Dewitt Obits Archives for 2026-07

Dale E. Barr

Dale E. Barr 80 of Lane, IL passed away 12:00 P.M. July 31, 2026 at Goldwater Care, Clinton, IL.  Arrangements are incomplete at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Jeffrey Alan Adams

Jeffrey Alan Adams, 70 of Clinton, IL passed away on July 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, unwavering faith, generosity, and unconditional love.

 

Born in Clinton, Illinois, to Theda E. Adams and Elwood M. Adams, Jeff learned the value of honest work at an early age, beginning chores on his family’s farm in Kenny, Illinois. That work ethic stayed with him throughout his life and into Bloomington, Illinois. A gifted carpenter, woodworker, and true jack-of-all-trades, he possessed the rare ability to build, repair, and create almost anything with his hands. Jeff embraced a simple life rooted in faith, nature, and service. Long before it became popular, he lived organically, growing and preparing much of his own food from scratch. In his younger years he traveled across the country on foot with his beloved German Sheperd, Thor, and was active in 4-H, raising livestock and developing the resourcefulness that became one of his greatest strengths.

 

His greatest accomplishment, however, was never what he built - it was the people he loved. Jeff was a devoted father whose wisdom, resilience, and quiet acts of kindness shaped the lives of those around him. He was a faithful Christian who worshipped at First Christian Church of Clinton and The Jesus House in Bloomington, and he spent many years serving others through food pantry ministries, including at Loving Missionary Baptist Church. He believed deeply that helping a neighbor was one of the greatest ways to honor God.

 

Jeff was preceded in death by his infant son Jereimiah Lewis July 12th, 1996 whom he entrusted from his own hands into God’s, and whose memory remained with him throughout his life.

 

He is lovingly survived by his daughter, Athena Marie Dockstader Adams; his cherished companion for more than 17 years, Chula; his lifelong friend and beloved heart, Patricia “CiCi” Dockstader; his nieces Bobbie Jo McCue, Caitlyn (“Cat”), Maggie, and Evening Star McKeever, along with her son Zephyr; and the daughters he welcomed through love, Niani Lewis, Mikahla Thornton, Mariah Whitley, and Madison Hubble (Slaughter), as well as many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and all whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

 

Graveside Services will be 2 PM, Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, IL with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating.  Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL is in charge of arrangements.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Jeffrey Alan Adams Memorial Fund c/o Athena Dockstader.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Roy Dean Carter

Roy Dean Carter, 86, of Monticello, IL, formerly of DeLand, IL, passed away 4:02 PM, July 28, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.

 

Services will be 10 AM Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the DeLand Christian Church, DeLand, IL with Pastor Danny Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at Goose Creek Township Cemetery, DeLand, IL. Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM Friday, July 31, 2026 at Calvert Funeral Home, DeLand, IL.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or DeLand Christian Church.

 

Roy Dean was born February 1, 1940 in Clinton, IL, the son of Roy Everett and Ruth (Nelson) Carter. He married Beverly Vaughn on April 7, 1961 at the DeLand Christian Church.

 

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Beverly Carter, who he referred to as his “Little Angel”, Monticello, IL; children, Marilyn (Mark) Papierski, Aurora, IL, and Phil Carter, Normal, IL; six grandchildren, Sarah (Josh) Borowick, Warrenville, IL, Sadie Walker, Bloomington, IL, Stephen (Andrea) Papierski, Colorado Springs, CO, Faith Carter, Bloomington, IL, Brianna Carter, Bloomington, IL, Issac Carter, Bloomington, IL; and six great grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lloyd Carter; two sisters, Carolyn Miller and Reva Jones.

 

Roy was an avid gardener, carpenter and loved to fish. He served the church in many roles, his most recent as an elder at the DeLand Christian Church. During his thirty years at Revere Copper and Brass in Clinton and five years at Olin Corporation in Bloomington, Roy took great pride in his work before his retirement. He taught his children about the value of a strong work ethic.

 

He was a man filled with goodness and kindness to all he met and could strike up a conversation with anyone; he enjoyed meeting new people. He was known for his humor and hearty laughter.

