Derek J. Morgan, 47, of Ogden, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Derek was born on July 28, 1978, in Urbana, the son of Donnie and Teresa (Sanders) Morgan. On April 12, 2003, he married the love of his life, Amy Latham, in Ogden, and together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and laughter.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Amy; his daughter, Sandra (Jack) Vaughn of Fisher; and his sons, Blake and Deacon Morgan of Ogden. He is also survived by his father, Donnie (Kristi) Morgan of Potomac; his mother, Teresa Morgan of Savoy; brothers, Jason (Michelle) Morgan of Mahomet and Jaycen (Katie) Herndon of St. Charles, Missouri; sisters, Brittany (Kal) Lutz of Broadlands, Brianna (Patrick) Gones of Sidney, and Rae-Ann (Matt) Jones of Chatham; sister-in-law, Beth McCall of Potomac; maternal grandparents, Dawn and Glen Sanders of Mission, Texas; paternal grandfather, Jim (Barb) Morgan of Tilton; and his father- and mother-in-law, Riley and Sherry Latham of Ogden. Derek is also lovingly remembered by his aunts and uncles, Glenda (Rick) Estes of Danville, Cindy (Paul) Burow of Rantoul, and Rick (Joann) Ren of South Carolina, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dustin Morgan; his paternal grandparents, Darlene and Richard Ren; his aunts, Becky Ashcraft and Lori Byrne; and his sister-in-law, Kristina Wills.

Derek graduated from St. Joseph–Ogden High School in 1996 and later worked for several years as a tree technician with Spring Green. He was a passionate sports fan, proudly cheering for the Illini, Yankees, Cubs, and Bears. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cards, and listening to country music. Above all else, Derek’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Potomac Community Building. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Greg Breeden officiating. Burial will take place in Potomac Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. The family asks that everyone come casual or wear your favorite Illini apparel to honor Derek.

The Morgan family has entrusted Blurton Funeral Home with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Sherrell Preston “Butch” Overlander, 86, of rural Alvin, IL, passed away at 11:37 A.M. Friday, March 27, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born on October 10, 1939, in Albany, NY, the son of Sherrill E. and Helen Alverna (Bates) Overlander. He married Audrey Pettice on June 11, 1960, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Danville, IL. She survives in rural Alvin, IL.

He is also survived by one daughter, Lisa Boyer of Alvin, IL; two sons, Patrick (Cheri) Overlander of Hoopeston, IL and Mark (Carla) Overlander of Rossville, IL; one sister, Mary Somerbell of York, PA; eight grandchildren, Matthew (Traci Kohl) Boyer, Anthony (Lucy) Overlander, Emily (Chad) Defenbaugh, Jordan (Maya) Overlander, Robert (Amy) Boyer, Jacob (Abby Mikel) Boyer, Allison (Payton Nelson) Overlander, and Allen Overlander; twelve great-grandchildren, Brea Boyer, Alexander Boyer, Dinozzo Boyer, Quinn Overlander, Betsy Overlander, Logan Defenbaugh, Hudson Defenbaugh, Olivia Defenbaugh, Nora Overlander, Opie Overlander, Silas Nelson and Isla Renee Nelson (on the way); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Carl.

Butch drove a truck for Schneider Transport for over 20 years and then worked for Troy Holmes driving a truck. He served in the United States Air Force from 1959-1980 retiring with rank of Master Sergeant (MSgt). He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Danville, IL. Butch enjoyed gardening, doing carpentry work, and spending time with his family.

Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday April 1, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the funeral home with Father John Cyr officiating. Burial will follow at Gundy Cemetery in Bismarck, IL. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Butch to the donor’s choice.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Gary Lee Frump, 82, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 6:20 P.M. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL. He was born on January 15, 1943, in Evergreen Park, IL, the son of Eugene Carl and Maysel (Fleming) Frump. He married Dawn Renee Hunter on December 22, 2009, in Paxton, IL. She survives in Hoopeston, IL.

