Obituaries D -- Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Illinois

Chester Ditman, Buckley, Dies; rites Feb. 15
BUCKLEY - Chester Ditman, 81, of Buckley died at 6:55 a.m. February 13, at the Paxton Community Hospital where he had been a patient for two days.
Funeral services set at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 15, at the United Methodist Church in Buckley, the Rev. Frank Phifer officiation and burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Buckley. Masonic rites will be at 8 ap.m. Wednesday at the Danforth Funeral Home in Roberts. The body will lie in state at the church from noon until the time of the service.
Mr. Ditman was born June 12, 1891 in Buckley, a son of Henry and Elvina Poppe Ditman. He was a Buckley resident all his life. Mr. Ditman married Pauline Goodwin September 2, 1914. She died October 26, 1972.
He is survived by one duaghter, Mrs. Hazel Stein of Berwyn; two sons, James of Buckley and Gerald of Carrollton; nie grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Martha Bartell of Buckley. He was preceded in death by one sister and four brothers.
Mr. Ditman was a long time member of Masonic Lodge No. 305 of Onarga and a member of the United Methodist Church in Buckley. He was one of the oldest members of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 383, of Kankakee.

Henry Ditman
Funeral services were held Sunday at the Methodist church at Buckley for Henry Ditman, 84, one of the oldest residents of that community, who died at his home in the west part of that village early Friday morning.
The Rev. Charles Kinrade of Onarga was in charge of the services with the assistance of the Thawville Odd Fellows. At the request of the deceased, all arrangements were as simple as the occasion would permit.
Although he was ill for only a short time, the deceased had the comfort of members of his family at his bedside just before he passed away.
Born April 22, 1854, in Philadelphia, Pa., he had resided in Iroquois coutny for 70 years and in Illinois since the age of 5, when he came to this state with his parents, living first in LaSalle county. When he was 14 years of age he came to Iroquois county in a covered wagon, living on a farm northwest of Buckley until 26 years ago, when he retired.
On April 8, 1879, he married Miss Alvina Poppe of Buckley, who survives, as well as two daughters, Mrs. Martha Bartell of Buckley, also a son, Chester H. Ditman of Buckley, a daughter-in-law Pauline Ditman and one son-in-law, John Bartell. There had been seven children, but four preceded the deceased in death. Grandchildren surviving are Ronald and Ruel Bartell, Russell Enz and James H., Gerald C. and Hazel M. Ditman.

James H. Ditman, 66, of Buckley, died Tuesday, January 25, 1983, at 6:30 a.m. at Gibson City Hospital.
Mr. Ditman was born Dec. 25, 1916 in Buckley, the son of Chester H. and Pauline Goodwin Ditman. He was married to Louise Carley on Dec. 12, 1953 in Dundee. She died on Aug. 10, 1956 in Buckley.
Mr. Ditman is survived by one sister, Hazel Stein, Normal; one brother, Jerry Ditman, Carrollton; two nieces; five nephews; one aunt, Martha Bartell, Buckley, and one uncle, Robert Goodwin, Onarga.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Mr. Ditman spent his entire life in the Buckley area, attended Buckley Grade School and graduated from Buckley High School. He was an operator-engineer of heavy equipment and was a member of the International Union of Operator Engineers.
He was also a member of Loda Methodist Church, the Sportsman Club of Buckley, the Rantoul Moose Lodge, Onarga Masonic Lodge 305, and the Danville Consistory.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Ford-Bair Funeral Home, Buckley, with Pastor Emanuel Gudeman officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery (Woodland Cemetery) Buckley.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Masonic rites will be conducted at 8 p.m. by the Onarga Masonic Lodge 305.

John Ditman, 82, Funeral Services Held Sunday
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kelley Funeral Home in Buckley for John Ditman, 82, who died at the Ford County Nursing Home at 6 p.m. Thursday, January 17. Rev. Ferris Roberts, Buckley-Loda pastor of the Methodist Church officiated. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Buckley.
Born at Buckley, July 28, 1869, he was the son of John and Wilhelmina Grivy Ditman. His childhood was spent in Buckley, where he attended the rural schools. His marriage was to Kathryn Fritsch, who died Sept. 1, 1925. He lived at buckley where he was employed at the tile mil. In 1918 he moved to a farm near Thawville. In 1928 he went to make his home with the Misses Mildred and Stella Cox and was employed by them on their farm until a year ago.
Surviving are the following children: Mrs. Verona Hilgendorf, Buckley; Mrs. Thresa Grohler, Thawville; Andrew Ditman, Rock Falls, Ill.; Everette and Merton Ditman of Rockford; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Victorial Freitag of Kansas City, Kansas.

Ex-Buckley resident dies at Rockford
Merton Ditman of Rockford, former Buckley resident, died yesterday morning at a Rockford hospital, where he had been a patient since Christmas. Death followed a lingering illness.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 1:30 p.m. in Poorman's Funeral Home at Rockford. Burial will be in Rockford.
Mr. Ditman was born at Buckley, October 28, 1911. He was one of seven chldren of John and Kathryn Fritsch Ditman. He was reared in Buckley and attended Buckley schools. He left there in 1935 to make his home in Rockford, where he was employed in a furniture factory.
His wife, Evelyn, died four years ago. There were no children. He was also preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Mrs. Blanche Doyle, Mrs. Doris Detterle and Mrs. Therese Grohler.
Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Verona Hilgendorf of buckley; two brothers, Andrew (Bud) of Rock Falls and Everett of Rockford; a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives

Mrs. Pauline Ditman
Mrs. Pauline Ditman, 81, died at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, October 26, at her home in Buckley.
Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Melvin D. Goodwin, she was born December 29, 1891 at Hampton, Tenn., and was married September 2, 1914 at Kankakee to Chester Ditman.
Surviving are her husgand; a daughter, Mrs. Hazel Stein of Berwyn; two sons, James of buckley and Gerald of Carrollton; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and two brothers, James Goodwin of Watseka and Robert Goodwin of Onarga.
Four brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.
Mrs. Ditman was a member of the United Methodist Church of buckley and the Women's Society of Christian Service of that church.
Funeral services set for 2 p.m. Sunday, October 29, at the United Methodist Church at Buckley, the Rev. Frank Phifer officiation and burial in Woodlawn cemetery at Buckley.
Visitation at the Danforth Funeral Home in Roberts on Saturday, 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., and at the church Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until time of the rites.

