James E. Louderman - 86

James E. Louderman age 86 of Galesburg, Illinois, went to be with his Lord, Saturday, April 28, 2012, at his home in Galesburg.  James was born January 7, 1926 in Wellington, Kansas to Ernest and J. Ruth Tharpe Louderman.  On January 26, 1946 in Kahoka, Mo., he was united in marriage to Shirley M. Ludlum, she preceded him in death on July 15, 2010.  Also preceding James was his parents, 1 - Brother; Dwight Louderman, 2 Sisters; Donna Kleinkopf and Dixie Hightower.
Surviving to mourn his passing are 1 Son; Nick and Rhonda Louderman, Warrensburg, Illinois, 2 Daughters: Chris Larsen, St. Louis, Mo., and Lynne and Marc Strand, Oglesby, Illinois, 8 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Brother; Max and Marge Louderman, Springfield, Illinois.
James was a member of the Colonial Baptist Church, Galesburg, he had been employed by Anderson Auto Electric, in Colchester and Galesburg Auto Supply, Galesburg.  James served his country in the United States Navy.
Graveside services will be 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at Argyle Cemetery, near Colchester, with the Rev. Marc Strand.  Military services will be conducted at the grave by the Macomb V.F.W. Post 1921 and Macomb American Legion Post 6.  Friends may view and sign the register book at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester after 8:00 A.M. Wednesday.  Memorial is to the Colonial Baptist Church, Galesburg.  Friends may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.

Lois E. Shelley - 93

Lois E. Shelley age 93, of Colchester went to be with her Lord, at 9:37 P.M. March 31, 2012, at the Elms Nursing Home in Macomb, Illinois.  Lois was born December 22, 1918, at the family home one mile north of Joetta, Illinois, in Hancock Township, Hancock County, Illinois, the daughter of Franklin “Frank” and Ella Mae (Peck) Conn.
She was united in marriage at Bethel Baptist Church in Bethel Township, on August 6, 1949, to G. Dale Shelley.  He preceded her in death on January 3, 1980.  Lois and Dale were the first couple to be married in the new Bethel Baptist Church building.  After the marriage she helped Dale on the farm and took care of the home.
Lois is survived by her Daughter; Marilyn Luella Shelley of Colchester.
Lois attended Walnut School, Fountain Green High School for her first 3 years and attended Colchester High School for her senior year.  She graduated from Western Illinois University with a B.S. in Education in 1948, and taught 1st thru 4th grade at Fountain Green Grade School and taught all 8 grades at a country school named Walnut, located in Hancock Township, Hancock County.  Later she taught, Home Economics at Bowen High School for 1 1/2 years.  She was a teacher for 8 1/2 years.  As a youth she attended, and was a member of Majorville United Methodist Church.  After her marriage, she became a member of Bethel Baptist Church, where she taught the Ladies Sunday School Class for many years, Trustee for 4 years, church pianist several years, and member of Bethel Baptist American Baptist Women’s Ministries group.  Lois was the Bethel ABWM White Cross Chairperson for many years.  She sent many overland, overseas and Bacone Thrift Store boxes through the post office.  She presented the missions lesson at Bethel Baptist Church Vacation Bible School for many years up through the 2007 VBS.  Lois was also a member of the Colchester Order Eastern Star where she was organist for several years.  After Colchester OES merged with Macomb OES she received her 50 year OES pin.  She also was a member of the Bethel Unit of McDonough County Homemakers Extension, McDonough County Retired Teachers Association, Colchester Area Historical Society, 4-H leader for nine years, while her daughter Marilyn was in 4-H.  Lois was also the Colchester FHA chapter mother, while her daughter was in school.  Lois loved gardening, flower arranging, cookie making and crocheting rugs.
A memory she recalled for the Families of Hancock County, Illinois, book
“Lois recalls her teaching days at Walnut during the World War II years.  Besides teaching, the teacher also had janitor duties and also had janitor duties of starting the fire in the big furnace.  Daylight Savings Time was a year around.  Her dog Prince would walk with her to Walnut and stay with her until the first child would arrive at school and then Prince trotted home.”
Her father died in 1921 after being sick with typhoid fever.  Her mom stayed on the 65 acre farm and milked cows and raised chickens and hogs to support herself and her daughter.  While her mother was doing outside chores, 3 year old Lois made a doll quilt using the treadle sewing machine.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday,  April 4,2012 at the Jones Mortuary, Colchester. with the Pastor Jim Richardson.  The family will meet with friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester.  Friends may view and sign the register book a the the funeral home after 9:00 A.M. Tuesday till time of services.  Burial will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester.  Memorials are to the Bethel Baptist Church Dale and Lois Shelley Camping Memorial Fund or the Elms Nursing Home.  To leave condolences to the family visit online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.

