Wayne Cross

Wayne Cross, 91, of Trivoli, passed away at 12:26 PM on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria. He was born on February 13, 1935 in Franklin County, Illinois, a son of John and Opal (Shaw) Cross. He married Helen Ailene Irvin on March 28, 1958 in Bonnie, Illinois. She preceded him in death on June 7, 2015.

Also, preceding Wayne in death were his parents, son Roger Cross; brother Robert Cross; sister Mary Morris; one grandchild, Brianna Wood and one great-grandchild, Emalyn Cross.

Surviving are his children, Debra (Mike) Harms of Yates City; Jeff (Sandi) Cross of Peoria; daughter-in-law, Tina Cross; six grandchildren, Kyle (Shana) Harms, Kayla (Rocco) Harms, Jordan (Mitch) Ryan, Trevor (Chloe) Cross, Connor (Alyse) Cross, and Morgan (Tyler) Federwisch; fifteen great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Irene) Cross, Gene (Betsy) Cross, Delbert (Pat) Cross; sister, Ruth Stewart, and his beloved friend, and dance partner, Mariann Forney of Brimfield.

Wayne was a loving husband, father, and friend. He had a great sense of humor, a strong faith, and a never-ending love for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He gave generously to his community, and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. Whether outdoors hunting, fishing, gardening, or enjoying a game of cards or a puzzle indoors, he found joy in every moment. His memory will forever live on in our hearts.

Wayne worked and retired from Caterpillar, Inc after 42 years of service, retiring in 2000. He was a devoted member of the Douglas United Methodist Church, and member of the Farmington Sportsman Club. He served his country in the United States Army.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 25, 2025 at the Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, where a visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Pastor Kris McMillan will officiate. Burial will follow the services, and take place in Trivoli Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Logan-Trivoli Fire Department. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Melvin D. Swearingen

Melvin D. Swearingen, 73, of Lewistown, passed away at 11:55 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at his residence. He was born on January 25, 1953 in Peoria, a son of Marshall and Mabel Mae (Trau) Swearingen. He married Kenna Howerter on September 25, 1976 in Lewistown. She survives.

Also surviving are his sons, Chris (Heather) Swearingen of Lewistown; Chad (Stephanie) Swearingen of Lewistown; five grandchildren, Madison, Lanie, Royal, Chloe, and Sakota; brother, Merle (Edie) Swearingen of Lewistown; sisters, Marcy Goldring (Glenn) Edenburn of Farmington; Marsha (Mark) Giacobazzi of Peoria Heights; a special niece, Taylor, and several other nieces and nephews.

Preceding Melvin in death were his parents, mother & father-in-law, Kenneth Howerter, & Doris Case; sister, Mavis Swearingen, and a niece Michelle Bainter.

He worked and retired on April 1, 2013 from Sheet Metal Union Local #1 in Morton, after several years of service. Melvin was an avid hunter, fisherman, and pool player.

Per Melvin’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Lon Brooks

Canton-Lon Brooks, 75, of Canton, passed away at 12:31 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born on January 21, 1951 in Canton, a son of Paul Hadsall Sr. and Louella Ward.

Preceding Lon in death was his father, Paul Hadsall Sr., mother, Louella Ward, step-father Jack Ward, and three brothers, Victor Brooks, Rick Brooks, and Paul Hadsall Jr.

Surviving are his children, Nesa (Bryan Bailey) Brooks of Canton; Noah (Megan) Brooks of Arnold, Missouri; Dusty Schwartz; seven grandchildren, Gabriel & Asher Brooks, Tristan Burton, Drake Bailey, Carolyn Silva, Nicole Schwartz, and Sasha Bowman, many great-grandchildren, and beloved friend, April Gandy.

Lon began his working career at International Harvester in Canton, He later went on to serve as a manager at Farm King, also in Canton. In addition, Lon faithfully served as an ordained minister, as he was a devoted Christian who loved Jesus. He served his country with the United States Navy.

