Donald E. "Doc" Edwards

Donald “Doc” Edwards, 92, of Canton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Don was born on May 20, 1934, in Banner, Illinois, to Dewey and Marguerite (Rosa) Edwards of Monterey, Illinois.

On June 26, 1955, Don married the love of his life, Shirley (Whitmore) Edwards, in Canton. They were preparing to celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary together. Shirley survives.

Also surviving are his daughter, Betsy (Dan) Taylor of Canton; his son, Bruce (Jean) Edwards of Canton; his brother, Bill (Beverly) Edwards of Bloomington, Illinois; and his sister, Nancy Lingenfelter of Chillicothe, Illinois. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Erin (Scott) Slack, Jason (Sarah) Anderson, Cari (Kenny) Miller, Tyler (Stacey) Edwards, Katie (Kyle) James, and Maggie (Jake) Chenoweth; and twelve great-grandchildren: Logan (Tori) Anderson, Nolan, Casey, Chloe, Glen, Maeve, Haddon, Micah, Noah, Cooper, and twins Sophie and Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Teresa Anderson; his son-in-law, Donnie Anderson; his sisters, Vivian Thesfield and Norma Watkins; and his brothers, Price Edwards, Dewey Edwards Jr., and Richard Edwards.

Following high school, Don briefly worked at Caterpillar and Little Sister Coal Mine before earning his barber’s license in the early 1960s. He worked at White Court Barber Shop in Canton and later purchased the business, serving the community as a barber for 57 years before retiring at the age of 81.

Don dedicated much of his life to public service. From 1968 to 1978, he served as alderman for Canton’s Fourth Ward. In 1981, he was elected Mayor of Canton and was re-elected four consecutive times, serving a total of five terms and 20 years as mayor.

During his tenure, Don and the City Council guided Canton through significant economic challenges, including the closure of the International Harvester plant and the loss of nearly 2,000 jobs, the closing of several area mines, and major layoffs by Caterpillar and other employers. Through these difficult times, they worked tirelessly to keep Canton moving forward by maintaining city streets, strengthening the police and fire departments, improving water and sewer systems, continuing municipal trash collection, and overseeing numerous other city improvements.

In 1989, Don and his staff partnered with the State of Illinois and Governor “Big” Jim Thompson to attract new businesses to the area, including the Illinois River Correctional Center, which initially employed 400 people. He also led the efforts to construct the gazebo and iconic clock tower in Jones Park and played a key role in the cleanup of the former International Harvester site following the devastating 1997 fire.

Don loved Canton deeply and devoted his life to serving its citizens.

Outside of his public service, Don enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends, his son, son-in-law, and grandchildren. He was an avid mushroom hunter and enjoyed the occasional deer hunt. He loved cheering on the Chicago Bears and treasured spending time with family and friends. One of his greatest joys was spending Saturday evenings with Shirley and their friends at the Canton Moose, where they enjoyed dancing together.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kenneth Krock and his staff, the wonderful caregivers in the Graham Hospital Emergency Department, and the nurses from Spoon River Home Health Service and Willow Ridge Hospice for their compassionate care.

The family also wishes to especially thank Betsy, Bruce, Jean, Dan, Maggie, Erin, Jason, and Sarah for their “Project Main Street” care rotation for both Don and Shirley, which allowed them to remain in their home together for so many years.

A private funeral service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to South Park Methodist Church.

Don’s family will forever cherish his love, wisdom, devotion, and the many memories he leaves behind. His legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to his family and community will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Jack E. Walker

Jack E. Walker, 99, of Canton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 4, 2026. He was born to Earl W. and Mildred (Miller) Walker on November 24, 1926 in Canton, IL. He was two years old when his mother passed in 1928, and his grandparents Charles and Anna Miller helped raise him.

Jack had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age and started working at the neighborhood meat market in 8th grade. His first business, the Tasty Chip Company, in which he produced and delivered chips to 33 neighborhood stores in Canton and numerous stores in Fulton County.

While delivering his potato chips to a store in Lewistown, IL, in 1952, Jack spotted his future wife Ruth through the window and knew he had to meet her. Jack and Ruth were married January 31, 1954 and remained so until Ruth passed December 19th, 2022. In 1959, Jack bought Ruth the house of her dreams, and they spent their lives turning it into a showcase. Jack co-owned Jack & Bill's Apparel Inc with his best friend and business partner Bill Ritchey from 1954 until 1986, and they remained best friends until Bill's passing in 2013.

Jack was a WWII Navy Veteran and was on the Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2005. He was a member of the Shriners, Masons, and Elks. He was also a member of the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Wesley United Methodist Church, and Canton and Wee-Ma-Tuk Country Clubs. Jack earned his pilot license in 1959 and enjoyed many years of exciting flights in the 60's and 70's. He was honored to be the Friendship Festival Parade Marshall in 2025. He was one of the many who got the IH whistle to blow again.

Jack had numerous hobbies including tennis, golf, yard work, playing pitch, snowmobiling, listening to live music, telling stories and hanging out with his grandkids. He spent many hours on the golf course with his grandchildren David and Ashley. Jack loved to seek knowledge and share it with others. He enjoyed being entertained by the neighbor boys Walker and Ford Brown.

