William M. Bass

Canton- William M. Bass, 87, of Canton, passed away at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at The Loft of Canton. He was born on February 19, 1939 in Shelbyville, Indiana, a son of Verle and Ruth (Kanouse) Bass. He married Evelyn J. Arnett on May 7, 1960 at St. Louis Crossing Baptist Church. She preceded him in death on May 28, 2022 in Canton.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents, and a brother.

Surviving is his best friend and caregiver for the last several years, Donna Hebb of Lewistown.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, from which he honorably retired. Following his military service, he continued his strong work ethic, working for Heilig-Meyers Furniture Store in Canton.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Nathan L. Allen

Nathan Levi Allen, 45, of Yukon Oklahoma, formerly of Astoria Illinois, succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife, Sarah, family and friends as he transitioned on his next journey.

He was born on November 14, 1980, son of DeeVon Mummert-Schisler (Wendell) of Astoria, Illinois and Kent (Debbie) Allen of Jacksonville Illinois. They survive. Nathan is survived by two sisters, Miranda (Jacob) Hoppock of Twin Falls, Idaho and Tara (Damon) Sherrod of Astoria, Illinois, one brother Brenton (Jenna) Allen of Jacksonville, Illinois, his grandmothers Patsy Layne of Manito, Illinois, Loretta Mummert of Macomb Illinois as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Len Allen of Rushville, Bob Mummert of Astoria and Terry Layne of Manito, Illinois and grandmother Donna Cockerill of Rushville Illinois.

Nathan married the absolute love of his life, Sarah (Martinez) Allen, on July 8, 2023. He also left behind his children; two sons; Levi and Rain and his daughter Scarlett. Included also he left behind bonus children; Jaqulyn, Savannah, Nichole, Cailey and Malik, and five grandchildren; Kaiden, Juliann, Koa, KyAire and Zalyus.

Cremation rights have been accorded. A visitation will be held on April 18 from 2 to 4 pm with a service to follow at Shawgo Funeral Home in Astoria Illinois. Jonny Mummert will be officiating. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held in Oklahoma on April 25, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Fulton County.

William "Bill" Blankenship

William "Bill"  Blankenship, 81, of Canton, passed away at 10:40 AM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Farmington Village in Farmington. He was born on January 14, 1945 in Peoria, Illinois, a son of William and Betty (Milburn) Blankenship. He married Mary Sass in 1993 in Las Vagas, Nevada. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Greg (Donna) Blankenship of Metamora; Jeff (Donna) Blankenship of Wisconsin; Tammy (Ed) Heap of Smithfield, twelve grandchildren, Shawn & Shannon Malivuk, Brad & Samantha Vaughn; Amanda & Chris Brannan; Austin Blankenship, Jonathan Heitzman, Jimmy Davies, Ryan Hughes, Wyatt, and Hunter Heap; brother, Gary; sisters, Ginger and Karen.

Preceding William in death were his parents.

William dedicated many years of service working at Caterpillar before continuing his career as a court officer with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. He was a proud member of the Masons and honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps. William had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found hunting or simply enjoying nature.

Per William’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Angeleque "Angel" D. Wright

Angeleque, “Angel” Deanne Wright, 52, of Canton, passed away, Sunday, November 30, 2025, at her home in Canton.

She was born April 30, 1973, in Canton, a daughter of Clifford and Nancy “Candy” (Collins) Wright.

She is survived by her mother, Candy Wright, two siblings, Chastity “Chatty” (Brandon Murphy) Wright, Jessie (Sonja) Wright, two nieces, Jesse (Ethan Ward) Waddell and Shelby (Cole Norton) Waddell, one great nephew, Elliot “Small Fry” Ward, one great niece, Harper Ward, and her beloved cat, Mini Bob (aka Dew Floppy).

Preceding her in death was her father, grandparents, and her beloved cats, Mr. Boots, Mr. Boots II, and Pumpkin.

Angel was a member of the special Olympics Canton Crush Team. She loved attending K.A.R.E. Camp and being involved in all its activities. She enjoyed bowling and attending Thursday night Bingo. Angel was a life long member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Canton. She was a graduate of Canton High School with the class of 1993, and never missed a class reunion, purple and gold continued to be her favorite color.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton; a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 2-4pm at the Canton American Legion.