 

He was dearly loved by his family. He had strong convictions, and most were about trying to walk in the ways set forth by God. He led by example and with integrity for how to follow God and serve as Jesus did. He was a gentle mentor, teacher, encourager and friend, who sacrificed much for his family. His presence will be deeply missed by family and friends.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

 

Carolyn Faye Phelps

Carolyn Faye (Owens) Phelps, of Gallatin, TN, formerly of Waynesville, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 8:33 a.m. at Sumner Regional Medical Center in Gallatin, TN.
 
The Funeral Service will be on Friday, July 31, at 11:30 a.m. at Calvert Funeral Home, 201 S. Center Street in Clinton, IL, with the Rev. Tim Gates officiating. Visitation will be held prior from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. 
 
Carolyn was born May 12, 1938, in Wardell, MO, the daughter of Oscar and Louise Owens. She married Donald Eugene Phelps on May 5, 1957. He passed away September 16, 2009.
 
Survivors include her five children, Vicky (Tim) Gates, Kokomo, IN; Nancy (Jeff) Paulson, Minneapolis, MN.; Jim (Janet) Phelps, Crossville, TN; Judy Phelps, Gallatin, TN; and Anita (Lonnie) Dorcey, Fort Myers, FL, six grandchildren, Daric (Holly) Gates, Franklin, TN; Ali (Brian) Womack, Hendersonville, TN; Lindsay (Sean) Bagniewski, Des Moines, IA; Nathan (Paige) Paulson, Minneapolis, MN; Emily Phelps, Bourbonnais, IL, and Andrew (Christy) Phelps, Reddick, IL, as well as eight great grandchildren, Dawson, Mason, Nolan, Sebastian, Teddy, Franklin, Oliver, and Ruthie.

Carol is also survived by 4 brothers: Benny (Geraldine) Owens, Bloomington, IL; Wendell Owens, Portland Oregon; Jerry (Sandy) Owens, Montgomery, TX; and David (June) Owens, Springfield, IL and one sister-in-law, Carlene Owens of Lincoln, IL
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Oscar, Jr. Owens, and her granddaughter, Ella Grace Dorcey.
 
Carol was a member of Kokomo One Church and attended First Church of the Nazarene, Gallatin, TN. 
 
Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Waynesville, IL; no graveside service will be held.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Judith K. "Judy" Meiring

Judith K. “Judy” Meiring, 84, of Weldon, IL passed away 12:50 PM, July 23, 2026 at her family residence, Weldon, IL.

Private graveside services will be held at Ohio Cemetery, Melrose, IL. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements. 

Memorials may be directed to the DeLand – Weldon FFA.

Judith was born December 22, 1941 in Robinson, IL the daughter of Clifford F. and Ella E. (Baker) Hightshoe. She married Jerome Meiring on May 30, 1959. He passed away February 2, 2013.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Martha Jalene Walters

Martha Jalene Walters, 94, of Clinton, IL passed away 6:03 PM July 24, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL.

 

Graveside Services will be 10:30 AM, Monday, August 3, 2026 at Dewitt Cemetery, Dewitt, IL with Pastor Nick Blacklidge officiating.  Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL is in charge of arrangements.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Martha Walters Memorial Fund.

 

Martha was born June 14, 1932 in Clinton, IL the daughter of Russell and Sarah (Armstrong) Parrott. She married Harrison L. “Buck” Walters April 12, 1952 in Olney, IL. He passed away January 12, 1980.

 

Survivors include her grandchildren, Sarah Shaw, Clinton, IL; Amanda (Christopher) White, Clinton, IL; and Jenny (Jeff) Thielen, Clinton, IL, six great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

 

Martha was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Sarah Mae Walters.

 

Martha loved spending time with her family.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Bobbi L. Morse

Bobbi L. Morse, 52 of Kenney, IL passed away 10:02 PM July 20, 2026 at her home in Kenney, IL. 

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

Memorials may be directed to the Kenney Heritage Association or the Kenney Fire Department.

Bobbi was born April 1, 1974 in Lincoln, IL the daughter of Patsy “Pat” Eileen (Clary) Barclay. She married Rodney Morse September 18, 1993 in Weldon Springs, Clinton, IL.

