William “Bill” Carl Johnson, 95 of Bloomington, IL, formerly of Plano, TX and Clinton, IL died of pneumonia complications at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, IL on May 1, 2024

Born April 2, 1929 in Clinton, IL the son of William and Vernice (Sapp) Johnson. Bill was the youngest of eight children. Two brothers and five sisters preceded him in death. 

He served four years in the U.S. Army as a topographic engineer stationed in the Philippines during the Korean Conflict.

Bill married Patricia J. (Polen) Swanik in 1953. He later married Joanne Moreland. She preceded him in death in 2009.

Survivors include his children, Dr. William C. (Karen) Johnson, Bloomington, IL; David L. Johnson, North Hills, CA, Rebecca S. (Lindon) Riddle, Clinton, IL, Marjorie L. (Ric) Greuter, East Peoria, IL, step children, Roberta (Cade) Brown, The Colony, TX, Patricia (Andrew) Alverson, Plano, TX, Francine (Paul) Crownhart, McKinney, TX, Christine (Paul) Shiosaki, Torrance, CA, and Gerald Moreland, Lewisville, TX, 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 14 step grandchildren; 11 step great grandchildren, and 1 step great great grandchild.

Bill enjoyed bowling, cards, and games. He had retired from Revere Copper & Brass after 30 years. 

Private family graveside services will be at Center Cemetery, Flanagan, IL with Military Honors. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.

Memorials may be presented in William’s name to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Mary Alice Wrone (nee Gano) passed away on May 1, 2024 of natural causes at Liberty Village in Clinton, Illinois.
 
Alice was born on November 7, 1935 in a rural Dewitt County farmhouse, to Ray Oakley and Oleta Mae (nee Eller) Gano. Emerging into the world three months premature, in the middle of an unseasonably early snow storm, she miraculously survived - due, in no small part, to her fierce force of will, as well as to the crude incubator her father cobbled together from a copper boiler and bricks heated on the stove.
 
An only child, Alice was nonetheless surrounded by companions in childhood – of both the human variety (most notably, the Thrasher kids, with whom she routinely patrolled Salt Creek timber) and the animal variety, including the lambs, calves, horses and chickens that populated the family's farm. She was a lifelong lover of cats. Chauncey, Willie Waterhead, Sam, Tripod, Cleo, and dozens of other outrageously spoiled felines are without doubt noisily purring as they reunite with their caregiver.
 
A 1953 graduate of Clinton High School, Alice married Robert Lynn Wrone, an Illinois Central Railroad brakeman and conductor, on March 20, 1955 in Lane Christian Church. They would have three children: Lisa Kaye (DeWitt County, Illinois) and twin boys, David Gano (University City, MO) and Steven William (Washington, D.C.).
 
Her husband preceded her in death in 1994. Her children survive, as does her cherished grandson, Robert James Gano Wrone, of St. Louis, MO.
 
A late-in-life companion, Bob Stearns - a fine and caring man - also preceded Alice in death.
 
Alice worked for many years at the Clinton Power Plant, having re-entered the work force after shepherding her off-spring into quasi-adulthood. There, as elsewhere, she was beloved and respected for her intelligence and sense of humor.
 
Following the untimely death of her husband, Alice re-established her bond with many childhood associates, and the Saturday night card games that ensued yielded thousands of hours of fellowship and recreation.
 
At her request, Alice will be cremated, with that service provided by Calvert Funeral Homes. A graveside service will be held at a later date. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Michael J. Reidy, Sr., 69, of Springfield, formerly of Bloomington, Illinois and Clinton, Illinois passed away at 11:05 p.m., Sunday, April 21, 2024, at HSHS St. John's Medical Center Springfield, Illinois.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Saturday April 27, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Bloomington, Illinois with Fr. Gregory Nelson celebrating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery Bloomington, Illinois.

Visitation will be 4-7 pm Friday April 26, 2024, at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home Bloomington, Illinois.  Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School of Bloomington, Illinois or Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).

Mike was born May 6, 1954, in Bloomington, Illinois the son of John E. “Jack” and Suzanne “Sue” (Costigan) Reidy.  He married JoAnn Wannemacher on October 10, 1981, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington.

