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.

Dean Glenn Putman Jr.

Dean Glenn Putman Jr., 70, of Canton, passed away, Saturday, May 30, 2026, at his home in Canton.

He was born in Canton, on February 29, 1956, to Dean Glenn Sr., and Jo Ann (Sheppard) Putman, they preceded him in death.

Dean is survived by three children, Josh Putman, Chelsae (Beau) Smith, and Jacob Putman, two brothers, Glenn (Diane) Putman, and Carey Putman, one sister, Nola Putman, seven grandchildren, Trevor, Carleigh, Anna, Cloe, Ace, Brayden, and Zoe, and one great granddaughter, Brynlee.

Dean was a 30-year veteran of the Canton Police Department. Through the years, he earned various promotions and worked as a detective in the Investigations Department.

He earned certificates from Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety in Police Staff and Command and Executive Management. He retired in 2009.

Dean was active with Fulton County Crime Stoppers and a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed hunting of all kinds, but above all, he cherished spending time with his grandchildren and supporting them in their activities. Whether attending games, performances, or other events.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A celebration of life will be held at the Canton VFW on Friday June 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Fiatt.

Memorials may be made to Fulton County Crime Stoppers.

Deborah “Debbie” Van Houten

Deborah “Debbie” Van Houten, 67, of Farmington, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Peoria, on December 19, 1958, to Paul McKeever, and Mary (Elliott) Stobaugh. They preceded her in death as well as sister Susan McKeever, and brother, Jim McKeever.

Debbie married Howard Van Houten on August 6, 1977, they shared 23 years of marriage before he passed away in 2000.

Debbie is survived by three children, Majesta (Rob) Anderson, Howard (Susie) Van Houten, and Aero (Alannah) Van Houten, two brothers, Mitch (Kelly) Stobaugh, and John McKeever, one sister, Cathy (Roger) Passmore, three grandchildren, Threal Anderson, Tylen Anderson, and Sterling Anderson, brother in law, Kenny Van Houten, two sister in law, Karen Bishop, and Francie Baker, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Debbie worked at Farmington Pizza Company for over 40 years before retiring in 2020. She enjoyed caring for her flowers, spending time at the beach, and loving on her dogs. Above all else, Debbie cherished time with her family. Her warmth, dedication, and love for those around her will be remembered by all who knew her.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at the Farmington Moose Lodge on Saturday, June 27, 2026 starting at 1:00 p.m.

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Verna Mae Powell

Verna M. Powell, 95, of Mason City, IL passed away at 9:05 pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Mason City Area Nursing Home in Mason City, IL. She was born on January 18, 1931 in Rushville, IL, the daughter of Chauncy and Susie (Gossage) Danner. She married Donald Danner. He preceded her in death.

Also preceding Verna in death are her parents; grandson; Todd Douglas, two sisters; Laura “Lark” Bishop and Lola Jean Bowman and one brother; Roscoe Danner.

She is survived by one daughter; Mary (and Ernest) Douglas, five grandchildren; Eric Douglas, Mark Douglas, Angie Douglas, Kent Douglas and Stephanie Kreiling, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and one sister; Connie Cavens of Astoria, IL.

Verna worked at Victor Dana Incorporated in Havana, IL.

Verna loved crocheting, gardening and her dogs. She liked collecting Troll dolls and chewing any type of Wrigley Gum.

A private burial will be held.

Richard Maxson

Richard Maxson, 79, of Table Grove, IL, passed away at 6:40 am on Monday, June 1, 2026 at the Renaissance Care Center in Canton, IL. He was born on December 22, 1946 in Canton, the son of Lowell and Bernadine (Sheets) Maxson. He married Delores Fewkes on October 28, 1968 in Jefferson City, MO. She preceded him in death on October 24, 2025.

He is survived by one daughter; Deanna (and Joe) Twaddle of Smyrna, TN, step-son; Tommy Rutlege Jr., grandchildren; Trey (and Brandi) Twaddle and Kelli Twaddle, step-grandchildren; Dalton Rutledge and Tori Koss, great-grandchildren; Alexis Twaddle, Cali Twaddle and Bentley Rutledge, two sisters; Mary McCloskey of Jacksonville, IL and Joyce Maxson of Ipava, IL, and one brother; Bill (and Ruth) Maxson of Canton.

He is preceded in death by his parents, step-son; Donnie Rutledge, step-granddaughter; Cheyenne Rutledge, and two brothers; Larry and John Maxson.

Richard worked and retired from International Harvester.

He enjoyed hunting, car rides while enjoying the scenery, ice cream, fishing, crossword puzzles, and playing cards and shuffleboard.

Services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Pastor Mike Ulmer will be officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on June 4th. Interment will be in the Bushnell Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Ipava Sons of the American Legion.

Arthur (Joe) Ray Slayback

Arthur (Joe) Ray Slayback, 88, of Canton Illinois passed away peacefully on May 30th, 2026. He was born July 17th, 1937 to James and Alice Slayback in Sparta, Indiana. 

He is survived by his children: Tracy Ford of Canton, Christine (Kirk) Lindsey of Canton, Jeff (Cheryl) Slayback of Carlinville, and Brian (Joce) Slayback of Lewistown. Surviving is his sister Henny Deaton and brother Tommy Slayback. Also surviving are several grandchildren: Celesta (Brian) England, Kara (Chris) Simpson, Steven (Melissa) Slayback, Sarah Slayback (Jacob Burton), Jenny (Jared) Gabriel, Jeremy (Beth) Hall, Anne-Marie (Jay Phillips) Tucker, Aimee Jo (Brandon) Vanmiddlesworth, Jacob Tucker, Amber Lyn (Devin Maggio) Tucker, Nicholas Slayback, Hannah (Jeff) Buhl, Grace Hill (Hunter), Vanessa (Tyler) Macke, and Anthony Slayback II. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Lyn Slayback and son-in-law Billy Herald. Surviving also is his loving partner of 13 years, Linda Rilea. Surviving are also upwards of twenty great and great-great grandchildren.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill and James Slayback, and sisters Pat Collins, Faye Slayback, Sharon (Bunny) Roy. Also preceding him in death are his son Anthony Slayback, daughter Cynthia Herald, mother of his children, wife of many years, and best friend Phyllis Slayback, and granddaughter Morgan Bick.

Joe worked hard his entire life to provide for his family while also serving the Lord. He often played the organ for his church, among many other instruments that he could pick up and learn by ear. He attended Eastside Church of the Nazarene for 30 years, which is where he was baptized and saved. He lived to go to his favorite spots with his family to spend days fishing, sharing stories, and laughing, which was hard not to do when you were spending time with Joe. He was a lover of all animals and was often referred to by his family as “the animal whisperer”. He loved being outdoors and would walk, ride his tricycle, and mow yards for fun. He enjoyed family functions, especially when there was a barbeque involved. He was a friend to many and enemy to none. Everyone who knew Joe knew a friendly face, bright smile, and a warm embrace. He is loved by so many and will be truly missed.

Any contributions can be made to the Fulton County Humane Society in his honor. Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held in Sunman, Indiana.