Survivors include her husband, Rodney Morse, Kenney, IL; children:  Jacob (Savanah) Morse, Kenney, IL; Andrea (Brian) Morse, Maroa, IL; and Haley (Matt) Leimbach, Clinton, IL; four grandchildren:  Alex Deerwester, Logan Deerwester, Walker Leimbach, and Emma “Wil” Leimbach; siblings, Jerry (Kim) Turner, Braidwood, IL; Karen (Rick) Campbell, Decatur, IL; and Danny Barclay, Kenney, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Teresa Short.

Bobbi enjoyed spending time in her garden and making crafts.  Most of all, she loved being able to help others and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Virgie Wertz Converse

Virgie Wertz Converse, 91, of Clinton passed away on July 13th at OSF Hospital in Bloomington. A funeral service will be held on Friday July 17 at 11am at First Christian Church in Clinton with a visitation held from 10am until the time of service. A private burial will take place in Pontiac, IL.

 

Virgie Naab was born May 15, 1935 to Glenn and Virginia Naab (Tjaden) in Ocheydan, Iowa. Upon graduation she moved to Omaha, NE to attend business school. She married Delaine Wertz on April 11,1959 and they had two sons Rodney and Randall in Pontiac, IL. Over her career she worked in many clerical roles until retiring from Evergreen Cemetery. She met Lyle Converse through her work at the cemetery and they married in 1998. 

 

Virgie was a talented quilter and sewist, an amazing pie maker, and lover of all kinds of games. She especially loved dogs and had a laugh that will be remembered fondly. More than anything Virgie loved the Lord. She was very involved with her church community and prayed over her family each day.

Virgie was preceded in death by her parents, husband L.Delaine Wertz, son Randy Wertz, brothers Andy Naab & Gary Naab and husband Lyle Converse.  Virgie is survived by her son, Rod Wertz (Jacqui) of Clinton,  daughter-in-law Kris Wertz (Shawn Trainor) of Pontiac, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two special sister-in-laws Betty Naab and Martha Naab, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
 
Virgie’s family would like to thank the care team at OSF for the loving care they showed during her stay and Tina, Sherri & Stephanie for the care they provided Virgie at her home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Christian Church in Clinton, IL.

 

Online condolences and memories of Virgie may be left for her family at kiblerbradyruestman.com. 

 

Elsie Mae Staton

Elsie Mae Staton, 83, of Heyworth, Illinois passed away 4:03 A.M. July 13, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL.

 

Graveside Services will be 10 AM, Saturday, July 18, 2026 at McClimans Cemetery, Hallsville, IL with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. There will be no visitation. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Il. with arrangements.

 

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

Elsie was born February 18, 1943 in Midland City, IL the daughter of William and Evelyn (Dyer) Staton.

 

Survivors include her siblings, Ruth (Art) Tool, Clinton, IL and Marvin Staton, Clinton, IL.

 

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; siblings:  Deral Staton, John Staton, Harriett Roethe, Margaret Moncrief, James Staton, Donald Staton, Robert Staton, Judith Staton at birth and Nancy Staton at birth

 

Elsie worked at G. E. in Bloomington, IL for several years.  She enjoyed traveling with her friends to attend various concerts.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Trent Leon Boyer

Trent Leon Boyer, 57 of Clinton, IL passed away 12:29 AM July 13, 2026 at his sister’s home, in LeRoy, IL, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Services will be 10 AM Friday July 17, 2026 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with his sister, Crystal Ward officiating. Burial will follow at DeWitt Cemetery, DeWitt, IL. Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM Thursday July 16, 2026 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to cancer research for BRCA 2 Gene or the LeRoy United Methodist Church.

Trent was born December 12, 1968 in Decatur, IL the son of Duane Richard and Billie Jo (Smith) Boyer.

Survivors include his father, Duane Richard Boyer, DeWitt, IL; mother, Billie Jo Boyer, DeWitt, IL; sister, Crystal (Steve) Ward, LeRoy, IL; nieces Abby (Luke) Aupperle, Lexington, IL, Hillary (Tyler) Tarmann, Normal, IL; nephews Seth (Jasmine) Ward, LeRoy, IL; one great niece, three great nephews, and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Andrew Brian Boyer, and his beloved dog, Dutch.

Trent graduate Clinton Community High School and attended Richland Community College, attaining a Degree of Association in Applied Science-Engineering along with certifications in CNC Operation, Basic Welding, and Tech Prep. He had worked at Diamond Star which later became Mitsubishi in Bloomington until its closing. He was currently employed at Caterpillar in Decatur, IL. He loved sports, traveling, nature, fishing, being outdoors, and mushroom hunting. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends.

