Gary D. Taylor

ST. JOSEPH – ST. JOSEPH - Gary D. Taylor, 77, of St. Joseph peacefully passed away Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Gary was born Feb. 25, 1937, in Janesville, the son of Glen and Blanche Howard-Taylor. They preceded him in death.

Surviving are his brother, Warren (Marjorie) Taylor of St. Joseph; his sister, Charlotte (Richard) Tracy of Brewton, Ala.; and two nieces and six nephews.

Also preceding him in death were three siblings, Jerry Taylor, Cherrie Vaultonburg and Shirley Shoap.

Gary was a Laborer for Local 703. He was one of the many members of the construction team that built the State Farm Center from the ground up. He was proud of his work, and he always worked hard until he was able to retire.

Cremation rights have been accorded by Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil Street, C. Burial of cremated remains will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary's honor may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society.

Please join Gary's family in sharing memories of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Tyrus R. Franklin

WASHINGTON, Ill. – Tyrus R. "Ty" Franklin, 90, of Washington, Ill., passed away at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Ty was born Sept. 14, 1924, in Vermilion County to Arch and Ola (Akeman) Franklin. He married H. Norma Perry on Sept. 1, 1950, in Decatur. He is survived by a daughter, Toni (Robert T.) Henry of Sulphur, La.; and one grandson, Nicholas Franklin (Kristen) Stodd of Covington, La.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, H. Norma Franklin, on Oct. 3, 2012; his parents; and two sisters, Roberta Franklin and Roxanna Franklin Talbott of Potomac.

Ty graduated from Potomac High School. where he had many athletic achievements, including being offered a professional baseball contract with the Washington Senators in 1949.

Ty honorably served his country in the Pacific Islands in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon being honorably discharged after his three-year service, he proceeded to earn a bachelor's degree from Eureka College and a master's degree from the University of Illinois and completed many hours of work toward his doctoral degree at Illinois State University.

Ty began his coaching and teaching career at Ogden High School from 1949-1951. This was followed by six years at Potomac High School before joining the original staff of Richwoods High School, during which time he had many accomplishments before retiring in 1984: being nominated three times for Athletic Director of the Year from District #10, awarded Athletic Director of the Year for the state of Illinois in 1978, nominated for National High School Athletic Director of the Year in 1979, inducted into the State Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in 1985, inducted into both the state Basketball Hall of Fame and the Eureka College Hall of Fame in 1985, nominated for National High School Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1980, selected as Baseball Coach of the Year from District #10 in 1984, inducted into the state Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame 1981, nominated by the Illinois Coaches Association for National Baseball Coach of the Year for 1984-85, and receiving the 1978 Tri-county Sports Figure Award for the Peoria Area.

The family of Ty Franklin wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Ty's many wonderful neighbors, special friends, fellow teachers and coaches, and the staff and residents of The Grand Victorian Assisted Living Facility of Washington, Ill., for all their assistance, support and love.

Also, to all of Coach's former cross-country, baseball and basketball players, fellow coaches, and officials, many thanks for all the years of enjoyment you provided over his lengthy career. To the students and athletes with whom he had contact, please know he experienced much joy watching each and every one of you grow in life and to be successful in both your chosen professions as well as in your personal lives.

For those of you who have remained in contact with Ty since his retirement, you are well aware that to his last breath, he remembered each of you and your families and achievements. Please know he loved each and every one of you!

Coach Franklin was, indeed, a competitive spirit and loved nothing more than a good "Win," but to have had each and every one of you in his life (Win or Loss) meant more to him than anything life could offer. His relationships with each of you gave him a true sense of purpose to his journey here on Earth.

A celebration of life graveside service for Ty will be held on at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at the Potomac Cemetery in Potomac, with John C. Alexander officiating.

In lieu of flowers, it is the request of the family that memorials be made to the "Coach Ty Franklin Athletic Scholarship Fund," to the attention of Athletic Director, Richwoods High School, 6301 N. University Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville is handling arrangements. Please join Ty's family in sharing photos, videos and memories of him through his tribute wall atwww.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Rita DuFrane

ST. JOSEPH – Rita A. DuFrane, 67, of St. Joseph passed away Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Rita was born March 15, 1947, the daughter of Leah Walker Walton and Forrest Rawdin Jr. She married Rondeau K. DuFrane on Nov. 10, 1973. He survives.

