Lawrence E. Taylor 77 of Clinton, Illinois passed away 12:56 A.M. December 29, 2019, at The Warner Hospital and Health Services, Clinton, Il.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the Woodlawn Church of God, Clinton, IL with Pastor Jeff DeLaughter officiating.  The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites.

Memorials may be directed to the Lawrence E. Taylor Memorial Fund.

Lawrence was born August 26, 1942, in Clinton, IL the son of Elmer and Mae (Soulyrette) Taylor. He married Ruth Martin.

Survivors include his loving wife and caregiver, Ruth Martin-Taylor, Clinton, IL and 5 children:  daughter Aimee (Brian) Jones and their 2 children Brenna Murphy and Autumn Jones, who were also his caregivers with Ruth; other children include:  Lonnie Taylor, Tammi (Lance) Gehlbach, Michelle (Mike) Taylor, and Robin Legendre.  He also has 3 living step-children:  Scott, Kim, and Stella; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; 8 siblings; 1 step-son, Mike Legendre; 1 grandson, Lawrence E. Taylor; and 2 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Helen Joan Defebaugh 79 of Clinton, IL passed away 8:56 PM December 28, 2019, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Graveside services will be 10 AM, Friday, January 3, 2020, at Macon County Memorial Park Cemetery, Harristown, IL with Pastor Nick Blacklidge officiating. Visitation will be 2 – 4 PM, Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with a service at 4 PM.

Memorials may be directed to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Helen was born July 22, 1940, in Maroa, IL the daughter of Clifford and Deloris E. (Hall) Garren. She married Robert Defebaugh in 1959.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Defebaugh, Clinton, IL, children, Lorinda Defebaugh, Clinton, IL; Curtis (Sonia) Defebaugh, Naples, FL; Martin (Phyllis) Defebaugh, Maroa, IL; Shireena Defebaugh, Chicago, IL; 8 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild; siblings, Richard Garren, Maroa, IL; and Rose Coffman, Lincoln, IL.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Darrell H. Garren; and brother, Roger D. Garren.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Joseph E. Nixon (87) of Clinton, IL passed away on December 22, 2019.  At the request of the deceased, a private graveside service was held on December 27, 2019, at Mausoleum Park Cemetery in Clinton, IL.

Joe was born August 24, 1932, in rural Weldon, IL to William McKinley and Alma Lafferty Nixon.  On April 6, 1952, he married Martha M. Lampe at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Surviving immediate family are his wife Martha and their six children Cynthia D. (Clyde) Goin Decatur, IL;  Steven L. (Susan) Nixon Dayton, OH;  Phillip R. (Cathy) Nixon Mundelein, IL;  Don M. (Carrie) Nixon Clinton, IL;  Bruce E. (Lori) Nixon Woodbury, MN; and Kyle B. Nixon Clinton, IL. 

Also surviving are 8 granddaughters, 5 grandsons, 3 great-grandsons, 2 great-granddaughters, 1 step-grandson, 1 great step-grandson, and 1 great step-granddaughter.  Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers J. Sheldon, W. David, and Teddy E.; sisters Helen M. Baker and Virginia E. Ryan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Clinton United Methodist Church Mission Committee.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

 Charleen Follis 90 of Waynesville, Illinois passed away 4:35 A.M. December 26, 2019 at her family residence, Waynesville, Il.

Services will be 11 AM, Monday, December 30, 2019 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Il. with Pastor Tony Billingsley officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Waynesville, IL. Visitation will be 2 – 4 PM, Sunday, December 29, 2019 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to Memorial Hospice, Springfield, IL.

Charleen was born August 16, 1929 in Hammond, IN the daughter of Clifford and Nemia (Spork) Bales.  She married Floyd Eugene Follis December 12, 1947 in Clinton, IL.  He passed away February 13, 1987.

Survivors include her children, Ronald Follis, Ft. Wayne, IN and Sheri (Timothy) Dawson, Waynesville, IL; 4 grandchildren:  Jessi Follis, Ft. Wayne, IN; Stephen Follis, Ft. Wayne, IN; and Jenna (Andrew) Brown, Atlanta, IL; and Dallas Dawson, Waynesville, IL; 2 great-grandchildren, Carter Follis and Kenneth Brown.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 great-grandchild, Jaxon Follis.

Charleen was a member of the McLean Christian Church.  She retired from Country Companies Insurance after 23 years of service.  Charleen was an avid Cubs fan and experienced watching the Cubs win the World Series.  She enjoyed travel and all kinds of sports.

 Donald L. Cook, 86, of Argenta, IL passed away 10:00 PM, December 24, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Private Family Services will be held at Calvert Funeral Home Argenta, IL with Earl Rodgers officiating.  Burial will follow at Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL with Military Honors.  Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM, Sunday, December 29, 2019 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Donald was born January 18, 1933 in Argenta, IL the son of Ivan and Faye (Dodd) Cook.  He married Bette Bell June 30, 1956 in Decatur, IL.  She passed away December 7, 2017.