Surviving is his wife JoAnn Reidy of Springfield.  Sons, Joe (Maddy) Reidy of Springfield and Bill (Melissa) Reidy of Normal, Illinois, Grandchildren, Brylee, Fynleigh, Jack, Liam and Wesley Reidy.  Also surviving are sisters, Joan (Robert) Hays of Kentland, Indiana and Molly (Michael) Wieting of Bloomington and Brother, John (Judy) Reidy of Houston, Texas.

Mike was preceded by his granddaughter, Harper Elizabeth Reidy and his parents.

He was a lifelong police officer serving as the Chief of Police in Chenoa, Illinois, Wiscasset, Maine and retiring from Clinton, Illinois.  Mike was a graduate of Bloomington Central Catholic High School and Western Illinois University.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington and Catholic Church of the Little Flower in Springfield.

To leave expressions of sympathy for the family, visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

Kathryn N. Anderson 96 of Clinton, IL passed away 1:10 A.M. April 15, 2024 at Manor Court, Clinton, IL.

Services will be 3 PM Friday, April 19, 2024 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wapella, IL. Visitation will be 2 – 3 PM Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association. 

Kathryn was born June 25, 1927 in Yates City, IL the daughter of Myrtle William and Clara Belle (Murphy) Rogers. She married Robert Louis Anderson August 15, 1946 in Tazwell County, IL. He passed away January 1, 1996.

Survivors include her children, Rosea (Alan) Elliott, Ankeny, IA; RG (Paula) Anderson, Wapella, IL; 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 5 great great-grandchildren. 

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers, and 4 sisters.

Kathryn enjoyed working alongside her husband, Robert, building homes. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting and was an avid Cubs fan.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Steven K. LaDew 90 of Waynesville, IL passed away 8:40 PM April 9, 2024 at The Arc At Normal, Normal, IL. 

He was born on November 12, 1933 in Waynesville, IL to Goffrey and Wealthy (Brock) LaDew. Steve attended Waynesville High School before enlisting in the Navy in 1951, where he served for just under 3 years. On December 22, 1956, he married Carol Irene Craig. Together, they had three children. Steve and Carol enjoyed traveling together as well as spending time with family and friends. 

Steve enjoyed the outdoors and watching the dogs work when he was pheasant hunting. It was something he looked forward to every year. Steve was an active member of the Waynesville Legion Post #1189, where he served as Commander for several years in addition to participating in the Honor Guard activities. He was also a member of the Clinton Eagles.
Steve retired from Caterpillar where he enjoyed many leadership positions that took him to the far corners of the world in England, India, Canada, Chile, and Spain as well as many states.

Steve is survived by his children, Craig (Joni) LaDew of Danvers, Scott LaDew of Waynesville and Terri (Bill) Culhan of Boca Raton, Florida, 6 grandchildren; Karli (Doug) Yoder, Shane LaDew, Toni LaDew, Jessie LaDew, Cassi (Josh) Baker and Jenna Culhan, 5 great-grandchildren, Cade and Emery Yoder, Gage LaDew, Saylor Engstrom and Gatlin Bauer and family friend Cindy White. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol, his parents and brothers and sisters.  

Services will be 11 AM Saturday, April 20 2024 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Rev. Deepak Holkar officiating. Graveside services will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Waynesville, IL with Military Honors. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the EMT of Waynesville, the Waynesville Methodist Church and the Waynesville Legion Post 1189.   

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Richard “Dick” Dale Baum, 96, of Clinton, IL passed away 3:08 AM, Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Sugar Creek, Normal, Illinois.

Services will be 11 AM Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Pastor Mark Cooper and Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. Burial will be 10 AM Thursday, April 11, 2024 at East Lawn Cemetery, Bloomington, IL. Visitation will be 9 – 11 AM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Dick was born January 11, 1928 in Carlock, IL. The only child born to Arthur W. and Loretta (Schrock) Baum. After graduating from Carlock High School, Dick attended Bluffton College in Bluffton, OH. He returned home to Carlock where, in 1948, he became an operating partner at his father’s car dealership, Baum Motor Company.

Dick married Marjorie J. Moser September 4, 1948. The pair were married until Marjorie’s death in 2020. In 1964, Dick and Marjorie moved their three children from Carlock to Clinton when purchasing Holtz Chevrolet Buick. Dick was President of Baum Chevrolet Buick from 1964 to 1992 and remained active in the business through his death. Personal service was important to him, and he carried this throughout his career.

