Shirley J. Downey

Canton- Shirley J. Downey, 83, of Canton, passed away at 7:05 PM on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at Red Oak Memory Care in Canton. She was born on October 30, 1935, a daughter of Earl and Marie (Johnson) Munson. She married Freddy Downey on April 25, 1959 in Canton. He preceded her in death on June 2, 2006.

Also preceded her in death is her parents; one granddaughter, Nicole Drinkwater; one brother, William “Billy” Munson, and one sister, Marjorie Johns.

Surviving is her children, Jackie Downey of Canton; Freddy Clark (Mary) Downey of Fruitland Park, Florida; John Downey of Leesburg, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Trey (Chelsea) Downey of Riverview, FL, Amber (Philly) Nguyen of Wesley Chapel, FL, Jessica Downey of Zephyrhills, FL, Lyndsie Downey of Largo, FL, Austin Downey of Tampa, FL, Lee Drinkwater of Crystal Lake, IL, and Kaylyn Drinkwater of Canton, IL, and one sister, Patricia (Bill) Moore of Canton.

Shirley worked as a Dispatcher for Caterpillar, Inc for 30 years, retiring in 1986.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 5, 2019 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, where visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, August 4, 2019. Rev. Monroe Bailey will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Christy Anne Edwards

Cuba- Christy Anne Edwards, 64, of Cuba, passed away at 1:32 AM Sunday, July 28, 2019 at OSF St Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born May 12, 1955 in Canton, the daughter of Billy and Shirley (Baughman) Swango. She married Jerry Edwards on October 18, 2014. He survives along with her parents, Bill and Shirley Swango of Smithfield, her children, Michelle (John) Berryman of Morton, and Dave (Amy) Edwards of Chatham, one grandson, Isaac Edwards, one brother, Roger (Rosalie) Swango of Smithfield, one nephew, Bret Swango, two nieces, Nichole Swango and Billie Drazenovic, two grandnieces, Kyla Roome, and Andi Drazenovic, and one grandnephew, Mikko Drazenovic. She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, and an aunt and uncle, Carole and Buz Phillips.

Christy's hobbies included bird watching, spending time with and cooking for her family, and she was an avid Cubs fan. She was known for her big hugs, radiant smile, sparkly eyes, and most of all - her compassionate soul. Christy was a strong Christian whose life mission was helping others. Christy especially loved helping children, both professionally as a speech pathologist for the West Central Illinois Special Education Coop and through various leadership roles at Brock United Methodist Church in Smithfield, where she was an active member. Her impact was felt locally through her work as co-director of vacation bible school in Smithfield and abroad as she made several mission trips to Guatemala over the past few years. Additionally, she led the Operation Christmas Child program for the Brock United Methodist Church which collected various personal care items to ship to third world countries and volunteered regularly at the Red Brick School. Christy was a faithful servant to her Lord; this world is a worse place without her but a better place because of her. She will be dearly missed.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba, where visitation will be held 3 hours prior to services. Burial will be at Baughman Cemetery in rural Smithfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Brock United Methodist Church or Operation Christmas Child. To view Christy’s life tribute video or to send condolences visit henrylange.com.

Carrie L. Parks

Middle Grove – Carrie L. Parks, 81, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at her residence.

She was born on September 13, 1937 in Middle Grove to Lewis and Hester (Morse) Chaney.  They preceded her in death.

She married Clarence Parks on March 20, 1953 in Lewistown.  He preceded her in death on December 18, 1991.

Surviving are her children, Cynthia (Andy) Doubet of Lorraine, IL, Cheryl Kelly of Seattle Washington, Connie (Vicki White) Parks of Washington D.C. five grandchildren including Troy Smizer and three great grandchildren.

Also preceding her in death is one daughter, Carla Lee Parks, one brother, Robert Chaney and one sister Loretta Morse.

Carrie worked at the Overall factory in Canton and later at Butler Manufacturing.

She enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, sewing and renovating homes, but most of all she took loving care of her family.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton.  There will be no visitation.

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

Memorials may be made to Farmington Fire Department or to the American Diabetes Association.

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

John Marion Smith

Canton – John Smith, 89, of Canton, passed away at 6:08 am, Friday, July 26, 2019 at the Red Oak Memory Care in Canton.  He was born on July 14, 1930 in Canton, IL. to Lyle and Mabel (Hicks) Smith. He married Jeri Lou (Wason) Emerson on December 31, 1961 at the First Presbyterian Church in Canton, Il.  She preceded him in death on October 6, 2015.  His parents and one sister Winefred Wicevich also preceded him in death.

