Lois J. Kearns, 92 of Mt. Zion, IL passed away 1:45 PM February 17, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Oreana, IL

Private Graveside Services will be at Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL at a later date.  Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, IL assisted the family with cremation rites.

Memorials may be directed to Memorial Hospice.

Lois was born November 9, 1928 in Shelby County, IL the daughter of Arthur and Reba (Chatham) Salmons. She married Ralph Fletcher on April 16, 1947.   He passed away November 19, 1989. She later married Jordan Kearns on June 26, 1997 in Oreana, IL. He passed away on August 10, 2016.

Survivors include her children, Marsha (Tom) Michel, Oreana, IL; Craig (Joanna) Fletcher, Oakley, IL; Vicki Fletcher, Miamisburg, OH; Rita (Keith) Moeller, Waynesville, OH; John (Nan Turner) Fletcher, Argenta, IL; Cheryl (Chuck) Conway, Oreana, IL; Kim (Jeff) Cochran, Christiansburg, VA; 14 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren with 1 great-great-grandchild on the way.

Lois was preceded in death by her Parents, 5 Brothers and 4 Sisters.

Lois was a member of the First Baptist Church, Mt. Zion, IL. She enjoyed sewing, yard work, and gardening.

 John Earl Welch 81 of Clinton, Illinois passed away 9:12 A.M. February 18, 2021 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL.

Services will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at the First Christian Church, Clinton, IL with Pastor Stephen Bradd officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, Il. Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM, Monday, February 22, 2021 at the First Christian Church, Clinton, IL.  Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Church of Christ, Clinton, IL.

John was born October 18, 1939 at the family home near Birkbeck, IL the son of Nathan and Mary Ona (Spencer) Welch. He married Nita K. Barnhill on June 6, 1959 in Clinton, IL.

Survivors include his wife, Nita K. Welch, Clinton, Il.; children:  John “Mike” (Deb) Welch, Decatur, IL; Jeff (Patty) Welch, Clinton, IL; Susan (Tony Brennan) Welch, Clinton, IL; and Steve (Sherri) Welch, Waynesville, IL; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter; and siblings, Merle Welch, Clinton, IL and Mabel Rich, Minooka, IL.

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

John retired after 30 years of service at Caterpillar Tractor.  After retirement, he worked at the elevator in Birkbeck.  John enjoyed bowling and fishing, and he loved his dog, Tinker.  He was most proud of the hard work ethic he instilled in his children.  Spending time with his family and family dinners is what John enjoyed most of all.  He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

 Sarah Alice Taylor 85 of Weldon, Illinois passed away 1:16 A.M. February 20, 2021 at Carle BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal, Il.

Visitation will be 9 – 10 AM, Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at the Weldon Baptist Church, Weldon, IL.  A private graveside service will follow at Weldon Cemetery, Weldon, IL with Rev. H. Gene Stringer officiating.  Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to The Sarah Alice Taylor Memorial Fund.

Sarah was born January 3, 1936 in Burkesville, Kentucky the daughter of Ureah Wilson and Lula (Spears) Thrasher.

She married Jesse Taylor December 13, 1952 in Burkesville, Kentucky. He passed away November 1, 2001..

Survivors include her children, Jesse “Earl” Taylor, Weldon, IL; Carol (Harry) Massey, Weldon, IL; and Sharon (Don) Dunham, Saybrook, IL; 6 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren; and “special friend”, Wilbur Brown, Weldon, IL.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sons, and 2 brothers.

Sarah was a member of the Weldon Baptist Church where she was very involved.  She loved the Lord and enjoyed Bible Study and listening to Gospel Music.  Sarah loved to garden, flowers, doing word searches and Bingo, sewing and quilting, and fishing. 

The family would like to extend a “special thanks” to Sarah’s caregiver, Denise Johnson, and to Carle BroMenn Hospice and the Clinton Ambulance Service.

Gloria Jean Alsup, 70, of Maroa, IL passed away at 2:10 PM, February 18, 2021 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Services will be 11 AM, Monday, February 22, 2021 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Pastor Nick Blacklidge officiating.  Burial will follow at Texas Township Cemetery, Clinton, IL.  Visitation will be 4 – 6 PM, Sunday, February 21, 2021 at the funeral home.

Memorial may be directed to The Clinton Assembly of God Church.

Gloria was born July 12, 1950 in Clinton, IL the daughter of Ralph W. and L. Margaret (Miller) Pair.  She married Gary Dee Alsup February 14, 1970 in Clinton, IL.  He passed away April 2, 2014.

