Obituaries
Fa-Fi
FAIR, Eberly C. 'Sneb' - Journal-Courier, December 10, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Eberly C. 'Sneb' Fair, 1912-2006, Virginia
Eberly C. "Sneb" Fair, 94, of Virginia, died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006, at the Jacksonville Convalescent Center in Jacksonville.
He was born March 29, 1912, in Virginia, the son of Clyde and Inez Farrely Fair. He married Nancy Jo Caldwell on Nov. 25, 1937, in Virginia, and she preceded him in death following 64 years of marriage on Dec. 25, 2001.
He is survived by three sons, Edward (wife, Jan) of Lindenhurst, Thomas (wife, Pat) of Stamford, Conn., and Myron "Bud" (wife, Bonnie) of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; one daughter, Alice (husband, Charles) Watson of Franklin; nine grandchildren, Jeff, Julie Jo, Mandy, Jim, Susan, Mike, Michele, Daniel and Joseph; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Steven Lynn; three brothers, Remel "Shorty," Edmond "E.P." and Robert; and two sisters, Audrey Bins an Rosemary Campbell.
A 1930 graduate of Virginia High School, Mr. Fair went into the grocery business with Glenn Birnbaum, actually competing with his father, Clyde. He later joined his father in the Fair & Buck grocery business on the north side of the Virginia square. In February 1942, he began a 30-year career as a trooper with the Illinois State Police. He estimated that he drove well over million miles on the highway and side roads of Illinois.
In 1943, he was called to service with the U.S. Army during World War II, where he served in the China-Burma India Theater helping construct the Burma Road. He was discharged in November 1945 and resumed his duties with the Illinois State Police until his retirement in 1972. In retirement, he worked for 10 years at the Virginia Country Club Golf Pro Shop.
The loves of his life included his wife and his family, his valued friendships with fellow state troopers across the United States, and his long association with the Virginia American Legion Post. He enjoyed traveling, reading and gardening, and spending time with the coffee gang at the Depot restaurant. An avid fan of the Virginia Redbirds, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Chicago Beards, he enjoyed jousting with Cub fans whenever possible. He was a long-time member of the Virginia Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Virginia United Methodist Church in Virginia, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia. At his request in lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Virginia Methodist Church. Condolences may be left at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com.
FAIRBANK, Sarah - Virginia Gazette, Apr. 1, 1904 - Submitted by Ernest Launer
Mrs. Sarah Epler died Sunday at Citronelle, Alabama, while spending the winter there. She was brought to her home in Jacksonville and the funeral services occurred there Wednesday. the deceased was born in Indiana and came to this county with her parents when quite young. She was married in 1850 to D.W.Fairbanks. She was well known in this city. She is survived by three children and four brothers, Judge Cyrus Epler, of Jacksonville, John M. Epler of Holly,Col., Wm. Epler of Lake Charles, La., and Albert G. Epler of Rocky Ford, Col., and one sister, Mrs. Margaret Prince, of Delavan. The latter two brothers were until a few years ago residents of this city.
FANNING, George E. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, March 12, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
George E. Fanning, 1921-2008, Virginia
George E. Fanning, 86, of Virginia, died Tuesday morning, March 11, 2008, at the Walker Nursing Home in Virginia.
He was born Aug. 30, 1921, in Cass County, the son of Martin and Mimah J. Briggs Fanning. He married Margaret Riley on May 20, 1945 in Cass County, and she survives.
He is also survived by two daughters, Barbara Perkins and Charlotte Fanning, both of Virginia; two grandchildren, Tracy (husband, Neal) Taylor and Lori Cook, both of Virginia; two great-grandsons; one sister, Luberta Scholes of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Frances Pettit; and eight brothers, Robert, Floyd, Albert, Harold, Eugene, William, Glen, and Martin Jr.
Mr. Fanning served with the U.S. Army during World War II and farmed in Cass County for many years. After retiring, he enjoyed woodworking in his shop where he repaired and refinished antiques and created new wooden projects. Many Virginia area residents relied upon his expertise for their home projects. He was a member of Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia, with burial in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call after 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, where the family will meet friends from 1 p.m. until the time of services. Memorials are suggested to the Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice or Walking Nursing Home Residential Special Needs Fund. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.
FARMER, Lucille 'Lucie' - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, December 30, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Lucille "Lucie" Farmer, 1948-2006, Jacksonville
Lucille "Lucie" Farmer, 58, of Jacksonville, died early Friday morning, Dec. 29, 2006, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
She was born Dec. 17, 1948 in Winchester, the daughter of John Yearly and Gladys Mae Templin Winder. She married Danny Farmer on July 17, 1982, in Roodhouse, and he survives.