RANDY L. DALTON
Randy L. Dalton, age 44 of Gibson City died at 8:20 p.m. Thursday, 7-9-1998 at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Center in Tampa Florida.

LOWELL D. DAVIS
C. Duane Baillie, 50, of rural Dewey, Jeffrey Benjamin Hansen, 14, of Gibson City, and Lowell D. Davis, 62, of Strawn, formerly of Gibson City, all died instantly when the 1982 Enstrom helicopter, owned and piloted by Baillie, struck a fertilizer truck, flipped and smashed into the ground about 11 a.m. Monday 11-11-1996.

HELEN J. DAY
Helen J. Day, 88, of Gibson City, died at 1:50 a.m. Saturday 1-15-2000 at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City.

JERRY W. DECKER
Jerry Warren Decker, age 54 of Hunter, ND, formerly of Gibson City, died Thursday night, 2-27-1992.

ETHEL L. DICKERMAN
Gibson City - Ethel L. (Miller) Dickerman, 102, of Gibson City died at 7:30 p.m. Sunday 6-23-2002 at Gibson Area Hospital Annex, Gibson City. Her private graveside service will be Wednesday at Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City, the Rev. Randall Robinson officiating. There will be no visitaiton.

GLADYS J. DUERINGER
Gibson City - Gladys J. Dueringer, 87, of Gibson City died at 3:30 a.m. yesterday 5-29-1993 at the Covenant Medical Center, Urbana. A memorial service will be at 1 pm. Tuesday at United Methodist Church, Gibson City, the Revs. Patrick W. Cox and Wally Krech officiating. A graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. Monday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. She was born 7-23-1905, near Guthrie, a daughter of Charles F. and Julia F. Miner Dueringer. Surviving is a sister, Julia Evelyn Dueringer, Gibson City. She was preceded in death by a brother. Miss Dueringer was a resident of Gibson City since 1950. She attended Miner School and later graduated from Drummer Twp High School, Gibson City. She taught at Miner School until 1924, then entered Northwestern University, Evanston. In 1926, she transferred to University of Illinois and graduated in 1928 with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts. She taught at Zion for six years and then Cothern School for a semester. Miss Dueringer taught high school in Melvin for 12 years and was school librarian and the Latin teacher for 18 years at Gibson Community High School, retiring in 1967. She earned her master's degree at U of I and was a member of the honorary education fraternity Kappa Delta Pi. She also was a member of the United Methodist Church, Gibson City; the Gibson City Woman's Club; Gibson Community Hospital Auxiliary; United Methodist Women; the Daughters of the American Revolution; and the Ford County Farm Bureau. Memorials may be made to her church or Cunningham Children's Home, Urbana.

J. EVELYN DUERINGER
Gibson City - J. Evelyn Dueringer, 95, of Gibson City died at 12:33 p.m. Sunday 5-26-2002 at the Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City.

HELEN E. ROSENDAHL DRILLING
Aged 81, Greenbrier Health Care Center, Piper City, died 10-8-2002 at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City.
b. 3-1-1921 in Cullom
d/o Carl and Hazel Stark Rosendahl.
m. Dale Kimmel.
m. Chester Drilling 7-28-1951 in Pontiac
bur: St. Patrick's Cemetery, Chatsworth.

RUSSELL H. DOUGLAS
The funeral of Russell H. Douglas, 88, of Gibson City, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. The Rev. Randall Robinson will officiate. Burial will be in Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta. Visitation will be from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. He died at 9:50 a.m. Tuesday 1-14-2003 at his home. Memorials may be made to Gibson Area Youth Missions in Gibson City. Mr. Douglas was born 2-9-1914 in DeWitt County, a son of Jesse Earl and Anna Irvin Douglas. He married Dorothy Barger 8-5-1939, at St. Charles, Mo. She survives. Also surviving is a son, Don (Donna) Douglas, Gibson City; eight grandchildren, David, Rich, Genetta, Rusina, Drew, Erin, Justin and Samantha; three great- grandchildren, Darien, Phillip and Dylan; a brother Raymond Douglas, Clinton; and two sisters, Elverda Kleemann, Wapella; and Thelma Karr, Belvidere. His parents preceded him in death. Mr. Douglas was a farmer for many years. He ran a custom corn shelling and hay baling business. He also did carpenter work. He was past president of the Ford County Soil Conservation Board for seven years; member of the Community Sale Board; Gibson City United Methodist Church; the Loyal Order of the Moose in Gibson City; and hosted the M & W Gear Company's power show three times in the early 1960's.
organist: Beverly Nagle
soloist: Bill Siegfried
pallbearers:
Wesley Ashley
Greg Kerber
Mike Smith
Gayle Glascock
Don Bathgate
Gene Moore
Ty Osterberger

LARRY LEE DAGEN
Funeral services for Larry L. Dagen, 17 months,were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday October 20, 1969 at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Hugh Reynolds officiating. Burial was in the Gibson City Cemetery. The infant was found dead in his bed Sunday morning, October 19. Reynard Hayslette, Ford Co. Coroner, said death was due to pneumonia. Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lee, Sibley; a step-brother, Richie, and a step-sister, Kathie, both at home; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Dagen, Rankin; step-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs., Lovell Wood, Wellington.
b. 5-12-1968
d. 10-19-1969

ANNA B. (BLOOM) DAHL
(Gibson City Courier, November 13, 1919)
Anna B. Dahl, nee Bloom, died in Peoria, 11-12-1919, age 77 yr 9 mo 26 da. She was born in Sweden in 1841. She married Andrew P. Dahl and came to America nearly fifty years ago. Mr. Dahl died in December 1914. Seven children born in this union - only one son, T.E. Dahl of Peoria survives.