He is also survived by his two daughters, Lori and Lisa of TX; one step-daughter, Melissa (Kris) Anderson of Paxton, IL; one half-brother, Randy Frump; two sisters-in-law, Brenda (Charles) Farris of Rantoul, IL and Sheryl (Brad) Johnson of Nampa, ID; two brothers-in-law, Wayne (Cathy) Hunter of Roberts, IL and Steve (Laura) Hunter of Rantoul, IL; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gary was a self-employed truck driver, owning and operating Frump Trucking.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Glen Cemetery in Paxton, IL.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Deborah Kay “Debbie” Klaber, 72, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. She was born August 28, 1953, in Danville, IL, the daughter of John and Mae (Davidson) Glenn. She married James Klaber on December 23, 1979, in Hoopeston. He survives in Hoopeston.

She is also survived by her two sons, John (Whitley) Klaber of Hoopeston, IL and Brandon Klaber of Hoopeston, IL; sister-in-law, Diane Glenn of Crescent City, FL; two grandchildren, Mady and Rhett Klaber; and four nieces, Paige (Toby) Brown, Tonya (Kevin) Tovey, Michelle (JR) Grimes, and Teresa Hayes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Glenn; and her brother, Herb Glenn.

Debbie was a retiree of Hoopeston Area Schools where she taught for 34 years. She began her teaching career teaching Jr. High social studies for several years and later taught 6th grade until her retirement. She later served on the Hoopeston Area School Board for several years. Debbie was a member of the First Church of God in Hoopeston where she was very active serving on the church board, teaching Sunday School, and working in the nursery; and was a member of the Women of the Church of God. She had a true servant’s heart, dedicating her time to volunteer work at the Hoopeston nursing home and the queen’s pageant during the National Sweetcorn Festival. She enjoyed making cookies for several Hoopeston Area sports teams and the kids often referred to her as Mama K. She also enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, and loved her English Bulldogs. Debbie found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved cheering on her granddaughter at sporting events and cherished Sunday dinners surrounded by those she loved.

Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday, April 6, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the First Church of God, 1004 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL, with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Marla S. Cruz, 65, of Hoopeston passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at her residence. She was born on January 28, 1961 in Watseka, a daughter of Charles and Betty Lou (Griffin) Burdick and they preceded her in death along with two brothers, Dennis Griffin and Sonny Burdick; and one nephew, Matthew Burdick.

Marla is survived by her two daughters, Celina Arteaga of Watseka and Falcon Gomez of Donovan; two sons, Billy Ponton of Hoopeston and Kyle Ponton of Bradley; two brothers, Scott Burdick of Tennessee and Chuck Burdick of Watseka; one sister, Rebecca Burdick of Watseka; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held. Burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with Joe Hughes officiating.

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

Arrangements by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Marla at www.baierfuneralhome.com.

Cynthia Ellen “Cindy” Brazel, 71, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 9:46 A.M., Friday, March 20, 2026, at her home. She was born on April 16, 1954, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Lyle and Ida (Correll) Miller. She married Steve Brazel on January 6, 2017, in Danville, IL. He survives in Hoopeston.

She is also survived by two stepsons, Josh (Melissa) Brazel and Chris (Jennifer) Brazel; six grandchildren, Ryan, Ethan, Emma, Madilynn, Parker, and Peyton Brazel and one great-grandson, Elias Decorie.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters, Margaret Nimz, Loretta McInturff, Shirley Hoskins, and Donna Besson.

Cindy worked at FMC for over 30 years and later at Tridan until her retirement in 2019. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved riding on the golf cart when her husband, Steve, played golf. She also enjoyed her shopping trips with her friends, Kebby and Rita.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 30, 2026, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Cindy to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Betty Sue Pickett, 85, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:04 A.M. Monday, March 23, 2026, at her home. She was born August 10, 1940, in Manson, TN, the daughter of Mayford and Alpha May (Smith) Linder. She married Otis Pickett on February 14, 1959, in Clarkrange, TN. He preceded her in death on December 22, 2011.