Dixie R. Hightower - 76

Dixie R. Hightower age 76 of Colchester, went to be with her Lord at 6:24 P.M. Thursday, March 29, 2012, in Springfield, Illinois at Memorial Medical Center.  Dixie was born February 2, 1936, in Sulpher Springs, Ark., to Ernest and J. Ruth Tharpe Louderman.  She was united in marriage on June 3, 1956, in Colchester to Wayne Hightower, he survives of Colchester.
Surviving to mourn her passing is her Husband, 1 Son; Tim and Nikki Hightower, Ursa, Illinois, 1 Daughter; Dawna and Jerry Zimmerman, Colchester, 4 Grandchildren; Eric and Honey Zimmerman, Andy Zimmerman, Steven Zimmerman, Peyton Hightower, Twin Great Granddaughters; Niah and Kamara Zimmerman, 2 Brothers; Jim Louderman, Galesburg, Max and Marge Louderman, Springfield, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 Infant Grandson, her twin sister; Donna R. Kleinkopf and 1 Brother; Dwight Louderman.
  Dixie was a devoted mother, sister and wife and loved the Lord with all her heart.  Growing up a Pastor’s daughter, she was always involved in church. She loved her family, starting with her identical twin sister Donna then on to her husband Wayne, and children, niece, nephew, grandchildren and great grandchildren as they came along.  Like most grandmas, Dixie spent a lot of time spoiling her grandsons and was always there to support their activities.  The grandsons knew there would always be grilled cheese and candy bars at Grandma’s house.   She was a good listener who always enjoyed keeping up with her family’s adventures.
Dixie loved cross stitching and crocheting and long before Facebook she was involved in an earlier form of social networking known as the Sew and So Club where there is more visiting than actual sewing.  She was an instrumental part of the Tuesday Lunch Bunch and always looked forward to lunch with the girls and their road trips to Branson.  Dixie was a member of the Argyle Bible Church, Colchester Sew and So Club, Tuesday Lunch Bunch, and had been employed by Dr. Roth in Colchester for 20 years.
Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, April 2, 2012 at Argyle Bible Church, Colchester, with the Rev. Sam Kostreva.  The family will meet with friends from 4:00 to 6;00 P.M. on Sunday, April 1, 2012, at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester.  Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home after 9:00 A.M. Sunday, then after 9:00 A.M. Monday at the Church till time of services.  Burial will take place at Argyle Cemetery, following the services.  Memorial is to the Argyle Bible Church Mission Fund. To leave condolences to the family visit online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.

JoAnne Powell - 79

JoAnne Powell age 79 of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away at 12 Noon, March, 20, 2012, at St.Francis Hospital,  in Peoria, Illinois.   She was born November 6, 1932, in Rural Tennessee, Illinois to Herbert and Florence MCClure.  JoAnne was united in marriage on January 7, 1951, in Colchester, to Max Powell, he survives of Bushnell.
Also surviving to mourn her passing are 2 Sons; Randy and Jere Scott Powell, Macomb, Roger and Debbie Powell, Bushnell, 2 Daughters; Robin and Mark Wilt, Bushnell, Rhonda Anderson, Temple Texas, 9 Grandchildren, Nicole, Stacey, Mary and Shawn Powell, Justin Powell, Chase and Beth Powell, Mitchell Wilt, Colin and Cooper Anderson, and 8 Great Great Grandchildren.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents, 1 Sister; Betty Moss and 1 Brother: Bayne McClure.
She had worked with her husband Max at the Conoco Station in Bushnell for 15 years and was a secretary of food service at Western Illinois University.  She was a member of the Bushnell V.F.W. Aux. Post 1422, Mothers Club, Bushnell Historical Society, Cub Scout Den Mother, and an avid Chicago Cubs Fan.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester, with Pastor Jim Richardson.  Family Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home.  Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M. Friday, then after 8:00 A.M. Saturday till time of services.  Burial will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester.  Memorial is to the Bushnell Rescue Squad.  To leave condolences to the family visit online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.