OTTIS EDWIN DAMON
Mr. Damon was closely indentified with the economic and industrial interests of his adopted State of Illinois. His choice of business lay in the improvement and exploitation of farm lands, and the handling of livestock. After many years in Illinois, he transferred his interests to the Dakotas and Iowa. Since the death of his wife in 1902, he has made his home with a brother, O.H. Damon of Gibson City. Preceded in death by his wife and two daughters, Eva C. and Etta L. Damon. Only surviving member of his family is a granddaughter, Margaret Manderson of Panora, Iowa; two brothers, O.H. of Gibson City, Albert of Pacific Beach, WA, and a sister, Mrs. E.B. (Emma) Estee of Gibson City.
b. 9-22-1833 Syndon, VT.
parents: Ebenezer & Chloe Lawrence Damon
m. Elizabeth Abigal Newall in Lawrence, Mass.
d. Friday 12-15-1911, 78 yrs 2 mo. 23 days
bur: Drummer Twp Cemetery, Ford County, Il.

MADONNA A. DAUGHERTY
The funeral of MaDonna A. Daugherty, 74, of Gibson City will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Thomas Condron officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp. Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from noon - 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. She died at 5:25 p.m. Saturday 12-17-1988 at the Gibson Community Hospital, Gibson City. She was born 12-3-1914 in Indianapolis, Ind., a daughter of Arnold and Grace Shool Morrison. She married James H. Daugherty on 8-8-1953 in Bloomington. He died 12-14-1986. Surviving are a daughter, Joyce Brandt, Gibson City; a brother, Tom Morrison, Corpus Christi, TX.; a sister, Marge Hegg. Paxton; and two grandchildren. Mrs. Daugherty was a resident of Gibson City for 35 years. She was a member of the VFW and the Elliott AMVET Auxiliary.

MILDRED LOUISE (TOMBLIN) DAVIS
The funeral of Mildred Louise Davis, 69, Gibson City, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. The Rev. Patrick W. Cox will officiate. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. She died at 12:32 Tuesday 3-28-1995 at her home. Mrs. Davis was born 4-8-1925 in Foosland, the daughter of Leonard and Sophronia Shirley Tomblin. She married Donovan Taylor 3-7-1948 in Gibson City. He died 11-2-1972. She married Leonard Davis 8-3-1974 in Gibson City. He survives. Other survivors include one daughter, Mary Lee, Thawville; one son, Donovan Taylor, Rantoul; four stepdaughters, Carmen Rickets, Columbus, Ohio; Judy Greenen, Springfield; Jean Cliff, Stevens Point, Wis.,; and Karen Bergman, Waukesha, Wis.; one sister, Mary Ellen McMahon, Fort Wayne, Ind.; six grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; and one step-great-granddaughter. One brother and one infant sister preceded her in death. Mrs. Davis had lived in Gibson City all of her life. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Gibson City. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

HELEN L. (RIDER) DAVIS
Helen L. Davis, age 87 of Gibson City died at 6:10 a.m. Saturday, 10-27-2001 at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Monday, October 29 at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Reverend Rebecca Zelensky officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery in Gibson City. Visitation was from 10 - 11 a.m. October 29 at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers were Edgar Long and Mae Long. Active pallbearers included Lowell Mest, Vernon Castor and Duane Shaw. Mrs. Davis was born 12-26-1913 at Saybrook a daughter of Upton and Alice Bear Rider. She married John W. Davis in 1945. He died 12-3-1966. Survivors include three nieces, Darline Castor of Urbana, Joyce Shaw of Olney and Lorene O'Neal of Gibson City and one step-sister, Rita Meadors of Joliet. She was preceded in death by one step-daughter and three sisters. Mrs. Davis was a retired cook from the Gibson City schools, where she worked for 25 years. She was a member of the First Christian Church for 65 years. She was a member of the Senior Citizens Club. Memorials may be made to the Gibson Community Hospice Program.

JESSE P. (LOWERY) DAVIS
(two different spellings)
Jessie P. Davis, 89, of Gibson City, died at 1:45 p.m. Monday 1-7-2002 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Gibson City. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Rebecca Zelensky officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 1 - 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Gibson Area Hospital or the First Christian Church of Gibson City. She was born 11-4-1912 at Gibson City, a daughter of Roy and Hazel J. Hinds Lowery. She married Richard T. Davis 11-4-1934 at Gibson City. He died 1-21-1985. Survivors include one sister, Mary Sloat, Monmouth; and one brother, William Lowery, Gibson City. Two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.

