Larry Ehmen

ST. JOSEPH – Larry J. Ehmen, 74, of St. Joseph passed away at 12:40 p.m. Monday (Aug. 29, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, with Pastor Jay Johnson officating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday with a 3:30 p.m. prayer service at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

Larry was born May 25, 1942, at Urbana, the son of John W. and Martha Harms Ehmen. He married Gloria White on March 17, 1963, at Royal. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Shelly Ehmen of St. Joseph, Kristy (Nick) Gazzoli of Mahomet and John K. (Stacy) Ehmen of St. Joseph; and four grandchildren, Madison and Buddy Stipp of St. Joseph, and Jordan and John Michael Ehmen of St. Joseph, as well as his fierce and loyal dog Punkin.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, where he served as a deacon. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1960. Larry farmed in the St. Joseph area all of his life. Larry enjoyed the outdoors, camping, playing horseshoes and spending time with his grandchildren and family.

The family would like to thank the staff of the seventh floor Critical Care Unit for the care they provided Larry.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

Doyle E. Collins

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Doyle E. Collins of Arkadelphia, Ark., passed away on Thursday (Aug. 25, 2016).

Born in Sharp County, Ark., on Sept. 9, 1928, Mr. Collins graduated from Ash Flat High School and then attended Arkansas College (Lyon College) where he played basketball and baseball until enlisting in the Air Force during the Korean War.

He came back from the service and earned his undergraduate degree from Arkansas State Teachers College (University of Central Arkansas). He went on to earn a master's degree in math from the University of Illinois. He also continued advanced study programs in science and math at both the University of Cincinnati and Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.).

His career of 50-plus years in education included teaching math and serving as an administrator and basketball coach. Four of his players from Royal, Ill., would go on to earn athletic scholarships in the Big 10. His coaching impact was such there is an endowed basketball scholarship named for Mr. Collins at the University of Illinois.

Mr. Collins married Charlene Shell in 1950.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Andrew and Minnie Worel Collins; five brothers, Oleus, Elijah, Wylie, Commodore and T.A.; and four sisters, Pleasant, Beulah, Audrey and Doris.

Survivors include his wife, Charlene; his son, Andrew "Ace" Collins; daughter-in-law, Kathy Collins; grandsons, Clint and Rance; great-granddaughter, Aidan; as well as thousands of former students and many friends.

Mr. Collins was a Baptist and a member of First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. He was a Mason.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family asks that Mr. Collins be remembered through donations to the Shelby Seabaugh Scholarship Fund at Ouachita Baptist University, Ouachita Development Office, OBU Box 3754, Arkadelphia, AR 71998.

Mr. Collins' services will be held at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, Ark., at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. A private burial will take place in Salem, Ark.

An online register is available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

Leland H. Storm

PAXTON – Leland H. Storm, 95, of Paxton passed away at 7:52 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 16, 2016) at Villas of Holly Brook, Gibson City.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. John Hauck officiating. Burial will follow in East Lynn Cemetery.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service Sunday, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the funeral home.

Leland was born Nov. 12, 1920, in Hoopeston, the son of Ira Lee and Grace Hamm Storm. He married Mary Esther Lawrence on Feb. 22, 1942, in St. Joseph. She preceded him in death on March 21, 2007.

He is survived by a daughter, Gerrie (Herbert) Schulz of Antioch; a son, Alan Le (Daryl) Storm of Purcellville, Va.; two grandchildren, Heather Lee (Marc E.) Hall and Erik C. (Lauren) Schulz; and a great-granddaughter, Sydney Schulz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and three sisters, Thelma VanLaningham, Nola Beckman and Wilma McDonald.

Leland graduated from East Lynn High School and Eastern Illinois University, Charleston. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1944-46.

Before moving to Paxton in 1946, he and his wife lived in Urbana, Lincoln, Neb., Texas and Denver, Colo. He worked in civil service at Chanute Air Force Base as an educational specialist for missiles and rockets and was one of the first civilians to work on the American rocket program.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paxton, where he served on the church board and sang in the choir. He was a Paxton Cubmaster from 1959-60 and served on the Arrowhead Boy Scout Council in several capacities. He also served on the Board of Chanute Field Civilian Credit Union from 1956-1977 and was president for two years.

Leland was chairman of the Paxton Hospital District Board for 15 years. He was a member of Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 AF&AM, Ford Chapter RAM 113, the Mount Olivet Commandery 38 and Prospect Chapter 367 Order of Eastern Star.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Paxton. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Jimmie L. Brown

HOMER – Jimmie L. Brown, 78, of Homer passed away at 8:37 a.m. Tuesday (Aug. 16, 2016) at Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Jimmie was born March 20, 1938, in Neva, Tenn., the son of Raymond and Martha V. Tester Brown. He married Charlene Herrenknecht on Dec. 9, 1961, in Homer. She preceded him in death on Sept. 5, 1993. He married Emma Whitt on Oct. 7, 1997, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. She survives.

