Bradley Eugene Cox, 65, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 10:10 P.M. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born November 12, 1959, at Lakeview Hospital in Danville, IL, the son of Wilbur and Shirley (Gibson) Cox. He married Kathy Wisdom on March 17, 2000, in Danville. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by his daughter, Jenna (Campbell) Query of Nashville, TN; step-daughter, Jessica Merrill of Hoopeston, IL; step-son, Jason Wisdom on Hoopeston, IL; sister, Brenda (Greg) Adolf; twin brother, Bryan (Jama) Cox of Danville, IL; six grandchildren, Brittany, Jason, Jordan, Alexis, Derrik, and Keagen; six great-grandchildren, Ellie, Eli, Braydin, Michael, Roman, and Kathryn; two nieces, Lee Haton and Bryanna Smith; and four nephews, Skylar Bolton, Tanner Pichon, Jarret Cox, and Justin Cox.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and brother, Jeff Cox.

Brad worked for Sunbeam for eleven years and then Teasdale Foods for over twenty years until his retirement in 2021. He enjoyed tinkering around in his garage and working outside in his yard. He loved watching Nascar every Sunday, especially Dale Earnhardt Sr. and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Most of all, Brad enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

Visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 4, 2025, 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. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor John Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in Brad’ s name to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020-0756.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Linzie M. “Mern” Clayburn, 76, of Hoopeston, IL, passed at 12:55 P.M. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born February 26, 1949, in Jamestown, TN, the son of George A. and Dollie Marie (Crisp) Clayburn. He married Debbie Gilpin in December 1992, at their home in Hoopeston, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by two daughters, Joyce (P.J.) Clingenpeel of Hoopeston, IL and Cayla Clayburn of Hoopeston, IL; one son, Chris Clayburn of Celina, TN; six sisters, Louise Greer, Nancy Farmer, Sue Moe, Jackie Kerr, Bonnie Gorden, and Dorothy Carender; two brothers, Wayne and Ronnie Clayburn; ten grandchildren, Sierra (Brandon), Gregory, Ryan, Courtney, Blane, Allie, Andrew, Harper, Reice (Nate), and Rayden; four great-grandchildren, Hunter, Micah, Jasper, and Lyra; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, J.R. Clayburn, B.J. Clayburn, and Darrell Clayburn.

Linzie worked at Ceres Solutions in State Line, IN, until his retirement. He also owned and operated Mern’s Small Engine Repair out of his garage for many years. He loved taking photos, writing and playing songs on the guitar, and working on things in his garage. Most of all, he loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Per Mern’s wishes, a Celebration of Life (Picnic in the Park) will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the McFerren Park Girl Scout House in Hoopeston, IL. Mern would love for his family and friends to fish and take lots of pictures. Please bring chairs or a blanket.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

John William Bruns Sr., 75, of Potomac, passed away at 3:53 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.

He was born on December 17, 1949, in Champaign County to Frank and Glenadine (Corbly) Bruns. On April 10, 1971, he married Paula Cross at the Paxton Lutheran Church. Mrs. Bruns survives him.

He is also survived by one daughter- Tammy (Jeff) Hoskins of Danville; one son- John (Tammy Buckham) Bruns Jr. of Potomac; four grandchildren- Jade Bruns, Nicholas Hoskins, Logan Hoskins and Caleb Coon; three great-grandchildren- Ryker Bruns, Avery Bruns and Holdyn Smothers; one brother- Frank Bartell Bruns of Paxton; and one cousin- Bonnie Jean Corbly of Hayworth.

He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter- Savannah Bruns.

John graduated from Armstrong High School in 1968 and later served in the United States Army. He was involved with the Potomac American Legion #428 and the I & I Tractor Club.  John had a strong work ethic and was an expert working with tractors and farm machinery. He also enjoyed painting as a hobby, including recently undertaking chair projects for family and friends.  John also valued time spent with his family.  

According to his wishes cremation rites will be arranged and there will not be any services at this time.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring John’s life.  Condolences may be shared with John’s family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Pamela “Sandy” Jean Rector, 81, of Decatur, passed away at 7:55 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

She was born on July 9, 1944, in Vermilion County, Illinois, to Axel Eric and Ruth M. (Glover) Erickson. On June 15, 1963, she married Donald Rector at the Hoopeston United Methodist Church. Mr. Rector survives her.

She is also survived by her daughter- Cassi (Mike) Wildman of Oakley, IL; son- Bryan Rector of Decatur; two grandchildren- Dr. Kaitie (Garrett Mumm) Wildman and Erin (Cody) Woollen; sister-in-law- Kathy Erickson of Colorado Springs, CO; nephew Paul Erickson, niece Lora Bryant and their families also of Colorado Springs, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother- David Erickson.

