Carl E. Smith, 94, of Atlanta, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. 

Private memorial services will be held at Eminence Christian Church, rural Atlanta, with Pastor Henry Johnson officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery. 

Carl Eugene Smith was born July 12, 1926, in Keosauqua, Iowa, the son of Lester W. and Neva M. Arnold Smith. Carl wed Mary Jane Short on January 2, 1953. Mary passed away on October 28, 2020. 

Carl is survived by his children: Gregory (Sue) Smith, Carla (Marty) Bale, Elizabeth (Rick) Foster, Debra (Shayne Carroll) Ball, Michael (Judy Grooms) Smith, Tami (Rob) Tammeus, and Angelia (Ed) Harrison; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wilbert Smith, and one sister, Twila Wojcik. 

Carl enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 at the age of 17. He was an electrician in the Navy during WWII. He was a graduate of Iowa State and worked at Willow Farms in LaGrange, Ill. In 1950, he came to Atlanta as the manager of Willow Farms Dairy. Carl was one of several businessmen who decided to turn one of the dairy buildings into a bowling alley. He was Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation and became an avid bowler. 

Carl worked at the Atlanta National Bank for over 50 years as Executive Vice President and Board Member. He was currently Vice President of the board. 

Carl and his wife, Mary, started the Veterans flags program around the square in Atlanta. He designed and built a cart that is used to store and facilitate the placement of the flags, which now number over 350. Carl belonged to the Atlanta American Legion Post #341, Atlanta Rotary Club, and the Atlanta Masonic Lodge #165 A.F. & A.M. He was a member of Eminence Christian Church.

Carl's hobbies were gardening, woodworking, and restoring vintage cars. 

Memorials may be made to the Eminence Christian Church or Atlanta Rescue Squad. 

Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta. 

Delmar E. Bateson, 88 of Clinton, IL, passed away 5:25 AM January 16, 2021 at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, IL.

No services are planned at this time. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites.

Memorials may be directed to Delmar E. Bateson Memorial Fund

Delmar was born July 21, 1932 in Clinton, IL the son of John and Mary (Hitchel) Bateson.

Survivors include his children, Michael Carter, Clinton, IL; Billy Riggs, Clinton, IL; and Corina Shaw, Clinton, IL; grandchildren, Karamay Carter, Clinton, IL; Richard Carter, Paxton; along with 3 more grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and longtime companion, Donna Carter.

Delmar worked for Wilson-Reeves for 40 years. He loved going to the races, fried chicken but especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

 Marilyn K. Watkins 81 of Clinton, Illinois passed away 9:29 A.M. January 11, 2021 at her family residence, Clinton, Il.

A Celebration of Marilyn’s Life will be held June 10, 2021 at a location to be announced later..  Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Illinois assisted the family with cremation rites.

Memorials may be directed to the ASPCA to take care of homeless pets.

Marilyn was born July 4, 1939 in Veedersburg, IN the daughter of Wallace and Madge (Carey) Shell. She married Gerald R. “Jerry” Watkins June 10, 1957 in Bloomington, IL.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Watkins, Clinton, IL; children:  Steve (Janice) Watkins, Clinton, IL; Thomas (Jill) Watkins, Normal, IL; Tina (Garrett Wright) Beck, Fountain Hills, AZ; and Tonya Watkins, Fountain Hills, AZ; 12 grandchildren:  Ruth (Verlyn) Wiesner, Erik (Kristen) Petersen, Erin Petersen, Adam Cooper, Cori Urban, Joshua Howry, Alleria Watkins, Jason (Leeann) Williams, Zach (Paris) Beck, Quintin (Sarah) Beck, Garrett Watkins, and Jacob Arnfield; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her Parents.

Marilyn and her mother were chefs at the YWCA cafeteria in Bloomington, IL and in 1984 became the chef at The Stadium Restaurant in Normal, IL.  She was later employed at Watkins Jewelry in Clinton, IL.  Marilyn loved her family and her Bichon Frise, Baron.

 David A. Baker 83 of Clinton, IL passed away 7:10 PM January 11, 2021 at his family residence, Clinton, IL.

Graveside services will be at a later date at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Illinois with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to Second Chance Pet Adoption.

David was born July 5, 1937 in Gravette, Arkansas the son of Maurice J. and Gladys Leola Mae (James) Baker. He married Vonajean Schmidt on November 6, 1959 in Bloomington, IL. She passed away January 15, 2019.

Survivors include his children, Jean Ann Baker, Clinton, IL, Teresa Lynne Baker, Clinton, IL, Michael A. Baker, Clinton, IL; 7 grandchildren, Kindra, Cami, Kelley, Jeremy, Christine, Kayla, and Laura; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings:  John Baker, Lois (Ron) Hall, Joseph Baker, Carole (James) Kalmes; and Rita Baker.

David was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters.

David retired from Revere Copper & Brass, Inc.  He enjoyed bowling and horseshoe pitching and was an avid fisherman.

 Mary Jane White 70 of Clinton, IL passed away 4:42 PM January 11, 2021 at Manor Court, Clinton, Il.

Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Mausoleum Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL with Rev. Fr. James Henning officiating. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to The Mary Jane White Memorial Fund.

Mary was born October 23, 1950 in Clinton, IL the daughter of Edwin and Marjorie (Cross) Manners. She married Stephen M. White March 8, 1973 in Decatur, IL.