MARY (SCHOFFSTOLL) DAVIS
Mary E. Davis, age 61, a resident of Gibson City for most of her life, died at 7:25 a.m. Wednesday 4-25-1990 at Gibson Community Hospital. Her funeral was held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City with the Reverend Randall K. Perry officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was held from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mrs. Davis was born 9-2-1928 at Olney, a daughter of Richard and Cora Davis Schoffstoll. She married Harold E. Davis on 4-6-1951 at Gibson City. He preceded her in death on 8-16-1985. Surviving are a half-brother, Carl Weston of Prineville, Oregon; three sisters, Esta Bigelow of Prineville, Oregon; Ann Campbell of Loveland, Colorado and Alice Allen of Gibson City; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers. Mrs. Davis was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the American Legion Auxiliary, both in Gibson City.

KATHERINE L. (PFOFF) DAVIS
The funeral of Katherine L. Davis, age 74 of Momence, formerly of Gibson City, was held Monday at 11 a.m. at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City with the Reverend Randall Perry officiating. Burial followed in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was held from 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Pallbearers were Richard Mattox, Jr., William Mattox, Ronald Gossett and Robert Gossett. She died at 3 p.m. Friday 4-6-1990 at Momence Meadows Nursing Home. She was born 12-6-1915 in Gibson City, a daughter of Joseph and Lena Little Pfoff. Survivors include two sons, Robert Gossett, Boscobel, Wisconsin; and Ronald Gossett of Mackinaw; a daughter, Gladys Spangler of Bourbonnais; a sister, Dorothy Thompson of Paxton; nine grqandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She had lived in the Kankakee area for eight years and had spent most of her life in Gibson City. She was a member of the former United Brethern Church. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church in Gibson City.

GEORGE E. DAVIS
George E. Davis, 55, of Gibson City died at 11:45 p.m. Sunday 9-17-1989 from a liver disease at Burnham Hospital, Champaign. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. Burial will be at Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 9 - 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Davis was born 5-21-1934 in Hazlehurst, Miss., the son of Elson and Florence Buries Davis. He married Clara M. Jones in 1955 in Chicago. She died 11-24-1988. Surviving are one son, James E. Davis, St. Paul, Minn.; a daughter, Doris Davis, Oakland, Calif.; two grandchildren; two brothers, Willie Davis, Champaign, and Mack Davis, Joliet; three sisters, Jean Miner and Alma Day, both of Gibson City, and Shirley Kelly, Chicago; two half brothers, Sam Jones, California, and Charles Davis, Champaign; and four half sisters, Betty Davis, Champaign, Mollie Davis and Ora Nell Stewart, both of Chicago, and Almor Davis, of NY. His parents, a sister, a half brother and a half sister preceded him in death. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

LAVERNA E. (RIBLET) REMLEY DAVIS
The funeral of LaVerna E. Remley Davis, 95, a lifelong resident of Gibson City, will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. The Revs. Bill Williams and Patrick W. Cox will officiate. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Mrs. Davis died at 1:30 p.m. Monday 4-27-1992 at Gibson Community Hospital, Gibson City. She was born 4-16-1897 at Gibson City, a daughter of Charles W. and Ella Riley Riblet. She married Maple A. Remley 1-20-1914 at Gibson City. He died 9-17-1967. She later married Roy M. Davis, who preceded her in death 5-20-1977. Survivors include two stepsons, Dr. Theodore Davis, Watseka, and Maron Davis, Helena, Ark.; one stepdaughter, Mary Beth Davis, Springfield, Mo.; two granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren. One son and two sisters preceded her in death. Mrs. Davis was a member of the Assembly of God Church, Gibson City. Memorials may be made to her church or to Gibson Manor, Gibson City.

LEVINIA (MILLER) DAVIS
Levinia Miller Davis, 96, of McLean County Nursing Home, Normal, formerly of Gibson City, died at 1:53 a.m. Wednesday 4-5-2000 at the nursing home. Her funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Al Schneck officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church Library or the McLean County Nursing Home, Normal. Mrs. Davis was born 8-31-1903 at Versailles, Ky., a daughter of Taylor and Bessie Emelia Kiefer Miller. She married Cecil Y. Davis on 5-19-1926 at Fisher. He died 10-14-1969. She is survived by two daughters, Marjorie E. (Everett) Sanders, Bloomington and Doris (Frank) Gerber, Gibson City; and a son, Darrell W. (Jeanette) Davis, Lincoln, Neb. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Steve Gerber, Dan Gerber, Kathleen Gerber, Kristofer Davis and Samantha Davis; and two great-grandchildren, Davis Gerber and Drake Gerber. Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Loel (Lowell?) Davis, five sisters and two brothers. She was a member of United Methodist Church, Gibson City for 50 years where she taught Sunday school. She was also a member of the Pleasant Hour Club and the South Side Country Club. Mrs. Davis spent two years at Illinois State University to get a teaching degree. She then taught school for four years in the Fisher community. She loved gardening, flowers, reading, cooking and baking. She was a good wife and mother.

PEYTON ELISE DAVIS
Peyton Elise Davis, 2 months, 2 days, died at 10:54 a.m. Sunday 4-9-2000 at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City. Her funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at United Methodist Church, Gibson City. The Rev. Randall Robinson and Pastor Bill Dumpert will officiate. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. Memorials may be made to the American SIDS Institute. She was born 2-7-2000 at Gibson City, the daughter of Melvin Anthony Davis and Allison L. Dewey. They survive. Also surviving are grandparents, Bill and Joyce Dewey, Gibson City; and Melvin N. Davis, Medesto, Calif.; and one great-grandmother, Elizabeth Kumler, Colfax. Her paternal grandmother, maternal great-grandfather and paternal great-grandparents preceded her in death.

