Charlene “Chuckie” Mae Hickman, 78, of Potomac, passed away at 6:21 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Singing River Hospital, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. 
Charlene was born on January 26, 1941, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Malcolm and Illa (Brown) Stout.  She married Wilbur “Tack” Hickman on December 26, 1958, in Danville.  He survives.

She is also survived by one daughter- Shelly (Rick) Garnica of Potomac; one son- Ed (Rebecca) Hickman of Jamesburg; one daughter-in-law- Phyllis Hickman of Wellington; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law- Sandy Stout of Cape Coral, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-Scott Hickman, brother- Vern Stout and sister- Evelyn Stevens.

Chuckie worked for several years as a seamstress, where she made Mario Andretti’s racing suit while at Bell Helmet.  She was a member of Community Church of God, in Danville.  Charlene was a prayer warrior and was always praying for others.  She enjoyed camping, sewing, reading the Bible, playing euchre, shopping and going to garage sales.  Charlene never missed a party or a birthday.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and giving them her pink grandma kiss tattoos. 

 
A Celebration of Charlene Hickman’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Community Church of God, in Danville.  Visitation will precede the service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, at the church.  She will be laid to rest following the services in Potomac Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Community Church of God Mission Fund. 

The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Charlene’s life.  Memories or condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Charlie Chester “Chet” Catron, 81, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:00 A.M. Sunday January 26, 2020 at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. 

He was born January 6, 1939, in Albany, KY, the son of Clarence and Jessie (Byers) Catron.  He married Patricia Webber on December 9, 1961, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hoopeston.  She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by one son, Michael Edward Catron and Melanie Arthur of Chicago, IL; two sisters-in-law, Naomi Morrison of Missoula, MT  and Ruth (Dean) Misner of Hoopeston, IL; one brother-in-law, Jim (Jeannie) Webber of Hoopeston, IL; two aunts, Barb (Perry) Rethelford of Hoopeston, IL and Netta Byers of KY; one uncle, Dale Catron of Mt. Dora, FL;  11 nieces and nephews, Marty (Abby) Dobkins, Marvin (Jeanie) Dobkins, Phil Misner, Jeanne Misner, Lori (Jon) Walters, Eric Morrison, Marilyn (Michael) Morrison-Reid, David Webber (Dalia Granados), Eddie Webber, Grant Webber (Rachel Diggs), and Derek (Rachel) Webber; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Jessie Catron; one sister, Ellen Jennetta Dobkins; one brother-in-law, Joe Morrison; and four uncles, Ray, John, and Gilbert Catron and Dannie Byers.

Chet worked as a signal maintainer for Union Pacific Railroad for over forty years, until his retirement.  He served in the United States Navy from 1957-1959.  He was a member of the Hoopeston Star Lodge #709 and the Scottish Rite in Danville.  Chet enjoyed bowling and was also a member at Hubbard Trail Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Friday January 31, 2020 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home, with Rev. Wade Meranda officiating.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL.  Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston American Legion Honor Guard 502 E. Penn St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Chet’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements. 

Sherrey Lynn Sanders, 51, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 7:21 A.M. Thursday January 23, 2020 at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center in Hoopeston.  She was born September 11, 1968, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Billy E. and Shirley Lee (McAllister) Sanders.  She married LeeRoy Bennett and together they had three sons.

She is survived by her parents, Billy and Shirley Sanders of Rossville, IL; three sons, Luke (Gina) Bennett of Alvin, IL, Zack (Jessi) Bennett of Hoopeston, IL, and Joseph Bennett of Hoopeston, IL; one sister, Shelley (John) Potter of Anderson, IN; five grandchildren, Cassidy Allison, Ethan Allison, Damien Allison, Payton Bennett, and Meadow Milburn; three nephews, Jacob, Jesse, and Eric Potter; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ralph and Jeanne McAllister; paternal grandparents, Sewell and Frieda Sanders, and a cousin, Justin Slichenmyer.