Survivors include her husband, Stephen M. White, Clinton, IL, children, Mindy Lynn Robeson; Michael Shane (Tonya) White, Clinton, IL, 4 grandchildren, Taylor Robeson, Aiden Robeson, Kyle Berry, and Summer Berry and 3 great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, 1 sister, and 1 niece.

 James Kenneth Dolly, 78, of Decatur, IL passed away 4:45 AM, January 14, 2021 at his daughter’s residence in Argenta, IL.

Visitation will be 2 PM Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL. Services at 2:30 PM with Wayne Kent officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, IL with Military Honors. 

James was born February 5, 1942 in DeWitt, IL the son of Dare and Iona Dolly. He married his lifelong sweetheart, Charlene Crowell. James served in the Army from 1960 to 1966 and was an excellent rifle marksman.  He was a talented millwright, carpenter, farmer, as well as a master of many traits.  He enjoyed the outdoors, trap shooting and hunting.  James was also an expert dog trainer; he mostly enjoyed training his rabbit and squirrel dogs.

Survivors include his wife, Charlene Dolly; children, Cara Dolly, Rachel (Jeff) Harris, Kendall (Danny) Briscoe; sister, Carol (Lester) Weigley; grandchildren, Megan (Josh) Macklin, Morgan (Garret) Grothaus, Paige (Jared) Cothren, Elliot, Lanie, and Dylan Briscoe and Kobie Reeves-Fowler; great-grandchildren, Grayden and Gibson Macklin, Cooper and Mila James Grothaus (on the way), Lola and Hank Cothren

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Robert Surrema; sister, Jean Carter; brother, Keith Dolly; and children, John and Rose Meyers.. 

 C. David. Lawson, 64 of Bloomington, IL passed away 12:20 PM January 1, 2021 at his home in Bloomington, IL.

No services are planned at this time. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites.

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

Charles was born August 28, 1956 in Bloomington, IL the son of Charles and Irma (Walden) Lawson.

Survivors include his sons, Charles Lawson, Jr. and Willie Lawson; along with his aunt, Lois Thayer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Timothy Lawson.

 Bill G. Carson, 79 of Clinton, IL passed away 5:03 PM January 1, 2021 at Missouri Baptist Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Services will be 6 PM, Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 2810 Tractor Lane, Bloomington, IL with Pastor Russ Strange and William Zink officiating. Visitation will be 4 – 6 PM Tuesday at the church. Graveside services will be 2 PM Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Anna Cemetery, Anna, IL. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Bill G. Carson Memorial Fund.

Bill was born April 29, 1941 in Villa Ridge, Pulaski County, IL the son of Edward Gene and Wanda (Goins) Carson. He married Elmeta S. Hastings July 16, 1959 in Paducah, Kentucky. She passed away July 19, 2002. He later married Debora Kaye Beery October 27, 2007 in Jacksonville, IL.

Survivors include his wife, Debora Carson, Clinton, IL, children, Bill (Karen) Carson, Concord, NC; Tammy (Russ) Strange, Jackson, OH; Lisa (William) Zink, Jackson, OH, 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 1 great grandson on the way, and brother, John (Marlene) Carson, Clinton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two infant daughters, Christina Diana and Rachel Faith.

Bill’s career started by supporting his young family hauling fuel oil throughout southern Illinois. He then was able to join local 23 plumbers and pipe fitters and worked in various positions in the construction of power plants, something he dearly loved. He is probably best known for Piping Superintendent at the Clinton nuclear plant where he was able to support his now mature family. He loved this opportunity, because of the challenges it brought, and he was able to help several start a new career. After retirement he was able to continue his passion through consulting, as a result he and Elmeta could travel and enjoy warmer weather.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, golf, playing music, sitting around the fire, swinging, playing and singing songs for the kids, sitting on the deck, and spending time with his nieces and nephews. His greatest passions were loving God, supporting missionaries and helping others in need. 

 Harry Dean Breighner, 89 of Rochester, IL formerly of Clinton, IL passed away 8:17 PM December 30, 2020 of natural causes at the Illinois Veterans Home, Quincy, IL.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL with military honors. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior’s Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Harry was born July 31, 1931 in Clinton, IL the son of Harry Daneil and Doris (Sprauge) Breighner. He married Leah Delle Newcome December 27, 1952 at the Clinton Presbyterian Church. She passed away September 21, 1998.

Survivors include his daughter, Kayla Jo Porter and her husband Michael E., Rochester, IL, granddaughter, his pride and joy, Dr. Kalysa R. Porter, M.D.., MPH, a pediatric Anesthesiologist and her husband Dustin Smith, Florence, KY, two sisters, Diane Simmons and her husband Ralph and Carol Parker, along with 4 nieces and 5 nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Archie and three nephews.

Harry worked and retired as a Locomotive Engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad. He also worked part-time as a Licensed Legal Investigator, serving two terms as Director of the National Association of Legal Investigators.  Harry served in the U.S. Navy, as a Radio Operator, during the Korean War.  He was very patriotic and held lifetime memberships in numerous military associations.  Harry was a Master Mason for 57 years, serving as a member in the York Rite College – Commandery of the Knights Templar and the Ansar Shrine Legion of Honor.  Harry had a myriad of interests: he was a member of the U.S. Martial Arts Association, attaining the level of 6th Degree Black Belt in both Judo and JuJitsu; he was inducted into the U..S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame, receiving the Golden Life Award.  Harry loved music and was an amazing dancer.  He was also a member of the Land of Lincoln Barber Shop Chorus.  Harry was a Leatherwork Craftsman, specializing in hand-tooled Weight-Lifting Belts as well as Barbarian and Disney Character wall hangings.