Survivors include four children, Mrs. Jackie (Jeffery) Ohl of Mahomet, Mr. John DuFrane of Champaign, Ms. Erin DuFrane-Woods (Russ Fagle) of Iowa City, Iowa, and Mrs. Darla Copsy (Jon) of Mattoon; nine grandchildren, Lauryn and Ryan Ohl, Jack and Nina DuFrane, Peyton and Aaronson Woods, Owen Vick, and Samantha and Danielle Copsy; two sisters, Gail Daly of Lancaster, S.C., and Martha Knoth of Jefferson City, Mo.; and three brothers, Marcus Walton of Danville, Jon Hoy of Brownsburg, Ind., and Dennis Hoy of Greenwood, Ind.

She was preceded in death by her mother, her father and her stepfather, Marion Walton.

Mrs. DuFrane worked at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance as executive assistant while living in Mattoon. She had positions with the College of Law and a few departments at the University of Illinois. She said, "I learned something everywhere I worked." While with the Department of Economics, she worked with Professor Neil on Explorations in Economic History and was published.

Vernon Ingrum

ST. JOSEPH – Vernon R. Ingrum of St. Joseph passed away at home on Friday (Dec. 26, 2014) with his wife and children by his side.

According to his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. preceding the service.

Vern was born on March 28, 1924, in Tuscola to Samuel and Nova (Baker) Ingrum.

He graduated from Newman High School in 1941 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a pharmacist's mate 1st class in World War II until 1945.

After the war, Vern went to college on the G.I. Bill, receiving his bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1949. He also received his master's degree from Eastern in 1959, and earned his advanced degree in education in 1968 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He married Joanna Byrd on April 24, 1947, in Charleston. They celebrated 67 years together this past spring.

The majority of Vern's career was spent in education. He began his teaching and coaching career in Robinson. He went on to be a principal in Winnebago and Kankakee, then served as superintendent of schools in Kirkland. He returned to Robinson, where he retired as superintendent of schools in 1984.

One of his proudest career achievements was when, as the high school baseball coach in Kirkland, he led the team to five consecutive conference championships and four district championships.

Vern and Joanna have three children: daughter Joy McClaugherty, who also lives in St. Joseph with her husband Ralph and son Noah; son Jim, who lives in Ogden with his wife Sharon, daughter Hannah and son Layne; and daughter Jill, who lives in Westfield, Ind.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 634 or the St. Joseph/Swearingen Library in St. Joseph.

John Fiscus

ST. JOSEPH – John Fiscus, 91, of St. Joseph passed away at 6:43 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 28, 2014) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, with the Rev. Jay Johnson officating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

John was born Oct. 15, 1923, in rural Urbana, the son of Frank and Lillie Courson Fiscus. He married Ruth Patterson in 1952, she preceded him in 1976. He then married Kay Hunter Fruhling on Jan. 20, 1979. She survives.

He is also survived by his stepchildren, Patricia (Gene) Moose of Urbana, Mitch (Elaine) Fruhling of St. Joseph and Sherri (Kenny) Hursey of St. Joseph; 10 stepgrandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one brother, Robert (Sylvia) Fiscus of Loveland, Colo.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harley and Jerry Fiscus; two sisters, Wanda Dillon and Opal Landeck; and one great-grandchild.

John attended Paxton High School and then was drafted into the Army in 1943. He then served in five major campaigns in France, Belgium and Germany with the 3rd Armored Division, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment. John was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was recalled and also served in Korea. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 30, 1951.

He retired from the University of Illinois after 29 years of service working in the print shop. John enjoyed bowling, camping, traveling and spending time with family. John was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or an organization of the donor's choice.

Charlotte Lovelace

ST. JOSEPH – Charlotte Lovelace, 82, of St. Joseph died Saturday (Dec. 27, 2014) at home.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, Rantoul. Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul, is in charge of arrangements.

Marlene Lessenberry

OGDEN – Marlene O. Lessenberry, 75, of rural Ogden passed away at 8:58 a.m. Monday (Dec. 29, 2014) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at the Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana, with burial at Stanton Township Cemetery in rural St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, at the funeral home.

Marlene was born Feb. 7, 1939, in Urbana, a daughter of Walter and Lucille (Randall) Wingler. She married George Lessenberry on June 25, 1965, in Urbana. He preceded her in death on April 28, 2003.

Survivors include two daughters, Laura Dillman and Valerie Lessenberry, both of Ogden; two grandchildren, Stephanie Dillman and Wyatt Dillman; and a brother, Roger Wingler of Homer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law, Mark; two sisters, Mildred and Betty; and two brothers, Robert and Gary.

Marlene attended the Ogden Church of the Nazarene and loved reading, puzzles and crafts.

Memorials made be made to the Ogden Church of the Nazarene.