Sherrey enjoyed walking, going for drives, and spending time outdoors.  She also loved her dog, Abby and talking on her phone.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday January 28, 2020 at Mann’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Rossville with Kevin Ziegler officiating.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral.com to view Sherrey’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Robert P. Lytle, 68, of Rankin, passed away at 8:55 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2020, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.
Bob was born on February 5, 1951, in Danville, the son of Ralph P. and Helen (Cox) Lytle.  
He is survived by his cousins- Janet (Brougher) Crouch of Hoopeston and James L. (Toni) Brougher of Danville.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob worked for several years as a mechanic and helped his dad at the Napa Store.  He enjoyed fishing, traveling to Colorado and Canada and spending time with his beloved dog-Duke.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston.  A Memorial Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home, with Katie Clayton officiating.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to Hoopeston Animal Rescue (HART). 

Engel Anne Kaufmann, 84, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. Engel was born on December 29, 1935 in Clifton the daughter of Wilbur and Caroline (Schuring) Paris and they preceded her in death. Engel married Harry L. Kaufmann on February 4, 1956 in Milford and he also preceded her in death on April 24, 2017.

Engel is survived by two daughters, Rhonda (Steven) Hamrick of Cissna Park and Sondra (Steven) Knapp of Watseka; one sister, Linda (Bob) Crawford of Milford; one brother, Doug (Julie) Paris of Knoxville; five grandchildren, Jami (David) Berry, Jason (Kimberly) Hamrick, Adam (Deena) Knapp, Andrew (Jamie) Knapp, and Alex (Natalie) Knapp; and nine great grandchildren, Caera Berry, Devin Berry, Lauryn Hamrick, Adyn Hamrick, Katelyn Hamrick, Hudson Knapp, Luke Knapp, Sophia Knapp, and Oliver Knapp.

Engel was a member of Watseka First United Methodist Church and the VFW Auxiliary. She was employed at JC Penny’s in Watseka for 23 years where she always enjoyed visiting with her customers. Engel’s greatest passion was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral service on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the Watseka First United Methodist Church. Pastor Kara Berg will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Watseka First United Methodist Church or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Engel at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Brooke Erin Taylor, 37, of Gibson City, formerly of Hoopeston, IL. 

Cremation rites have been accorded. A visitation will be held 11:00AM - 1:00PM Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 at ANderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston,IL. 

A memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00pm wednesday at the funeral home. Burail will follow in the floral Hill cemetery in Hoopeston.

Anderson funeral home in Hoopeston is handling arrangements. 

Robert Gene “Papp” Foster, 90, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 7:15 A.M. Monday January 13, 2020 at Iroquois Memorial Resident Home in Watseka, IL.  He was born January 29, 1929, in Rossville, IL, the son of Burt and Blanch (Simpson) Foster.  He married Euna Bray on September 18, 1954 in Rossville, IL.  She survives in Rossville.

He is also survived by one daughter, Bobbi (Cordie) Phillips of Rossville, IL; two sons, Joe Foster of Alvin, IL and Tom (Susan) Foster of Bellflower, IL; one sister, Bette; seven grandchildren, John (Becky) Kinnett, Guy (Jennifer) Foster, Logan Foster, Tony (Chelsea) Foster, Kayla Foster, Tee Billings, and Hayden Foster; five great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Garet, Blake, Eli, and Asher; two great-great-grandchildren, Landon and Kendal; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings, Stanley, Bert, Clifford, Guy, Lois, Marge, Mary, and Alice.

Robert was a farmer in the Rossville area for many years.  He enjoyed planting his garden and giving all his produce to his kids and grandkids.  Papp enjoyed spending time with his family and loved his dog, Charlie.

Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and no services will be held.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Robert’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Laura Louise Lawless, 102, of Danville, formerly of Potomac, passed away at 6:39 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2020, at North Logan Healthcare, in Danville.

Louise was born on December 5, 1917, in Armstrong, the daughter of Oscar and Lula Mae (Delph) Downing.  She married Sellis Lawless on September 17, 1938, in Indiana.  He preceded her in death in 2004. 

She is survived by one daughter- Shirleen Esworthy of Catlin; two sons- Larry (Carol) Lawless and Ron (Donna) Lawless both of Potomac; son-in-law- Rick Johnson of Potomac; ten grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter- Joni Johnson, seven brothers, three sisters and two grandchildren- Nick Lawless and Sean Warren.