She is also survived by two sons, Robin (wife, Lori) Winder of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Ryan (wife, Carrie) Decker of Jacksonville; one daughter, Rebecca Winder of Jacksonville; two step-daughters, Brandye Farmer (husband, Ron) Hendrickson of Indianapolis, Ind., and Tiffany Farmer of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren, Laci Winder, Evan Jackson, Arzellus Wilson, Jayden Ware, Alexalyn Farmer, Nolan Decker, Huston Spradlin and Anderson Decker, all of Jacksonville; and eight sisters, Betty (husband, Willard) Sackett of Yates City, Evelyn (husband, Ted) Evans of Lebanon, Ore., Barb Alred, Patricia Plahn and Grace Cotter (companion, B.J. Hall), all of Roodhouse, Wanita (husband, Bobby) Patterson of Virden, Edith (husband, Terry) Smith of Jacksonville and Roberta (husband, Richard) Ferguson of Galesburg. She was preceded in death by one stepdaughter, Mia Michelle Ware; and one brother, Robert Earl Winder.
Mrs. Farmer was a lifelong beautician in the Roodhouse and Jacksonville areas. She loved cooking and taking care of her swimming pool. Mrs. Farmer was a very devoted grandmother.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Cody & Son Memorial Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call after noon on Monday at the funeral home, where the family will meet friends from 3-5 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Mia Ware Foundation. Condolences may be left at www.codyfuneralhome.com.
FARRELL, Abigail - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, May 20, 1902
The old cemetery at Beardstown, not used for a number of years, is to be abandoned. This necessitates the removal of many there interred. The mother of the late Felix G. Farrell, was buried there and Mr. & Mrs. E.E. Crabtree were in Beardstown recently to transfer the body to Diamond Grove in Jacksonville. The stone, though stained and discolored, reads "Abigail consort of John Farrell, died Jun. 17, 1835, age 24yrs. 9mo. 17dys."
FIELDEN, Robert - paper unknown
Robert Fielden was born in Lancashire, February 23, 1819, a son of James and Betty (Bellfield) Fielden. He died in 1909 and is buried in Chandlerville City cemetery. The family, including his grandfather, John Fielden, came to America in 1842, where they settled on the Sangamon Bottoms. He and his father engaged in farming and he became a prominent citizen involved in local politics. His first wife, Matilda Cook, and he were parents of Mrs. Elizabeth Whitesell, James E., John J., and Samuel. Matilda died in 1858 and he later married Sarah McKinnell. Their children included Henry, Benjamin, David and Jonathan. Mr.Fielden was a member of the Baptist Church.
FIELDEN, Sara - Beardstown Illinoian Democrat, Mar. 13, 1873
Mrs. Sara, wife of Robert Fielden of near Chandlerville, died at her residence the 5th. She was 37 years old and the daughter of Henry McKinnell.
FINN, Mary Ellen - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, April 20, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Mary Ellen Finn - 1924-2003 - Virginia
Mary Ellen Finn, 78 years, of rural Virginia, IL died Friday afternoon, April 18, 2003 at her residence.
She was born Oct. 12, 1924, in Virginia, the daughter of Arthur and Ellen Simmerman Trenter. She married Gerald M. Finn May 31, 1945, at St. Luke's Church in Virginia, and he survives.
She is also survived by three sons, Michael (companion, Jenny Earl) of Virginia, David (wife, Gina) of Dallas and Stephen Finn (wife, Gina) of Allen, TX; two daughters, Kathleen (husband, Dennis) Lage-Meeks of Bloomington and Patricia (husband, Tim) Vincent of Troy; three grandchildren, Michelle Walsh of Leroy and Danny and Luke, both of Allen, Texas; two stepgrandchildren, Kevin Meeks of Pearsall, Texas and Greg Meeks of Bloomington; one great-grandson; two step-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by two brothers, James and Louis Trenter.
Mrs. Finn was a 1942 graduate of Virginia High School and was formerly employed at Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank and Trenter's Market, both in Virginia. She was a long-time member of St. Luke's Parish in Virginia. A devoted wife and mother, she enjoyed gardening in her spare time.
A funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call after 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia, where the family will meet friends from 5-7 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4:45 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice or St. Luke's Catholic Church. Messages of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com.
FINNEGAN, Thomas J. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, November 13, 2006
Thomas J. Finnegan, 1917-2006, Beardstown
Thomas J. Finnegan, 89, of Beardstown, died Saturday morning, Nov. 11, 2006, at Culbertson Long Term Care in Rushville.
He was born May 3, 1917, in Springfield, the son of Thomas P. and Margaret Horn Finnegan. He married Lillian Tucker on Nov. 25, 1943, in Springfield, and she preceded him in death April 20, 1973.
