John A. Brady, born 1936, entered into eternal rest at the age of 88 on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

John was born in Clinton, Illinois, and lived his whole life in the Village of Kenney. In 1956, John married Donna Dolores, and during their 68 years of marriage, they raised two children. 

John worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) and retired as a Division Manager in 1992 after 35 years of service. Throughout his life, John was an active member of the Kenney Christian Church, where he served as Deacon, Elder and Chairman of the Board for many years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell L. and Frances Irene Brady, and by his sister Janet Burns.

John is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his two children: Danny D. (Val) Brady, of Nokomis, IL, and Debbie D. (Jeff) Butler of Augusta, GA; his four grandchildren: Kyle (Emily) Waddell, Christopher (Adrienne) Brady, Chad (Chelsea) Waddell and Laura Brady; and his five great-grandchildren: Caiden, Fiona and Isaac Brady, Charles Waddell and Thomas Waddell.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Kenney Christian Church with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. A private burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Kenney. There will be no visitation, and all other arrangements have been entrusted to Calvert Funeral Home in Clinton, Illinois.

The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be directed to the Kenney Christian Church or the Kenney Fire Department.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Cathy S. Morrow-Downs, 71 of Clinton, IL passed away 12:35 AM February 18, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.

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

Memorials may be directed to DeWitt County Animal Shelter

Cathy was born June 23, 1953 in Lincoln, IL the daughter of Raymond and Connie (Fortner) Rogers.

Survivors include her daughter, Samantha Rich, Clinton, IL, son, Joshua Morrow, Clinton, IL, grandson, Parker Morrow, granddaughter, Danielle Rich, brother, Cris (Loretta) Rogers, special companion, Tiki, special friends, Betty Heinrich, Debbie Brame, Steve Clary, “adopted children”, Shannon and Brian Brame, along with several nieces & nephews and great nieces and nephews.

There are no words to describe the Mother/Grandmother Cathy was. She is the most amazing human with the biggest heart I have ever known. Her loss has left the most tremendous void in our lives.

Cathy worked for GTE for the 911 services, Illinois, Clinton Power Station and then retired from Local 99 as their secretary in 1996.

Cathy's passions in life were her children and grandchildren and family was the most important thing to her. Cathy was an avid fisherwoman with her Grandson, she always had a beautiful garden of flowers in her yard and was amazing at making dried flower arrangements. Cathy was also a very avid animal lover and in her passing she donated her pacemaker to an animal in need. 

There is nothing in this world that Cathy loved more though than being with her family and friends for weekly coffee visits.

Cathy is proceeded in death by her parents Raymond and Connie, brother Ric and beloved dogs Murphy and Oogley. 

Our hope is that our beautiful mom is resting in peace and so happy and healthy.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Ronald Kenneth Wright, 89 of Oreana, IL passed away 2:00 P.M., February 18, 2025 at his home in Oreana, IL.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 24, 2025 at Temple Baptist Church, Decatur, IL with Pastor Stephen House officiating.  Burial will follow at Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL.  Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the church.  Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, IL is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Central Illinois Food Bank.

Ronald was born March 19, 1935 in Decatur, IL the son of Harold and Zelpha (Barker) Wright. He married Evelyn M. Horn November 25, 1959 in Pana, IL.  She passed away January 26, 2002.  

Survivors include his children, Katrina (Mance) Thoms, Maroa, IL and Kenneth (Traci) Wright, Gulfport, MS. Four grandchildren, Alexia (Andrew) Drust of PA, Noah (Nicholle) Thoms, Maroa, IL, Colten Wright and Nathan Wright, both of Gulfport MS. Two Great grandchildren, a twin brother Donald (Ruth) Wright, Moweaqua IL and a multitude of nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William.

Ronald served in the Air Force from 1955-1958 and retired from Caterpillar after 33 faithful years. He was the co-owner of Panelmasters in Decatur, IL.

Ronald had a real love for music and he played guitar for over 70 years. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church of Decatur and loved fishing, hunting, and birds. He enjoyed serving others and did so until his very last day.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Norman Eugene “Gene” Leggett, 94 of Plainfield, IL formerly of Clinton, IL passed away February 12, 2025 at 9:02 AM at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, Joliet, IL.