Survivors also include one son, Timothy Brown of Phoenix, Ariz.; two stepdaughters, Patty Tester and Gloria Moore, both of Homer; two stepsons, Ralph Whitt of Rantoul and Kenny Whitt of Homer; 12 stepgrandchildren; and several stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Thomas and Tony Brown; and one stepdaughter, Sheila Deer.

Jimmie was a member of Tilton Church of Christ and a lifetime member of American Legion Post 290. He served in the Army from 1961-1963.

He worked at Harry Gill in Urbana for five years, Trunk Line Gas Co. for 10 years and Kraft Foods for 20 years, and had his own bicycle business for 28 years. His hobbies included fishing, gardening and shop work. He was active in many bowling leagues in Homer.

Memorials can be made to GAR Cemetery, Heartland Nursing Home 2nd Floor or Champaign County Nursing Home.

Alva Luckey

BROADLANDS – Alva Luckey, 89, of Broadlands, formerly of Champaign, passed away at home peacefully in her sleep on Sunday (Aug. 14, 2016).

Funeral services are being taken care of by Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1303 Lincolnshire Drive, Champaign. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana, will take place immediately following the services.

Alva was born on April 16, 1927, in Dublin, Ireland, to William and Irene Neville. She was preceded in death by her first husband, George K. Sinnamon, and her second husband, Stewart Luckey. Alva had two brothers, Desmond and Gerald, who also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Fancher of Broadlands, and her son, Brian Sinnamon of Champaign. Alva enjoyed 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Alva arrived in America in 1946 to join her mother and brother in Ohio. She began nurses training in Wales and finished her training in America. Alva met George Sinnamon and they married and moved to Champaign, where George was a professor of civil engineering.

Alva had a strong faith life and became an active member of St. Matthew Catholic Church. She enjoyed working at the Catholic Worker House, feeding those in need. She also could be found knitting mittens and gloves for the homeless.

Alva was a devoted wife and mother. She especially took joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 648, Champaign, IL 61824.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.morganmemorialhome.com.

Joanne Therese Pfabb

HOMER – Joanne Therese Pfaab, 83, of Homer passed away at 10:26 a.m. Monday (Aug. 15, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Father Michael Menner will officiate. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, with a rosary recited at 10:45 a.m.

Joanne was born on Oct. 26, 1932, in Chicago, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Newman Kelley. She married Donald J. Pfaab on Feb. 9, 1952, in Chicago. He preceded her in death on Dec. 25, 2003.

Survivors include two sons, Steven (Margie) Pfaab of Champaign and George (Sindy) Pfaab of Richmond, Texas; five daughters, Terry (Mike) Maire of Jackson, Mo., Mary Pat Tyner of Katy, Texas, Donna Lynn (Tonti) Yon of Tacoma, Wash., Peggy (Bob) Garrison of Broadlands and Debbie (Teddy) Burgin of Champaign; two sisters, Dorothy Fitch and Gerry Martens; one brother, James Kelley; grandchildren, Ryan Tyner, Kellie McCubbin, Timothy Maire, Christine Long, Bryan Kieran, Austin Yon, Ericka Pfaab, Forrest Pfaab, Casey Garrison, Leslie Garrison, Charley Garrison, Alexis Burgin and Spencer Burgin; and two great-grandchildren, Vance McComas and Kellyn Irwin.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Kellie Pfaab, and a sister, Donna Jean Carrano.

Joanne was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church, Altar and Rosary Society, and Homer American Legion Auxiliary.

She helped the veterans at Danville Veterans Hospital and was a volunteer at Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.

Joanne loved to bake and was known in town for her cinnamon rolls. She loved reading and helping others. Joanne loved her church family and community. Her favorite times were spent with her children and grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to Homer Fire and Rescue, Homer Library, Homer American Legion Auxiliary or St. Charles Borromeo Church.

Ruth M. McNear

ST. JOSEPH – Ruth M. McNear, 91, of St. Joseph passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 16, 2016) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Brother Judd Travis officiating. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Ruth was born on March 22, 1925, at Cowden, the daughter of Jesse and Grace (Mummel) Severe.

Ruth married David McNear on May 29, 1945. He preceded her in death on Jan. 4, 1993. Also preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Jesse Glee Severe; stepson, Marion McNear; and a step-great-grandson, Jimmy Frazier.

She is survived by seven children, Jesse McNear (Anna) of Louisville, Ky., Jerry McNear of Urbana, Rhonda Mitchell (Danny) of Champaign, Roberta McKee (Bill) of Sidney, Randy McNear of St. Joseph, Ramona Hauersperger (Martin) of Pesotum and Rosemary McNear of Homer.

