Mildred M. Morgan

Mildred M. Morgan, 96, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Country Comfort in Elmwood.

She was born on March 21, 1924 in Chili, IL to Homer and Roxie (Kirby) Gardner. They preceded her in death.

She married Wilford "Boots" Morgan on March 8, 1947 in Springfield, IL. He preceded her in death on December 9, 1998.

Surviving are her children, Roxie (Bob) Clark of Wentzville, Mo, Arlene (Larry) Laughary of Elmwood, John (Barb Strauch) Morgan of Canton, two step children, Patty Morgan, Donna Salyer, grandchildren, Bobby, Brian, Allen, Michelle, Craig, Jenna, Joshua, Danny, Brenda and twelve great grandchildren, Ashley, Kristopher, Dylan, Savana, Braylee, Rylee, Baylee, Colin, Morgan, Jaclyn, Lucas and Norah.

Also preceding her in death are two step children, Mary Davis and Janice Keever.

Mildred worked as a supervisor at Home Insurance in Peoria. She was a member of the Canton Country Club.

A graveside service will be held at the Quincy Memorial Park on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 11 am.

A Facebook live stream will be on the Oaks-Hines Facebook page.

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton has been entrusted with services.

Memorials may be made to Pets for Seniors, Box 9486, Peoria, IL 61612.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

David A. Smith

David A. Smith, of Canton, passed away on Saturday, August 1, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was 77.

He was born on August 5, 1942, at Graham Hospital to James E. and Dorothy (Drake) Smith. They preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Dana (Morrison) Smith, whom he married in 1978; his daughter Michelle (Mike) Bair of Canton; his son Scott (Sherrie) Smith of Austin, Texas; one brother Chuck (Sheri) Smith and niece Jennifer, all of Canton; grandchildren Emily (Randall) Koch, Ashlee (Clint) Shaffer, Halle Bair, all of Canton; Truett Smith and Megan Vardo of Austin, Texas; and Shelby Smith of Huntington, Indiana. He also is survived by two great-grandsons, Kolton and Kason Koch of Canton. He was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Kaden Koch, and his step-mother, Marvis (Ferro) Smith.

Dave graduated from Canton High School in 1962, and attended Spoon River College. He spent his entire life in newspaper publishing, beginning as a paperboy for the Canton Daily Ledger, which was then owned by Winsor Communications. He later became the Advertising Manager, Business Manager and then Publisher of the newspaper. He was once called by a friend the “world’s oldest living paperboy.” In 1986, Dave, Dana and Scott moved to Austin, Texas, where Dave became the Business Manager of another Winsor Communication publication, the Austin Business Journal. In 1988, he became a Regional Vice President for Westward Communications, and managed five weekly newspapers surrounding the Austin, Texas, area before leaving in 1995 to become Advertising Manager for the Cincinnati Business Journal and then Business Manager for the Business News in Dayton, Ohio. In 1997, Dave and Dana returned to Austin and purchased the Senior Advocate, a specialty newspaper for seniors in the Austin metro area. Together they built the newspaper into an award-winning publication before selling it and returning home to Canton in 2007, where he retired from the Fulton Democrat.

Dave loved woodworking, fishing with his brother, and being outdoors in the yard. Those who knew him well will always remember his wicked sense of humor, and his willingness to offer a helping hand. He was deeply involved in the community during his tenure at the Daily Ledger, and he served as an Ambassador for the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce for many years. He was regarded as a man who brought people together to accomplish a goal or task, and who made the hard work fun.
Most of all, he loved his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 42 years and a loving brother. He was deeply proud of his son and daughter, and cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the heart of his life.

Cremation rights have been accorded. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made to the David A. Smith Family Education Fund at MidAmerica National Bank. Funds will be used to further the education of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

John Robert Burns Barclay

John Robert Burns Barclay, 103 1/2 , of Canton, passed away at 5:15 AM on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Red Oak Estates. He was born on January 25, 1917 in Royalton, IL to Alexander and Annie (Rayburn) Barclay. He married Leila Hoyt on October 23, 1945 in Peoria, IL. She preceded him in death on August 17, 1998.

John was also preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, and four sisters.

Surviving are two children, Elizabeth (the late Gayle) Ellis of Canton and Bonnie (Jerry) Williams of DuQuoin, IL; eight grandchildren, Scott Ellis, Jennifer Hagaman, Greg Ellis, Koreen Gray, Kelly Whitman, Michael Williams, Robert Williams, and Brad Williams; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren with one on the way.

John retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1975. John and Leila owned Dew Drop Inn in Lewistown and Barclay Apartments in Canton, IL. He started the first dormitory for Canton Community College. John was of the Presbyterian faith and a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Canton Masonic Lodge #734 AM & FM, and also a life member of the 3rd Armored Division Association. He was proud to be a Republican.

