (and Ernie Barclay) Abernathy of Table Grove, and Brandon (and Cristy Cracraft) Abernathy of Vermont, IL, three grandsons; Steven Mayall of Rushville, IL, Kolton Mayall of Rushville, and Luke Abernathy of Table Grove, five great-grandchildren; Summer, Bentlee, Braysen, Noah, and Bailynn, one sister; Lynn Spencer of Vermont, and one brother; Greg (and Shelley) Abernathy of Vermont.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents and significant other; Robert Burgard.

Nancy worked at the coal mine in Canton, IL, Farm King warehouse, International Harvester, Navistar, and was also a cook at WIU.

She enjoyed fishing, and listening to music, especially Elvis and Reba McEntire. She loved cats and spending time with family.

Services will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Mike Ulmer will officiate. A visitation will take place from 12 to 2 pm prior to the service on Thursday. Cremation Rites will be accorded after the service. Memorials may be made to Table Grove Fire and Rescue Squad.