Mary Frances Cook - 85

 Mrs. Mary Frances (Ellis) Cook, of Corpus Christi, TX, formerly of Colchester, Illinois, passed away at 1:12 A.M. Friday, February 17, 2012, at the Alameda Oaks Nursing Home, Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born July 16, 1926, in Farmington Township, Fulton County, Illinois to Jesse V. and Nina Blanche (Mitchell) Ellis. She was united in marriage to Dennis Alfred Cook, November 5, 1949, at Hills Grove Church, Tennessee, Illinois. He passed away April 5, 1986.
Surviving to mourn her passing are 3 sons; John A. Cook, Long Beach, CA, Gerald W. (Sorayya) Cook, San Jose, CA, James L. Cook (and companion Robert Maize), Corpus Christi, TX, 1 granddaughter; Shanna Shahrezad Cook of San Jose, CA, 1 adopted grandson Joseph D. (Maria) Miller-Cook of Visalia, CA, 1 great granddaughter Lilly Ann Marie Miller of Visalia, CA, nephew, Jesse Ray (Jean) Danielson, Colchester IL, nieces Marcia (Ernie) Fitzjarrald, Augusta IL, & Martha Fentem, Colchester IL plus 10 great nieces and nephews, 24 great-great nieces and nephews and 6 great-great-great nieces & nephews and lots of friends. She has 9 verbally adopted children; Robert J. Maize, Corpus Christi, TX, Billie Jane Lynch, Dover Plains, NY, Yadyra Kent, Garden Grove, CA, Gladys (Winston) Chung, San Jose, CA, Ramon (Patty) Marquez, San Francisco, CA, Miyako (Ron) Graham, Forrestville, CA. She also has 10 verbally adopted grandchildren: Alexandra, Jeffery, and Erica Kent, Garden Grove, CA, Diana and Andrea Chung, San Jose, CA, Carina and Michael Marquez, San Francisco, CA, Marisa Graham, Forrestville, CA, Alexandra and Anthony Allie, Los Gatos, CA.
Mary Frances was preceded in death by her Grandparents, parents, husband, 2 Sisters; Paulina Mae Danielson and Naomi Ruth Ellis, 1 granddaughter Sanya Zahara Cook, two nephews Bob Danielson and Jim Fentem and 1 great nephew Danny Danielson.
Mrs. Cook was a member of the Hills Grove United Methodist Church, and United Methodist Women, a 50-year plus member of the Rebekah Lodge in Blandinsville. She attended local schools in the area, graduated Colchester High School in 1944 and later attended Gem City Business College. She later worked in the offices of the Colchester Schools. In 1952, she and her family moved to Edina, MO where they lived for 12 and half years, then moved to Lancaster, MO for 18 years. In 1982 they retired to her parents’ home in Colchester.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester, Illinois, with the Rev. Don Long. Burial will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester. After the burial, family and friends are invited to meet at Hills Grove United Methodist Church.
Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at the Funeral Home. A Rebekah Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Friends may call at the Funeral Home after 9:00 A.M. Wednesday, until time of services. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to the Hills Grove United Methodist Church.
To leave condolences to the family visit online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.

William (Bill) Hoyt - 89

William (Bill) Abram Hoyt was born July 6, 1922, in Colchester, son of Benjamin Franklin and Beulah Artemis Hoyt and passed away February 7, 2012 in St. Louis, MO. He was baptized at the First Christian Church in Colchester in the 1930’s. He married his sweetheart Betty Jane Murphy on February 9, 1944 and they enjoyed 65 years of life together. He was preceded in death by her on January 18, 2010.

He is survived by four sons, James William (wife Barbara, children Sarah and Jacob) of Columbus, OH, Roger Franklin (wife Jenny, children Elizabeth and David) of San Jose, CA, Richard Alan (wife Joan, children Timothy, Rebecca (husband Scott, daughter Eliza), and Emily) of Webster Groves, MO, Jeffrey Kent (wife Carol) of Collinsville, IL, brother, Joe Allen Hoyt, sister Virginia Lee Fentem, both of Colchester and family caregiver Joyce Whitaker of Loraine, IL.

Bill graduated from Colchester High School in 1940, where he developed a life-long interest in radio and radio technology. Following high school graduation, he attended Western Illinois State Teachers College in Macomb, where he studied physics, joined the student radio club and played clarinet in the band.

From 1942 to 1945 Bill served in the Pacific, aboard the inaugural crew of USS Lewis (DE-535) as a Radio Technician First Class. During Typhoon Connie on June 2, 1945, he played a vital role in maintaining navigational radar and communications for the Lewis and its fleet. After the war, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana.

