Melvin Dean Myers

 

Danville - Melvin Dean Myers: A life rich in laughter, legacy, and love.

Born on April 21, 1938, in Hutchinson, Kan., Mel Myers has lived a life marked by grit, generosity, and good humor. From childhood summers on his grandparents' Kansas farm with his beloved brother Marvin, to owning and operating a successful business in Danville, Mel has always followed his own path, with passion and purpose. For 52 years, Mel has shared his life with his wife, Judith (Judy) A. Myers nee Smith, creating a loving blended family together.

Mel's early years included a wide range of jobs, from roofing to retail. But in 1966, a chance meeting with Herb Depke changed his course. Mel joined Depke Welding Supply, quickly proving his knack for business and people. He would go on to purchase the company, growing it into a thriving enterprise until his retirement. His entrepreneurial spirit became a cornerstone of his life, earning respect throughout the community.

An artist and craftsman at heart, Mel's hands were rarely idle. Whether he was building, sketching, or cracking a joke over a glass of good Scotch, he found joy in creation and connection. He was an active figure in Danville civic life, proudly serving on the boards of the Danville Chamber of Commerce, the Boys & Girls Club, the Danville Sanitary District, and more. A lifelong Republican, Mel also remained active in the Vermillion County Republican Party and was a longtime member of the Danville Country Club.

Mel and Judy's blended family was one of the great accomplishments and joys of their life together. Their children are: Mimi (Myers) Brunson and husband Tracie; Scott Towne and wife Jane; Felicia Chunges (deceased); Melanie (Myers) Dougherty and husband Robert; Curtis Towne and wife Toni; and Jennifer (Myers) Souza and husband Keith.

Mel was also preceded in death by his infant son, Melvin.

His legacy continues in his cherished grandchildren - Peter, Lewis, Brennan, Kate, Easton, Emma, Truce, Ava, and Maya - and his great-granddaughter Vivia. He is also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews who treasure his wit, warmth, and wisdom.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Donna Myers; his brother, Marvin Myers; and his sister, Marilyn (Myers) Bolyard. He is survived by his sister Marsha (Myers) Ray and her husband Randy.

A devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, accomplished businessman, and irrepressible jokester, Mel's life is a testament to hard work, deep roots, and joyful living. He continues to inspire all who know him.

He died Sept. 10, 2026.

A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Sunset Funeral and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville. A funeral service celebrating his life will take place immediately following at 3 p.m. that afternoon, also at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Spring Hill Cemetery following a private family service. Online condolences, fond memories, and photographs can be shared with his family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Ervin F. Woller

Ervin F. Woller, 79 of Urbana, died at 8:44 a.m. Monday, September 7, 2026, at Carle Hospital, Urbana.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Yearsley Cemetery, Urbana with Rev. Michael Stoerger officiating.

Ervin was born July 18, 1947, in Urbana the son of Victor and Clarice Deedrick Woller. He married Diane Burklund June 27, 1969, at the Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton. She preceded him in death April 8, 2020.

He is survived by a daughter, Michelle (Todd) Hesterberg of Gifford; a son, Darren (Chris) Woller of Urbana; six grandchildren, Cullen Hesterberg, Connor Hesterberg, Corbin Hesterberg, Avery Woller, Ava Bronowski, Eli Bronowski; eight great grandchildren; his fiancée, Ruthann Champagne and a sister, Lavonne (Don) Gillespie of Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, who he had cared for many years and lived out “til death do us part”.

Ervin graduated from St. Joe-Ogden High School in 1965. He received an associates degree from Parkland College and attended the University of Illinois Dairy Sciences. He worked for Flo-Con/Vesuvius in quality assurance.

He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Thomasboro and the Champaign County Riding Club where he served as past president as well as the M&W Saddle Club. He had a passion for horses and was an avid flag and barrel racer. Ervin qualified for the NBHA World Show multiple times. He loved to compete and socialize with his horse friends. His greatest joy was attending his grandchildren’s athletic events.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com. 

https://www.baierfuneralservices.com/obituaries/ervin-woller

Gloria Harms

 Gloria Harms, 65, of Champaign passed away at 8:20 P.M. Sunday September 6, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

  Graveside services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday September 12, 2026 at Kopmann Cemetery. Pastor Ryan Sage will officiate.

 Gloria was born January 4, 1961 in Urbana. The daughter of John and Margaret (Bruns) Harms.

 She is survived by her niece Jami Harms of Mahomet, nephew John Harms of Humbolt, IA. 2 great nephews Camden and Grady Harms. 2 nieces Grace and Emmi Harms.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Leon Harms, sister Barbara Harms.

 Gloria was devoted to her niece and nephew and great nieces and nephews.

 Memorials may be made to Kopmann Cemetery.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Gloria-Harms

Rebecca Wagner

 
Rebecca Wagner, 76, passed away on September 3, 2026. She was born on January 29, 1950, to Marion Agnew Wagner and Wayne Wagner.