Trent will be missed in many ways words cannot express and loved in ways that will never fade. Forever loved, forever remembered, forever Trent. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Sandra June Ashby

Sandra June Ashby, 72 of Clinton, IL passed away peacefully of natural causes July 10, 2026.

A Celebration of Sandra’s life will be August 1, 2026 at the Wapella Community Center in Wapella, IL from 4pm to 6pm with food provided. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites. 

Memorials may be directed to Sandra June Ashby Memorial Fund c/o Brian Ashby.

Sandra was born June 1, 1954 in Elizabethtown, IL the daughter of James Edgar and Geneva Lorene (Sisco) Moore.  Sandra was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy was her family. She was a dedicated, longtime employee of Douglas Dodge in Clinton, Illinois, where she was respected for her hard work and kind heart.

She is survived by her sons, Brian (Sherry) Ashby and Douglas Ashby; her siblings, Jim (Debbie) Moore, Marcia (Joe) Hopper, and Russell (Jo) Moore; along with numerous cherished grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Ashby, and her mother, Geneva Moore.

She will be remembered for her loving heart, unwavering devotion to her family, and the kindness she shared with everyone she met. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Nellie Ruth (Owens) Howerton

Nellie Ruth (Owens) Howerton, 93, of Clinton, IL passed away 4:22 PM, July 7, 2026 at Hallmark Healthcare, Pekin, IL.

 

Services will be 11 AM Monday July 13, 2026 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Scott Marsh 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 St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

Nellie was born February 25, 1933 in Rio Hondo, TX the daughter of Edward and Lacy (Fishel) Owens.

 

Survivors include her children: Pam Howerton, Peoria, IL; Charles Howerton, Wheeling, WV.

 

Nellie was preceded in death by her parents; Brothers, Clyde Privett, Bryon Owens, Wilborn Owens, Robert Owens, Anglee Owens, and Thomas Owens; Sisters, Opal Spencer, Ruby Willis, Bernadine “Jake” Nelson, Juanita Long, Shirley Zeller, and Dorothy Petitt.

 

Nellie was a devoted mother to her two children whom she loved very deeply. She cared for family, friends, and neighbors with selflessness and devotion and gave freely of her time and energy to anyone who needed help. Everything she gave, she did so with no expectation of anything in return. She truly loved helping others.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

 

Skyler Justin Roberts

Skyler Justin Roberts, age 43 of Clinton, IL passed away from this life at his and his wife’s home surrounded by family and friends on June 30, 2026 at 7:22 PM.

 

A Celebration of Skyler’s Life will be held at a later date. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites.

 

Skyler was born September 15, 1982 in Bloomington, IL the son of Johnnie Waitman Devore and Dorothy June Prakel. He married Amber Webb.

 

Survivors include his wife, Amber Roberts; children, Chloe Webb and Michael Tilley; his favorite sister, Tammy “Sis” Chehak; Dorothy Jane Roberts; Joseph Scott Roberts; Johnnie Devore, Jr.; Sam Devore; and Jamie Travis; his mom, Dorothy Hoback; and many beloved nieces and nephews; and one great-niece and two great-nephews.

 

Skyler was preceded in death by his son, Sebastian Roberts; father, Johnnie Devore; and Nancy Roberts.

 

Skyler enjoyed dirt track racing, watching the Miami Dolphins – his favorite football team, woodworking, and cooking out on the grill.  Most of all, Skyler loved spending time with his family and friends.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Vicki L. Dubson

Vicki L. Dubson, 81, of Clinton, IL passed away 11:25 PM, June 29, 2026 at Goldwater Care, Clinton, IL.

Services will be 3 PM, Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Pastor Jonathan Roberson officiating.  Burial will follow at DeWitt Cemetery, DeWitt, IL.  Visitation will be 2-3 PM, Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church, or Hope Hospice.

Vicki was born August 6, 1944 in Harp Twp., DeWitt Co., IL the daughter of William Emmett and Estelle (James) Welch, Sr.  She married Benjamin H. Dubson, Sr. March 25, 1960 in Clinton, IL.  He passed away February 18, 2014.