He is survived by one son, Thomas E. (wife, Wendy) of Comstock, Minn.; his companion, Peachie Buck of Beardstown; and three grandchildren, Blaine Finnegan of Belleville, Brit Finnegan of Carbondale and Katie Mitchell of Owasso, Okla.
Mr. Finnegan graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield and from St. Viator College in Bourbonais. He served in the U.S. Army-Air Force from 1940 until 1945 in the Signal Corp in Hawaii and Alaska. He was employed by Illinois Bell from 1937 until retirement in 1977 when he served as manager of the Illinois Bell-Beardstown Phone Division. He was extremely civic-minded and was a member of numerous community organizations including Rotary Club, B.P.O. Elks 1007, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, all in Beardstown.He was instrumental in starting the Golden Age Center in Beardstown and also assisted in establishing the Beardstown Little League program in which he was an umpire for a number of years. He was Beardstown's first Police and Fire Commissioner and he was a member of Beardstown Park Board of Directors.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Alexius Catholic Church in Beardstown, with burial 2 p.m. Wednesday at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with a rosary service from 7 p.m. following visitation. Memorials are suggested to St. Alexius Catholic Church in Beardstown. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.
Note: Journal-Courier, November 14, 2006-A notice that the funeral services will be changed to 1:00 p.m., an hour earlier than previously stated, was announced.
FINNEY, David B. Jr. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, April 24, 2006
DAVID B. FINNEY JR. April 24, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
David B. Finney Jr., 86, of Virginia, IL died Monday, April 24, 2006 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
He was born June 15, 1919 in Petersburg, the son of David Bertric Sr. and Christine Masters Lewis Finney. He married Doris Smith in 1946 at Petersburg, IL. He later married Donna P. Dour in 1984 in Manchester, Mo., and she survives.
He is also survived by two daughters, Catherine Diane (husband, Marvin) Price of Brownsburg, Ind., and Laurie Beth Beard of Ada, Mich.; a stepdaughter, Letitia Ann "Tish" (husband, Curtis) Wold of Largo, Fla.; three grandchildren, Andrea Christine Escorcia of New York City, Jeremy David (wife, Beth) Beard of Chicago and Kelly Leigh (husband, Matt) Rizzo of Colchester, Vt.; one stepgranddaughter, Samantha Jordan Wold of Largo, Fla.; one great-grandson; one brother, Richard D. Finney of Toulon; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son in infancy; one grandson, Paul Edward Beard; one sister, Catherine Anne McDougal; and one brother, Arthur Lewis (surviving wife, Louise of Petersburg).
An eleven year alumnus of Petersburg, schools, Mr. Finney graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy at Wayne, Pa. in 1937, where he spent his senior year on a band scholarship. He attended Illinois College in Jacksonville for one year and graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Pharmacy in 1943, following in his father's profession. He owned and operated a drug store in Virginia from Feb. of 1949 until his retirement in 1983. He is remembered fondly by the many young people he employed, some of whom he encouraged through college to a career in pharmacy. He also served with the US Army during WW II in the 80th Medical Corps stationed in the South Pacific Theater including Hawaii, Okinawa and Korea.
Mr. Finney was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia where he formerly served as an elder. He was voted Outstanding Christian Layman in 1969 by the United Church Men of Illinois and served as Chairman of Faith At Work in Central Illinois during 1972-73. Continuing a family tradition of masonic service, he was a member of the Masonic order since 1944 in Petersburg and more recently was a member and Past Master of Virginia Lodge #544 AF & AM. He additionally held memberships in the Valley of Springfield Scottish Rite, the York Rite bodies in Jacksonville, the Red Cross of Constantine, the Ansar Shrine in Springfield and the Illinois Valley Shrine Club. He was honored to receive the 33rd degree in Scottish Rite Masonry in 1988. He will be remembered in the Virginia area for his dedication to the Masonic Lodge and especially the Ansar Shrine Circus, which he would annually attend with third and fourth grade area students, organize volunteer chaperones to accompany the students, and served as a model advertising salesman for the annual Circus Book.
A devoted community servant, Mr. Finney was a charter member of the 100 Club of the University of Illinois Foundation, a member of the American Legion, a past president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, a past president of the former Virginia Kiwanis Club, a former secretary and member of the Passavant Area Hospital board of directors in Jacksonville, formerly served on the board of directors at Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank in Virginia, and held memberships in several charitable organizations. He served as a volunteer for several years delivering Bread of Love meals in Virginia and as a guide at the A. Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. A life-long die-hard Chicago Cub fan, he was named to the Midwest Edition of Who's Who in America in 1974-75.