Services will be 11 AM Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Scott Marsh officiating.  Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, IL.  Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, Joliet, IL.

Gene was born June 11, 1930 in Wapella, IL the son of Glenn William and Hallie Fern (Shannon) Leggett.  He married Ruth Woodall September 21, 1951 in Clinton, IL.  She passed away November 29, 2016.

Survivors include his son, Eric (Nancy) Leggett, Plainfield, IL; 5 grandchildren: Erin Leggett, Lisle, IL; Julia (Daniel) O’Brian, Highland Park, IL; Greg (Laura) Swanson, Frankfort, IL; Kevin (KorrieAnne) Swanson Highland, IN; Eric Swanson, Naperville, IL along with four great granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Glenn, Dale William; and daughter, Elaine Swanson.

Gene was a U.S. Army veteran and member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from ISU, he started his career as a teacher, then becoming a principal in Delavan, then a superintendent in Shelbyville, and lastly a principal in Bensenville for 30years before retiring. In his later years, he co-owned the Salon Galleria in Naperville along with his daughter, Elaine. Gene loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Margaret Sue Murphy 84, of Clinton, IL passed away 11:41 AM February 11, 2025 at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 20, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Clinton, IL with Fr. Thomas Szydlik, Celebrant. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the funeral home with the Rosary at 4:30 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Sue was born June 29, 1940 in Clinton, IL the daughter of Carl and Mary Lucille “Peg” (Lynch) Holtz. She married Bob Murphy September 20, 1958 in Maroa, IL. He passed away September 13, 2016.

Survivors include her children, Sarah Murphy, Joseph Murphy and Mary (Kris) Spieldenner all of Clinton, IL; 4 grandchildren, Shawna (Tommy) Harweger Clinton IL, Anthony “Tony” Murphy Clinton IL, Nicholas “Nick” (Karla) Spieldenner Clinton IL, Nathan “Nate” Spieldenner Clinton IL, and 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Judith “Judy” Holtz Valparaiso IN; brother, Carl Michael “Mike” (Maureen) Holtz Champaign IL.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband.

Sue was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Clinton, IL. She had retired from the John Warner Bank, Clinton, IL. Sue and Bob built and decorated houses and loved to dance.  Sue was fond of the lady’s coffee group and traveling with family. She was a beloved wife, mother, and sister.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Shirley V. Oakes, 96 of Maroa, IL, passed away 12:15 A.M. February 8, 2025 at Liberty Village, Clinton, IL.

Services will be 11:00 A.M Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Maroa, IL with Rev. Mary Alice Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow at Maroa Cemetery, Maroa, IL. Visitation will be 10-11 A.M at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to Maroa United Methodist Church or the Larry Peasley Memorial Scholarship, c/o Maroa Fire Department.

Shirley was born April 18, 1928 in Austin Twp., Illinois the daughter of Fred and Edna (Bird) Weikle. She married Donald “Don” M. Oakes on October 3, 1948 in Mississippi. He passed away May 2, 1988.

Survivors include her children, Randy Oakes, Tempe, AZ; Janet Peasley, Maroa, IL; 3 grandchildren, Elaine (Kristopher) Krumrie, J.D. (Tara) Peasley, Timothy (Cailin) Peasley; 4 great-grandchildren, Travis, Marina, Addelyn, and Hayden; brother, Frank Weikle Maroa, IL; and sister-in-law; Bernadine Weikle, Maroa, IL.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, three brothers, and a son-in-law.

Shirley was a member of the Maroa United Methodist Church.  She retired from General Electric and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Mark A. Smith, 76, of Argenta, passed away February 5, 2025, peacefully in his home. Mark was born on October 1, 1948, in Decatur and was a graduate of Eisenhower High School.

Mark was a dedicated worker at Firestone as a tire builder for 35 years. He was a member of ABATE and had passions for motorcycles, corvettes, and President Trump.

He is survived by his daughters Jelette Wright and Jeneen Sheehan as well as grandchildren, Lydia Wright, Jordan Wright and Conor Sheehan.

A time to celebrate Mark’s life will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, Il.