She graduated from Armstrong High School.  She was a member of the Potomac Church of Christ.  Louise enjoyed calligraphy, writing news articles, collecting history of Potomac, reading and spending time with her family.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Partlow Cemetery, in Armstrong.  Memorials may be made to the Potomac Church of the Nazarene.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Louise’s life.  Memories or condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Ella Mae Allen, 85, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 3:01 A.M. Wednesday January 8, 2020, at her home.  She was born August 13, 1934, in Marine City, MI, the daughter of Charles Elmer and Theresa (Benedict) Ware. 

She is survived by four daughters, Carol Lynn (Wallace) Booms of MI, Theresa M. Aldis (Jim) Henderson of MI, Crystal A. (Daniel) Sageman of Rossville, IL, and Sherry E. Aldis (Brian) Orr of AL; two sons, Howard S. Aldis of MI and Charles W. Aldis of Danville, IL; one step-son, Howard E. (Pam) Aldis Jr. of NC; 20 grandchildren, Heather (Steven) Ziegenfelder, Andrew (Mary) Booms, Joshua (Stephanie) Booms, Reuben (Tara) Booms, Beverly (Jacob) Bouverette, Christina (Chad) Smith, Robert (Jody) Sageman, Wayne (Melissa) Aldis; David (Nicole) Aldis, Eric Aldis, Nicki (Chris) Aldis, Michael Orr, Heather (Sean) Talbot, Courtney (Taylor) Locke, Kearstin Aldis (Shaun), Chazz Aldis, Jona Aldis, Holly Updegrove, Sara Henderson, and Jessica Henderson; 35 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Robert K. Aldis; two daughters-in-law, Gloria A. Aldis and Donna Aldis; one sister, Theresa Ellen Ware; three brothers, Charles, William, and James Ware; and two sisters-in-law, Ethel Ware and Rebecca Ware.

Ella Mae worked at various places throughout her life including, Conair, Caradco, and Combs.  She loved to sing, play the guitar, and draw.

A visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday January 17, 2020 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday January 18, 2020 at the funeral home, with Ron Weishaar officiating.  Following the service, cremation rites will be accorded, and no burial will be held.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Ella Mae’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Vicki Leonna Weiner, 56, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on January 9, 1963 in Jackson, TN, the daughter of Artie and Shirley (Fesmire) Olsen. Vicki married Cary P. Weiner on May 24, 1986 in Chicago.

She is survived by her husband Cary Weiner of Watseka; two daughters Terika (Lane) Weiner of Watseka and Ashley (Shawn) Lewis of Moline; one son Joseph (Kalli) Weiner of Milford; one sister Marci (James) Trafford of Round Lake; one brother Keith (Eva) Gutierrez of Lake in the Hills; four grandchildren Madyson Weiner, Addilyn Weiner, Layla Weiner and Joey Weiner; and her beloved animals Bijou and Gunther Bob.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter Leonna Marie Lewis.

Vicki managed VCA Animal Hospital for 15 years and was also a Volunteer at Iroquois Memorial Hospital. She had a strong love for animals, working alongside them for 30 years. She enjoyed playing games on her phone, but most of all, she loved being with her family. Her infectious laughter will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Vicki’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 4pm, with visitation starting at 2pm, at Trinity Church in Watseka. Pastor Bart Koester will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois County Animal Rescue or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements made by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Juan Colunga Jr., 41, of Hoopeston, passed away January 3, 2020, at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center.

Juan was born on July 1, 1978, in Danville, the son of Juan and Rebecca (Solis) Colunga Sr. 

He is survived by his paternal grandmother- Oralia Colunga of Mission, Texas;  father- Juan (Cristina) Colunga of Mission, Texas; mother- Rebecca (Geraldo) Ruelas of La Grulla, Texas; significant other- Barbie Gibson of Hoopeston; three daughters- Yulissa Colunga of Austin, Texas, Toni Kelley of Danville and Lillian Stone of Hoopeston; five sons- Elyscha Wells, Devon Nosler, Rylen Gibson, Gabriel Colunga and Nathaniel Colunga all of Hoopeston; two step-children- Hannah and Isabella Linares of Hoopeston; two grandchildren- Amoriel Wells and Aeson Mockbee; two brothers- David (Debra) Colunga of Edinburg, Texas and Robert (Daniella) Ruelas of Rio Grande City, Texas; three sisters- Roxanne (Andy) Delacruz of Edinburg, Texas, Monica Colunga of Mission, Texas and Veronica Colunga and Mission, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather and maternal grandparents.

