Obituaries
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SUDBRINK, William Thomas "Billy" - newspaper unknown, 1921
Wm. Sudbrink, Ill only weeks, dies after operation
   Popular Cass County Land Owner Called By Death Tuesday
   William Thomas Sudbrink, or "Billy" Sudbrink, as he was popularly known throughout this section of Illinois, died at 2 o'clock Tuesday morning in the Springfield hospital after an illness of only a few hours more than one week. He was stricken Monday morning by the effects of a cancerous growth on the intestines, but his condition apparently did not warrant the attention of the family physician until Wednesday, at which time he was rushed to the hospital for an operation.Mr. Sudbrink was born on January 14, 1861, in the Sangamon Valley, on what is know known as the Ed. Sudbrink farm. His parents were William T. Sudbrink, sr., and Mary Knight Sudbrink.The father died when Mr. Sudbrink was a child. The mother passed away seven years ago. Until about 1890 Mr. Sudbrink made his home in the Sangamon valley. At the age of twenty-nine years he purchased from William Henry a stock and dairy farm at the south edge of this city. For two years he operated the dairy farm, but later gave up the dairying enterprise to devote his time exclusively to raising cattle and grain. He was married in the fall of 1889 to Miss Jennie Taylor, and to this union four children were born, a son dying in infancy. The three surviving children are Mrs. R.E. Jokisch, Virginia, Mrs. Otto B. Wernsing, Greenview, Ill, and Miss Mary Knight Sudbrink, who makes her home at the family residence. Besides the widow and the three daughters, Mr. Sudbrink is survived by a brother, A.E. Sudbrink, of Virginia,a sister, Mrs. Carrie Fisher, Illiopolis, Ill., two half-brothers, Arthur Bottrell, Blythesville, Ark, and Clarence Bottrell, Mt. Auburn, and a half-sister, Mrs. Emma Osborn, of Illiopolis. Mr. Sudbrink obtained his education in the country schools of the Sangamon valley. He was a member of the Cass County Farm Bureau and a member of the directorate of the People's Bank and of the Virginia Community High School. Through foresight and a keen business judgement, Mr. Sudbrink accumulated a comfortable fortune which is invested to a large extent in farmland in Cass and Morgan counties.The passing of Mr. Sudbrink is mourned by the entire community. Everyone who had ever been thrown in contact with him admired Mr. Sudbrink as a patient and congenial neighbor and business associate. Indicative of the extent of the anxiety caused by his then impending death was the fact that throughout Sunday and Monday throngs remained about the bulletin board front of the Gazette office awaiting some encouraging word from the bedside. As each subsequent bulletin was a bystander could tell whether the contents were encouraging or depressing by the demeanor of those who read the bulletins. On Monday, October 10, Mr. Sudbrink complained of pain in his side, but paid little attention to the light distress until Wednesday morning, when Dr. A.R. Lyles was called. It was then that upon the physician's advice he was taken to Springfield by Mrs. Sudbrink and a brother-in-law, R.C. Taylor. He was placed upon the operating table immediately following a consultation by Drs. Otis and Smith, the surgeons, with Drs. L.C. Taylor of Springfield and A.R. Lyles of Virginia. Following the operation he seemed to become thoroughly sick and the physicians gave out little hope for his recovery. On Saturday afternoon he suffered a sinking spell, but rallied late in the night. On Sunday afternoon a second occurred from which he rallied in a manner that encouraged to some degree the anxious ones at the bedside. At 3 o'clock Monday afternoon he passed into a state of coma from which he never rallied, the end coming at 2 o'clock Tuesday morning.Mr. Sudbrink was only semi-conscious at any time following the operation, due to the administering of opiates necessary in an effort to overcome the effects of the operation. Mr.Sudbrink seemed to be aware of the seriousness of his condition, although he had not been advised by the physicians or relatives that his life hung in the balance. On Monday afternoon he noticed several automobile load of friends drive up to the entrance of the hospital and at that time told his wife that if he had to go he would like to see his friends first. A number were admitted to the sick room and he called several of them by their first names. However, his weakened condition prevented him from carrying on a connected conversation.Those at the bedside when the end came were his wife, the three daughters, a brother-in-law, R.C. Taylor, a son-in-law, R.E. Jokisch, and the nurse. The end was quiet. Mrs. Sudbrink boreup in the sick room with remarkable fortitude, suppressing her emotions until she arrived home at 11 o'clock Tuesday morning when she suffered a collapse. The body was brought to Virginia by ambulance. Impressive funeral services were held at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the home. The rites were conducted by the Rev. Max Wiles. Mrs. Carl Ericson sang 'Shadows' and 'Crossing the Bar,' with Miss Myrtle Hickox as accompanist. Burial was in the Walnut Ridge Cemetery