MACK A. DAVIS
Mack A. Davis, age 55 of Gibson City died at 10:50 p.m. Wednesday 12-15-1999 at the Ford County Nursing Home in Paxton. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. December 20 at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Reverends Dan Hill and Loriane Jenkins officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery. Visitation was from 1 - 2 p.m. December 20 at the funeral home. Mr. Davis was born 8-20-1944 at Hazelhurst, Miss., a son of Elson and Florence Davis. Survivors include four brothers, Willie Davis and Charles Davis, both of Champaign, Sam Jones of Los Angeles, California and Alexander Davis of Chicago; four sisters, Alma Day of Gibson City, Molly Davis of Chicago, Ora Nell Stewart of Champaign and Betty Kent of Champaign. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters. Mr. Davis lived in Gibson City and Chicago for most of his life. He most recently sub-contracted through Toll Manufacturing in Gibson City. Memorials can be made to the Gibson Community Hospice Program.

HAROLD DAWSON
Harold D. Dawson, age 36, a rural Gibson City resident, died at 10:30 a.m. Saturday 5-6-1989 at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana of injuries he sustained in an accident. His funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, with the Rev. Robert A. Hoover officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Pallbearers included Don Carlson, Wayne Keith, Darrell Martin, Robert Whitehouse, Gary Lindsey and Rick Tomlinson. He was born 2-28-1953 at Urbana, a son of Alfred and Julia Thompson Dawson. He married Christine A. Rowcliff 10-17-1973 at Roberts and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Trina and Heather, both at home; his father of Gibson City; his mother, Julia Lea and stepfather Robert Lea, both of Memphis, TN; his maternal grandfather, Ed Thompson, and maternal stepgrandmother, Reva Thompson, both of San Antonio, Texas; five brothers, David and Allen "Pat" Dawson, both of Memphis; Danny and Rick Dawson, both of Gibson City; and Scott Dawson, Melvin; one step-brother, Allen Lea, Lebanon, TN; and two stepsisters, Lisa Harris and Kathy Agee, both of Lebanon, TN. He lived all of his life in the Gibson City area and was employed by M&W Gear Co., Gibson City for ` 16 years. He was a member of Living Word Church, Roberts. Memorials may be made to his church.

JERRY WARREN DECKER
Jerry Warren Decker, age 54 of Hunter, ND, died Thursday night, 2-27-1992. Decker was born 5-16-1937 in Tuscola, the son of Roscoe and Dorothy Warren Decker. He grew up and attended school in Gibson City. After graduation he attended the Police Academy in Champaign and served as a police officer in Gibson City and as chief of police in Bellflower. He married Barbara Nohr Haarstad on 3-22-1980 in Glyndon, Minnesota. They moved to Hunter, ND where he worked as a salesman for the Hunter Equipment Company. He served as chief of the Hunter Fire Department and Civil Defense Coordinator. He is a past city council member. Decker is survived by his wife and seven sons, Chris Decker of Gibson City; Brian Decker of Saybrook; Scott Haarstad of Edina, Minn.; Randy Haarstad of El Paso, TX; Dean Haarstad of Minneapolis, Minn.; Vance Haarstad of Bloomington and Thomas Haarstad of Fargo, ND.; one daughter, Kathy (Mrs. Lloyd) Dessel of Dickinson, ND; his father, Roscoe Decker of Gibson City and five grandchildren. North Dakota funeral services were held Monday, March 2 at the First Lutheran Church of Hunter at 2:30 p.m. Visitation was held Sunday from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Lindsey- Carlson Funeral Home in Page with a prayer service Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4 at the First Presbyterian Church in Gibson City. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the church in Gibson City. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery.

ROSCOE V. DECKER
The funeral of Roscoe V. Decker, 81, of Gibson City, was Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, Gibson City. The Rev. Laurence Sunkel officiated. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was Monday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, and also Tuesday at the Church. Mr. Decker died at 9:25 p.m. Thursday, 12-17-1992 at the Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Lakeland, Fla. He was born 11-8-1911 at Somerset, Ky., a son of Thomas and Nancy J. Bradley Decker. He married Dorothy Warren in Tuscola. She died 9-14-1956. He married Pauline J. Decker 3-7-1958, at Collinsville. She died 9-3-1984. He married Myrtle Steele 9-14-1985 at Gibson City. She survives. Other survivors include two stepsons, William Ferris, Collinsville, and Darrel Steele, Gibson City; three stepdaughters, Patty Greer, Collinsville; Sue Brown, Effingham; and Paula Boland, Canton, Ohio; three brothers, George Decker, Plainfield, Idaho; Ben Decker, Fort Myers, Fla.; and Howard Decker, Lakeland, Fla.; two sisters, Donna Wade, Boggstown, Ind.; and Edna Burroughs, Mesa, Ariz.; 16 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son and a sister. Mr. Decker lived in Gibson City since 1954 and was employed by Arends and Sons Farm Equipment Sales Co. for 23 years, retiring in 1973. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Gibson City and the First Presbyterian Church, Gibson City. Memorials may be made to the church or a charity of the donor's choice.

MILDRED DERBY
Mildred Louise Derby, 76, of Willcox, AZ, formerly of Gibson City, died at 10:45 a.m. Friday 2-5-1993 at Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Willcox. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. James A. Ferrell officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Derby was born 6-6-1916 in Metcalf, a daughter of Grover Cleveland and Ila Mae Bennett Ross. She married Clio M. Derby 8-6-1947. He died 12-18-1975. Survivors include three sons, Arthur Ray Stewart, Willcox, Ariz.; and Wayne Dean Derby and William Marshall Stewart, both of Champaign; four daughters, Lynda Whelan and Sue Jones, both of Willcox, AZ.; Virginia Bailey, Springfield, Mo.; and Sandra Kay Ferrell, LeRoy; a brother, James Ross, Chrisman; two sisters, Eva Cary, Willcox, Ariz., and Myrtle Luallen, Perrysburg, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. An infant son, and infant daughter, a brother, three sisters, three grandchildren and a great-grandson preceded her in death. Mrs. Derby had lived in Willcox, Ariz. for four years since moving from Gibson City. She was a member of VFW Post 6289 Auxiliary, Gibson City. Memorials may be made to the family.