Rebecca grew up in rural Ogden, Illinois in a farming family. The daughter of a farmer and a teacher, she was raised in the close-knit Ogden community that remained an important part of her life until death. She graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School before attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She later earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, completing her medical education in Rockford, Illinois, followed by her residency training in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Wagner returned to the Champaign-Urbana community and built an extraordinary career as an obstetrician-gynecologist at Carle Hospital, where she practiced for 35 years. A trailblazer in medicine, she was the first female physician in her field at Carle and in the Champaign community. During her career, she delivered thousands of babies and cared for generations of women and families throughout the area. Her 35 years of service left a lasting impact on her patients, colleagues, and the community she called home.

Rebecca was also a member of Ogden United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Wayne Wagner. She is survived by her five daughters, Elizabeth Wagner (Duane), Elena Stimmel (Zach), Alexa High (Billy), Abigail Wagner, and Ana Wagner; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother, Chris (Rebecca), and her sister, Elizabeth (Michael).

Rebecca’s life was one of remarkable accomplishments, service, and devotion to her family and community. From her roots in a farming family in Ogden to the thousands of lives she touched through medicine, her legacy will continue through her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchild, siblings, patients, colleagues, friends, and the many families whose lives she helped bring into the world.

Private funeral services will be held at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph, Illinois.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Rebecca-Wagner

Carol Ann Trexler

 St. Joseph - Carol Ann Trexler, 86, of St. Joseph, died on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Haven of Tuscola.

Published by The News-Gazette from Aug. 28 to Aug. 29, 2026.

Connie Lou Ray

 
Urbana - Connie Lou Ray, 86, of Urbana passed away on the morning of Aug. 30, 2026, at

Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Born Jan. 23, 1940, in Danville, to Ivan and Helen Yount. Connie grew up in St. Joseph before making her home in Urbana. She married Jerry W. Ray on Feb. 2, 1962, in Vermilion County. They remained lifelong friends.

For over 60 years Connie provided in-home daycare. She loved children, and they loved her.

Connie was a wonderful cook and would love to share a meal. She enjoyed her coffee while visiting with family and friends. Connie also loved animals and made sure the wildlife around her was always well fed and cared for.

Connie is survived by her children Richard Thompsen of Urbana; Lonnie Ray of Urbana; Tim W. Ray and his wife, Talor of Homer; Betsy Banks and her husband Tony of Urbana and Glenview.

Grandchildren Adam Thompsen, Aaron Thompsen, Chaz Ray, Ross Ray, Collin Ray, Lauren Ray, Mason Ray (Ali), Cody Kern (Liberty), and Aubrey Kern (Isaiah). Great-grandchildren Landon Ray, Ace Ray, Benson Kern and Brother Dean (Deb) Yount of Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ivan and Helen Yount, and her sister Rita Wingler.

Connie loved to wear flannel shirts and be comfortable; casual clothing is preferred at the visitation.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Condolences may be made at Freesefh.com.

Doug Emrick

 Danville - Doug Emrick, a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend, peacefully departed this world on Aug. 29, 2026, after a medical emergency.

Born on Aug. 17, 1952, in Urbana, Doug was the beloved son of the late Ronald and Judith Emrick, who predeceased him in 2008 and 2004, respectively.

Doug was a graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School, class of 1970, where he began cultivating his lifelong love for Western movies and TV shows. His extraordinary memory for family events, birthdays, and details of old Western films and actors was a source of wonder and pride for his family and friends. He could astound anyone with his ability to recall the ages of his many cousins and recount the details of his favorite Westerns. Doug was a true aficionado of Western wear, often seen proudly sporting his cowboy hat, boots, and bolo tie on special occasions.

He is survived by his loving sister, Julie Brinkley, and her husband, Chuck, of Elliott, and his brother, Shawn Emrick, and his wife, Michelle, of Michigan City, Ind. Doug's legacy continues through his nephews, Jon Swanson and his wife, Ashleigh, Joe Emrick and his significant other, Kelly, Erika Swanson, and her significant other, Casey. He also leaves behind great-nieces Bella, Kaydence, and Payge, who will carry forward the fond memories of their beloved great-uncle.

Doug's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported him throughout his life, particularly the Developmental Services Center for their dedication in helping him acquire essential life skills over the years. The family also wishes to acknowledge the compassionate staff at the Danville New Focus program for their unwavering care and support.

In honor of Doug's memory, the family suggests donations be made to DSC, in recognition of the invaluable services they provide.

Doug will be remembered as a gentle soul with a heart full of kindness and a mind rich with memories that he generously shared with those around him. His spirit will live on in the stories retold by his family, the laughter shared in recalling his quick wit, and the love that continues to bind his family together. His life was a testament to the power of memory, tradition, and the enduring bond of family.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave. Burial will be in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.