Arthur J. Sheehan

ELGIN – Arthur J. Sheehan, 92, formerly of Homer, passed away Sunday (Dec. 21, 2014) at home in Elgin.

A veteran of World War II, he was a member of Elgin VFW Post 1307. After his service in the Army, Arthur began a long career with Otis Elevator Co. and was a member of Local 2 International Union of Elevator Constructors.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn "Kaye" (Stapleton) Sheehan.

Arthur is survived by his sons, Arthur Michael "Doc" (Arlene) and James (Janice); daughters, Mary (William) Heldt, Kathryn (Myron) Luth and Barbara (Robert) Cassinelli; seven grandchildren, Jeremiah (Janet) Sheehan, Carla (Phillip) Meikle, Steven (Megan) Heldt, Leslie and Heather Luth, Christy (Derek) Chandler and Benjamin Cassinelli; and five great-grandchildren, Anthony, Amber and Alyssa Sheehan and Phoenix and Everett Meikle.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at Hursen Funeral Home, 4001 W. Roosevelt Road, Hillside (708-547-8200). Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Domitilla Church, Hillside. Interment will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.

David Wilken

URBANA – David Lee Wilken, 55, of Urbana died at home on Saturday (Dec. 20, 2014).

David was born July 10, 1959, at Burnham City Hospital in Champaign to Wilbur and Betty "Bobbi" Mann Wilken. He was baptized at home; his sponsors were Lewis and Emma Johnson. He was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville by Pastor Zenker in 1974.

David attended Stanton Grade School. He graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1977. He was very active in basketball and track, and received many trophies during his high school years.

He started working for Pioneer Seed Co. part time while still in high school and started full time after graduation. He worked there 36 years and was a very dedicated employee. David was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan and an Illinois basketball fan.

He is survived by his father, Wilbur Wilken of Urbana; his two children, Kelsi and Derrick Wilken of Westville; his sister, LuAnn Wilken of North Carolina; his aunt, Emma Johnson of Gifford; and his uncle, Harold (Nancy) Wilken of Urbana.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bobbi Wilken in 2004.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with Pastor James Lehmann and Pastor Cindy Bisser officating. Burial will be in Koppmann Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Koppmann Cemetery or donor's choice.

Danny Esposito

OGDEN – Danny Mark Esposito, 56, better known as "Espo" to his friends and "Mark" to his family, died at 1:52 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 21, 2014) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, after a long battle with cancer.

Mark was born April 5, 1958, in McKenzie, Tenn. He worked at the News Gazette, Distribution Department for 32 years. Surviving are his loving wife of 31 years, Sue Esposito of Ogden; daughter, MacKenzie Esposito of Urbana; son, Daniel Esposito of Ogden; brothers, Owen and Jeff, both of Urbana; sister, Robin Guy of Tennessee; stepbrother, Bill of Florida; stepbrother, Bob of Decatur; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mamma Owen; mother, Gayle Cuppernell; father, Joe Esposito; stepfather, Hershel Cuppernell; sister, Kim; and stepbrother, Steve.

His hobbies were music, fishing, river ratting and spending time with friends and family. He loved life to the fullest and then some. He had a unique sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He was an encyclopedia for music trivia.

Mark was a member of the United Methodist Church. He was loved greatly and will be missed by all. He was the best dad a child could ask for.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.

Mark's final request was to go home to McKenzie, Tenn., and his family will get him there.

Mildred Rice Childress

URBANA – Mildred E. Childress passed away peacefully at home on Saturday (Dec. 20, 2014) at the age 85.

She was born Feb. 10, 1929, in St. Joseph to Van and Ellen Rice. Mildred lived in Fithian and attended Oakwood High School.

She married Lewis Clayton Childress of Fithian on Aug. 23, 1947. They later moved to Urbana.

Mildred is survived by her son, Mark Childress of Urbana; daughter, Sandy McMasters (Jeff) of Collison; granddaughter, Shelley Mack-Dix; four great-grandchildren, Aaron, Ericka, Alexis Dix and Amee Diorio (Jacob); three sisters, Alta Mae Reed, Bernice Wilkinson and Jean Swaim; and several nieces and nephews.

Mildred worked at Fannie May Candies in Lincoln Square Mall for 30 years. She was known as "The Fannie May Lady."

Mildred enjoyed being with her family. She was a caring, generous person, the core of our family and "Grams" to everyone. She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Chaplain Tony Crouch officiating. Interment will be in Eastlawn Cemetery in Urbana.

Contributions can be made to Carle Hospice and Breast Cancer Awareness.

Ethel Williams

GLOBE, Ariz. – Ethel M. Williams of Globe, Ariz., formerly of St. Joseph, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at Heritage Health Care Center in Globe.

