Local News

Lowella Biddle Obituary

Lowella S. Biddle, 97, of Champaign passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Lowella was born to Lowell and Lucile Smith on September 16, 1926 in Indianapolis.  With her parents she moved to Evanston for several years then to Newman, IL when she was in the sixth grade.  During WWII she worked two summers as a clerk at Fort Benjamin Harrison.  After graduating from Newman High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Fred Biddle Jr., on February 14, 1946.  He passed away on June 3, 1992.

Lowella is survived by three children, David (Mary), Richard / Dick (Sue), and Linda Biddle; five grandchildren, Melissa (Blake) Good, Megan (Dave) Wheat, Brian Biddle, Ricky (Natalie) Biddle, and Sophie Biddle; and 12 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister, Roberta (Luke) Cain and nieces and nephews.  Her sister, Helen Luth, preceded her in death.

Lowella and Fred lived in the farming community of Newman for many years.  She gardened, helped with harvest, and volunteered in her children’s scouts, 4-H, and school activities, and worked at the Douglas Co. ASC office.  In the 1960s with three children in school, she returned to the University of Illinois.  She proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.  She really enjoyed her years teaching elementary school, especially math, science, art, PE, and the library from which she retired.  She also had much interest in the family’s lawn care and landscaping business.  Whatever Lowella did, she did with passion and flare.  For many years Lowella and Fred were great golf enthusiasts, square danced, and entertained.  Lowella played and taught tennis and was an avid spectator of the tennis channel after she put down her racquet. 

She was always taking classes and studying to learn about ways to express her creative talents: painting, doing the entire process of creating ceramic projects, programming her knitting machine to create special designs, collecting the perfect fabrics for more quilting projects than she could ever possibly make, pulling together materials for holiday decorations, cooking and baking from down home recipes to extravagant fare.  She was a loyal Fighting Illini fan with season football and basketball tickets for many years.  She studied the game of bridge and played weekly at Ginger Creek as well as in many tournaments.  She liked sitting at the piano playing many of her old favorites by ear and was always ready to demonstrate her yodeling.  Lowella will be missed!

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Joines Funeral Home in Newman with Pastor Matt Matthews of Champaign First Presbyterian Church officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service (11-12 p.m.).

The family would like to thank the staff at Carriage Crossing in Champaign for giving Lowella the care and support over the last 6 years so she could enjoy living safely in her own space.  Also, sincere thanks to the Carle Hospital 6th floor staff and the staff at Pleasant Meadows in Chrisman for their compassionate care during her last 2 ½ weeks.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial donations be made to the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine, Champaign Co. Humane Society, SBL Hospice, or the donor’s favorite organization.

Marion Pennington Obituary

Marion Dale Pennington, 86, passed away on November 7, 2023 in Southaven, MS.

Marion was born on September 25, 1937 in Newman, IL to Marion and Wilma Pennington.

He is survived by 2 brothers, 2 sisters, one son, two daughters, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many stepchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Ernest Wayne and Luther Ray.

Marion graduated from Young America High School in Metcalf, IL in 1954. He then served in the US Navy from 1955-1959. One discharged from the military, he was employed at Caterpillar Tractor in Montgomery, IL as a Process Engineer and worked there for 30 years. He was also a professional musician for over 30 years. He loved to play his guitar and playing in his band. He also thoroughly enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Joines Funeral Home in Newman on Friday, April 26, 2024. The Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the Metcalf Christian Church in Metcalf, IL. Burial will follow at the Fairfield Cemetery north of Newman.

Charles Simpson Obituary

Charles W. Simpson, 83, of Hume passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at his home in Hume.

Charles was born to Vola and Frances (Hackett) Simpson on October 27, 1940 in Villa Grove.  He married Patricia (Breen) Simpson on June 17, 1961 at Forty Martyrs Catholic Church and spent 32 loving years together until her passing in 1994.  He then married Kay (Hance) Simpson on February 21, 2003 in Urbana, IL.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Kay Simpson.  His sisters, Betty Jane (Bob) Watson and Anna May (Rick) Gates. 

Two daughters, Kimberly (Randy) Frick and Kendra (John) Clark. Four step-children, Angie (Jon) Lieb, Mike (Catherine) Eads, Jo Eads, and Troy (Christina) Eads.

Four grandchildren, Austin (Brandi Soard) Kelley, Dylan (Taylor) Frick, Shane (Caroline Dohme) Frick, and Gabrielle Clark. Five step-grandchildren, Kayla Thurston, Jordan Henderson, Seth Eads, Levi Eads, and Caleb Eads.

Two great-grandchildren, Hayes and Winnie Frick and one step-great-granddaughter, Bella Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Simpson; parents, Vola and Frances Simpson; and 2 siblings, Russell Simpson and Wanda Simpson.

Charles graduated from Eastern Illinois University and received a bachelor degree in education.  He taught at Villa Grove High School for many years. He put his teaching on hold to work for his father-in-law on the family farm.  His health required him to return to his first love of teaching at Atwood High School where he was beloved by his students.

Charles was a BIG Green Bay Packer fan and loved to tease his two sons-in-law John and Jon about them being Bears and Dolphins fans.  He was an avid golfer, enjoyed reading books on his kindle, and most of all, loved to spend time with his family and worshiping God.

Charles was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hume and a member of Knights of Columbus.

A rosary will be offered at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Joines Funeral Home in Newman.  The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hume with Father Aloy officiating.  Burial will follow at the Camargo Cemetery in Camargo, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church or SBL Hospice.