CAROL CLEO (RANKIN) DEREMIAH
Carol Cleo Deremiah, age 87 of Gibson City died at 12:45 a.m. Friday 3-10-1995 at Gibson Community Hospital Annex where she had been a resident for eight years. Her funeral was at 2 p.m. Sunday at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Reverend Patrick W. Cox officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was for one hour before the service Sunday at the funeral home. Pallbearers included Don Deremiah, Larry Deremiah, Carol Cox, Rodney Harmon, Don Rankin and Dennis Cox. Mrs. Deremiah was born 12-1-1907 at Foosland, Brown Twp, a daughter of A.D. and Jennie Prince Rankin. She married Charles Paul Deremiah on 3-16-1940 at St. Louis, Mo. He died 1-6-1983. Survivors include one brother, Ramon Rankin of Gibson City and one sister, Jane Cox of Fisher. Two brothers preceded her in death. She was a member of University Place Christian Church in Urbana and a life member of the AmVets Auxiliary of Fisher. She helped organize the Women's Evening Club at Fisher and the Kum Join Us Class at Fisher Church of Christ. She lived in the Fisher, Foosland, Champaign and Gibson City areas. Memorials may be made to the activity department of Gibson Community Hospital Annex.

FRANK DERRY
The funeral of Frank Derry, 47, of Chicago was held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the W.S. Lamb Chapel in charge of Rev. A.H. Flagge, pastor of the Methodist Church. Burial was in the Gibson City Cemetery. Mr. Derry was born 1-24-1882 at Springfield, Mo., and when a young man came to this vicinity and for a number of years was in the employ of the local telephone company, leaving here about 20 years ago for Chicago where he has since resided. He was married in 1906 to Miss Hazel Ramey of this city at Hammond, Ind. Besides his widow he is survived by four children, Mrs. Vera Anderson, Mrs. Lona LaMaster, Miss Doris Ramey and Clarence Ramey, all of Chicago.
(Daily Pantagraph - Wednesday 7-24-1929)

LAURA CATHERINE (HOLT) DEWALL
Laura Catherine DeWall, age 74 of Gibson City died at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday 6-7-1995 at her home. Her funeral was at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Reverend Joel Catlin officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday at the home. Pallbearers were Gary Dodd, Terry Dodd, Clive Hornstein, Greg Hornstein, Richard Siems and Norman Siems. Mrs. DeWall was born 11-2-1920 in Paxton the daughter of Otto and Anna Holt. She married Earl E. DeWall on 7-4-1941 in Bloomington and he survives. Other survivors include one daughter, Jeanne C. DeWall of Gibson City; and two sisters, Effie Miller of Vancouver, Washington; and Hazel See of Roseburg, Oregon. She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. Mrs. DeWall was a member of Melvin United Methodist Church and the Gibson Community Hospital Auxiliary. Memorials may be made to Gibson Community Hospital or to the Carle Hospice of Gibson City.

BERNICE MAE (FULLER) DEWALL
Mrs. Bernice Mae DeWall, 85, a lifelong Gibson City resident, died at 9:30 p.m. Monday 11-24-1975 at Gibson Community Hospital. Her funeral was held Wednesday Nov 26 at the First Christian Church, Dr. Hugh Reynolds officiating. Burial was in Gibson City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Earl Birkey, Kenneth Hawthorne, Warren Brown, Primm Kerchenfaut, Ivan E. Donner and William Anderson. Mrs. DeWall was born 9-14-1890 at Bentown, a daughter of Clinton and Addie Benjamin Fuller. She was married to William C. DeWall 3-18-1914 in Gibson City. Surviving are a son William C. Jr., Foosland; two grandchildren and two great-grand- children. Her husband and a brother preceded her in death. She was a member of the Gibson City Senior Woman's Club, the Governor Thomas Ford Chapter DAR, a charter member of Wantwood Community Club, member of the First Christian Church, the Christian Women's Fellowship and the Loyal Daughters Class. Memorials may be made to her church.

LEONA (BATEMAN) EVANS DEWEY
Leona Evans Dewey, age 81 of Gibson City died at 11:40 p.m. Monday, 10-12-1998 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Gibson City. Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Friday October 16 at the First Christian Church in Gibson City with the Reverend Rebecca Zelensky officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City at 10 a.m. prior to the memorial service. Visitation was from 5 - 8 p.m. October 15 at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City. Mrs. Dewey was born 12-21-1916 at Bellflower, a daughter of John Pallas and Mary Susan Cherry Bateman. She married Samuel E. Evans on 4-6-1940 at Henderson, KY. He died 2-26-1971. She then married Carl E. Dewey on 4-4-1972 at Gibson City. He preceded her in death on 4-1-1996. Survivors include one son, Samuel Evans of Lincoln; one daughter, Susan Norman of St. Joseph; two stepsons, Charles Dewey and William Dewey, both of Gibson City; one granddaughter; seven step- grandchildren and one step-great-grandson; one brother, Donald Bateman of Leroy; and two sisters, Ruby Rendall of Almond, WI and Carol Paulson of Plymoth, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents and two infant grandchildren. Mrs. Dewey lived most of her life in the Gibson City area. She was a school teacher from 1936 to 1976 teaching at the Wildrose Country School in Gibson City; Stanton Center; Urbana Weber School; Mansfield Elementary School; Saybrook Elementary School and Gibson City Elementary School. An active member of the First Christian Chruch of Gibson City, Mrs. Dewey was a member of the National Honor Society and the Women of the Moose. She graduated from Drummer Twp High School and Illinois State Normal University in Normal. Memorials may be made to the Gibson Community Hospice program, the Bateman Library in Africa or to the First Christian Church of Gibson City.