Survivors include her children, Gary Dee (Brandi) Alsup, Jr., Clinton, IL and Gina (Joseph) Braun, Kenney, IL; 5 grandchildren:  Keegan Alsup, Camdyn Alsup, Hayden Alsup, Calin Braun, and Callie Braun; siblings: Grace (Larry) Baer, Lebanon, IN; Martha Rose (Donald) Welch, Clinton, Il.; and Deanna Kay (Steve) Brannan, Clinton, Il; and her best friend of 57 years, Karen Steele.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Gloria was a member of the Clinton Assembly of God Church, Clinton, IL where she taught Sunday School and directed the Children’s Choir as well the Children’s Christmas program for over 48 years. 

The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Lou Ann Nortrup (Gloria’s sister-in-law) for her special care.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

 David Wesley Torbert, loving husband, father, son and brother, passed away Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Ill. He was 36.

Born to John and Denise (Powers) Torbert, David grew up in Clinton as the youngest – and clearly favorite – of four siblings (just don’t tell the others). He spent his early years at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago overcoming insurmountable health complications with a smile on his face and a prank in his back pocket for nurses and doctors alike.

David showed a love of sports at an early age, following everything from football and basketball to baseball and golf. In high school, he turned his love of sports into a hobby and career, serving as a member of the Clinton High School golf team, working as a sportswriter for the local newspaper and officiating youth soccer and basketball games at the Clinton Community YMCA. He was an avid Cubs fan, proclaiming them the greatest baseball team on earth and arguing with anyone who dared disagree with him..

He and his wife, Rachel (Baum) were high school classmates and college sweethearts. The pair married in 2008 after David graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in journalism and coaching. David and Rachel spent a short stint in Nebraska, where David begrudgingly worked as sportswriter covering the Nebraska Huskers before moving back to settle in Clinton.

Using his writing and communication talents in a variety of jobs, David settled in as the Youth and Adult Sports Program Director for the Clinton Community YMCA, where he served as the Camp Osage director and coordinated all youth sports programs. Teaching and coaching youth basketball, football and soccer, and instilling a love of sport, sportsmanship and Christian principles of the YMCA, was a task he dearly loved.

David also volunteered his time with the DeWitt County Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Central Illinois CEO program and the DeWitt County Development Council.

David’s family, wife and daughter, and friends, were a top priority, and he expressed his love often, always flashing a million-dollar smile and willing to drop anything to help a friend or family member in need.

He is survived in death by his wife, Rachel, and daughter, Hannah; parents, John and Denise; brother, Tim (Stephanie) Torbert and nephew Jake and niece Alexa; sister Jamie (Christopher) McGrew and nephews Liam, Quinn and Conor; sister Amie Farrell and nieces Eileen and Elise; and sister Tracie (Neil) Kennedy and nieces Ellie and Emerson and nephews Cooper, Anderson and Oliver.

David was preceded in death by his grandparents Herman and Brownie Powers and Dude and Dixie Torbert.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and current public health directives, a private memorial and graveside service for family and invited guests will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at Calvert Funeral Home, in Clinton. Given David’s love of youth sports and his affinity for nurses and doctors who saved his life as a child, the family requests any memorial donations be made to Clinton Community YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, 417 S. Alexander St., Clinton, IL 61727 and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

A public celebration of life will follow at the Clinton Community YMCA this summer. 

 Brian F. Skrobot, 52 of Weldon, IL passed away 12:57 PM February 12, 2021 at his family home in Weldon, IL.

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

Memorials may be directed to Brian F. Skrobot Memorial Fund.

Brian was born June 18, 1968 in New Brunswick, NJ the son of Frederick and Delores (Wakefield) Skrobot. He married Lauren Reminger November 16, 1996.

Survivors include his wife, Lauren Skrobot, Weldon, IL, children, Alexander Skrobot, Champaign, IL, Casper Skrobot, Champaign, IL, and Theodore Olson, Champaign, IL mother: Delores Skrobot, Effingham, IL, siblings, James “Jim” Skrobot, Paul Skrobot, and Diane Hagler.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Being a teacher was his greatest joy in life, other than family.

Scott Brown, 65, of Lincoln passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at his home.

Funeral Services for Scott will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.  at the Jefferson Street Christian Church with Mr. Pete Verkruyse officiating.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at the Jefferson Street Christian Church. Additional visitation will be held from9:30 a.m. Thursday until time of the service.

A Law Enforcement / EMS / Fire Department walk through will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday night during the visitation.

Burial will be at a later date at New Union Cemetery in Lincoln.

Derald Scott Brown was born on June 28, 1955 in Decatur the son of Derald A.. and Shirley R. Sarver Brown. He was united in marriage to Dawn Ellen Coers on October 23, 2008. She survives.