Jack is survived by his two children, Mitchell (Samantha) Walker of Geneva, la, and Shelley (Dave) Henderson of Lenexa, Ks, six grandchildren, Robert, Liam, Krisstofer and Margaret Walker, Ashley (Aaron) Berkley, David Henderson, and one great grandchild, Lennon Grace Berkley.

A visitation will be held at 10 am on Friday July 3, 2026 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton, IL. Masonic services will be held at 11 AM followed by the Memorial Service. Military rites will be accorded at the church. Reverend Dr Shalom Renner will officiate. Burial of ashes will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children's Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Online condolences may be made at www. sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

Allan Lee Ludlum

]Allan Ludlum, 82, of Canton, passed away on June 14, 2026 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton. He was born on August 9, 1943 in Canton to Ira and Imo (Walton) Ludlum. Allan married Cynthia Ossman on October 12, 1963. She preceded him in death on November 6, 2023. Also preceding him in death were his parents, daughter Susan Renee Ludlum three brothers and three sisters.

Surviving are two children; Jennifer (Bryan) Taylor of St. David and Brian (Angela) Ludlum of Brownsburg, IN, four grandchildren; Austin, Devin, Gabriel and Georgia and one great-grandson Luca.

Allan retired from Caterpillar after 30 + years as an electrician. He enjoyed going camping and fishing.

Allan was a US Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. Graveside services will be 2 pm Thursday, June 18, 2026 at White Chapel Memory Gardens. Memorials can made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or Fulton County Humane Society.

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

Jacqueline “Jackie” Lee Christensen

Jacqueline Lee “Jackie” Christensen, 95, of Manito, passed away at Carle Methodist Hospital, in Peoria, at 3:55 p.m., on Friday, June 12, 2026. She was born December 26, 1930, in Pekin, Illinois, to Emma Gent. She married Richard Irwin Thomas and had three children, Roger, Rhonda, and Kevin. She later married Donald Keith Christensen on June 17, 1977, in Manito. He preceded her in death on September 11, 2018.

Mrs. Christensen is survived by two children: Roger (Karen) Thomas, and Rhonda (Kirk) Woiwode, both of Manito; nine grandchildren: Cortney (Shauna), Cuyler (Bree), Cain (Alexis), Aaron (Kristen), Jared (Sara), Heather (John), Amanda (Andrew), Rusty (Emily), Leah (Derrick); five step-grandchildren: Tara, Sara (Alan), Nathan (Kara), Andrew, and Heidi; thirty great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Patricia Meyer-Hedrick; as well as step-son-in-law, Mike Bushong. She was preceded in death by her mother, husband, son: Kevin Dean Thomas; step-son: Scott Christensen; and step-daughter: Christy Bushong.
Mrs. Christensen was a member of Manito Community United Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing bridge and other card games. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Her hobbies were bowling, fine dining, camping, and traveling to Florida. Along with her husband, she enjoyed dancing at the Elks Lodge, in Pekin.
Visitation will be held at Manito Community United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at Glendal Memorial Gardens, in Pekin. Rev. Steve Oaks will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Manito Community United Methodist Church. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.

Bill Richter

Paul “Bill” W. Richter Jr., 78, of Lewistown, Illinois, passed away at 6:26 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at his home. Burial will be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery. Cremation rites have been accorded by Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

Julie A. Negley

Julie A. Negley, 69, of Canton, IL passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026 at The Loft Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Canton, IL. She was born in Peoria, IL, on January 29, 1957 to John and Betty (Girard) Markello. They preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Kermit Negley of Canton, IL, and one son Dr. Zachary (Molly) Negley of Jackson, TN.

Julie attended Augustana College in Rock Island and went to Methodist School of Medical Technicians in Peoria, IL. She was a medical technician at Graham Hospital for 40 years. She was a member of Evangelical Free Church in Canton, IL. Julie loved painting “china” , and she loved their dog Rainy.

A funeral service will be held at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with a visitation on hour prior. Rev. Brandon Theobald will officiate the service. Cremation will be accorded after the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Loft Activities Center in Canton, IL, or Helping Hands. Burial of ashes will be held in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

Danny Eugene Richards

Danny Eugene Richards, of Hanna City, IL entered into the joy of his Lord on June 11, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Peoria, IL, on March 3, 1951, to Clifford and Elaine (Robinson) Richards, he was the youngest of four children.

Danny is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jill (Clayberg); his two children, Sandra (Scott) Pyle of Westfield, IN, and Danny (Becky Dowell) Richards II of Bartonville, IL; and four grandchildren; Rebecca (Justin) Warren of Lafayette, IN, Scotty (Meghan) Pyle III of Sheridan, IN, Dominick Richards, and Sierra Richards both of Canton, IL. He was also blessed with one great-grandchild, Leelund. His siblings -Steven (Sharon) Richards of West Lafayette, IN, Penny (Ray) Atkinson of Washington, IL, and Karen (Jack) Stanton of Peoria, IL- also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Danny retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 2005 after 30 years of dedicated service.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Later in life, he found simple joy in chopping wood for his firepit. He was also a practical jokester, bringing laughter and lightheartedness to those around him. A devoted Christian, Danny loved sharing his faith with others and lived a life marked by steadfast belief.

A funeral service will be held at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18,2026 with a visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. Reverend Mike Burgess will officiate. Interment will follow at Smithville Cemetery, Hanna City, IL. Memorials may be made to the International Conservative Holiness Association. Online condolences may be made at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.