Also surviving are three stepchildren, Charles (Anne) McNear of Hilton Head Island, S.C., Doris (Mike) Boggs of Brownstown, Ill., and Jane Head of Purdin, Mo.; 14 grandchildren, Angela McNear (Demetreaus) of Louisville, Ky., Jerome McNear (Trisha) of Louisville, Ky., Jason McNear (Tanya) of St. Johns, Fla., Misty (Chris) Grossman of Mount Zion, Gena McNear of Cisco, Justin Jett (Carrie) of Pflugerville, Texas, Marci Mitchell of St. Joseph, Bryan McNear (Angel) of Westville, Erin Bailey (Brian) of Sidney, Josita Recinos of Louisville, Ky., Brandise Atkinson (Brian) of Palm Springs, Calif., Derek Hauersperger of Pesotum, Joshua Pizell of Homer and Taylor Pruitt of Homer; 15 step-grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one step-great-granddaughter; and one step-great-great-granddaughter.

Ruth attended Cowden High School in Cowden.

She was a warm, compassionate, caring person who brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. She never met a stranger, she loved to read, do find-a-word puzzles and spend time with family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed. Heaven is getting a special angel.

Memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice, 1550 Bishop Court, Mount Prospect, IL 60056; or Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011; or to an organization of the donor's choice.

John G. "Jack" Trumbull

TILTON – John G. "Jack" Trumbull, 77, of Tilton passed away at 12:39 a.m. Monday (Aug. 8, 2016) at his home.

Jack was born Oct. 24, 1938, in Urbana to John Byron and Phyllis Julia Williams Trumbull.

Surviving are one son, Douglas Frank Trumbull of Port Charlotte, Fla.; one daughter, Leslie Savarese of North Carolina; two brothers, William Theodore (Joyce) Trumbull of Urbana and Robert Byron (Darlene) Trumbull of Urbana; and one granddaughter, Amanda Wilson.

Jack was a 50-year member of the Local No. 143 Plaster & Cement Masons of Champaign. He served as business agent for Vermilion County for several years. Jack enjoyed playing golf with his friends, hunting and fishing.

Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with Robert Trumbull officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Robison Chapel, Catlin, is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be offered online at www.robisonchapel.com.

Judy Roach

ROYAL – Judy Roach, 55, of Royal passed away at 12:10 p.m. Monday (Aug. 8, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Judy was born June 13, 1961, at Champaign, the daughter of Herbert and Lois Hunter Frerichs.

She is survived by her children, Josh (Jen) Martin of Rantoul, Kristin Wingler of Dieterich and Kenna Roach of Jacksonville, Fla.; granddaughters, Kailee McConkey, Cheyenne Martin, and a granddaughter on the way; mother, Lois Frerichs of Royal; sisters, Susan (Mark) Loschen of St. Joseph and Lori Krutsinger of Thomasboro; and brother, Tim (Teri) Frerichs of St. Joseph.

She was preceded in death by her father, Herb; maternal grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Hunter; paternal grandparents, John and Anna Frerichs; and stepgrandmother, Louise Frerichs.

Judy loved the beach, puzzles, ceramics, the Florida sun and her family. She always had a smile on her face. Judy was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Vernon E. Huls

CHICAGO – Vernon E. Huls, 67, of Chicago died at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

He was born Sept. 12, 1948, in Champaign. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest J Huls. His mother, Margie L. (Olson) of the Knights Templar Home, Paxton, survives.

He is also survived by siblings, Velma of Champaign, Vera of Gifford and Virgil of Gifford; nieces, Angie McCabe and Amy Hennigh; nephew, Brandon Boastick; one great-niece; two great-nephews; one great-great-niece; and two great-great-nephews.

Vernon graduated from Rantoul Township High School and Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He worked at various accounting firms in the Chicago area and was active in the LGBTQ community.

His wishes were to be cremated and ashes scattered on the family farm. Memorial service and ash ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2016, at the family farm, 2565 County Road 2300 E, Gifford.

Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Kevin D. Peters

ST. JOSEPH – Kevin D. Peters, 57, died at 6:55 p.m. Monday (Aug. 1, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Peggy Ball of Savoy; his three amazing children, Amanda Peters Miller of Ogden, Andrea R. (Troy) Ray of rural St. Joseph and Joshua D. Peters of Ogden; six grandchildren who are loves of his life, Graham Michael Ray, Easton Charles Ray, Lake Marie Ray, Aubrey Linn Miller, Atleigh Rae Miller and Ace Maverick Miller; a brother, Michael Ray (Cheryl) Peters of St. Joseph; and sister, Sharon Lee (Brian) Ball of rural Dewey. His mother, Marilyn Peters of St. Joseph, also survives, as well as many beloved cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Gene Peters; his maternal grandparents, Claude and Elsie Schartiger; and his paternal grandparents, Bill and Opal Lange.