Arlene B. Hoffman, 86, of Clinton, IL passed away at 2:40 PM February 6, 2025 at her family residence, Clinton, IL.

Services will be 11 AM, Monday, February 10, 2025 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM, Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Clinton United Methodist Church or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Arlene was born February 22, 1938 in Clinton, IL the daughter of Orin and Beulah (Bird) Case.  She married Virgil “Llew” Hoffman July 3, 1957 in Clinton, IL.  He passed away August 6, 2017.

Survivors include her children, Lew (Sheila) Hoffman, Brighton, TN; Barbara (Jack) Duggins, and Sandy (Bill) Barretts, both of Clinton, IL; grandchildren, Todd Schoch, Tracie (David) Alwood, Billy Barretts, Brooke (Eric) Wilson, Casey (Chance) Lee, Drew Duggins, and Ashton (Jacque Owens) Duggins; great-grandchildren:  Macie Heuerman, Mylie Alwood, Jaxon Wilson, Trayson Alwood, Ronan Lee, Aubrey Duggins, and Archer Duggins.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; sisters:  Dorothy Alsup, Virginia Hickman, Ila Andrews, Mary Lomascola, Nina Evans, Judy Kirkham, Dorothy, Thelma, and Eleanor; and brothers:  Walker Evans and Robert Case.  Arlene was the last of the wonderful Evans/Case core family.

Arlene was a member of the Clinton United Methodist Church for 53 years where she loved singing in the church choir.  She also enjoyed the Gaithers.  Arlene worked at Clinton High School as a secretary for 28 years.  Arlene loved the theater.  She was a member of the “Y” Players and was the lead in Annie Get Your Gun.

Arlene loved the family gatherings at the cabin, Weldon Springs, and the wiener roasts at the Hickman’s .  Family was very important to her.  She also loved the traveling she did with the family and especially in retirement.  Arlene especially loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Julie Ann McKee, 63, of Mt. Zion, Illinois passed away 10:37 PM February 5, 2025 at her family residence.

Services will be 11 AM, Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Maroa, IL with Scott Marsh officiating. Burial will follow at Maroa Cemetery, Maroa, IL. Visitation will be 10-11 AM, Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association.

Julie was born January 20, 1962 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Richard “Dickie” and Patricia (DeVore) Bodine. She married Donald “Don” McKee May 23, 1986 in Decatur, IL.

Survivors include her husband, Donald “Don” McKee, Mt. Zion, IL; children:  D. J. (Aubrey) McKee, Bement, IL and Jessica (Josh) Foster, Mt. Zion, IL; two grandchildren:  Karen McKee, Bement, IL and Tinlee Foster, Mt. Zion, IL; mother, Patricia Boggs, Mt. Zion, IL; and sister, Jodi (Chris) Peer, Mt. Zion, IL.

Julie was preceded in death by her father.

Julie worked at Jewel-Osco in Decatur, IL for 14 years.  She enjoyed playing card games and Bingo and watching scary movies.  Most of all, Julie loved spending time with her family.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Gail John Dunlap, 89 of Clinton, IL formerly of Rockford, IL passed away 10:10 AM, Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Manor Court, Clinton, IL.

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

Gail was born November 28, 1935 in Duluth, MN the son of Cecil and Clare (Schmidt) Dunlap. He married “Babs” Dwight August 4, 1956. She passed away September 11, 2018.

Survivors include his sons: Cecil (Lu) Dunlap; John (April) Dunlap; and Dwight (Annette) Dunlap; grandchildren: Brent, Ryan (Nick), Kelsie (Ross), Jeremy (Ellen), Amber, Angel, and Jenny; great-grandchildren: Zane, Lila, Cody, Dayton, Gabby, Kye, Tara, Ivy, Landon, Posie, Jordan, Emma, and Gage; and siblings:  Don Dunlap and Pamela Dunlap.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jerry, and one grandson, Curtis.

Gail was a helicopter mechanic in the Marines during the Korean War.  He worked as a nuclear repairman at the Dresden and Byron Nuclear Power Stations until his retirement in 1995.  Gail loved sail boating and radio control model boats.  He was a member of the Milwaukee Remote Control Boat Club and the Rockford Studebaker Car Club. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com