SUDDETH, Leilani 'Loni' - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, October 10, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Leilani 'Loni' Suddeth, 1942-2006, Beardstown
   Leilani "Loni" Suddeth, 64, of Beardstown, died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, at Freeport Memorial Hospital in Freeport.
   She was born Feb. 13, 1942, in Cass County, the daughter of Clarence and Joyce Ileen VanHyning Pate, and was raised by her grandparents, Manley and Marie VanHyning.
   She is survived by three sons, David Lee (wife, Darla) Cobb of Warren, Douglas Dee Cobb of Springfield and Jeffrey Allan Cobb of Hardin; two daughters, Rhonda Lyn (partner, Dawn) Cobb of Montgomery, Pa., and Christine Dawn (husband, Roger) Grenoble of Nora; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Clarence "Corky" (wife, Linda) Pate of Rushville and Tom (wife, Amber) Pate of Beardstown; and five sisters, Sandy Fox (companion, Jack Parrish), Marsha (husband, Jim) Knous, Judy (husband, Charlie) Hawk and Brenda Gaus, all of Beardstown and Linda (husband, George) Derry of Industry. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and two sisters, Sally Jo Pherigo and Patricia Ann Umphryes.
   Ms. Suddeth attended school in Beardstown and graduated from Highland Community College in Freeport in 1988 with a degree in social work. She enjoyed making crafts and ceramics, crocheting, decorating, and learning something new. She was formerly employed at Hoffman Cheese Factory in 1983 until an accident required her to quit her work at the factory and establish a babysitting service in her own home. Her greatest passion was her love of children - not just her own - but all children.
   Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at Calvary Baptist Church in Beardstown with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 4-7 p.m. today at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. A luncheon will follow the funeral services at the Welch Wood Circle Community Room in Beardstown. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

SUFFERN, Grace - The Cass County Historian, December 1999, taken from Virginia Enquirer, October 9, 1875
   Mrs. Grace Suffern died Sunday last. She had been ill a long time with consumption. Leaves husband and several children.

SUMMEY, Marguerite Joann - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, August 20, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Marguerite Summey, 1936-2007, Beardstown
   Marguerite Joann Summey, 71, of Beardstown, died Saturday evening August 18, 2007, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Springfield.
   She was born April 16, 1936, in Beardstown, the daughter of Harry and Helen Keil Buck Sr. She married Robert E. Summey on Sept. 29, 1957, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown, and he preceded her in death April 17, 1997.
   She is survived by two daughters, Cathy (husband, Charles) Clayton of Springfield, Mo., and Lisa (husband, Tom) McGrath of Lutherville, Md.; five grandchildren, Robert, Jessie and Phoebe Clayton, all of Springfield, Mo., and Catherine and Thomas McGrath, both of Lutherville, Md.; three sisters, Grace (deceased husband, Kermit) Pilger of Beardstown, Carolyn (husband, Bill) Isham of Springfield and Janet (husband, Jim) Faris of Tallahasee, Fla.; one brother, Harry (wife, Judy) Buck Jr. of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Mary (surviving husband, Carlos of Beardstown) Treadway.
   Mrs. Summey was a lifelong faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown, where she was baptized and confirmed. She graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1954. Prior to the birth of her children, she was employed at Central Illinois Public Service (CIPS) in Beardstown and then later owned and operated Summey's Ice Cream Parlor in Beardstown. She enjoyed studying history, art, traveling and attending yard sales. She was an avid collector of a variety of things. Her greatest treasure in life was time spent with her grandchildren and her family.
   Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown, with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Hospice or St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