HAZEL C. (RAINWATER) DELK
Hazel C. Delk, age 84 of Gibson City died at 1:10 p.m. Thursday, 8-19-1999 at Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. August 22 at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 1 - 2 p.m. August 22 at the funeral home. Pallbearers were Rick Bowen, Phillip Grieme, Charles Norfleet, Jack Royal, Nathan Antrobus, Hi Troyer and Cliff Hime. Mrs. Delk was born 8-17-1915 at Pulaski County, KY a daughter of Durham and Hattie Vest Rainwater. She married Marvin L. Delk on 12-21-1935 at Sommerset, KY. Survivors include her husband, Marvin Delk of Gibson City; three daughters, Elaine Lynch of Gibson City; Naveen (Ronald) Bowen of Gibson City and Connie (Thomas) Antrobus of Yorkville; five grandchildren and two great- granddaughters; one brother, Orville Rainwater of Gibson City; two sisters, Ersie Lane of Milford, Ohio and Aldene Norfleet of Dunville, KY. She was preceded in death by five brothers, one sister and two infant grandsons. A member of the United Methodist Church in Gibson City, Mrs. Delk lived in the Gibson City area since 1945. She helped with food preparation at at the Gibson Area Hospital, Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Gibson City and the Gibson City schools. Memorials can be made to the Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City.

CARL E. DEWEY
Carl E. Dewey, age 84 of Gibson City died at 11:10 a.m. Monday 4-1-1996 at Gibson Community Hospital in Gibson City. Memorial services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday April 5 at the First Christian Church in Gibson City with the Reverend Don Jones officiating. Burial will be at the Drummer Twp Cemetery in Gibson City at 1:30 p.m. Friday. The family will receive friends at the First Christian Church following the service. Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City was in charge of the arrangaements. Honorary pallbearers are Clyde Day, Don Coile, William Sallee, Carl Dewey, Don Roy, Clint Dewey, Chris Dewey and Harley Briggs. Mr. Dewey was born 8-9-1911 at Bellflower, a son of William Zion and Addie Bourne Dewey. He married Minette Green in September of 1934 in Gibson City. She died in January 1936. He married Effie B. Edmonds on 2-14-1938 in Paris, Mo. She died 9-10-1969. He married Leona B. Evans on 4-4-1972 at Gibson City. Survivors include his wife, Leona B. Dewey of Gibson City; two sons, Charles E. Dewey and William E. Dewey, both of Gibson City; one step-son Sam L. Evans of Lincoln; one step-daughter, Susan Evans Norman of St. Joseph; seven grandchildren; one step-granddaughter and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two grandsons. Mr. Dewey was a resident of Gibson City since he was seven years of age. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Gibson City and a member of the Gibson City Moose Lodge. Memorials may be made to the Gibson Community Hospital or to an organization of the donor's choice.

RYAN R. DODGE
Ryan R. Dodge, age 21 of Melvin died at 11:39 a.m. Friday, 9-20-1996 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Melvin on Thursday evening. Funeral services were at 3 p.m. Monday, September 23 at the Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery in Gibson City. Visitation was from 1 - 3 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers included Troy Dodge, Michael Alsdorf, Dale Morano, Dan Morano, Bill Curry and Dale McPherson. Mr. Dodge was born 12-26-1974 at Pontiac, a son of Wayne L. and Beverly A. Cotham McPherson and Robert and Mary Jane Dodge. Survivors include his father, Robert Dodge of Flora and his stepmother, Mary Jane Dodge; his mother, Beverly McPherson and his adoptive father, Wayne McPherson, both of Gibson City; one brother, Josh McPherson of Gibson City; two sisters, Corinna Dodge of Flora and Angela Little of Chatsworth; his maternal grandparents Marvin and Nina Cotham of Rockville, Indiana and his paternal grandmother, Eva C. Dodge of Manville. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather. Formerly of the Gibson City and Flora area, Mr. Dodge lived in Melvin for one year. He was a graduate of Flora High School and worked as a sub-contractor in construction. He also worked at American Software Distributing in Urbana. He enjoyed hunting, reading, cycling, fishing and climbing. Memorials may be made to the family.

DANTE M. (SACK) DONNER
Dante M. Donner, 18, of Rantoul, formerly of Gibson City, died at 4:53 p.m. Sunday 2-18-1996 in East Bend Twp, Champaign County from injuries resulting from an automobile accident. A story is on page A2. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Gibson City Bible Church, the Revs. Paul Thomason and Brent Zastrow officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. Thursday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, and one hour before the service Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Dante Donner Memorial Fund for her son. Surviving are her husband, Jonah Donner, Rantoul; one son, Dylan Donner, at home; her father, David Sack, Houston, Texas; her mother, Bernadette Douglas, Gibson City; three sisters, Crystal Speegle, Katrina Speegle, and Samantha Speegle, all of Gibson City; maternal grandmother, Jeanette McFalls, Cincinnati, Ohio; maternal grandfather, Norbert Shumate, Tampa, Fla.; and paternal grandmother, Betty Sack, Cincinnati, Ohio. Her paternal grandfather preceded her in death. She was born 8-26-1977 in St. Petersburg, Fla., a daughter of David and Bernadette Shumate Sack. She married Jonah Donner 3-18-1994 in Paxton. Mrs. Donner was empliyed at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Gibson City, since July 1995. She was formerly employed at Toll Mfg Gibson City. She attended Gibson City High School. She lived most of her life in Gibson City.