She is survived by her three children, Jimmy (Brenda) Pickett of Williamsport, IN, Teresa (Kenny) Blakey of Hoopeston, IL, and Joanne (Kent) Tuttle of Kingman, IN; daughter-in-law, Pamela Pickett of Bruceville, TX; twelve grandchildren, Josh (Ashly) Blakey, Aleia Pickett (Danielle Richard), Ashley Pickett (Nick Montez), Alexis Pickett, James Hansen, Nikki (Jana) Hansen, Summer Walker, Karlie Blakey (Aaron Hoaks), Skylar Walker, Ferrell Ward, Ax Tuttle, and Bodhi Tuttle; eleven great-grandchildren, Lilly, Landon, Logan, and Levi Blakey, Gavin, Trenton, and Raydon Montez, Phoenix and Zepelin English, and Knox and Maddox Hoaks; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Otis, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Donald Pickett; four sisters, Lois (Billy) Walker, Mildred (Gene) Smith, Maggie Linder, and Norma Dean (Bill) Rogers; and one brother, Mayford Linder Jr.

Betty worked at Howard Industries for 13 years. She was a member of Chestnut Street Church of Christ in Hoopeston. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor John Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Betty to IMH Hospice, 200 East Fairman Avenue, Watseka, IL 60970.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Leslie Earl "Les" Symmonds, 66, of Rankin, Illinois, passed away on March 12, 2026, in Largo, Florida, while vacationing with his beloved wife, Debbie.

He was born on July 4, 1959, in Paxton, Illinois, to Melvin and Lucille (Christensen) Symmonds. Les was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Rankin, where he remained a lifelong member.

Les married Debbie Eighner on July 19, 1986, at Grace Lutheran Church in Rankin, and she survives.

He is also survived by his son, Nathan Symmonds (Sarah Uden); his daughter, Shelby Symmonds (Bradlee Herman); and his cherished grandchildren, Noah, Maverick, Bryson, Emersyn, Adler and Grayson. He is further survived by his sister, Jan Ruffner of Urbana, Illinois; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Mike (Leisa) Eighner of Camden, Tennessee; Sherri (Dave) Cox of Paxton, Illinois; Lisa (Brock) Breymeyer of Rankin, Illinois; and Mark (Robin) Eighner of Rankin, Illinois; along with many beloved nieces and nephews: Zach Ellis, Katie (Nate) Grice, Jared (Jess) Eighner, Kelsey Cox (Zach), Kendall (K'Lee) Cox, Ariel Eighner (TJ Clark), Brandy Saunders (Tommy), Dillon Eighner (Nikki), Graham Eighner, Gracie Eighner, Lexie Breymeyer, Lacie Breymeyer, Tate Ruffner, and Bryan Ruffner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother- and father-in-law, Michael and Bonnie (Seidel) Eighner; his beloved son, Michael; and his sister, Sally Symmonds.

Les graduated from Rankin Township High School in 1977. He dedicated many years of service as a correctional officer with the Illinois Department of Corrections in Danville. After retirement, he continued his strong work ethic as a farmhand for Tom Rust and as a building/service worker at Hoopeston Area School District.

A devoted member of his community, Les served on the Grace Lutheran Church Council, Rankin Village Board, Rankin Fire Department, and was a charter member of the Rankin Lions Club. He was also a member of the AFSCME Union.

Les was a lifelong, passionate sports fan who faithfully cheered on the Cornjerkers, Illini, Cubs, and Bears. In his heart, he was a true Rankin Ranger. He especially loved coaching youth sports, where he shared his enthusiasm, encouragement, and love of the game with countless young athletes. Some of his greatest joys came from coaching his sons, Nathan and Michael, in Little League, and his daughter, Shelby, in basketball and softball-experiences he treasured deeply. Above all, Les cherished time spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and joy in his life.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Paxton, Illinois. In honor of Les's lifelong love of sports, those attending are invited to wear casual sports attire. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Rankin, Illinois, with burial to follow at Rankin Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Les's memory to Grace Lutheran Church, 102 South Johnson Street, P.O. Box 275, Rankin, Illinois 60960 or Rankin Community Connection, P.O. Box 112, Rankin, Illinois.