A talented musician, Dick enjoyed playing the marimba, singing in choirs, including the Bloomington Normal Barbershop Chorus and the gospel quartet, the Evangelaires for 15 years Dick served on the Mennonite and John Warner Hospital boards and actively volunteered his time with the Mennonite Central Committee and Habitat for Humanity in Florida.

Someone who never met a stranger, Dick loved traveling near and far, collecting new friends along the way. He and Marjorie traveled to Russia, Switzerland, Germany, Colombia, Bolivia, New Zealand, Australia, and across the United States in their motorcoach.

Dick is survived by his two children, Stephanie (Mike) Company and Scott (Nancy) Baum; daughter-in-law, Rhonda (Chuck) Kern; grandchildren, Joseph (Carrie) Company, Jeffrey Company, Rachel Torbert, Janell (Spencer) Thomas, and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Stephen Baum and wife, Marjorie.

Given Dick’s love of people and service, donations may be made to Little Galilee Christian Camp, 7539 Little Galilee Road, Clinton, IL 61727 or to Camp Friedenswald, 15406 Watercress Way, Cassopolis, MI. 49031-9532.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Deanna Kay Spencer 56 of Clinton, IL passed away 8:14 A.M. April 2, 2024 at her family residence, Clinton, IL.

Services will be 10 AM Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Allison Hitchings officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, IL. Visitation will be 5 – 8 PM Friday, April 5, 2024 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL

Memorials may be directed to Clinton Community Educational Foundation In Memory of Deanna Spencer.

Deanna was born April 14, 1967 in Clinton, IL the daughter of James William “Bill” and Betty (Provin) Clark. She married Michael Spencer May 1, 1993 in Clinton, IL.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Spencer, Clinton, IL, father, James William “Bill” (Cathy) Clark, Kenney, IL, mother, Betty J. Clark, Clinton, IL, sister, Londa Dunlap, Bloomington, IL, one niece, Stevi (Brett) Schenkel, Merriam, KS, and her cats, Isabella and Spence.

Deanna worked at State Farm, Bloomington, IL as an Administrative Assistant for 37 years. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Clinton, IL.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Clifford Eugene Carter, 84, of Clinton, IL passed away 1:46 AM, March 29, 2024 at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Graveside services will be 1 PM Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Heyworth Cemetery, Heyworth, IL with Pastor Spencer McPheron and Rev. Richard Gray officiating. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to Full Gospel Tabernacle, Heyworth, IL.

Clifford was born July 21, 1939 in Clinton, IL the son of George and Gladys (Nelson) Carter.

He married Mary L. Frisby February 4, 1963 in Trenton, GA.

Survivors include his wife, Mary L. Carter, Clinton, IL, brother-in-law, Donald Byrd, Heyworth, IL, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Clifford was a member of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Heyworth, IL. He worked as a machinist at Eureka Co. in Bloomington, IL.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

McLean – Joy Compton, 82, of McLean, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

Graveside Services for Joy will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Point Pleasant Cemetery in Long Creek Township.

Arlieta Joy Tucker was born June 13, 1941, in Cowden, Illinois, the daughter of Herbert I. and Donna M. Evans Tucker. She was united in marriage to Rodney Compton on July 24, 1960. He preceded her in death October 26, 2012.

Joy is survived by her children: Sonia Smith and Randy (Jodie) Compton; four grandchildren: Broc (Caitlin) Compton, Blake (Ty) Compton, Jessica (Andrew) Runge, and Eric (Lindsay) Smith; six great-grandchildren: Charlie, Jacob, Ryder, Emree, Daniel, and Caleb; and one sister, Kaye Banning.

Joy was a graduate of Cowden-Herrick High School. She was a member of the McLean Christian Church and enjoyed crafting, patio gardening, sewing, reading, and spending time with her grandkids.

Memorials may be made to the McLean Christian Church or Mt. Hope-Funks Grove Fire Department.

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

John William Dyer, 69 of Clinton, IL, passed away 3:15 AM March 19, 2024 at his home in Clinton, IL.

Services will be 3 PM, Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Rev. Darren Barnhill officiating. Visitation will be 1-3 PM, Tuesday at the funeral home.  The family requests casual attire. Private Burial will take place at Mausoleum Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL.

Memorials may be directed to the Clinton Fire Department.