SURRATT, Anna Mae - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, February 15, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Anna Mae Surratt, 1938-2008 - Submitted my Marcia Cox
   Anna Mae Surratt, 69, of Beardstown, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 13, 2008, in Beardstown.
   She was born Sept. 25, 1938, in Beardstown, the daughter of Perry and Nellie Travis Self. She married Emil Surratt, and he preceded her in death in 1974.
   She is survived by two sons, Emil and Scott, both of Beardstown; five grandchildren, Benji Albers, Audrea Surratt, Emil Surratt III, Benjamin Surratt and Robert Allen Perry; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ruby Smith, Imogene Burnett, and Velma Nash, all of Beardstown; and two brothers, Lawrence Self of Mount Sterling and Harlan Self of Beardstown. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Mariah Surratt; one sister, Katherine Carpenter; and one brother, Robert Self.
   Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Cremation rites will follow. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

SURRATT, Billy Joe - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, July 11, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Billy Joe Surratt, 1960-2007, Mount Sterling
Billy Joe Surratt, 47, of Mount Sterling, and formerly of Beardstown, died Monday July 9, 2007 in Mount Sterling.
   He was born June 8, 1960, in Beardstown, the son of Bill and Sally Rogers Surratt.
   He is survived by his parents of Beardstown; his biological son, Billy Joe Jr. (companion, Cheyenne) of Beardstown; three daughters, Britney (husband, Michael) Trone of Timewell, Kayla Surratt of Lacon, and Samantha Surratt of Mount Sterling; three brothers, Rusty (wife Cheryll) , Steve and Troy (wife, Julie), all of Beardstown; one sister, Tina of Beardstown; and several nieces and nephews.
   Mr. Surratt enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and spending time with his family.
   Graveside services will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

SURRATT, Helen V. Alexander - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, January 11, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Helen V. Alexander Surratt, 1927-2007, Ashland
   Helen V. Alexander Surratt, 79, of Ashland, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2007, at her residence. She was born Sept. 29, 1927, in Jacksonville, the daughter of Edgar and Ruth Delaney Alexander. She married Melvin S. "Jack" Surratt on March 23, 1946, in Jacksonville, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 28, 1998.
   She is survived by three sons, James R. (wife, Millie) of Rushville, Donald of Ashland, Danny (wife, Rose) of Lovington, N.M.; one step-son, Melvin S. Jr. (wife, Linda) of Jerseyville; 30 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha (husband, Bill) Feden of Auburn, Wash., and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Helen Kathy Long; two step-sons, Emil and Jackie; one step-daughter, Darlene Mitchell; three brothers, Gerald, Richard and Joseph Paul Alexander; and two sisters, Irene Stucker and Pauline Powers.
   Mrs. Surratt was a resident of Ashland for 51 years and known to everyone as "Mom Surratt" or "Grandma Surratt." She and her husband had several houses they rented and were landlords in Ashland.
   Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Williamson Funeral Home, with burial at Chapin Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 5-7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.