Juan worked for several area car dealers.  He loved selling cars, listening to music and going to his kids sporting events.  Juan was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

A Celebration of Juan’s Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Juan’s life.  Memories or condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Russell Drew Allen, 78, of Wellington, IL, passed away at 3:32 P.M. Thursday January 2, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.  He was born August 14, 1941, in Watseka, IL, the son of Edward and Waunita (Ennen) Allen.  He married Joyce Jordan on October 19, 1990 in Hoopeston.  She survives in Wellington.

He is also survived by two sons, Roger (Vaughna) Allen of Hoopeston, IL and Rusty (Ellen) Allen of Lebanon, OH; two step-sons, Darrin (Anita) Lucas of Rankin, IL and Christopher (Lisa) Lucas of Avon, IN; two sisters, Sharon (John) Locke of Holland, MI and Suzanne (Nick) Porter of Middleton, WI; one brother, Keith (Barb) Allen of East Lynn, IL; 7 grandchildren, Matthew (Audrey) Allen, Tyler Allen, Natasha (Bryan) Mandel, Brenna (Kevin) Pantig, and Gabriel, Aubrey, and Charis Allen; 3 step-grandchildren, Alexa, Austin, and Jordan Lucas; one great-granddaughter, Kinsey Allen; one step great-granddaughter, Ophelia Lucas; and several special nieces and nephews, Jennifer Deuiven, Jared Locke, Geoffrey Porter, Aleta Magee, David Porter, Chad, Gordon, Danny, and Duane Allen, and Amy McNeill.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Drew worked at Stokely’s as the assistant plant manager and later became the plant manager until his retirement.  He attended the Hoopeston Community Church of the Nazarene and had previously served on the Hoopeston City Council.  He enjoyed golfing, fishing, woodworking, and watching television, especially the NFL.

A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday January 7, 2020 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday January 8, 2020 at the funeral home, with Pastor Tom McCann officiating.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team 901 W. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Drew’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Donald Ellis Jr., 92, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 2:36 A.M. Tuesday December 31, 2019, at Autumn Fields Adult Community in Hoopeston.  He was born August 6, 1927, in Hoopeston, IL, the son of Donald Eugene and Emma Lucille (McCalla) Ellis.  He married Florence Irene Ritter on February 9, 1946, in Rossville, IL.  She preceded him in death on September 1, 2007.

He is survived by one daughter, Marsha (Jeff) Wagoner; one son, Neil (Wanda) Ellis; four grandchildren, Becky (Scott) Kenworthy, Stephen (Angie) Wagoner, Wade (Sara) Ellis, and Stacey Wagoner;  and 9 great-grandchildren, Luke, Marissa, & Dane Kenworthy, Riley & Quinn Ellis, Caitlynn Wagoner, and Kylie, John, and Luke Knutson.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Lucille Ellis; stepmother, Helen Ellis; daughter, Kathryn Lynn; and brother, Richard.

Don was a farmer.  He was also a District Seed Corn Salesman for 25 years and the Clerk for Brenner Auction Company for 25 years.  He served as a Precinct Committeeman for 25 years, was a Warren County IN Councilman for 8 years, and served on the Warren County IN Sheriff’s Merit Board for multiple years.  Don also served on the Warren County IN 4-H Fair Board and the Seeger Memorial High School Athletic Boosters.  He was a member of the Rossville Church of Christ where he taught Sunday school for 64 years and served as an Elder for 58 years. During his high school years, he played basketball and football and was named an All-State Football Honorable Mention his Senior year.

A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. (Central Time) Friday January 3, 2020 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. (Central Time) Saturday January 4, 2020 at the Rossville Church of Christ 514 E. Attica St. Rossville, IL, with Pastor Kevin Purdy officiating.  Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hanging Rock Christian Camp, 6988 W State Road 28, West Lebanon, IN 47991 or the Rossville Church of Christ 514 E. Attica St. Rossville, IL 60963.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Don’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.