He began a distinguished professional career in radio engineering at Doolittle Radio in Chicago. In 1952, Bill and his family re-located to Quincy where he joined Gates Radio and subsequently Harris Corporation, designing, building and servicing FM broadcast transmitters until his retirement in 1990. His work took him across the United States as well as to many other countries. He spent 6 months in Indonesia in 1976 developing a network of radio stations throughout that country. His professional legacy may be found in radio stations throughout the world where ‘his’ transmitters continue in service to this day. He was a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, and a senior member of the Institute of Radio Engineers.

Scouting was always an important part of Bill’s life. He was a lone scout in Colchester before a troop was established. His involvement and support of the Boy Scouts continued as an adult in Troop 3 at Central Baptist Church. In 1976, he was awarded the Silver Beaver for distinguished service to youth.

He joined the Masonic Lodge of Colchester, Illinois in 1946 and was an active member of Herman Lodge No. 39 in Quincy. During retirement, he particularly enjoyed attending the weekly meetings of the High Twelve Club, spending time with fellow Masons and inviting his sons to attend with him when possible.

He was an active, long time member of Central Baptist Church in Quincy, joining the congregation with his family on January 27, 1952. He served as the recording engineer for many years, producing the weekly programs of the Central Baptist Hour that were broadcast on WTAD. He served in many additional capacities at Central during his 60 year membership. The community of faith at Central Baptist was central to his life.

Bill’s greatest joys were his family, grandchildren and great granddaughter. He will be missed by family, friends and all who knew him.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 16 from 1 PM until 3PM at Jones Mortuary (217 East Depot St., Colchester, Ill) and from 6 PM until 8 PM at Central Baptist Church(7th and Broadway, Quincy, Ill).

The memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life, will be held on Friday, February 17 at 10:30 AM at Central Baptist. Interment will be at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Colchester, Illinois at 3 PM., with Military Rites at the Graveside by the Macomb V.F.W. Post 1921 and the Macomb American Legion Post 6.

Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church in care of the William Hoyt Memorial Fund. 

June Barrett Cracraft - 87

June Barrett Cracraft age 87 of Macomb, Illinois, passed away at 12:15 P.M. Sunday, January 29, 2012, at the Elms Nursing Home in Macomb. She was born June 9, 1924 in Good Hope, Illinois to John and Mary Barrett Kaiser. On May 27, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, she was united in marriage to Vernon Cracraft, who survives of Macomb.
Surviving to mourn June’s passing are her husband Vernon, 2 Sons; Michael Cracraft (Debra), Maquon, Illinois and Daniel Cracraft, Macomb, 1 Daughter; Cindy Cracraft ( Andrew Robbins), Urbana, Illinois, 5 Grandchildren; Troy Cracraft (Annette), Bushnell, Timothy Cracraft, Vermont, Illinois, Tamela Pledge, Macomb, Illinois, Laura Cracraft-Leon (Martin Leon), Chanhassen, Minnesota, Nicholas Cracraft, Maquon, Illinois, 6 Great Grandchildren; Joshua and Lauren Cracraft, Bushnell, Chloe Cracraft, Vermont, Justin Pledge, Macomb, Alexander and Christian Cracraft-Leon, Chanhassen, Minnesota,
June was preceded in death by her parents, 1 Son; Larry Cracraft and 2 Sisters; Margaret Ellis and Mary Mason.
June graduated from Good Hope High School with the honor of class salutatorian, on May 29, 1942, she briefly attended Western Illinois University. Over the years, she worked in many local stores including Newberry’s, Woolworth’s, P.N. Hirsch and Dollar General. She also owned and managed the Cracraft Market in Bardolph, Illinois. She later worked at the Americana Nursing Home and as temporary extra help at Western Illinois University.
She was a faithful member of the Evangelical United Brethren / Faith United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and served on the administrative board for many years. June enjoyed cooking, gardening, playing bingo and helping others. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 11:00 A.M. at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester, with the Rev. Don Riley. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb. Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home after 12 noon Wednesday. Memorial is to the donors Choice. To leave condolences to the family visit online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.  