Also surviving are his children: Loan N. Nguyen (Binh) Duong,  Thao N. (Michael) Mayberry, Glendon (Andrea) Bradley, Grant (Kelsey Voss) Bradley, Andrew Scott (Kami) Brown. Two sisters: Kathy S. (Rick) Fite, Sarah (Donovan) Lacox. Eight grandchildren: Olivia Brown, Jessica Nguyen, Christopher Duong, Chase Mayberry, Emily Mayberry, Gabriel Bradley, Duke Bradley, Mason Voss.

Scott graduated from the Warrensburg-Latham High School in 1973.

He is a member and Deacon at the Prairieland Christian Church in Hartsburg.

Scott was employed at Wagner Castings in Decatur for 10 years and at Turris Coal Mine for five years..  He later was employed as a Logan County Deputy Sheriff for 21 years and he also worked in Mt. Pulaski as a Police Officer for 5 years. After retirement he worked as Logan County Courthouse Security Officer

He owned and operated the Lincoln Tae Kwondo Center since 1980.

Scott was a loving husband, dad and grandfather.

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

Peasley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

John H. Sutton, 78,of Lincoln passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:00 a..m. with Rev. Jeffrey G Laible officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a..m. until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 19, 2021. 

Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Danville, Illinois on Friday at 1:30 p.m. 

John Herbert Sutton was born on July 7, 1942 in Decatur the son of Herbert Blaine and Mary Elizabeth Klacik Sutton.
 
He is survived by one nephew: Emmitt Chastain of Rochester.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister: Carolyn Marie Chastain.

John graduated from St. Teresa High School in Decatur in 1960. He later attended 
Sangamon State University, Illinois State University and Millikin University.

He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

John taught school at Mt. Auburn and Beason School districts, later working in Mental Health for the Department of Corrections. He also owned the Clock shop and The Wood works. He also restored Carousel Horses. 

He was also devoted to honoring the men and women in the Armed Services by playing TAPS at many funerals over the years for American Legion Post #263.

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Rickey E. Kessler, 70, of McLean passed away at his home on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10:45 a.m. 

No services are scheduled at this time. Private family celebration of life will be held at a later date to be determined. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Rickey Eugene Kessler was born on August 23, 1950 in White Hall, Illinois the son of Eugene DeVere and Willmeth Eileene Wooldridge Kessler. He was united in marriage to Nancy Lee Razor on July 10, 1971. She preceded him in death on November 22, 2018.

He is survived by his children: Amy (Brian) Bennett, Rick (Nikki) Kessler, Brittany Kessler. Four grandchildren: Kyle (Nicki) Peckmann, Jake Peckmann,
Austin Peckmann, Kristopher Kessler.

Mr. Kessler graduated from Normal Community High School in 1968. 

He retired from IAA.

Memorials may be made to the Mt. Hope Funks Grove Fire Department. 

 Michael A. “Stymie” Moore 50 of Clinton, IL passed away 12:57 PM February 7, 2021 at Carle Hospital, Urbana, IL.

Services will be 10 AM Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the First Christian Church, Clinton, IL with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM Friday, February 12, 2021 at the First Christian Church, Clinton, IL. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Michael A. Moore Memorial Fund.

Michael was born May 7, 1970 in Decatur, IL the son of John and Gloria (Nesteby) Hunt. He married Heather Strauch, February 6, 1999 in Washington, IL.

Survivors include wife, Heather Moore, Clinton, IL, children, Emma Moore, Fisher, IL; Anna Moore, Clinton, IL; James Moore, Clinton, IL; and Zachary Moore, Clinton, IL, parents, John and Gloria Hunt, Clinton, IL, Siblings, Kelly (Candace) Moore, Clinton, IL; Leslie (Fiancé Randy Kuker) Hunt, Clinton, IL; Scott (Lynn) Hunt, Mexico, MO; Sandra Weber, Mexico, MO; Laura (Paul) Wade, Clinton, IL; Julie (Corey) Nettles, Columbia, MO; and Bill (Kelly) Hunt, Mexico, MO.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother; uncle, Dr. James Nesteby; grandmother, Elanor Nesteby, grandparents, Dean and Nona Hunt.