Surviving is his son, Ronald Gene Smith (Susan Jean), 2 grandchildren, Chad A. Smith and Jennifer Lyn (Smith) Regan (Rob), and 5 great grandchildren, Alex Ean Smith, Marley Jane Smith, Lily Ann Smith, Kennedi Faith Regan and Carsyn Rae Regan.

John was a member of the Evangelical Free Church of Canton for the last 10 years and attended the First Presbyterian Church of Canton for over 45 years, where as a member, he served as a Deacon, Elder and Trustee.

John was a graduate of Canton High School and attended classes at Bradley University.
He was a part owner of Atlas Camera Center in Canton from 1954 to 1977 and then was employed by Central Illinois Hearing Aid Centers for 14 years. He retired in 1992.

He served in the U.S. Army as a photographer, stationed in Germany, from 1951-53.
He was a member of: Lions Club – 27 years, Masonic Lodge, T.P.A, Toastmasters, Friendship Festival Board, American Legion, Former Director of Chamber of Commerce Board, Volunteer at Graham Medical Clinic, Fishers of Men.  John loved to bowl, read and travel, visiting all 50 states as well as many foreign countries.  John loved life and people, especially his family.

Services will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton where visitation will be Monday night from 5- 7 pm.  The Rev. Matt Spangler will officiate.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.  Memorials can be made to Evangelical Free Church or Red Oak Memory Care.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Barbara Humes

Canton – Barbara Humes, 79, of Canton, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at her home in Canton.

She was born on April 27, 1940 to Morris and Verla (Danner) Day.  They preceded her in death.

Surviving are two sons, Jack (Kelly VanMiddlesworth) Humes of Canton, Curt (Misty) Humes of Glasford, two brothers, Ronnie (Judy) Day of Fairview, Lyle (Terre) Day of CA, one sister Ila Hickey of CA, six grandchildren and her best friends, Joyce and Larry Utech and Lynn Beadles.

Also preceding her in death is the love of her life, Hal Iwashita and one brother Sterling Day.

Barb worked at the Mental Health Center in Canton and later at the Illinois River Correctional Center from where she retired.

She was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton.  She volunteered at numerous organizations throughout her life, especially at the Women’s Crisis Center.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 11:00 am, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton with a visitation one hour prior to services.

Cremation rites have been accorded per her wishes.

Memorials may be made to Women’s Crisis Center.

To view Barb’s tribute video or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Charles M. “Charlie” Smith Jr

Cuba- Charles M. “Charlie” Smith Jr, 44, of Cuba, passed away Sunday July 21, 2019 at rural Banner.

He was born November 4, 1974 at Canton, the son of Charles M. and Helen M. (Bartlett) Smith Sr. Survivors include his parents of Cuba, one daughter, Brianna Tangaman of Canton, one granddaughter, Gabrielle Tangaman of Canton, five sisters, Diane (George) Gillham of Fiatt, Phyllis Jones of St. David, Carolyn Pugh of Arizona, Sarah (Larry) Cook of La Fayette, IL; and Ann (Rafe) Allard of Canton, and two special uncles, Alvin “Catfish” Bartlett and Junior Bartlett. He was preceded in death by one son, Austin Smith, one daughter, Mindy Smith, one brother, Andrew Fouts Jr; and one sister, Teresa Gilpin.

Charlie worked as a handyman at various odd jobs. He was a graduate of Cuba High School. He enjoyed camping.

Cremation will be accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for funeral expenses. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com

Sharon J. Pierson

Lewistown-  Sharon J. Pierson, 78, of Lewistown passed away Sunday July 21, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born November 26, 1940 at Cuba the daughter of Nelson and Audrey (Martin) Swearingen. She married Frank Pierson at Lewistown. He died April 25, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a special friend Evelyn Hines. Surviving are four children, Edward L. Pierson of Lewistown, Jeffrey A. Pierson of Canton, Dennis E. (Lara) Pierson of South Bend, IN; and Suzie (Lee) Emken of St. David, eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren and a dear friend Mary Lou Belless.

Sharon was a homemaker and had worked at Casey’s and the former Day & Palin for many years. Sharon had many cleaning jobs over the years for both business and residential customers. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sharon also enjoyed activities at Spoon River Towers, helping with the Lunch with Friends Program, playing games and watching game shows on TV. Sharon was a member of the Royal Neighbors and had been a former Boy Scout Leader. She had been on a bowling league for several years.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM Thursday at Conner Cemetery at rural Lewistown with Reverend Monroe Bailey officiating. Visitation will be held from noon until 2 PM Thursday at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral arrangements. To view Sharon’s life tribute video or to send online condolences visit henrylange.com.