Survivors include her children:  Ben Dubson, Jr., Clinton, IL; James Brian (Kathy) Dubson, Clinton, IL; Mark Dubson, Clinton, IL; Al (Madonna) Dubson, Lehigh Acres, FL; and Jeremy Dubson, Decatur, IL; eight grandchildren:  Ben Landers, Josh Dubson, Brian Allen Dubson, Nancy Dubson, Michelle Shofner, Ashley Mock, Allen Dubson, and Riley Dubson; and 15 great-grandchildren.  

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Dora Macias; grandson, Matthew Dubson; one brother and eight sisters.

Vicki was a member of the First Baptist Church, Clinton, IL.  Vicki loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Thomas R. Edmunds

Thomas R. Edmunds, 74, of Clinton, Illinois passed away 6:55 AM, July 3, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.

 

Services will be 11 AM, Friday, July 10, 2026 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL. with Pastor Darrell Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, Il. Visitation will be 9 – 11 AM, Friday at the funeral home.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Organ Fund at Clinton Presbyterian Church or the Clinton Rotary Club.

 

Thomas was born January 21, 1952, in Clinton, IL the son of Richard H. and Martha (Crang) Edmunds. He married Lindy Wellman March 21, 1981 at the Clinton Presbyterian Church.

 

Survivors include his wife, Lindy Edmunds, Clinton, Il.; son, Andy (Tiffany) Dunham, Clinton, IL; grandchildren:  Nate (Gina), Jordyn, Kaitlin, Savannah, Vanessa (Nathan), and Emma (Alex); great-grandchildren:  Lilly, Olivia, and Brynleigh; sister, Dr. Ann E. (Richard) Heath, Grants, NM; and niece, Caitlin Coldwell, Colorado.

 

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Thomas Edmunds; daughter, Deanna Dunham Followell; and granddaughter, Dakota Dunham.

 

Thomas graduated from Clinton Community High School in 1970.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Millikin University and a Graduate Degree in Banking from the University of Wisconsin.

 

Thomas was a member and elder of the Clinton Presbyterian Church. He served continually on the Clinton City Council in various roles beginning in 1976. Thomas was the Commissioner of Accounts and Finances from 1983 to the present, the Planning Commission from 1976 to 1983, and served twice as Mayor; once from 1999 to 2003 and from August 2023 until the 2025 Mayor Election. Thomas was also a member of the Clinton Rotary Club from 1974 to 2025 and was elected president twice of which his grandfather and father were Charter Members.

 

 
Thomas loved playing in the band and helping the city. Family was everything to him, and he absolutely loved playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Both he and Lindy enjoyed working in the yard and in their home. During his life, Thomas worked diligently to make Clinton a better place to live and a financially stable community for everyone.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

 

Joyce Darlene (Carter) Wolfe

Joyce Darlene (Carter) Wolfe, 81, of Mt. Pulaski, IL passed away 7:39 AM June 28, 2026 at Springfield Memorial Hospital, Springfield, IL.

 

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

 

Joyce was born July 11, 1944 in Macon, IL the daughter of Clyde Elba and Odessa Louise (Robertson) Carter.  She married Clifford “Skip” Wolfe June 18, 2006 in Buffalo, MO.  He passed away May 12, 2011.

 

Survivors include her children: Larry (Shelby) Dodd, Jr., Havana, IL and Teresa (Dodd) Short (Jeff Gilbert), Mt. Pulaski, IL; five grandchildren:  Michael Short (fiancé, Olivia Lowery), Clinton, IL; Logan Dodd, Havana, IL; Joshua (Deona) Burton, Havana, IL; Jake Kinder, Clinton, IL; and Stephen (Marie) Hufnagle, Mineral Wells, TX; eight great-grandchildren:  DeLona Burton, Alan Joe “A.J.” Short, Addilyn Lowery, August Lowery, Elliot Hufnagle, Evelyn Hufnagle, Theodore Hufnagle, and Melody Hufnagle; siblings:  Paul (Carolyn) Carter, Pontiac, IL; Marvin (Virgina) Carter, Mt. Zion, IL; and her special friends:  Ellen Allen, Lori Roberts and Cain Roberts, Clinton, IL and Dina (Gary) Totton, Buffalo, MO.

 

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents.