Per Lon’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Fulton County Humane Society. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Norma Jean Starbuck

Norma Jean Starbuck, age 94 of Macomb, Illinois, formerly of Lewistown, Illinois, passed away at 2:29 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 at The Lamoine Retirement Living in Macomb, Illinois. She was born on April 28, 1931 in Macomb, a daughter of Lloyd and Florence (Maddox) Lawson. Norma married Daniel Francis Starbuck on December 1, 1950 in Macomb. He preceded her in death on October 5, 2011.

Norma was also preceded in death by her brother Russell Lawson and her sister Virginia Wheeler.

Surviving are her children, Charlene (Jim) Abernathy of Table Grove, Illinois and Mark (Rebecca) Starbuck of Cuba, Illinois, three grandchildren, Kevin (Brandi) Abernathy, Eric (Mollie) Abernathy and Rachel (Dan) Wyatt, and two great-grandchildren, Lily Abernathy and Gavin Abernathy.

Norma and her husband were the owner and operators of Dan’s TV in Lewistown, Illinois for many years. She was a member and officer of the Spoon River Professional Women’s Club and a former member of the Ipava Order of the Eastern Star.

She enjoyed sewing and crocheting and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 27th at 2:00 p.m. in the Ipava Cemetery, Ipava, Illinois. Mike Ulmer will officiate. Memorials in memory of Norma may be made to the Lewistown Rescue Squad. Shawgo Memorial Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Renee Marie Downing

Renee Marie Downing, 44, of Canton, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at OSF St Francis Hospital in Peoria.

She was born on March 10, 1982 in Canton.

Surviving is her mother, Beverly (Carlock) Hood of Lewistown, step father, Larry Hood, sons, Jayden Siegfried of Canton, Dawson Siegfried of Canton, daughter, Madyson Siegfried of Farmington, the father of her children, Gabriel “Gabe” Siegfried, paternal grandparents, Jerry and Betty Downing, grandchild, Fletcher Siegfried, brother, Tony Atterberry of Jacksonville, IL, sister, Nicole Downing of Morton and step sister, April Coon.

Preceding her in death is her father, Jeffrey Downing and maternal grandparents, Ernest and Elizabeth Carlock.

Renee worked in home health care field as a caregiver to the elderly and physically disabled. She enjoyed collecting snowmen, gnomes and anything Christmas related. She spent many hours journaling. She was also a cat lover. Most of all Renee was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11 am at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton with a visitation held one hour prior at the funeral home.

Cremation rites will follow the services.

Memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Betty Jean Keithley

Betty Jean Keithley, 71, of Fairview passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. Burial of her ashes will take place at the Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb at a later date.

Beverly Bishop

Beverly D. (Helle) Bishop, of Cuba, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at Graham Hospital. She was born on February 6, 1938, in Smithfield, Illinois, to Frederick Helle and MaryLee (Lamb) Helle.

On June 16, 1956, Beverly married the love of her life, Ron Bishop, who preceded her in death. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community.

Beverly is lovingly remembered by her children: Leesa Beecham of Canton, Cathy Howd of Paris, Tennessee, and Brad (Dawn) Bishop of St. Paris, Ohio. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Michael Welch; Joshua (Ira Katzman); Dylan (Kayleigh) Howd; Collin (Maggie) Howd; Tarah Bishop; Luke Bishop; Mackenzie Bishop; Dylan Dixon; Mark Dixon; and Kirstyn (Abram) Gillam. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

Beverly dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a medical laboratory technician, retiring from Mason District Hospital after many years of service. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her work and into every aspect of her life.

A woman of deep faith, Beverly was a longtime member of the Cuba Christian Church, where she served as choir director for many years. Her musical talents were a gift to all who knew her—she was an accomplished musician who played the piano, violin, and banjo, sharing her love of music generously with her church and community.

She was an active member and past president of the Cuba chapter of P.E.O. CB, where she formed lasting friendships and contributed meaningfully to the organization’s mission.

Beverly’s family would like to extend special gratitude to niece and nephew Theresa (Bishop) Marshall and Bruce Marshall, for their unwavering care, love, and support throughout the years.

Beverly will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to her family, her musical spirit, and the warmth she brought into the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of love and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Memorial Service to be held Memorial Day Weekend. Memorials can be made to the Cuba Christian Church. More information will be made available as the date approaches.