John was born May 20, 1954 in Decatur, IL the oldest son of William Fred and Norma Jean (Lourash) Dyer. He married Linda Pistole June 19, 1976 in Clinton, IL.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Dyer, Clinton, IL, brothers, Donald Dyer, Kevin Dyer, and Mark Dyer and their families. Also surviving are his nephews, Matt Dyer, Brad Dyer, Daniel Dyer, Shane Dyer, Mike Pistole, Tom Pistole, Russell Pistole, and Rod Bradford and their families; nieces, Debra Focht, Cheryl Barron, Michelle Dyer, Delany Babyak, Christine Longo and their families. Many great nieces and great nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by parents.

John was a volunteer for the Apple & Pork Festival for ten years, a Scout Master for Clinton Troop #142, member of the Masonic Lodge AF & AM, Eagle Aerie #593 President for two years, Eagle Aerie #593 Trustee for 14 years, Eagles Sausage Gravy Guru, member of the Friends of Hooah for five years, long time member of the Clinton Fire Department receiving firefighter of the year award in 1987 and in 2019, member of the Honor Guard for 9/11 Steel Escort from the World Trade Center through Illinois; and a member of the Flag Ceremony for all veteran funerals.

He was a GM Master Tech at Baum Chevrolet for over 30 years along with being a GM Mentor for students from the satellite school in Peoria.

John was Firefighter II with the Clinton Fire Department. He received certification for Firefighter Apparatus Engineer State of Illinois, HazMat First Responder Operation State of Illinois, First Responder EMS and EMR State of Illinois, and CPR. He was always a teacher and mentor for the new members of the fire department.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Clinton -- Merle Delmar Welch, known as “Skinny” by his friends and loved ones, passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on May 20, 1934, at the family home near Birkbeck in DeWitt County, IL to Mary Ona Spencer and Nathan Cecil Welch. “Skinny” was a lifelong resident of the Clinton-area community. 

PVT Welch selflessly served his country as a member of the US Army’s Battalion HQ Div, 19th Infantry Regiment. In 1957, he was assigned to the 24th Infantry Div. in Korea.

In 1952 he married the late Donna Carolyn Tuggle. Together they had four sons and one daughter. In 1963 he married the late Barbara Jean Leevey. They had one son and one daughter. 

Everyone who knew “Skinny” knew that he could usually be found tinkering in the yard. Whether it be fixing up his ‘50 ford, farming on the land, enjoying his tractors (usually with a pup trotting close behind). On occasion, he and his son Terry would enjoy a squirrel hunt. 

Beside his love for his family, he was best known for his pride and the work he put into his garden. No one ever left without some fresh garden tomatoes to enjoy. 

We couldn’t have asked for a better Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, or Friend, and will miss “Skinny” everyday. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. 

Merle “Skinny” Welch was preceded in death by his parents Nathan and Mary, his five brothers; Robert, Clarence, Virgil, Donald, and John; his five sisters; Margaret, Eva, Mabel, Ada, and Mary Alice; his wife, Barbara; his two sons, Merle Lee and Terry Nathan; one grandchild, Kamala D. Welch. 

He is survived by his two daughters; Judy Ann (Norman) Noble of Morriston, FL and Lori Ann (Dave) Foulks of Clinton, IL. His three sons; Roger (Ingrid) Welch of Clinton, IL, Billy (Claudia) Welch of Portland, TN, Paul Dean (Theresa) Welch of Armington, IL, his 26 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. 

A Rememberance Reunion is scheduled for June 2024. Details to follow.

Richard “Dick” Baldwin 84 of Clinton, IL passed away 5:27 A.M. March 17, 2024 at Manor Court, Clinton, IL.

Services will be 11 AM Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Mountjoy Cemetery, Atlanta, IL with military honors. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to Second Chance Pet Adoption

Dick was born February 20, 1940 in Atlanta, IL the son of Leebert Franklin “Finn” and Dorothy Anna (Howen) Baldwin. He married Nancy Angel May 29, 1976 in Clinton, IL.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Baldwin, Clinton, IL; stepsons, Don (Karissa) West, Clinton, IL and Gary West, Clinton, IL, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his son Richard Baldwin, Jr., parents, and sister, Lois Enright.

Dick served his country in the United States Airforce. He was an Illinois State Police Trooper for 30 years with Springfield District. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and acquired a black belt rank in Tae Kwon Do and Karate. He also trained in pressure point control.