Graveside services were held in Globe on Dec. 12, 2014.

Ethel was born July 15, 1924, in Brazil, Ind., a daughter of William and Minnie Castor. She married Gaylord V. Williams on Dec. 14, 1942, in Sidney. He preceded her in death in 1982.

They had two children, Daniel G. Williams and Gay L. Rosnett.

Ethel was a charter member of the St. Joseph American Legion Women's Auxiliary for over 60 years. She was an election judge for many years and enjoyed volunteering with Scouting organizations and the PTA when her children were in school. Her children, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren were the highlights of her life.

Ethel lost her eyesight overnight in 2000. For the next decade, she lived in Illinois with her daughter and family. She was a member of the St Joseph Senior Citizens and played in their kitchen band.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Dan; her sister, Helen Cagle; her niece, Yvonne Tucker; and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her daughter, Gay Rosnett (Mike), five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph American Legion Auxiliary, Post 634.

C. Lee Wright

ST. JOSEPH – C. Lee Wright of St. Joseph died at home on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. Services will be conducted at a later date as Mr. Wright donated his body to science.

Mr. Wright was born Sept. 15, 1939, to the late Cecil Vern Wright and Lula Mae Wright. He was a retired auto technician with Worden Martin, Champaign.

He is survived by his wife, Velma Wright; and five children, John (Lisa) Wright of Oklahoma, Tammy (Aki) Nearchou of Michigan, Judy (Mike) Clark of Indiana and Barb Mulrooney and Steve Wright, both of St. Joseph.

Mr. Wright was preceded in death by one sister, Edith McManaway, and one brother, Vern Wright. He is survived by four sisters and one brother, Dorothy Rhineburger, Helen Whisman, Bob Wright, Hazel Rael and Mary Wilson.

Julius Demlow II

ST. JOSEPH – Julius William "Slivers" Demlow II, 99, of St. Joseph passed away at 9:24 p.m. Monday (Dec. 8, 2014) at Heritage Manor nursing center in Gibson City.

He was born on Jan. 31, 1915, in Bondville to Julius and Laura Parker Demlow. He married Jennie Marie Reynolds in St. Charles, Mo., on Jan. 1, 1942, and she preceded him in death.

Surviving is one daughter, Debra Demlow of Paxton.

He was also preceded in death by three sisters.

He was employed for 44 years with the Hirschfeld Distributing Co. in Champaign prior to his retirement. He was also a World War II U.S. Army veteran, serving in the European Theater.

He was also a member of the St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Champaign, where he served as head usher for many years. He liked to fish and tell stories of the past.

Visitation for Julius will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at the Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Funeral services will also be held at Morgan's, at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, with Pastor Jennifer Little officiating. Entombment will take place at the Mount Hope Mausoleum in Champaign. Graveside military rites will be accorded by the Urbana American Legion Post 71.

Memorials should be directed to the family.

Nolan Craver Jr.

SAVOY – Nolan C. Craver Jr., 86, died at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, on Monday (Dec. 8, 2014).

Nolan "Bud" Craver was born on Aug. 9, 1928, to Nolan and Hazel Craver of Homer. He married Marilyn Polk on Aug. 9, 1953.

He is survived by his four children, John (Trish) Craver, Jill (John) Bonacci, Heidi (Dan) Sledz and Holly (Dave) Diedrich; and seven grandchildren.

Mr. Craver received his law degree from the University of Illinois and was admitted to the bar in 1952. He practiced law in Champaign County for 58 years. In college, he was a Bronze Tablet and AKL. He was a 32nd-degree Mason, a member of The Commandary, American Legion, Homer Lions Club and Rebounders Club and a lifetime alumni member of the Illinois Presidents Council. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a judge advocate general.

He loved to travel nationally and internationally and explore this great world, but his favorite place remained Homer. He enjoyed following the Illini sports teams, ranching, blazing jeep trails, snow skiing and the beaches of Florida.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He is admired by his family for his intelligence, honesty, generosity and hardworking spirit.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Homer United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main St., Homer, IL 61849, or the Carle Foundation, 611 W. Park St., Urbana, IL 61801.

R. Robert Webb

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – R. Robert Webb, 97, of Bellingham, Wash., formerly of Urbana and Ogden, passed away Monday, Sept. 1, 2014.

A memorial and remembrance service for the Army Air Force veteran will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church of Champaign.

In lieu of expressions of sympathy, the family suggests contributions to: National Park Foundation, 1201 Eye St., NW, Suite 550B, Washington, DC, 20005 (nationalparks.org).