Survivors include his sons:  Mark A. (Rosena) Cook, Argenta, IL and Lynn A. (Carol) Cook, Forsyth, IL; 6 grandchildren:  Daniel (Mindy) Cook, Las Vegas, NV; Blake Cook, Decatur, IL; Sean Cook, Decatur, IL; Tony (Samantha) Knierim, Kansas City, MO; Alyson (Jacob) Martin, Weldon, IL; and Samantha Cook, Decatur, IL; 8 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; and sister, Clara (Earl) Rodgers, Springfield, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kimberly Knierim Barnes; 2 grandsons:  Stephen Barnes and David Lee Cook; brother, Robert Cook; and sister, Mildred Fleming.

Donald retired after serving 16 years in the Navy and 4 years in the Airforce.  He served in Vietnam.  Donald worked for the City of Argenta in the Streets and Water Department.

Robert “Bob” K. Barnett, 92 of Maroa, IL passed away 12:40 PM December 17, 2019 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Services will be 1 PM, Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Calvert Funeral Home, Maroa, IL with Scott Marsh officiating. Visitation will be 11 AM – 1 PM Saturday at the funeral home. Private graveside services will be at the Maroa Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Bob was born November 19, 1927 in Austin Township, Maroa, IL the son of Frank Barnett and Ann (Perkins) Barnett Caplinger. He married Doris Joan Wilkey May 16, 1947 in Maroa, IL. She passed away October 14, 1991.

Survivors include his children, Caroline Barnett, Urbana, IL, Roberta “Bobbe” (Jesse “Squeak”) Mathews, Decatur, IL, Lucinda “Cindy” (Todd Hall) Barnett, Maroa, IL, Teresa “Treak” Barnett, Clinton, IL, Bob’s special lady friend, Joyce Landis, Argenta, IL, 3 grandchildren, William “Bill” Barnett, Maroa, IL, Rhett Tyler Mathews, Decatur, IL, Mary (Coleman) Mathews, Decatur, IL, great grandchildren, John-Michael, Patrick, McKenzi, Emma, Olivia, Wil (Julie), along with 3 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and 1 grandson, Rodney Mathews.

Bob graduated from the Maroa-Forsyth High School in 1946. He retired from General Transfer in Decatur in 1990 after 44 years of truck driving. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Local #279. After retirement, he worked for several area farmers. Bob took great pride in maintaining his lawn, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Blake Newman, 25 of Phoenix, AZ formerly of Clinton, IL passed away 11:52 PM
December 16, 2019 at Abrazo West Campus, Goodyear, AZ. Calvert Funeral Home,
Clinton, IL is in charge of arrangements.

 Timothy Ray Craven 68 of Gifford, Illinois passed away December 13, 2019 at OSF Heart Of Mary Medical Center, Urbana, Il.

Memorial services will be 10 AM, Friday, December 20, 2019 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Pastor Randy Downing officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wapella, IL.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Timothy was born September 2, 1951 in Hannibal, MO.

Survivors include his wife, Rosemary (Brady) Craven, Gifford, IL; sons, Brad (Denise) Craven and John Craven; and grandsons, Nathan and Matthew Craven, all of Hannibal, MO.  Sister-in-law, Cathy Craven, New London, MO; his sister, Marsha (Leon) Downing; nephews, Terry (Lori) Downing and Randy (Bonnie) Downing, all of Danville, IL and many nieces and nephews also survive.  A special uncle, Dale Campbell, of Catlin, IL survives.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Ann Craven; his brother, Bud Craven; and grandparents, Herman and Mildred Barnes.

Tim served as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy.  He was a master carpenter and woodworker.

Growing up in Saverton, MO and spending time with his grandparents were among Tim’s fondest memories.  He enjoyed working and attending auctions at Hannagan’s Auction Company in Gordyville.

 Donna G. Baker 93 of Clinton, Illinois passed away 4:45 PM December 12, 2019 at OSF Healthcare, Bloomington, Il.

Services will be 11 AM, Thursday, December 19, 2019 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Il. with Cody Monkman officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, Il. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM, Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to First Christian Church, Clinton, Il.

Donna was born November 15, 1926 in Clinton, Il. the daughter of Ted R. and Irma (Dickmeier) Taylor. She married Richard W. Baker February 23, 1947 in Clinton, Il. He passed away November 24, 1999.

Survivors include her children, Alecia (Tom) Butler, Springfield, Il.; Marti Lintner, Zionsville, Indiana; 4 Grandchildren, and 6 Great-grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her Parents.

Donna was a member of the First Christian Church, Clinton, Il.

Gloria Arlene Walker 81 of Decatur, Illinois passed away on December 12, 2019.

Private graveside services will be at Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL.  Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, IL assisted the family with arrangements.

The family requests no flowers.

Gloria was born September 7, 1938, in Decatur, IL the daughter of Leland and Helen (Day) Merriman.