Judith Lee Fortner Coffey blessed her loved ones with her birth on October 28, 1940. She married the love of her life Charles G. Coffey on 12/31/1970 and has missed him every day since 12/19/2004. Judy is the daughter of Rollie Olin and Jewel Evelyn (Hoge) Fortner. They, along with beloved family members preceded her in death: husband Charles Coffey, precious son William (Bill, Wild Bill) Henderson, sister Connie (Ray) Rogers, sister Sandra (Doug) Vinson, and many loved family, friends and pets. Judy was a spirited individual with too many friends to list. She was an avid volunteer in the community and in her personal life. She would be embarrassed to discuss her good deeds so out of respect we will simply say thank you for showing so much love to so many. If she was helping others or making them laugh, she was happy. She loved fishing (and fish!), playing cards, attending movies and plays and hanging out with her friends. She played an active role on the Kenney village board and assisted for many years with the Kenney Fire Department fish fry and fall festival. Judy enjoyed cooking, catered for many years (Judy’s Professional Catering), volunteering, attending horse shows (and assisting with concessions at the DeWitt County 4-H Fairgrounds) and making all kinds of meals for every event and occasion imaginable. But nothing made her happier than a table full of loved ones. She cherished her titles of Mom and Grandma. That is her crown. Judy is survived by daughters: Dawn Jackson of Taylorville IL, Julie Gehlbach of Lincoln IL, Marjorie (Gordon) Foster of Heyworth. Grandchildren: Steve Henderson of Lincoln IL, Stephanie Henderson of Lincoln IL, Cash (Elizabeth) Jackson of Chilicothe IL), James Wilson of Florida, Holly (Luke Holt) of Clinton IL, Alex Schonauer of Union City MI, Cameron (Carly) Danison of Bloomington IL, and Ethan Williams of Heyworth IL, great grandchildren Triston (Steve), Anna and Levi (Stephanie), Evelyn Rose (Holly and Luke), Mylee, Ella and Bentley (Cameron and Carly), and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Anyone reading this may recall Judy working at LDC, Cutler Hammer, IGA deli or running the kitchen during the Logan County Fair in Lincoln IL. And finally her many years managing the food service at DeWitt County nursing home in Hallsville IL. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday March 22 at 11am at the Kenney Community Center located at 101 Johnston St., Kenney IL. The family requests in lieu of flowers or gifts donations be made to Kenney Fire Department or the Neighborhood Care Center in Clinton IL.

Sharon Alice Palmer Tucker LeHew, age 84, of Lake View, Alabama, peacefully passed away at home in the presence of two of her sons and a daughter-in-law on Monday, March 4, 2024.

Graveside services will be held at noon on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at La Place Cemetery in La Place, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, as Sharon was an avid dog lover, memorials may be made to: The Humane Society in her honor. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, Illinois are handling the

arrangements.

Sharon was born on May 19, 1939 in Clinton, Illinois, the “Daddy’s Girl” of George Byron and Louise Luker Palmer.

Sharon was schooled by her mother who taught in a one-room schoolhouse. Sharon then graduated from Clinton High School a year early in 1956. Sharon was a cheerleader at Illinois State Normal University in Normal, Illinois, became ISNU’s 1960 Homecoming Queen, and graduated with a Bachelors in Elementary Education from ISNU on June 11, 1960.

She married David Ray Tucker on June 2, 1962 in Lafayette, Indiana. On August 26, 1983, she married Jack Allen LeHew in Galveston, Texas. Sharon was a loving and meticulous housewife, Mother, Granny, and GG, living in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Florida, and Alabama.

She is survived by her only brother: Richard Palmer of St. Charles, MO; her children: John (Natalie Kafer) Tucker of Lake View, AL: Steve (Mary) Tucker of Champaign, IL; Tim Tucker of Lake View, AL; Tami (Joe) Miller of Mesa, AZ; her step-children: Diane (Clark) McAdams of Westerfield, CT, Teena (Rich) Read of Godfrey, IL; and Rick LeHew of Edwards, IL ; her grandchildren: Jami Powers, David Tucker, Nicklaus Tucker, Brandi (Ira Jr. ) Fannin,. Tyler Tucker, and Allison Tucker; her step-grandchildren: Shannon Castellanos, Jennifer (Eric) Ahrens, Nathan (Kristin) Gerdes; Donny (Amy) Funk; and Zofia LeHew; her great-grandchildren: Austin Fannin and Adaline Powers, as well as many extended family members.

Sharon’s parents, husbands, and infant son, Curtis Ray Tucker, preceded her in death.

Sharon was, and will always be, loved very much, and now deeply missed.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.