All Obituaries

On Friday, March 24, 2023, Edward J. Hynds Jr. of Champaign, passed away peacefully at age 91. Edward was born Sept. 21, 1931, in Champaign, to Edward and Mary Agnes (English) Hynds. Edward attended the University of Illinois, where he received a bachelor’s degree in industrial administration in 1954. Following college, he served in the United States Army as a 2nd lieutenant during the Korean War. Upon returning home, Edward began working for the family business, English Brothers...

Michael J. Miller, 71, of Champaign, died in his home on Monday March 20, 2023. Michael was born on March 26, 1951, to Martha (Wilson) and Richard Miller in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. After graduating from Mt. Vernon Township High School, he attended the University of Illinois where he received a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering. He worked as a research engineer at Electronic Decisions Inc., and then later as a network administrator for the U of...

Daniel L. Coffin, 63, of Mahomet, died on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.  In accordance with his wishes, Dan has been cremated. Friends may greet the family on Saturday, March 25 from 10-11 am at Blair-Owens Funeral Home, 102 E. Dunbar, Mahomet. The memorial service will begin at 11 at the funeral home.  Dan was born on June 23, 1959 in Champaign, the only child of Raymond and Darlene (Clark) Coffin. He was preceded in death by his parents...

Carol Joyce Brown, 94, has transitioned to be with her Heavenly Father, family and friends at 1:35am on March 9, 2023 at Country Health Care in Gifford. She was born November 17, 1928 to Louis and Marie Gregerson, the 7th of 12 children.   As a young girl, Carol was employed at Jos. Kuhn & Co. in downtown Champaign.  It was there she met another employee, Stanley A. Brown, whom she married on August 21, 1948 in Champaign and were together 67 years.  He preceded her...

Helen Marie Murphy, 71, of Mahomet, IL, went to her heavenly home on February 15, 2023. She was born April 20, 1951 in McLouth, KS, to Kenneth & Grace Schenck. She married Rev. Patrick Murphy February 19, 1972. They served the Lord together at Green Lake, WI, and at churches in Arthur, Bourbon, Benton, and Charleston, IL. She also worked for many years as a school secretary. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend to many. She loved the Lord and loved to help others. She is...

Paul Wayne DeMoss died at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center on February 13, 2023 in Danville, IL with family at his side.  Paul DeMoss born on March 4th, 1948 to his parents Ethel Hatfield-DeMoss and Gerald DeMoss. He married Jane Williams on December 15th, 2007 and enjoyed her company and cooking until her death on June 8th, 2018. After serving in the Army, Vietnam (1967-1969), Paul was honorably discharged prior to working for many years as a heavy equipment operator working out of...

Wendy Shields Bauer, 72, passed away Sunday (Feb. 12, 2023). A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. A visitation reception will immediately follow the service in the Great Hall of Emmanuel. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church, 208 W. University Ave., Champaign, IL 61820, or to Illinois Public Media/WILL Radio, 1305 W. Green St., 214, Urbana, IL 61801. Wendy leaves behind her...

Jesse Murray Dowell Jr, 96, of Champaign, died on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at home with loved ones and his nurse beside him. There will be a visitation from 10-11 am on Friday, February 24, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, 210 W. Church, Champaign. The funeral service will begin at 11am, with Rev. Julia Melgreen officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Riverside Cemetery, Mahomet. Owens Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Jesse was born on July 25, 1926...

James L. Ayers, 99, of Sun City West, AZ, formerly of Champaign, Illinois passed away on Thursday, February 9 at The Hospice of the Valley care center in AZ. He was born March 18, 1923 in Champaign to John D. Ayers and Pearl Bray. He graduated from Champaign High School and went to work at Jos. Kuhn and company where he met the love of his life June Davidson. She preceded him in death December 20, 2012. He retired from Kuhn’s after 40 years at which time he moved to Sun City West...

On the evening of February 7th, 2023, Kay Lynn Hemrich, of Armstrong IL, passed away at the age of 79. Kay was born in Lovington, IL to Harold and Betty Townsend. She graduated from Tuscola High School in 1961 and received her Bachelor's degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1965. She went on to have a successful career and a life filled with family & friends. She used her degree to teach high school students before moving into the field of finance. She prepared...