 

Joyce was a waitress at the R & R Café in Clinton and at Brandtville in Bloomington, IL.  She also drove semi-trucks for Prime Trucking based out of Springfield, MO.  Joyce enjoyed playing Bingo and slot machines, getting her nails done, and watching cooking shows and game shows.  She really enjoyed collecting anything and everything related to Tweety Bird.  Most of all, Joyce loved spending time with her family and friends.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Martin James "Jim" Dann III

Martin James “Jim” Dann, III of DeWitt, IL was at his family residence when he went home to Heaven at 11:45 A.M. on June 30, 2026.

 

A visitation will be from 9-11 A.M. at First Christian Church, Clinton, IL on Monday, July 06, 2026. Nick Striegel and Richard Weese will officiate the funeral at 11 A.M. Arrangements have been entrusted to Calvert Funeral Home in Clinton, Illinois.

 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dana M. Dann, Dewitt, IL; daughter, Hannah (Joe) Harrold, Lane, IL; grandchildren who loved their Abu as much as he loved them, Makenna Harrold, Cooper Harrold; siblings Marcie (Russ) Heisel, Bloomington, IL, Lori Gulley, Farmer City, IL, Jeff (Dale) DannHeuser, Peoria, AZ, Jon (Rebecca) Byler Dann, Washington, IL; mother-in-law Darlene Hartloff; sister-in-law Julie Follis; and many nieces and nephews.

 

Jim was born July 3,1962 in Bradford, Pennsylvania to Martin James and Joyce (Stalker) Dann Jr. True to the man he would become, Jim arrived early. It was the first indication he would spend a lifetime doing hard things with quiet determination. Born prematurely with cerebral palsy, he learned to walk in braces, later faced cancer twice, and lived with chronic pain for decades. Yet those closest to him remember not the suffering he endured, but the remarkable absence of complaint.

 

He married his college sweetheart, Dana M. Hartloff, on June 15, 1985, in Plainfield, Indiana. For more than four decades, she was his home, his confidante, and his faithful partner in ministry. Jim poured his life into the service of others, seeking to leave people more united than he found them.

 

Over the years, Jim served as youth minister to Stateline Christian Church in Blanford, Indiana; Highview Christian Church in Washington, Illinois; and Oblong Christian Church in Oblong, Illinois. He later served as minister to Northview Christian Church in Huntington, Indiana; Lane Christian Church in Lane, Illinois; and Liberty Christian Church in Brownstown, Illinois.

 

He was an adjunct Professor of Greek at Lincoln Christian College, a Board Member and Relief House Parent for Oblong Christian Children's Home, a Board Member and Camp Dean for Little Galilee Christian Camp, a leader within the Clinton Area Ministerial Association, and a mentor to whoever would pull up a chair and chat. Most recently, he was a Patient Advocate for Nutrition Response Testing at Farmer City Chiropractic and Skinner Health Improvement Center.

 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, Robert Hartloff, and two brothers he never had the chance to meet on earth, one of whom was his twin.

 

If you wish to follow in Jim's faithful, albeit crooked footsteps, crack a joke people aren't sure they should laugh at, and then laugh first. Read a book that makes you think, one hundred pages a day is a good start. Fix something before anyone notices it’s broken. Make french toast. Shoot a bow. Swim a mile. Pray. Cry over Folgers commercials, the miracle of forgiveness, and any movie with a little girl. Watch Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis from the armchair of your choice. Sing out loud, but only remember the last two words of every line of every song. Steal a kid's nose. Steal a kid’s heart. Look people in the eye and call them “kiddo”. Let them have a third chance. Be early always, and patient with your daughter when she’s always late. Do the dishes. Buy a Jeep. Catch a fish. Shoot another grown man with a water gun. Tickle him if you must. Giggle. Challenge somebody who loves a debate. Learn to let them challenge you back. Drink too much coffee. Top your ice cream with icing, or, if you're feeling dangerous, shredded cheddar cheese. Write your wife a poem and frame it on the wall. Believe in her dreams. Help her build them. Show up for your kid, for your neighbor, for the cashier you met five minutes ago. Be stubborn about what you believe in. Think of death without a flinch of fear.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “Jim’s Kids”, a fund established to help under-insured or under-resourced people receive nutrition care through Farmer City Chiropractic or Skinner Health Improvement Center.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

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