Gary W. Kinsel

Gary W. Kinsel, 73, of Donna, Texas earned his wings on June 5, 2026 at 2:45 a.m. at Aurora Comfort House in Weslaco, Texas.

He was born December 7, 1952 to Sherman "Bud" Kinsel and Sylvia Jane (Cozart) Vargas.

He is survived by his wife Maria D. Kinsel, sisters Connie K. Miller, Cathy Butcher, Sandy Kilbride, Deena Nissen, and one brother Sherman Kinsel. Two sons Brian (Jessica M.) Kinsel & Eric (Jessica L.) Kinsel, two daughters Elizabeth Jane (Matt) Buczko & Aaron Marie Kinsel. Stepchildren Trinity Watson, Jenny Watson-Oaks and Cory Watson. Numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved spouse Billie Jo Kinsel.

Gary enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 in 1970 where he completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. He Gained recognition as a Defense Medal Sharpshooter M16, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1976. Gary wore many hats over his lifetime. Working at Prairie Farms in Canton Il, as an EMT in Cuba Il, later joining the Union Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 422 in Joliet Il before finally starting Kinsel Excavating Inc. in Canton Il. Gary had many friends and enjoyed spending time and riding motorcycles with them. He also enjoyed gardening and canning vegetables, tending his chickens and keeping his yard immaculate. He was an excellent cook and loved baking pies. He loved spending time in Texas as well as Mexico and would donate items and would host meals to families in need.

He retired and relocated permanently to Donna, Texas. His wishes were to be cremated and his ashes spread in the Rio Grande Valley. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

Eugene D. Smith

Eugene D. Smith (Hemer), 76, of Cuba, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:01 p.m. on

Thursday, June 4, surrounded by his family.

Eugene was born on April 23, 1950, in Canton, Illinois, a son born to Marlin and Lois Smith. He married the love of his life, Rose Poulsen, on June 20, 1970, in Peoria, Illinois. Together they shared nearly 56 years of marriage. Rose survives. Eugene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He never met a stranger. Family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in watching his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews grow and succeed. He is survived by his wife, Rose Smith of Cuba; one brother, Butch Smith of Cuba; daughters, Stephanie (Tim) Swise of Canton and Genie Kay (Scott) Mooney of Cuba; grandchildren, Tabetha (Mark) Rives of Monterey, Nicholas (Marianna) Swise of Germantown Hills, Luke (Jordan) Beekman of Macomb, Jake (Daria) Beekman of South Carolina, and Kaylann (Andrew Cody) Beekman of Macomb; six great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marlin and Lois Smith; his sister, Kay Ellen Nolan; brother-in-law, John Nolan; sister-in-law, Samantha Smith; and nephew, Eugene “Boom” Jones.

Eugene proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Valley Forge (LPH-8). Following his military service, he worked for Caterpillar in Mapleton, retiring in 2001 after 35 years of dedicated service. He also worked as a stagehand at the Peoria Civic Center, served as a janitor at Cuba Schools, and spent many years working as a farmhand for Ransom Tompkins in Fairview and Gary Gunther in Smithfield.

He was a proud member of Russell Smith American Legion Post 533.

Eugene enjoyed life to the fullest. He was the proud owner of a Ford T-Bucket that earned multiple Best of Show awards at car shows. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson, shooting pool, working in his yard, playing the drums, listening to classic rock music, watching WWE and golf, and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed bragging about his nieces, nephews, and their families, always celebrating their accomplishments as if they were his own. More than anything, Eugene will be remembered for his kind heart, his sense of humor, his strong work ethic, and the love he shared with family and friends. His presence will be deeply

missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday June 13th at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba with Pastor Mike Arnett officiating. Burial will be in the Cuba Cemetery with military services by the Cuba American Legion Russell Smith Post 533 and the US Navy. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Cuba American Legion. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Russell Thompson, Jr.

Russell Thompson, Jr., 95, of Havana, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 5:10 a.m. at the Loft in Canton. He was born on November 9, 1930 in Bluff City, Illinois to Russell and Stella (Curless) Thompson. He married Carlena Russell at the Church of Christ in Havana on January 8, 1955.

Russell is survived by his wife, Carlena Thompson of Havana; son, Bruce Thompson; granddaughters, Leslie Thompson and Holly Thompson Blakeley; great-grandson, Skyler; and daughter-in-law, Jackie Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; sons, Steve and Ricky Thompson; and brother, Maxwell Thompson.
Russell served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1952 until 1954, where he received the Army Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He co-owned and operated Thompson & Noble Construction from 1980 until 1990. He then worked for Havana Township until his retirement in 2005. Russell enjoyed watching Illini basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals. He also liked gardening and loved growing tomatoes.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow at VFW Post #6408.
Memorial donations may be made in Russell’s name to VFW Post #6408 in Havana. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara A. Roberts

Barbara A. Roberts, 79, of St. David, passed away at 8:38 am Wednesday June 3, 2026 at Carle Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born January 15, 1947 at Springfield, IL; the daughter of Lawrence and Lora (Pedigo) Angotti. She married James H. Roberts on January 4, 1967 at Toulon. He died September 24, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, Morgan, and one sister, Mable Banister. Survivors include two daughters, Tina Jo Roberts (Dan Buehl) of Janesville, WI; Tellia (Keith) Van Der Leest of Peoria, AZ; four grandchildren, Jory, James, Meagan (Matt), and Kirsten, three great grandchildren, Charlotte, Myla, and Margot, two brothers, Charles Angotti of Canton, and Gary (Sue) Angotti of South Beloit, IL; and one sister, Gloria (Rusty) Taylor of Glasford.