Survivors include her husband, Terry, of 63 years; children:  Deana (Tom) Koudelik of Houston; Terry Alan Walker of Tucson; and Shanna Garren of Decatur; grandsons Matt Oliver and Dale Koudelik.  She is also survived by her sisters Dixie Hood and Donna Liesse, and her sisters-in-law Tamara Kay Edgecombe and Naomi Walker.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

 Martha Louise Johnson Singleton 77 of Clinton, Il. passed away 10:37 A.M. December 12, 2019 at Manor Court, Clinton, Il.

Services will be 11 AM, Monday, December 16, 2019 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Il. with Rev.. Michael Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, Il. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM, Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the First Church of the Nazarene, Clinton, Il. or to the National Heart and Lung Association.

Martha was born January 11, 1942 in Malden, Missouri the daughter of James Homer and Lemma Albertina (Harris) Johnson.

Survivors include her sons, Bobby Gene Singleton, Jr., Clinton, IL; Marcus Homer (Connie) Singleton, Lane, IL; grandson, Marcus Keith (Paige) Singleton, Malden, Missouri; siblings, Charles (Wanda) Johnson, Malden, Missouri; Marilee (Wayne) Jakobitz, Clinton, Il.;

Martha was preceded in death by her Parents and brother, Jerry Homer Johnson.

Martha worked at several jobs in Bloomington, Decatur and in Clinton. She retired from Illinois Power in 2000. She had many friends and co-workers there.

A special thanks to all who prayed for Martha and her family and to the nurses and workers at Manor Court of Liberty Village, also to the nurses and workers of the OSF Hospice in Bloomington, Il. 

 Mary Winifred Bradshaw, 83, of Clinton, IL passed away 3 A.M. December 12, 2019 at Manor Court, Clinton, Il.

Services will be 10 AM, Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Texas Christian Church, Clinton, IL with Scott Marsh and Pastor Joe Bradshaw officiating. Burial will follow at Harmony Cemetery, Beason, IL. Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM, Monday, December 16, 2019 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL.

Memorials may be directed to the Texas Christian Church, Second Chance Pet Adoption or to the Mary Bradshaw Memorial Fund.

Mary was born November 1, 1936 in Beason, IL the daughter of Claude and Cora (Lovan) Lowery. She married Arvest D. Bradshaw August 11, 1956 in Lacon, IL. He passed away March 28, 2000.

Survivors include daughters, Frances Clark, Mesa, AZ; Bev Dial, Mesa, AZ; Barbara (Larry) Boehl, Clinton, IL; Tina Leathers, Clinton, IL; and Annette (Troy) Lashbrook, Clinton, IL, 16 grandchildren, along with many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Mildred (Jewel) Presswood.

Mary was a member of the Texas Christian Church, where she was the Treasurer for many years. She had worked for UPS for over 10 years and at State Farm.

Mary was a big lover of animals and supported many their organizations.

Virginia Sue (Keysear) Barlow, 80, Farmer City died at 6:20 a.m. Sunday (Dec. 1, 2019) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

Virginia Sue Keysear was born June 25, 1939 in Urbana to Charles and Guyneth Keysear. She married Roger Barlow on Nov. 12, 1960 at the Farmer City United Methodist Church. He survives in Farmer City. She is also survived by her sons, Kevin, of Farmer City, and Ken, of Indianapolis, Ind.; a niece who she loved as a daughter, Tabitha Keysear of Washington; nephew, Tim Keysear, of Austin, Tex.; grand-nieces Victoria Lenz, Savannah Budd, Jacqueline Keysear, a grand-nephew, Logan Keysear; and her grand-dog, Dugger.

She was preceeded in death by her parents; an infant son, Timothy; and two brothers, Rick, and Guy.

Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home in Farmer City is in charge of arrangements.

She attended elementary and junior high school in Normal and graduated from Moore High School in Farmer City in 1957.

Virginia was a teacher's aide in the Farmer City-Mansfield School District and then, later, an office manager for Classic Coil in Farmer City. She also worked as an engineer's aid at the Clinton Power Station, retiring in May 2000.

Virginia and Roger started their lives together in Farmer City in the 1960s, moved to Cissna Park in the 1970s, and returned to rural Farmer City in 1973. They shared a love for country music and local opry shows. Together, they helped create the Prairie Promenaders Square Dance club in the 1970s. Virginia loved all of the family dogs, including Dugger, who lives in Indianapolis, with Ken. That passion led her and Roger to volunteer with Mobile Mutts, an organization which helps transfer adopted dogs to their forever homes. She also enjoyed the holidays including the annual traditions of baking, decorating and shopping, The team at eGov Strategies (co-founded by Ken) in Indianapolis always awaited and appreciated the arrival of new candies from Virginia's kitchen.

A visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday night at the Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home in Farmer City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Farmer City United Methodist Church. Cremation rites will be accorded.

Memorials may be made to the Mobile Mutts Rescue Transport of Champaign.