Mr. Finney had a special love of the outdoors and a passion for traveling. Among his many travel experiences, he hiked the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Kahtadin, Maine.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia where the family will meet friends from 4-6:30 p.m. Masonic services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Habitat For Humanity International, or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Condolences may be left at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com
FINNEY, Mary - The Cass County Historian, December 1999, taken from Central Illinoian, February 27, 1873
Died Sunday, the 23rd, at her residence in Virginia, Mary, wife of David Finney and the daughter of John McLin of here. The body was brought here for burial. The funeral was at the residence of Horace Cowan Tuesday.
FINNEY, Oscar - newspaper unknown, Augusta, IL. Paper, 1968 - Submitted by Carol Orwig
Oscar Lee Finney was born January 3, 1894 at Beardstown, Ill, the son of Edward and Anna Buxton Finney. He graduated from Beardstown Grade school and Greenfield High School. In 1915 he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. On April 1, 1918, Oscar was inducted into the United State Army being commissioned as a corporal on April 21, 1919. He served in France and was engaged in three major and tow minor offensives from may 1918 to November 1918. He received his honorable discharge on May 16, 1919 at Camp Grant, Ill.
On April 15, 1922 he married Hilda Reichel at Havana, Ill. She passed away in 1928. He was united in marriage to Cecile Faye Linn on August 24, 1929 at Davenport, Iowa. She passed away on October 8, 1952.
Oscar was a member of the Augusto Methodist Church, American Legion Post NO. 376., Past commander of the Havana American Legion Post and Hancock County Farm Bureau. He was deputy coroner for Mason Count for 13 years and was a funeral director in Fulton and Mason counties until he moved to Augusta 26 years ago. He then took up farming in the Augusta area until his retirement. Peaceful rest came Saturday night, June 15, 1968 at 10 p.m. at St. Mary's Hospital, Quincy, Ill., after a short illness.
He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Martha Ann Melvin of Huntsville, Ill., one son, William of Augusta; one son-in-law Don Melvin; one daughter-in-law, Wilma Finney; there granddaughters, Ardith, Vicki, Donna; one grandson, Stephen Finney and one brother Russell Finney of Greenfield, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Eldon Linn Finney, and one sister, Mrs. Lavilla Elmore.
FISHEL, Veda "Mae" - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, April 20, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Veda 'Mae' Fishel - 1923-2003 - Beardstown
Veda "Mae" Fishel, 80, of rural Beardstown, died Thursday evening, April 17, 2003, at the emergency room of Passavant Area Hospital.
She was born March 4, 1923, in Beardstown, the daughter of Anthony Pate and Matilda Elizabeth Elrick Pate. She married James Lewis Fishel Dec. 20, 1941, in Bowling Green, Mo., and he preceded her in death.
She is survived by one son, James A. (wife, Marsha) of rural Beardstown; three granddaughters, April (husband, Gary) Johnson of Perry, Ga., Amy (husband, Steve) Alford of Avondale, Ariz., and Angela (husband, Corey) Cook of rural Beardstown; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Juanita 'Wannie' Pate of Beardstown; one brother, Elmer (wife, Lu) Pate of Beardstown; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers; Harvey, Arthur, William and Robert Pate; and one sister, Lottie Bucy.
Private graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at the Beardstown City Cemetery. Goodwin Funeral Home of Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are [have] been suggested to the American Heart Association. Expressions of sympathy and concern may be sent to the family online to goodwinfh@casscomm.com.
FISHER, Christy - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, September 23, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Christy Fisher - 1965-2003 - Beardstown
Christy Fisher, 37, of Beardstown, died Saturday afternoon, Sept. 20, 2003, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
She was born Dec. 15, 1965, in Beardstown, the daughter of Norm and Reba Holthoff Fisher.
She is survived by her parents of Beardstown; her maternal grandmother, Rose Holthoff of Beardstown; and several aunts and uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Frank Holthoff; and her paternal grandparents, Riley and Gladys Fisher.
Ms. Fisher graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1984. She attended the Lighthouse Church in Beardstown. She was previously employed by Capitol Records and Kraft Food in Jacksonville and Illinois Glove Factory and Kentucky Fried Chicken in Beardstown. For the past three years she was employed by Heritage Manor East in Beardstown as a CNA in the "Legacy" Unit. She genuinely loved and enjoyed serving the residents, bringing them gifts, and being a devoted friend to them. She valued the time she had to spend with her family and friends and she especially looked forward to time spent boating and fishing on the Illinois River. She was a loyal and faithful friend.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. Friends may call after 3 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the family meeting friends from 5-7 p.m. Memorials have been suggested to the Legacy Unit at Heritage Manor East in Beardstown. Condolences may be sent to the family online at sagergh@casscomm.com.
FITZHUGH, Mary - Ashland Sentinal, Aug. 15, 1885
Mary, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. C. Fitzhugh, former residents of Ashland, died this week in Belvue, KS.
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