Helen V. Comstock, 91, of Prescott Valley, Arizona, died on March 14, 2026, at 12:15 A.M. She was born in Hoopeston, Illinois on September 6, 1934, to Carl Sr. and Ruth (Griffin) Casner. She graduated from Hoopeston John Greer High School in 1952. She was married on June 14, 1952, to Edwin R. Comstock of Hoopeston. Helen was employed at Hoopeston Community Hospital after graduating from the School of Practical Nursing at Danville Community College on March 26, 1970. She then was employed at Danville Veteran's Administration Hospital for 10 years. She then moved to Prescott Valley, Arizona and attended Yavapai Community College in Prescott. She graduated in 1995 as a Registered Nurse while employed at Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, until her retirement in 2010 at the age of 75. She later moved back to her hometown of Hoopeston until she went to live with her daughter in Prescott Valley, Arizona on November of 2022.
Survivors include; her son, Eddie Steven Comstock of Hoopeston; her daughter, Christina (Christy) (Comstock) (David) Jeffers of Prescott Valley, Arizona; her sister, Margaret Romero of Denver, CO; her daughter-in-law, Bobbi Comstock; her son-in-law, Mike Turner; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy (Comstock) Turner; son, Rodney “Hot Rod” Comstock; brother, Carl Jr Casner; sister, Louise (Casner) Lane, brother-in-law, Mike Romero; and granddaughter Kelly Turner, all of Hoopeston, as well as many nieces and nephews.
 

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, April 10, 2026, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL, with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston, IL is handling the arrangements.

Lloyd Arthur Burk went to be with the Lord on March 6, 2026, at the age of 91.

He was born on April 5, 1934, in Gridley, Illinois to Dewey and Mary Catherine Burk. Growing up he worked at his family’s dry-cleaning business. He met Mary Denney in 1952 and the two married on March 21, 1953, at the Rossville Church of Christ. This month they were celebrating an upcoming 73-years of marriage. Lloyd and Mary loved crafting together and spent many years side by side creating and selling unique items. They also enjoyed many years on the lake together fishing. Lloyd spent time camping, hunting and working in his garage, always tinkering on his next project.

Lloyd spent seventeen years on the Rossville Area Volunteer Fire Department and was a part-time police officer with the Rossville Police Department from 1954 to 1972. He worked for thirty-two years at FMC in Hoopeston, retiring in 1997.  Lloyd and Mary were members of Danville First Church of the Nazarene.

Together the couple had two children – Lora Lynn Lackey and David Lloyd Burk. Lloyd was preceded in death by his daughter, Lora; his parents and three siblings – David Burk Sr, George Burk and Orville Larkin.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Mary of Rossville, IL; son, David Burk (Judy) of Liberty Township, OH; grandchildren— Breanne Wells (Dave) of Danville, IL; Brooke Phillips (Daron) of Oxford, AL; Bryan Porter (Dana) of Derby, KS and Elyse Wells (Tim) of Maineville, OH; along with twelve great-grandchildren and one sister, Pearl Carter.

Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. A graveside service will follow at 12:15 P.M. at Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, IL, with Pastor Gary Milton officiating.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Penny Lou Gaddis, 74, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 7:08 A.M. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at her home. She was born on September 22, 1951, at Lakeview Hospital in Danville, IL, the daughter of Donald E. and Louella M. (Deck) Foxworthy. She married David L. Gaddis on October 1, 1971, at the First Christian Church in Hoopeston. He survives in Hoopeston.

She is also survived by her son, Jeremy (Jennifer) Gaddis of Rankin, IL; two sisters, Pam (Steve) Moore of Paxton, IL and Tammy (Bud) Rumble of Rankin, IL; one brother, Richard E. “Rick” (Dolores) Foxworthy of Hoopeston, IL; three grandchildren, Brady William Gaddis, Cole David Gaddis, and Gracyn Rae Gaddis; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Floyd and Bernice Foxworthy and Henry and Fee Deck; her parents, Donald and Louella Foxworthy; and one brother, Sonny (Levoynne) Foxworthy.

Penny worked at Hoopeston Area High School cafeteria for several years. She also co-owned and operated Gaddis Nursery and Lawncare and Hoopeston Memorials with her husband, Dave. She enjoyed doing yardwork, watching her grandkids’ sporting events, raising her family, and sitting on her swing.  One of Penny’s greatest enjoyments was traveling to Las Vegas with her husband.

Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Monday, March 9, 2026 at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home, with Mike Robling officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Penny to Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team 901 W. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.