Darold Otis Depoy - 93

Darold Otis Depoy age 93 of Colchester, passed away at 8:59 P.M. Saturday, January 28, 2012, at his home in rural Tennessee. He was born June 7, 1918, in Colchester, to Harry Odell (Ode) and Weltha Powell Depoy. Darold was united in marriage on July 14, 1948, in Macomb to Maxine Young, she preceded him in death on November 9, 1971. He later married Norma Jean Phillips Clark, on January 20, 1979.
Surviving to mourn Darold’s passing is his wife, 2 Daughters; Linda J. and Ron Havens, Colchester, Illinois, Rosella and Miles Young, Downs, Illinois, 4 Grandchildren; Jennifer and Ron Havens, Colchester, Jeff and April Tones, Colchester, Joe D. and Abbey Young, Downs, Illinois, John Young and Carrie Heissler, Downs, Illinois, 6 Great Grandchildren; Matt, Ben and Brett Havens, Colchester, Madilynn Tones, Colchester, Mackenzie Tones, Colchester, Lucy Young, Downs, Illinois, 2 Step Sons; Dave and Gloria Clark, Bushnell, Illinois and Mike Clark, Olean, Mo., 5 Step Grandchildren; Cathy and Andy Harding, Springfield, Illinois, Darin Clark, Bushnell, Christy and Lane Glick, Augusta, Illinois, Amy Bohr, Harrisburg, Mo., Jim and Ann Clark, Palmyra, Mo., 11 Step-Great Grandchildren; Brock, Grant and Kelsie Harding, Lauren and Cole Glick, Brodie Davis and Gabe Bohr, Gracie, Emma, Bobby, Landon Clark, 1 Brother; Jack Depoy, San Jose, Illinois.
Darold was preceded in death by his parents, 1st wife, 2 Sisters; Juanita Dorethy and Eloise Wear, 2 Brothers; Noie Depoy and Junior Depoy.
Darold served his country in the United States Army, during World War II, where he received the Bronze Star. He had Farmed, Worked Construction and worked at Yetter Manufacturing in Colchester, over the years.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February, 1, 2012, at the Jones Mortuary, in Colchester, with the Rev. John Keck. Visitation with the Family will be from 10 to 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the Funeral Home. Friends may view and sign the register book after 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, in Colchester, with Military Rites at the grave by the Macomb VFW Post 1921 and the Macomb American Legion Post 6. Memorials are to McDonough District Hospital Hospice or the Wounded Warriors. To leave condolences to the family visit online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.  

Robert "Lowell" Walker - 81

Robert “Lowell” Walker age 81 of Colchester, Illinois, passed away at his home in Colchester, at 2:45 P.M. Saturday, December 31, 2011. Lowell was born November 19, 1930, at Pea Ridge, in Brown County, to James E. and Hattie E. Manard Walker. He was united in marriage to Irma Jean Ware on September 2, 1950, in Bentley, Illinois. She preceded him in death on August 9, 1999. He later married Judy Brush on May 1, 2001, in Lewiston, Illinois, she survives of Colchester.
Also surviving to mourn his passing is 1 Daughter; Marla and Jim Parker, Colchester, 3 Step Sons, 3 Step Daughters, 2 Grandchildren: Krysta and Todd Royer, Colchester, Brandon Parker and Fiancee Staci Johnson, 2 Great Grandchildren; Jadyn and Ty Royer, Colchester, 1 Brother; James Arlo Walker, Yuma, Arizona.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, 1st wife, 1 Brother; Norman Walker and 1 Sister; Velva Lea Hall.
Lowell was a lifetime honorary member of the Lamoine Trail Saddle Club, Past member of the Rushville Saddle Club, Plymouth American Legion, Macomb VFW Post 1921, Crooked Creek Tractor Club and the Brooklyn United Methodist Church. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a lifetime farmer, owned and operated the Camden Grocery Store, he had worked at King Sealy in Macomb and Retired from Western Illinois University in building services.
Graveside services will be Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at Irwin Cemetery, rural Plymouth, Illinois, immediately following Visitation with the Family at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M.. Pastor Jim Richardson will officiate. Military services at the graveside will be conducted by the Macomb VFW Post 1921 and Macomb American Legion Post 6. Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home after 9:00 A.M. Tuesday. The family of Lowell has asked in Lieu of flowers, family and friends give to the World War II Honor Flight or Irwin Cemetery Care Fund. To leave condolences to the family visit online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.  

Robert L. Haare - 87

Robert L. Haare, age 87 of Macomb, formerly of Tennessee, Illinois, passed away at 1:58 A.M. Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the Countryview Care Center in Macomb. Robert was born March 4, 1924, in Fulton County, to Jesse and Mae Wilson Haare. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 Sisters; Margaret Couselman and Nedra Beckner, 1 Great Nephew; Clint Renshaw.
Surviving to mourn his passing are 1 Niece and 4 Nephews, along with several Great Nieces and Nephews.
Robert had been employed at Rockford Blacktop Company for many years as a truck driver. He was a member of the Truckers Union.
Cremation Rites have been accorded. No services will be held at this time. Jones Mortuary is handling arrangements for the family. You may leave online condolences at jonesmortuaryfh.com.