Kevin was born on March 22, 1959, in Urbana to parents Ray Gene Peters and F. Marilyn Schartiger Peters. He grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1977.

During his lifetime, he worked for Carriage House furniture store in Champaign; at Alloy Casting; and finally enjoyed a career as a corrections counselor at the Illinois Department of Corrections, working in Adult Transition Centers, and was cited several times for having perfect attendance.

In 2015, Kevin retired as a stores supervisor from the Danville Correctional Center, making time for more Cubs baseball games, yard work and most importantly, his wonderful, loving family and beautiful grandchildren.

Kevin was a life member of the National Rifle Association and loved hunting. He was very proud of his 10-point buck.

Officiating high school baseball and basketball (IHSA) was an important part of Kevin's life for 35 years. He was a dedicated and talented official who had great respect from fellow officials, coaches and athletic directors in Illinois.

He was a member of IBOA (Illini Basketball Officials Association) and officiated at the Girls' State Basketball Tournament three times, in 2010, 2011 and 2013. It was one of the biggest honors of his life to referee the championship game at this tournament in both 2011 and 2013.

Friends knew Kevin as easygoing and having a wonderful smile, which he wore almost all the time. His children are his pride and joy. The grandchildren made him extremely happy.

In 2006, he married Peggy Ball in Champaign, who waited her whole life of 47 years just for him.

Those who knew Kevin knew he was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs and greatly enjoyed their recent success and looked forward to great things from them.

A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

A funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, also at Freese Funeral Home. Pastor Jay Johnson of the St. John Lutheran Church in Royal will officiate.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations can be directed to the American Heart Association.

William Paul Manning

CHAMPAIGN – William Paul "Bill" Manning, 76, left this earthly life to meet his Lord and Savior on Thursday (Aug. 4, 2016).

He was born April 15, 1940, in Homer, the son of Wilbur T. and Nora B. (Marlow) Manning. His mother died in a car accident in January 1953, and he was then adopted by Mary L. Manning and his father.

Bill married his high school sweetheart, Janet S. Sanders, on Oct. 17, 1959. They had one son, Jeffrey Todd, on July 1, 1963. He preceded Bill in death on Sept. 17, 2010.

Bill graduated from St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph, on May 27, 1958, and continued his education at Champaign Commercial College. He also attended Parkland College to strengthen his knowledge in accounting and was in that field at Clifford-Jacobs Forging Co., Bacon & Van Buskirk Glass Co. and the University of Illinois Student Financial Aid Office for 47 years.

Bill was a member of First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy. He was baptized into the Christian faith in 1956 and served the Lord as youth counselor, deacon, elder and treasurer, and taught youth, adult and special ed Sunday school. Bill served the children at First Baptist in the Awana program and vacation Bible school.

During his life, he traveled to Honduras and Africa on mission trips. One of his mission trips included serving 19 days in the Democratic Republic of the Congo helping to construct a water retention system. In Honduras, Bill served at an orphanage and helped to build furniture for the children.

Bill served on the board of directors of the Champaign County Association for the Mentally Challenged as treasurer and was instrumental in opening the first group home in Champaign for people with disabilities. He was on the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission serving on the Community Action Board, was a life/active member of the Carle Hospital Auxiliary and was a member of the University Club. Bill enjoyed traveling, dancing, bowling and playing bridge.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janet, and his sister, Lois E. (Chuck) Sadler of Fithian, their children Steve and Donna Sadler (sons Spencer and Sam), Linda and Jim Riggs (daughters Susan and Kristen and Jeremy Wise) and Deana Sadler. He is also survived by Janet's sister, Carol, and her husband, Dan Mullis of Danville, and their son Matt and Claire Mullis (daughters Olivia and Hannah).

Bill and Janet "unofficially" adopted a young family 15 years ago. They are Jared and Julianne Webber and their children Christoff, Megan, Kade, Mia and Caleb.

In addition to his son Jeff, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, James A. Manning of Gifford, and sister, Doris (Don) Wolf of Homer, as well as his parents.

There will be a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy. A celebration of life service will be at the church (corner of South Prospect and Burwash avenues, Savoy) at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, with Pastor Ron McDugle officiating. A visitation at the church will begin at 10 am. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Developmental Services Center, 1304 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61822, or to Camp New Hope, P.O. Box 764, Mattoon, IL 61938, in memory of Jeff Manning and Bill.

The family would like to thank Carle Hospital and Carle Hospice, its doctors, nurses, aides and other caregivers and specialists for their services this past year. All have been so kind and sensitive to Bill's needs. We also thank our family, friends and our First Baptist Church family for their prayers, food, cards and care support this past year. The love we have received is beyond measure.

Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, is in charge of arrangements.