Richard Barrow Obituary

Richard William Barrow, 84, of Newman, IL passed away on Saturday March 30th at 11:12 p.m. peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. Richard was born August 21st, 1939, in Newman, IL to the late William E and Jeanette Barrow-Songer. He served in the US Army as a Military Police. He was a member of the American Legion Post #2910.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Leona L (Higgins) Barrow of Newman, IL, and his son and daughter-in-law, William J and Tonya Barrow of Newman, IL. He also left behind three loving Grandchildren and one step Granddaughter: Matthew Ryan (Taylor) Barrow and Great Grandson Rhett William Barrow, Emily Marie (Jackson Russell) Barry, Madison Taylor Barrow (Caleb Ard) and Faythe Linder. He is also survived by his brother Jon Barrow of Florida. Also left behind daughters Kimberly, Kathy, Angie, Kellie Jo, Victoria, and son, Brett. Also, several grandchildren and great grandchildren and a future great granddaughter. Furthermore, many extended family members and friends will grieve the loss, while remembering to celebrate his life.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and many great friends Ray, Ronny, Rod, Tom, and Jim. He was also proceeded in death by his loving companion Josie.

Richard was a truck driver his whole life when retiring at the age of 62 and then proceeded to work for Jeff Weiber for 18 years. He had a passion for street rods, and you could find him at car shows specifically the Frog Follies. He also enjoyed his motorcycles and building his street rods. He spent most of his adult life in his garage. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. He had a deep love for animals specifically his cat Millie. He spent most of his summers sitting on the front porch waving at passerby’s. Dick didn’t know a stranger and loved talking to anyone. He had a passion for old time rock and roll.

Visitation is Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 2-5pm at the Newman United Methodist Church and services to be followed after. Dinner will be after the services. We do request no formal attire please wear novelty, car show, or Harley Davidson shirts.

Richard had a strong love for all animals and always said that he even loved them more than humans. That being said donations can be made to the Douglas Humane Society.

Charles VanSickle Sr. Obituary

Charles F. VanSickle Sr., 91, of Newman passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon.

Charles was born to Paul and Frances (Biddle) VanSickle on July 10, 1932 in Metcalf, IL.  He married Judy Shields Fernandes on August 18, 2006 in Newman.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Judy VanSickle; 8 children, David (Sue) VanSickle, Melinda Sanderson, Karen (Marty) Robinson, Trisa (Tony) Martin, Chuck VanSickle, Ronnie Williams, Megan (Tony Ashlock) Schweitzer, and Aimee (David) Gaddis; 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Frances VanSickle; 1 sister, Janet Hoff; and 1 daughter, Cindy Jones.

Charles was a veteran of the US Marine Corps Air Wing and served from 1952-1955 during the Korean War.  After serving his country Charles held many jobs, but the two most notable were working for Zeigler Coal Mine in Murdock and VanSickle Welding which was a business he started in Newman. 

In his down time Charles liked to fish, hunt, collect guns, and loved to go out to eat with family and friends.  He also liked to go to The Log Cabin on Rt 36 for coffee with a group of his friends and he loved his two dogs dearly.  Charles was a member of the Newman American Legion for over 50 years.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the Newman Cemetery with Ted Shearer officiating. For those that can't make the graveside service, that family will be going to the American Legion in Newman for desserts and coffee following the graveside.

Memorial donations may be made to the Newman American Legion Post 201 and can be mailed to 807 Pheasant Run Rd. Tuscola, IL 61953.

Eugene Ward Obituary

Eugene M. Ward, 99, of Broadlands passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Born April 22, 1924 he was the son of Jesse and Helen (Gaines) Ward of Broadlands, IL where he lived until his passing.

Gene attended and graduated from Longview High School in 1942. He served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War, was a farmer, and worked for the University of Illinois as an Operating Engineer for over 40 years. He was also an avid fan of the Fighting Illini basketball team and would rarely miss a game. He was volunteer firefighter and a member of the town board.

He is survived by his three children, Mike (Patt) Ward of Champaign, Debbie Ward of Spring, TX, and Greg (Melinda) Ward of Broadlands; 5 grandchildren, Josh Ward of Savoy, Stephanie Ward of Champaign, Caitlin Ward of Camargo, Jasmine Thompson of Marshall, and Pvt. Xander Ramthun of Fort Cavazos Tx.; 5 great-grandchildren, Kailee Hill, Mason Ward, Carter Ward, Khloe Ward, and Harper Ward; and one brother, Willard Ward.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Robert Ward.

A visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at the Joines Funeral Home in Newman. A graveside service will be starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the Fairfield Cemetery north of Newman with Pastor Justin Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Newman American Legion Post 201.

Mada Means Obituary

Mada Faye Means, 85, of Metcalf passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at her home.

Faye was born on March 28, 1938 in Albany, KY to Johnny Floyd and Loma Mae (Hall) Brumley.  She married Caleb Means in October of 1953 in Albany, KY; he preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death were her parents, one great-granddaughter, three brothers, and two sisters. 

She is survived by three children, Lisa (Mike) Steeples, David (Ramona) Means, and Debbie (Bill) Coombes; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren with one on the way; one sister Anna (Otis) Denney; and several nieces and nephews.

Faye started out life working as a cook at various places.  Once she was married and started to have kids, she became a stay-at-home mom and took care of her family for the rest of her life.  She loved to be outside tending to her garden and enjoyed taking walks around her neighborhood. 

A visitation will be held from 10 – 12 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at the Joines Funeral Home in Newman with the funeral service beginning at 12 p.m.; Pastor Mike Zylstra will be officiating.  Burial will follow at the Young America Cemetery north of Hume.