Memorials may be made to K.A.R.E.

Jerry Pyatt

Hanna City- Jerry Pyatt, 77, of Hanna City, passed away at 4:28 PM on Friday, March 27, 2026 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on April 18, 1948 in Salem, Missouri, a son of Howard and Geneva (Sloan) Pyatt. He married Rhonda Bateson on January 1, 1971 in Peoria, Illinois. She survives.

Also surviving is his son, Chad Pyatt of Hanna City; three granddaughters, Ali (Pierce) Welch; Kylee (Nick Schmidgall) Pyatt; Alysha Pyatt; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Terry (Mary) Pyatt, Dan Pyatt, Dave Pyatt, and sister, Melba Bryant.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, daughter, Samantha Swearingen; brothers Howard Pyatt Jr., and Dennis Pyatt.

Jerry dedicated 50 years of his career to the Sheet Metal Workers Local #1, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and commitment to his trade. For the final 15 years of his career, he proudly served as a business agent, advocating for his fellow union members. Jerry also honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Outside of his work and service, he found his greatest joy at home spending time in his yard and, most of all, cherishing the moments shared with his beloved grandchildren.

Per Jerry’s wishes, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Curtis A. Rowden

Curtis A. Rowden of Hanna City, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, just shy of his 96th birthday. He was born in Maries County, Missouri on April 5, 1930, to Elmer and May (Sloan) Rowden, and was one of 10 children that survived to adulthood out of 13 brothers and sisters.

He married Evelyn Snyder on August 9, 1958, and they spent the next 67 plus years building a life, a family, and relationships with friends, that will be called to mind for many years following his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and sisters and their spouses, one daughter, Peggy Land, son-in-law, David Lancaster, infant grandson, Bret Land, and brothers-in-law, Bobby Snyder and Billy Snyder.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, daughter, Shari Lancaster, son’s Curt (Anita) Rowden and Roger Rowden, son-in-law, Roger (Gloria) Land, 6 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, one sister, Lorene Rowden of Missouri, and brother-in-law, Steven (Pearl) Snyder.

He spent many years of his working life behind the steering wheel of semitrucks carrying the goods for our daily lives between Central Illinois and the northeastern and southern states. Then, with his wife, he fulfilled a dream in his life by opening Rowden’s Café in Elmwood, IL where they served some of the best fried chicken, catfish, and homemade pies around. Upon retirement from the restaurant business, they built a dream home in Central Missouri where he was born and lived his first 16 years of life. When macular degeneration slowly stole his sight, his ability to live the vital life he was used to was taken from him. Like anyone else, the most important things in his life were his wife, his family, and his faith, but unlike everyone else, he did it with every piece of his heart.

Memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Lord’s Table Church of God in Bartonville, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded though Endsley-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Bartonville, IL. Burial at Trivoli Cemetery in Trivoli, IL will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Bright Focus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research, Autism Speaks, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Linda L. Schisler

Linda L. Schisler, 85, of Astoria, IL, passed away at 6:20 pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at her son’s home in Maysville, KY. She was born on January 31, 1941 in Avon, IL, the daughter of Dwight and Mildred (Purman) Bucy. Linda married Jerry Schisler on July 5, 1959 in Havana, IL. Jerry preceded Linda in death on June 10, 2011.

She is also preceded in death by her parents and aunt and uncle; Faye and Ralph Sill.

Linda is survived by her two sons; Rick (and Bridget) Schisler of Charleston, IN and Rodney (and Michelle) Schisler of Maysville, KY, three grandchildren; Ryan (and Amber) Schisler, Courtney (and Eli) Raines and Kristin (and Matt) Santeler, one great-granddaughter; Lydia Raines, nephew; Tim Schisler, care givers; Deb Park, Bev Taylor and Kami Mains, and her cat; Little Bit.

Linda worked for Home Interior Sales, hosting Home Shows for nineteen years.

She was a member of the Astoria United Methodist Church where she played the organ and was the Sunday School Coordinator and teacher for twenty-five years. She was also a member of the Astoria Oder of the Eastern Star.

Services will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. John Bybee will be officiating. A visitation will take place from 11 am to 1 pm prior to the service. Interment will be in the Astoria Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Astoria Fire and Rescue Department, Fulton County Humane Society or the Astoria United Methodist Church.