SWAN, Charles William "Dumpy" Sr. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, August 22, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Charles William "Dumpy" Swan Sr. 1935-2006 - Beardstown
   Charles William "Dumpy" Swan Sr., 70, of Beardstown, died Sunday morning, Aug. 20, 2006, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
   He was born Aug. 28, 1935, in Beardstown, the son of William H. and Ila A. Fritz Swan. He married Judith Kay Pierson on Sept. 7, 1994, in Rushville, and she survives.
   He is also survived by three sons, Charles William "Chuck" Swan Jr. of Beardstown, Brian Leon (wife, Heather) Swan of Virginia and Aaron Matthew "Bentley" Pierson of Beardstown; three grandsons; one granddaughter, five brothers, Perry L. (wife, Dorothy), Harold E. (wife, Sherry) and Robert A., all of Beardstown, Henry A., (wife, Mary) of Savana and James F. (wife, Sue) of Benton; and three sisters, Willa J. (husband, Richard) Fisher of Summum and Virginia Darlene Hood and Nancy J. Maher, both of Beardstown. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Joy E. Swan.
   Mr. Swan was a commercial fisherman and previously owned a fish market in Thompson for 25 years. He returned to Beardstown and continued to commercial fish with his wife. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and he enjoyed hunting, playing cards and singing karaoke. He loved his family and friends and especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, sons and grandchildren.
   Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 4-7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

SWAN, James F. Sr. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, April 14, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
James F. Swan Sr., 1943-2008, Beardstown
   James F. Swan Sr., 64, of Benton, Wis., and formerly of Beardstown, died Friday, April 11, 2008, at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Madison, Wis.
   He was born June 7, 1943, in Beardstown, the son of William and Ila Fritz Swan. He married Karen Sue Charlesworth on Aug. 1, 1974, in Jacksonville, and she survives.
   He is also survived by three daughters, Judy (husband, Tony) Lyles of Annawan, Sue Swan of Beardstown, and Karen (husband, Michael) Budworth of Sheboygan, Wis.; six sons, Jim Jr. of Savanna, Franklin Sr. (wife, Christine) of Wauzeka, Wis., Jamie (wife, Tracy) of Fairchild, Wis., and Perry (wife, Corrina), Glenn (wife, Nichole) and Robert, all of Lancaster, Wis., 20 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four brothers, Perry, Harold and Robert, all of Beardstown and Henry of Savanna; and three sisters, Willa Fisher of Summum, Virginia Hood of Beardstown and Nancy Maher of Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Ida Eileen; and one brother, Charles.
   Mr. Swan attended school in Beardstown. He worked as a commercial fisherman on the Mississippi River and attended the Assembly of God Church in Savanna. He enjoyed hunting, singing, and playing his guitar.
   Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Assembly of God Church in Savanna. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Tuesday at the church. Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna in charge of arrangements. Burial will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Beardstown City Cemetery in Beardstown. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of local arrangements. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

SWAN, Perry L. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, April 29, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Perry Swan, 1934-2008, Beardstown
   Perry L. Swan, 74, of Beardstown, died Sunday evening April 27, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
   He was born Jan. 12, 1934, in Beardstown, the son of William H. and Ila A. Fritz Swan. He married Dorothy Campbell on Aug. 19, 1955, in Beardstown, and she survives.
   He is also survived by one son, Tom of Beardstown; two daughters, Crystal Hopper of Meredosia and Tammy (husband, Mike) Stretton of Savanna; five grandchildren, Josh (wife, Megan) Swan, Jesse (wife, Tina) and Michael Stretton and Jayce and Marissa Hopper; two great-granddaughters; three brothers, Harold (wife, Sherry) and Robert, both of Beardstown and Henry (wife, Mary) of Savanna; three sisters, Willa (husband, Richard) Fisher of Summum, Virginia Hood of Beardstown and Nancy Maher of Osage Beach, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and James; and one grandson, Clinton Douglas Hopper.
   Mr. Swan attended Beardstown Schools and then served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1954 aboard the USS Alsea. He commercially fished, farmed in both Cass and Schuyler Counties, was a partner and operated C.S. Shell Co. and U.S. Shell Co. for many years and was caretaker and operator of Honey Point Gun Club for over 20 years. He loved hunting, fishing, and being with his family. He had a particular love for his three dogs, Sophie, Rascal and Judy.
   Graveside funeral services will be held 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at Beardstown City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Memorials are suggested to Boys Town. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

