David Harold Paoni Sr., 85, of Rochester, passed away on Wednesday Aug 3, 2022 in Rochester. Dave was born on December 12, 1936, in Springfield, the son of Dorothy DeArrow and Fred Paoni. He married Marcia Spaith on June 1, 1974 and became an instant family of 8 with their 6 children. Dave was a graduate of Feitshans High School and went on to earn a Civil Engineering Degree at U of I. He retired from the State of Illinois and enjoyed traveling the country with his beloved wife in their RV,...

Joe Lynn Wicker Jr, 30, of Illiopolis, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022 at his home. Joe was born on June 28, 1992 in Decatur, the son of Shannon (Embrey) Baker and Joe Wicker Sr. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Sandra and Mary Hames; grandparents; Sandra and Roger Embrey, Shirley and Gene Baker, and Doris and Robert Wicker; and uncle, Bob Maynard. He is survived by the love of his life, Aimee; four beautiful children, Bentley, Sopheea, Gracelynn and Everleigh Wicker; parents,...

James Hawkins II, 48, of Springfield, formerly of Illiopolis, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. James was born on March 29, 1974, in Springfield, the son of James E. and Sandra (Thornton) Hawkins. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, and was a diehard Redskins and Chicago Cubs fan. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, and one uncle, Charlie Hawkins. James is survived by his parents; son, Joshua James Hawkins; two sisters,...

Melva Josephine Sexton, age 93, passed away at Brookdale Senior Living, Glen Ellyn, IL on August 2, 2022. She was born at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL on July 3, 1929 to Otto T. and Pauline (Hemp) Rentschler.  Melva Jo graduated from Tri-City High School, Buffalo, IL in 1947. She subsequently earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Northwestern University, and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Illinois. On July 5, 1952, she married her high...

James Parrish James (Jim) E. Parrish of Dawson passed away August 2, 2022 at home.  He was born August 25, 1944 in Dos Palos, California, the son of Thomas and Edna (nee Schad) Parrish. He married Loretta Wurth on November 8, 1969 in Belleville, IL. Jim is survived by his wife, Loretta; two children: Jennifer (Brian) Fishburn of Mechanicsburg and Rebecca (David) Mourey of Dawson; two grandchildren Aaron and Rachel Fishburn, one step-grandchild Emma Mourey; and two sisters, Dianne...

Beverly Denise Coontz, 74, of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at her home. She was born on October 26, 1947, in Pittsfield, IL. the daughter of William and Hazel (Shaw) Renoud. Beverly loved gardening, quilting, crocheting, her cat Greta, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She also made the best oatmeal scotchie and chocolate chip cookies. She is preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Steve Renoud. Beverly is survived by her two daughters,...

Shirlee Ann McDaniel, 85, of Dawson, died Saturday, July 23, 2022 at her residence. Shirlee, a resident of Dawson, IL since 1972, was born June 2, 1937 in Chicago, Cook County, IL the daughter of the late George Paul (Pappas) Weber and Sue Lois (Maloney) Weber. She married Donald William McDaniel, Sr. June 3, 1957 in Waukegan, Lake County, IL. He died October 25, 2011.   In addition to her parents and husband; she was preceded in death by two sons, Glen & Robert McDaniel and...

  Joseph Lee Wall, 72, of Springfield, IL passed away at his home on Thursday July 21, 2022 in the company of his family. Joe was born in Springfield at St. John’s Hospital on February 6, 1950. He is the son of Robert and Pelagia (Bella) Wall. He was a graduate of Lanphier High School and served as an Altar Boy at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church here in Springfield. He retired from the United States Postal Service after many years as a letter carrier. He served on the board...

Lawrence Rae Bentley, AKA Snake Man “Free Bites”, 85, of Springfield, IL passed away in the company of his family on Sunday July 17, 2022. Larry was born in Springfield on September 13, 1936 and was the son of Frank L. Bentley and Frances E. (Wylie) Bentley. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph Lawrence Bentley; and his sister, Gwendolyn Frantz. Larry is survived by his son, David Rae Bentley (Marcia); daughter Kim M. Bentley; daughter, Stacy S. Bentley (Chad...

Wanda Jean (Hardway) Champion, 91, of Springfield, formerly of Rochester, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022 at The Villas in Sherman, IL. She was born and raised in Martinsville, IL, the daughter of Frank and Catherine (Gallatin) Hardway. Wanda worked many years for LLCC and retired from the State of Illinois Department of Public Health. She loved singing with her sister, Lois, a good vodka tonic, a true crime mystery (which she always solved), old westerns, and laughing. Wanda was...