James Lyle Hickman

James Lyle Hickman passed away in Canton, Illinois on the morning of June 8th, 2026.

Lyle was the youngest of nine children, born July 27, 1940 in Macomb, Illinois to John Clinton Hickman and Clara Alice (Royer) Hickman

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cindy (Thomas) Hickman, Canton IL ; one daughter Laura (Rod) Franciskovich of Fiatt, IL , one son Jim (Karen) Hickman of Hickory, NC, and three step-sons, Eric, Chad, and Joe Pollitt of Canton, IL. Also surviving are grandchildren Lindsey (Josh) Larson of Canton, Andrew (Erin) Ridenour of Canton, Nikki (Jeff) Sandberg of Prairie du Sac, WI, Sam (Al) Herberger of Milwaukee, WI, Gerett (Holly) Scott of Kingwood, TX, Rikki (Jason) Rogers of Hickory, NC, Brogan (Eric) Boone of Durham, NC, Delanie (Ricky) Guido of John’s Island, SC, Grace Hickman of Hickory, NC, and Ian, Tori, Paige, Laney, River, and Rain Pollitt of Canton, along with 24 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and one newborn son, Terry Dean Hickman.

Lyle was raised in Bushnell, Illinois and graduated from Bushnell-Prairie City High School in 1959. While growing up in Bushnell, he worked several jobs having a paper route, making donuts in the bakery, setting pins in the bowling alley, and pumping gas and changing oil at Ebe’s Gas Station. He had so many happy memories of Bushnell, and talked about it frequently.

He went to Hobart Institute of Welding in Troy, Ohio where he became an accomplished welder. Lyle worked as a machinist for several companies over the years including E.M. Smith in Peoria and The Peoria Journal Star before taking a job with the United Mine Workers working at both Buckheart and Industry mines, where he retired.

Lyle enjoyed riding his motorcycle all over the country making several trips back and forth from coast to coast and everywhere in between. His favorite place to ride was in the mountains of Colorado.

Grandpa Lyle was so proud of and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even in his later years, he never hesitated to get down on the floor to play with, wrestle with, or just hang out with them. a, CA 91723

Cremation rites have been accorded thru Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton, IL. His ashes will be spread in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado by family members at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research at 440 N Barranca Avenue #3620, Covina, CA 91723 or the Copperas Creek Dive Team at 100 South Main St., Norris, IL 61553

Ardith Wendolyn Owens Platt – Gunderson

Ardith Wendolyn Owens Platt – Gunderson, 79, of London Mills, IL died June 7th, 2026.

She was the daughter of Wendell H. Owens and Avis Jones Owens was born April 6, 1947 in Galesburg, IL.

She married P. J. Platt on June 12, 1966. He preceded her in death. She married Robert Gunderson on May 21, 2026 in Peoria. He survives along with her three sons; Brian Douglas (Susan), Joey Adam (Gretchen), Corey Jay (Kelsey) and four granddaughters Taylor (Keith) Daniels, Cailey Platt, Megan (Jordan) Stewart, Chelsey Platt, grandson, Hudson Platt, and three great-grandsons, Stockton, Tate, and Hayes, two step daughters; Kim (Rick) Mills and Diana K. Gunderson and two step grandchildren; Cameron and Conner Mills.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and son, Travis Michael.

She graduated from Spoon River Valley High School in 1965. The next day she started her long career at Butler Manufacturing Company in Galesburg, IL.

Ardith worked as a care giver for Spoon River Home Health Services for 13 years.

She was a member of the London Mills United Methodist Church and the London Mills Community Association. She attended church at Checkrow Community Church.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held June 14, 2026 from 3-5 pm at Riverside Park in London Mills. The Ross hotel will be open for viewing. Burial of ashes will be held in Maquon Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be made to the London Mills Community Association for the Ross Hotel. To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Alan C. Lee

Alan C. Lee, 56, of Farmington, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 2, 2026.

Born on February 18, 1970, to Dwayne and Jeanne (Runyon) Lee, Alan lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Dwayne Lee, and his daughter, Meggan Benson.

Alan leaves behind the love of his life and wife, Jeannie (Pope) Lee, whom he married on March 3, 2012. He is also survived by his mother, Jeanne Lee; his children, Kyle Benson and wife Brianna, and Brandie Catton and husband Joseph, his sister, Shawna Wright and husband Jason, his nephew AJ, his in-laws, Deed and George Gillis, and his greatest treasures, his grandchildren, Jace, Kaden, and Landyn.

Alan worked for ATS at Caterpillar and was a proud third-degree Mason with the Farmington Masonic Lodge. He was known by everyone as the person who could fix anything. If a part didn’t exist, he would build it. A gifted welder, fabricator, and tinkerer, Alan turned metal into art and problems into solutions. There seemed to be no subject, trade, or skill he didn’t know something about, and he was always willing to share that knowledge with anyone who needed help.

Helping others wasn’t simply something Alan did, it was who he was. He never waited to be asked. If someone needed a hand, he was already on his way. Whether it was fixing a vehicle, repairing a home, solving a problem, or simply showing up when someone needed him, Alan gave his time, talents, and heart freely.

Alan had a wonderful sense of humor and could find something to laugh about in almost any situation. He loved family gatherings, spending time with those he loved, and being at home surrounded by family. He enjoyed mowing his yard, especially when the grandchildren were riding along, admired John Deere tractors, and cheered faithfully for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Alan was deeply patriotic, having served in the Air Force in 1990, he took great pride in his country. The Fourth of July was one of his favorite days of the year. No matter his age, fireworks made him light up with the excitement of a child, and he looked forward to celebrating with a backyard of family every chance he could. He also had a special admiration for eagles, seeing in them a symbol of the freedom, strength, and spirit he cherished.

He had a special place in his heart for his beloved fur babies, especially his cherished baby boy, Gibbs, his German Shepherd, who brought him endless companionship and joy.

Of all the roles Alan held in life, none brought him greater joy than being Papaw. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he embraced every moment he spent with them. To them, he was not simply a grandfather, he was their biggest supporter, their playmate, their teacher, and their safe place. He will forever be remembered as the best Papaw.

Above all else, Alan was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. He stepped in when he didn’t have to. He loved fiercely, fought for the people he cared about, and never let his family face life’s challenges alone. The memory he leaves behind is not measured by what he built with his hands, but by the countless lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, humor, and love. He was loved more than anyone could possibly know, and he will be missed more than ever.

A Masonic service will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., with a funeral service immediately following. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Doug Essex

John “Doug” Essex, 66 of Canton, IL died on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. He was born in Canton, IL on July 15, 1959 to John L. and Barbara J. (Stanko) Essex.

He is survived by one brother, Scott Essex of Tennessee, and one sister, Carol Essex of Canton, IL.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Doug was a talented musician who played with several bands and had a passion for playing the guitar. He was proud to be a born-again Christian, and took his faith seriously. On behalf of Doug, his family would like to thank all of those who have helped Doug on his journey. They all know who they are, may God bless them.

Cremation rights have been accorded. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

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.