Stymie worked for Serv-Pro in Champaign-Urbana for three years. He was a 1988 graduate of Clinton High School. His passions include his children, rock hunting, spending time with his friends and family, and cats. He organized and was a chairperson for Run For Life as well as being a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Clinton, Farmer City, Monticello, and Mahomet. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

Stymie always had a joke to tell. If one would use a movie to describe him, it would be “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

 Thomas A Conaty Sr. of rural Clinton, IL born May 5, 1949 in Springfield, IL passed February 6, 2021 in Bloomington IL surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his father

James, stepfather Al, mother June and two brothers - Jerry and Richard. He is survived by his

wife of 51 years Beth, sons Tom Jr (Dawn) of Leroy and William (Trina) of Clinton and

grandchildren Garrett, Jacob, and Ethan of Leroy and Keegan, Cayl, and Kieran of Clinton. He

was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam Conflict. During his life, he worked as a finished cabinet maker with his stepfather, owned and operated a gas

station/garage, was a police officer, worked in management for Murray’s Shoe Company,

farmed and did custom corn shelling, provided armed security at the Clinton Nuclear Power

Station and most recently he retired from owning and operating Conaty Trucking in 2017 but

continued to stay active doing farm work. He spent 31 years serving the Kenney Fire Dept as a

firefighter and more recently as President of the Board of Trustees. He was a loving son,

father, grandfather and friend to many.

Services will be 10 AM, Friday, February 12, 2021 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Scott Marsh officiating and Military Honors following. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, IL with Firefighter Honors. Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM Thursday, February 11, 2021 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kenney Fire Protection District Building Fund.

 Darrell W. Batson, 81 of Hopkinsville, KY, formerly of Oreana, IL passed away 2:50 PM January 30, 2021 at Jennie Stuart Medical Center, Hopkinsville, KY.

Services will be 10 A.M., Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta with Pastor Bob Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Mark Batson, Devin Voyles, David Swann, Collin Lancaster, Brad Binkley and Steve Halford Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM Friday, February 5, 2021 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, Il.

Memorials in Darrell’s name may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Darrell was born March 10, 1939 in Decatur, IL the son of Walter and Mildred (Baker) Batson. He married, the love of his life, Avis J. Westerman April 2, 1960 in North Augusta, SC.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Avis J. Batson, Hopkinsville, KY, children, Mark (Toni) Batson, Hopkinsville, KY; Sue (David) Swann, Hendersonville, TN, grandson, Devin (Jennifer) Voyles, Monticello, IL, granddaughter, Jordyn (Collin) Voyles, Hendersonville, TN, great-grandsons, Noah, Eli and , Luke, sisters, Billie Jean Miller, Alexandra, AR; Carol Ann Batson, Decatur, IL, brother, Gary Batson, Decatur, IL; Nephews, Tony Kelsheimer, Decatur, Il.; Mike Miller, Alexandra, AR; Steve Miller, Alexandra, AR and Niece, Shelley Miller, Alexandra, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother.

Darrell served his country in the Army for 3 years. After being a resident of Oreana for 41 years, Darrell moved to Hopkinsville, KY 13 years ago.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Hopkinsville, KY. He worked as tire inspector at Firestone, Decatur, IL for 31 years and was a member of the Rubber Workers Union, Decatur, IL.

Darrell was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

 Jack R. Wrage 80 of Clinton, IL passed away 10:20 A.M. January 29, 2021 at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be at a later date. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites.

Memorials may be directed to American Heart Association or the United Spinal Association.

Jack was born May 7, 1940 in Decatur, IL the son of John and Alma (Ploense) Wrage. He married Sherri L. Sullivan June 4, 1973.

Survivors include his wife, Sherri L. Wrage, Clinton, IL, children, Jason (Jennifer) Wrage, Plainfield, IL and Jeffrey (Stephanie) Wrage, Wapella, IL, grandchildren, Will, Charles, and Henry of Plainfield, IL and Halle and Maesie of Wapella, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.

Jack farmed all his life in DeWitt County until retiring in 2012. He enjoyed target shooting and hiking.

 Phillip W. Odle 80 of Decatur, IL passed away 1:36 PM January 30, 2021 at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Private graveside services will be at Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, IL with arrangements. A celebration of Phillip’s life will be at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Phillip was born August 19, 1940 in West Frankfort, IL the son of Clyde and Alice (Irby) Odle. He married Roberta O. Goken on May 26, 1961 in Argenta, IL. She passed away October 15, 2013.

Survivors include his children, Kellie L. Odle, Decatur, IL and Laurie A. (Jim) Odle-White, Villa Park, IL, grandchildren, Meghan (Daniel) Austin, Decatur, IL; Jessica (Shane) Ingolia, Oviedo, FL; Nicole Laughery, Decatur, IL; Colin and Brianna White, both of Villa Park, IL; great-grandchildren, Madilynne and Cole Austin, both of Decatur, IL; Aurie, Aiden, and Anderson Ingolia, Oviedo, FL, brothers, Clyde (Marilyn) Odle, Lockport, IL; Jerry Lee (Linda) Odle, Monticello, IL; Tom (Sharon) Odle, Decatur, IL; and Robert Odle, Goodyear, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Phillip worked for Bodine Electric for over 41 years, becoming the Vice President of Construction. He was an avid outdoorsman and a phenomenal father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.