Sandy graduated from Hoopeston High School in 1962 and later attended Eastern Illinois University. She was employed as an LPN at St. Mary’s in Decatur and Piatt County Nursing Home for several years until her retirement. Sandy was dedicated to her nursing career and to providing care for others. Her interests included shopping, gardening, walking, and caring for animals, particularly her cats.

Private family services are scheduled to take place with interment at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston. The Blurton Funeral Home of Hoopeston has been entrusted with arrangements to honor Sandy’s life. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on her memorial page at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Diana “DeDe” Collins, 77, of Champaign, passed away on July 22, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Paxton. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., also at the funeral home. 

Ruth Ann Highfill, 76, of Cissna Park, IL, passed away at 9:53 P.M. Thursday July 17, 2025, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL. She was born May 25, 1949, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Warren and Eleanor (McKinney) Songer. She married Stephen Highfill on December 22, 1989, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hoopeston. He preceded her in death on May 15, 2015.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Highfill of Cissna Park, IL; bonus son, Stevie (Jamie) Highfill; one brother, Craig (Jane) Songer of CA; five grandchildren, Madelyn Clingenpeel, Kaiden Clingenpeel (Lauren Huff), Dane Clingenpeel (Angie Augle), and Drew and Keegan Highfill; one great-grandchild, Lincoln Clingenpeel; and five nieces and nephews, Kelly, Elizabeth, Morgan, Logan, and Wyatt.

In addition to her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Mark Songer.

Ruth was a schoolteacher at Maple Grade School in Hoopeston for over thirty years. She attended the Grace Bible Church in Cissna Park. Ruth loved the Lord with everything she had and led her family towards Him. She also loved gardening and was an artist who loved decorating for everything. Ruth enjoyed her time with her Creekside friends who gave her much comfort and love.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a private family service will be held.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

John E. Sheridan Jr, 87 of Milford, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston. He was born on October 20, 1937 in Wellington, the son of John E. and Ella (Lanie) Sheridan Sr. He married Judith Ann Henry in Hoopeston on November 19, 1960.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Ann Sheridan of Milford; five children, Deanna (David) Silver of Hoopeston, Brenda (Sergio) Colunga of Milford, Debra (Jim) Mowrey of Milford, Brad (Marcie) Sheridan of Milford, and Lisa Sheridan of Watseka; ten grandchildren, Brian (Holly) Silver, Jamie (JT) Taflinger, Matthew (Jade) Colunga, Shane (Becca) Lavicka, Amie (Ben) Johnson, Ashlie (Evan) Hall, Jamie (Darren) Bakken, Jennifer Mowrey, Payton (Mari) Sheridan, and Micah (Reyse) Sheridan; and thirteen great grandchildren, Jacksen, Kassidy, Dillon, Olivia, August, Theodore, Caden, Emmerson, Adelynn, Cecelia, Shepard, Henry, Parker, and baby girl great granddaughter on the way.

John was preceded in passing by his parents and two sisters, Phyllis (Jack) Davenport and Mary (Kenny) Sorenson.

Mr. Sheridan served in the United States Army National Guard. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hoopeston, a past Wellington school board member, and belonged to the Lion’s Club. He was a lifelong farmer in the Milford area. John cherished his time spent with his family.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hoopeston. Fr. Ignatius will officiate. Burial will follow Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorials may be made to ARC of Iroquois County.

Please share a memory of John at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Cathy L. Galloway, 64, of Milford, IL, passed away at 6:45 P.M. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born March 11, 1961, in Lincoln, IL, the daughter of Austin Hiram Crawford Sr. and Elaine Marie (Caldwell) Crozier. They preceded her in death. She married Stuart Galloway at Kennekuk County Park in Danville, IL, on May 19, 2007. He survives in Milford, IL.

She is also survived by her step-mother, Patricia Anne Crawford of Wellington, IL; one daughter, Sarah (Scott) Meece of Danville, IL; one son, George Hickman of Wellington, IL; three step-children, Ashley Galloway of Milford, IL, Jacob (Luisa) Galloway of Fort Sill, OK, and Leah Galloway of Danville, IL; one half-brother, Austin Hiram (Amy Jo) Crawford Jr.; one step-sister, Janet Focken; one step-brother, Jim (Tami) Harwood; one granddaughter, Vivian; five step grandchildren, Alix, Cyrus, Memphis, Neveah, and Jake; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Cathy was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Hickman; infant daughter, Susanna Hickman; and grandson, Nathan Meece.

Cathy was a homemaker, caring for and raising her family. She later became a respiratory therapist and most recently worked as a home healthcare provider. She was a member of the Cissna Park American Legion Auxiliary. Cathy enjoyed quilting and crocheting and loved her pets. She also enjoyed helping and watching her husband drag race. The joy of Cathy’s life was her children, as she was very involved in everything they did.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Cathy to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T.), 901 W. Main St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Brylie Nicole Cox, 18, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025. She was born March 11, 2007, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Katrina (Pelman) and Lee Cox, and the late Chris Markwell who preceded her in death in 2012.