SWANN, D.R. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, September 26, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
   D.R. Swann, 68, of Virginia, died Sunday evening, Sept. 24, 2006, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
   He was born Jan. 17, 1938, in Sand Ridge, Tenn., the son of Samuel R. and Margaret Evans Swann. He married Linda Kay Taylor on Dec. 31, 1985, in Chandlerville, and she survives.
   He is also survived by two brothers, A.B. (wife, Wanda) and Calvin Coolidge (wife, Jean) both of Jefferson City, Tenn.; two half sisters; one niece; and three nephews. H was preceded in death by three half brothers and two half sisters.
   Mr. Swann was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church near Chandlerville where he served as Church superintendent for many years, as well as serving on the church board. He worked as a mechanic for D-Our Implement and later for Tom Henry's small engine repair.
   Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Mount Olive Baptist Church near Chandlerville, with burial at Mount Olive Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Lintner-Hurley Funeral Home in Chandlerville. Memorials are suggested to Mount Olive Baptist Church. Condolences may be left at www.hurleyfh.com.

SWEATMAN, DeWayne "Dink" - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, September 18, 2002 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
DeWayne "Dink" Sweatman 1961-2002
   DeWayne "Dink" Sweatman, 40, of rural Beardstown, died Monday evening, Sept. 16, 2002 in the Bluff Springs Township as a result of a road construction accident.
   He was born Dec. 19, 1961, in Jacksonville, the son of Glenn Jr. and Kathleen J. Gaines Sweatman. He married Shelley M. Connett Sept. 23, 1995, in Morton, and she survives.
   He is also survived by two sons at home, Clancey Joseph and Chapin Robert Lee; his parents of Virginia; his maternal grandmother, Mauguerite Gaines of Murrayville; his paternal grandmother, Dorothy Mae Sweatman or rural Virginia; and one sister, Brenda Park (husband,  Bill) of Rushville. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Glenn Sweatman Sr.; his maternal grandfather, William T. Gaines Sr.; and one sister, Annette Sweatman.
   Mr. Sweatman was a 1980 graduate of Virginia High School and a cattle and grain farmer in Cass County. He assisted the Bluff Springs Township with road maintenance work. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluff Springs, where he served as vice president of the church council. He was also a member of the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau and the Illinois Hereford Association, where he formerly served as director. He loved to hunt, show cattle and spend time outdoors.
   Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluff Springs, with burial at Garner Chapel Cemetery, north of Philadelphia. Friends may call after 3 p.m. Thursday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia where the family will meet friends from 5-7:30 p.m. Memorial gifts are suggested to a family trust fund to benefit his sons.

SWEATMAN, Dorothy Mae - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, February 19, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Dorothy Mae Sweatman - 1922-2003 - Virginia
   Dorothy Mae Sweatman, 80, of rural Virginia, died Tuesday morning, Feb. 18, 2003, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
   She was born Sept. 19, 1922, in Cass County, the daughter of Fred and Glenna Fox Orhn. She married Glenn W.F. "Joe" Sweatman Dec. 27, 1939, at the Lutheran Church parsonage in Hannibal, Mo., and he preceded her in death July 5, 1999.
   She is survived by two sons, Glenn Jr. (wife, Kathy) and Ron (wife, Lou Ann), both of Virginia; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Fred Ohrn (wife, Gina) of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death  by two grandchildren; and one nephew.
   Mrs. Sweatman was a 1940 graduate of Virginia High School and a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluff Springs. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, birdwatching, preparing baked goods, playing the organ, and attending her son's auctions.
   Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluff Springs, with burial at Garner Chapel Cemetery, north of Philadelphia. Friends may call after 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia, where the family will meet friends from 5-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St.John's Lutheran Church or Garner Chapel Cemetery. Messages of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com.

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