Barbara had worked at the Beloit Hospital. She had also owned and operated an Antique business. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lewistown until its closing. She enjoyed gardening, playing bingo, and antique hunting.

Services will be held at 11 am Friday June 12, 2026 at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown, where visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Maryville Cemetery at Bryant.

Wayne Lee Slater

Wayne Lee Slater, age 76, of Canton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026 — the same day he and his beloved wife, Diane, celebrated 38 years of marriage. Born October 4, 1949 in Canton, Illinois, Wayne lived a life rich with love, hard work, and a deep passion for the outdoors.

Wayne dedicated 31 years of his working life to Keystone Steel Mill, where his commitment and work ethic were a testament to the man he was. Beyond the job, he was a proud member of the Moose Lodge #1571 and the Elks Lodge #626, cherishing the friendships and community those organizations brought into his life.

An avid outdoorsman through and through, Wayne could most often be found fishing, boating, hunting, or quietly watching the birds that visited his corner of the world. He was an accomplished bowler who took no small pride in his game, and he found great joy in the open road — whether that meant climbing onto his motorcycle for a long ride or spending an afternoon tinkering on its engine.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Diane Slater; his children Tracy and Jamie Downing, Jessica and Cody Allen, Joshua Lane and Cameron Hoerig, Daren and Alisha Slater, and Brett and Nikki Slater; his seventeen grandchildren Garrett, Wade, Addie, Tyler, Angel, Morgan, Kennedy, Samantha, Mason, Grayson, Tryston, Serinaty, Madisyn, Taylor, Tanner, Makenzie, and Alan; twenty-one great-grandchildren who brought endless delight to his life; his two sisters, Selma and Stan Formhals and Karen Murphy; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, three brothers, one sister, two sons, one daughter, and one great-granddaughter.

Wayne was the kind of man whose presence filled a room — steady, warm, and quietly devoted to the people he loved. The depth of that love is matched only by the depth of the loss felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be forever in the hearts of his family and friends, and his memory will live on in every cast line, every open road, and every family gathering where his spirit will surely linger.

Wayne was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

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

Robert J. Adams

Robert J. Adams, 92, of Canton, passed away at 5:30 a.m., on May 31, 2026, at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born September 15, 1933, in Canton, to Ward and Helen (Machulis) Adams. Robert married Rita Rund. She preceded him in death. He later married Mary (Wages) Babcock on July 1, 2011. She survives. Robert is also survived by six children, Tana (the late Dale) Oetcheck of Ninilchik, AK; Tina (Bruce) Meyers of Green River, WY, and Ward (Ann) Adams of Soldotna, AK; Sherry (the late Samuel) Coffey of Canton, IL; Ron (Sharalynn) Babcock, of Canton, IL; Gary (Christina) Babcock of London Mills, IL; one brother, William “Bill” (Linda) Adams of Lewistown, IL; fourteen grandchildren; and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Robert served in the marines for three years during the Korean War. He then worked as a Welder and in the oil fields in Alaska and retired from the city of Anchorage road service. He was a member of the Baptist Church in Kenai, AK. He enjoyed tooling leather, fishing, and hunting, especially with family and friends. Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton is in charge of arrangements.

Zander Bryan Mangold

Zander Bryan Mangold, 24, of Manito, passed away at his home at 5:54 p.m., on Saturday, May 30, 2026. He was born July 19, 2001, in Peoria, Illinois, to Justin and Brandy (Docherty) Mangold.

Zander is survived by his parents, of Manito; brother, Draven Mangold, of Manito; grandparents, Susan and Bryan Emmons, of Manito; great-grandmother, Dee Emmons, of Manito; aunts: Megan Emmons, and Afton Mangold; uncle, Bryce Docherty; cousins: Avery Voyles and Cashlyn Abbott; many great-uncles, and great-aunts, and cousins; as well as his family at Hawks Grove. He was preceded in death by grandparents: Mark Mangold, Bill and Veronica Docherty; great-grandparents: Gene Emmons, John and Dolores Smock, Audrey Palmer, as well as Elmer and Carol Hutton.
Zander was a lover of music. He also enjoyed Godzilla and other classic movies. He liked spending time in the outdoors with his dog, Buford. He was known for his captain’s hat when he was fishing. He was the main cook at Hawks Grove and was known for his quiet spirit and loud heart.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will be held later this summer. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.