She is survived by her parents, Lee and Katrina Cox of Hoopeston, IL; three siblings, Gemma, Ronan, and Hazel Cox; grandparents, Ken and Brenda Pelman, Dave Markwell, and Lloyd and Carmela Cox; aunts and uncles, Trent and Javonda Pelman, Mike and Kaitlyn Markwell, Ralph and Angie Wood, Frank Wood, and Wendy and Dave Robertson; and several cousins.

In addition to her father, Chris Markwell, she was preceded in death by her grandmother, Marsha Markwell.

Brylie was a 2025 graduate from Hoopeston Area High School where she was active in softball, track, cheerleading, basketball, and volleyball, and was a member of the Blue Rush. She also loved playing travel sports and making new friends. Brylie had planned to attend Eastern Illinois University this fall to pursue a degree in Criminology and Psychology with plans of becoming a forensic psychologist, something she had wanted to be from a very young age. She worked delivering Amazon packages and previously worked at McDonald’s in Hoopeston. She had also served as a lifeguard at the Hoopeston Public Pool and babysat for several families. Brylie was active in her youth group at the First Presbyterian Church in Hoopeston and enjoyed going on mission trips. She enjoyed making crafts, especially B-dazzling things and making slime, and loved spending time with her friends. Above all, Brylie loved her family. She especially loved being a big sister and enjoyed going to the park with her brother and sisters.

Visitation will be held 2:00 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Hoopeston Area Middle School gymnasium, 615 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL, with Rev. Jean Oliver-Holder and Larry Baughn officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brylie Cox Memorial and Scholarship Fund c/o Iroquois Federal, 655 S. Dixie Highway, Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Jackie “Jack” Eugene Winchester Jr., 48, of Rossville, passed away at 1:37 a.m. Monday, July 14, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.

Jack was born on November 24, 1976, in Lafayette, Indiana, the son of Jack Winchester Sr. and Jaylne (Searcy) Quillen.

He is survived by one daughter-Ashley Winchester of Hoopeston; four sons-Andrew (Jasmine) Winchester of Rankin, Alex Winchester of Georgia, Shawn Barron of Texas and Ely Wells of Hoopeston; three grandchildren-Harlynny, Huntleigh and Harlowe Winchester; two brother- George (Melissa) Searcy of Cissna Park and Tony Winchester of Oxford, IN; three sisters- Angela Brewer, Rhonda (Daryl) Fink both of Rossville and Kathy Winchester of Oxford, IN; several nieces and nephews; special niece- Big Head; and special great nieces and nephews- Jo and Willow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father- Huey Quillen, brother- Charles Winchester and sister- Vicki Winchester.

Jack was an avid Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed his social life with family and friends.  He loved his dog Luna and kids loved him and he loved being around kids.  Jack also had a great sense of humor.

Cremation rites will be arranged and there are not any services scheduled at this time.  Memorial donations may be made for the family to assist with the cremation arrangements.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston to assist them in honoring Jack’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com

Johnny Ray Linder, 63, of Rossville, passed away at 7:43 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2025, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in Chicago.

He was born on January 31, 1962, in Danville, IL, the son of Mayford Junior and Shirley Ann (Coffey) Linder.  He married Tina Merritt on June 23, 1984, in Hoopeston.  She survives.

He is also survived by his two sons- Dustin (Chelsea) Linder of Danville and Daniel Linder of Rossville; one brother- Ronald Linder of Hoopeston; two sisters- Brenda Cox of Danville and Helen (Lincoln) Ingram of Campbellsville, KY; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father- Steve R. Cross and sister- Alma Lee Coffey.

Johnny worked for several years at Jeld-Wen, in Rantoul, until his retirement.  He was a member of the Northfork Conservation Club, in Hoopeston.  He enjoyed playing and coaching softball, hunting, fishing, playing paintball, cooking and working on cars and lawnmowers.

A Celebration of Johnny’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Dan Mikel officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow the service in the Potomac Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Johnny’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Glenda “Sue” Tift, 81, of Potomac, passed away at 11:51 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at her home. 

Sue was born on July 3, 1943, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Melvin and Margaret (Bruner) Duncan.  She married Burton Tift Jr. on October 28, 1972, in Potomac.  He survives.

She is also survived by one daughter- Angie (Randy) Niver of Potomac; one son- Burton “Burt” (Lisa) Tift III of Greenfield, IN; six grandchildren- Dakota (Brittany) Tift, Austyn (Caroline) Tift, Drayke Tift, Luke Niver, Will Niver and Colt Niver; three great-grandchildren- Owen, Sophia and Sebastian Tift; one sister- Marilyn (Gene) Talbott of Savoy, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister- Judie Tucker.

She graduated from Potomac High School, in 1961.  She enjoyed babysitting kids, doing puzzle books, baking cookies and making caramel corn.

Private family services will be held.  She will be laid to rest in Potomac Cemetery.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, to assist them in honoring Sue’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.