John served as a Staff Sergeant in the United State Army for the service company in the 33rd Company.

Graveside services will be held at 12:30 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood, IL. Pastor Edwin Brinklow will officiate. A visitation will be held from 10-11:30 AM on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Compassus Hospice or American Heart Association. To view John’s DVD or to make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Martha "Betty" Nichols

Martha Elizabeth "Betty" (Sornson) Nichols, 88, of Farmington passed away Saturday, August 1, 2020, at her residence.

She was born on November 23, 1931, in Oylphant, AR, to Charles and Irma (Davis) Sornson. They preceded her in death.

She married the love of her life, Gordon "Dale" Nichols, on July 31, 1947, in Bassett, AR. He preceded her in death in January of 2016.

Surviving are their children, Vernon Nichols, Kay Faralli, Rodney (Cathy) Nichols, Jimmy Nichols and Carol (Terry) Dicks, all of Farmington; sister, JoAnn Tippy; sister-in-law, Daisy Sornson; grandchildren, Angie Faralli, Gina Faralli, Trent (Kim) Dicks, Beth Nichols, David (Coral) Nichols, Brett (Courtney) Dicks, Scott Dicks, and Chett (Calli) Dicks; great-grandchildren, Shelbey, Trista, Kylie, Tryce, Anna, Riley and Kerrigan; and her beloved cat, Tom.

Also preceding her in death are two brothers, Grant Sornson and Alden Sornson.

Betty retired young from the Hanna City Boys School to enjoy life with Dale. They went to country music shows and travelled on group trips to Branson, Nashville, and, most memorable, Hawaii. Sassy, opinionated, and quick-witted, she loved to laugh, talk, and debate with friends and family at her kitchen table. Betty was a good friend and neighbor, always willing to help out. She was devoted to her family, a born nurturer. She loved to read, made a mean chocolate pie, and never lost her Southern accent.

A private graveside service will be held. A Facebook livestream will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Farmington Rescue Squad or to the Farmington Food pantry.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Ross J. Williams

Ross J. Williams, 81, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 11, 1939 in Cuba to Ross and Eloise (Foster) Williams.  They preceded him in death along with Dollie Hendryx.

He married Jean Carol Gasparovic on April 21, 1963 in Cuba.  She survives.

Also surviving are three children, Christina (David) Brooks of Cuba, Jamie (Laura) Williams of Yorktown, VA, Carol (Ty) Easley of Cuba, one brother Terry Williams of Maryland, one sister, Janice (Todd) Bitner of Canton, nine grandchildren, Candice Williams, Amanda Williams, Tucker Brooks, Taylor Brooks, James Williams, Megan Williams, Emily Williams, Madison Easley, Tanner Brooks, one great grandchild, Archer Huls and beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Ross served in the U.S. Navy.  During his service he crossed the equator aboard the U.S.S. Lenawee bound for Subic on the 18th of June, 1959.

He retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co. as an electrician.

He was a member of the Cuba American Legion Post #533, Masonic Lodge #534 and the Cuba Christian Church.  He enjoyed going to auctions in his free time.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service, along with Masonic and Military services, will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2020, at 10 am, at the Cuba Cemetery.  Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton are in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Cuba Masonic Lodge or to Cuba Christian Church.

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

Larry N. Weaver

Larry N. Weaver, 84, of Lewistown, passed away at 12:20 PM on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at Sunset Nursing Home in Canton. He was born on January 15, 1936 in Canton, a son of Gerald and Lois (Romine) Weaver. He married Doris Henderson on November 20, 1960 in Cuba. She survives.

Also surviving are two children, J. Garrett Weaver of Lewistown; Lana (Mike) Downs of Canton; two grandchildren, Cassandra Downs, and Colton Downs, both of Canton; one brother, Gary (Barbara) Weaver of Hamilton, Montana; three sisters, Kathleen (Bill) Lybarger, Lorraine Allen, both of Canton, and Winnie (Late Dean) Wilson of Wee-Ma-Tuk.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Danny Weaver, two sisters, Sandra Weaver, and Jeannie Weaver.

He worked as a farmer, and at International Harvester Company for several years, and later worked as a meat inspector for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army, was a life member of Lancaster Masonic Lodge #106 in Glasford, and was a Golden Gloves Boxer. He enjoyed showing sheep at the fair, and going to car races.

Graveside services and burial will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Bethel Cemetery in rural Canton. A visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton where masonic rites will be accorded at 6:00 PM. Rev. Jerry Sawyer will officiate. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To view Larry’s DVD or to make online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Mary E. Litton

Mary E. Litton, 93, of Peoria, formerly of Canton. Passed away Friday, July 31, 2020, at Bickford Memory Care in Peoria.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.