EARL R. DONNER
Earl R. Donner, age 80 of Gibson City, died at 7:50 a.m. Friday, 2-23-1996 at Gibson Community Hospital Annex in Gibson City. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 23, at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Reverend Philip N. Curran officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery in Gibson City. Visitation was from 5 - 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers included Sherman Nelson, Don Hoover, Dwain Parker, Chuck Jackson, Dick Cliff and Rick Carden. Mr. Donner was born 12-28-1915 at Gibson City a son of Edward W. and Margareat E. Kyle Donner. He married Verna B. Wright on 5-4-1935 at Paxton. Survivors include his wife, Verna B. Donner of Gibson City; one son, Harold Donner of Taylorville; three grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; one brother, Oren Donner of Carlinville; four sisters, Frances McMahon, Daisy Brownlee, Verna Farris and Velma Taylor, all of Gibson City. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters. A member of the First Christian Church of Gibson City, Mr. Donner was an associate member of the Elliott AmVets and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose 1516 in Taylorville. He was employed by CIPS for 33 years before retiring in 1977. Memorials may be made to the Gibson Community Hospital Annex or to the Carle Hospice Unit of Gibson City or to an organization of the donor's choice.

VERNA B. (WRIGHT) DONNER
Verna B. Donner, age 81 of Gibson City died at 10 a.m. Wednesday 3-18-1998 at Gibson Community Hospital Annex in Gibson City. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday, March 20 at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Reverend Rebecca Zelensky officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday March 19 at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers included Gayle Andersen, Richard Moxley, Jim Henson, Don Hoover, Merle Brokate, Maurice Shilts, Floyd Hyde and Jim Davis. Serving as active pallbearers were John Myers, Jim Shafer, Carlyle Griffith, Joe Rodden, Mylo Yeaman, Doug Kohl and Phil Roady. Mrs. Donner was born 9-22-1916 at Gibson City a daughter of Howard and Minnie Struebing Wright. She married Earl R. Donner on 5-4-1935 at Paxton. He preceded her in death on 2-23-1996. Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Beverly Donner of Taylorville; three grandchildren; four great- granddaughters; two brothers, Melvin Wright and Alan Wright, both of Gibson City; one sister, Wilma Tyler of Loda and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Harold Donner and three sisters. A resident of Gibson City for most of her life, Mrs. Donner was a member of the First Christian Church in Gibson City. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the First Christian Church of Gibson City.

MARIE (BECK) DONNER
Marie Donner, 79, died at 6:13 a.m. Thursday 10-21-1982 at Gibson Community Hospital Annex. Her funeral was at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church, Gibson City, the Rev. Hugh Reynolds officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Pallbearers were Douglas Woodward, Gerald Rudolph, James McClard, Donald Kelley, Don Rickey and Douglas Knapp. Mrs. Donner was born 9-10-1903 in Saybrook, a daughter of Silas and Lillian Hodge Beck. She married Edward Lee Donner on 1-1-1923 in Gibson City. He died 6-2-1972. Surviving are two daughters, Jessie Roesch of Gibson City and Juanita Bennett of Rantoul; two sons, Delmar of Kenner, La., and Ivan E. of Streator; 11 grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and three step-great grandchildren. Two brothers, two sisters, two grandsons and a great grandson preceded her in death. Mrs. Donner was a member of the First Christian Church in Gibson City; the Retired Senior Volunteer Program; Garber Friendship Club; Anchor Friendship Club; and the Progressive Club. Memorials may be made to the church or to a charity of the donor's choice.

DONALD DEAN DONNER
Decatur - Donald Dean Donner, 60, of Decatur died 8:15 p.m. Saturday 10-5-1996 in his residence. Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday in Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home with visitation 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Memorials: Decatur Memorial Hospital Hospice. Mr. Donner was born in Gibson City, 8-28-1936, the son of Oren S. and Hester Payne Donner. He worked for N&W Railroad as conductor retiring in 1994 after 35 years of service. He was an avid horse lover who was active in Illinois Horse Racing, as well as member of IQHA and former Local Chairman of UTU District 13. He married Janet L. Ray April 1966. Surviving are his wife; sons, Craig A. and wife Kathy of Evanston, Wyo.; Todd W. and wife Jill E. of York, Neb.; daughter, Deborah J. Donner and husband Randall G. Goodrich of Decatur; father and stepmother, Oren and Doris Donner of Carlinville; sister, Donna M. Rhodes and husband James E. of Decatur; five grandchildren; and a faithful canine companion, Sadie also survive. He was preceded in death by his mother.

HESTER L. (PAYNE) DONNER
Hester L. Donner, 71, of Decatur, a native of Gibson City, died at 12:10 a.m. yesterday 5-25-1984 at Fair Havens Christian Home, Decatur. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Dawson - Wikoff Funeral Home, Decatur. There will also be a graveside service at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City, the Rev. Jack Somppi officiating. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. She was born 10-16-1912, Gibson City, a daughter of William and Laura Payne. She married Oren Donner in 1936. He survives. Also surviving are a son, Donald, Decatur; a daughter, Donna Rhodes, Decatur; a brother, Harry, Melvin; a sister Geneva Giermann, Bloomington; and three grandchildren. Mrs. Donner was a member of the First Christian Church, Gibson City, and was affiliated with Prairie Avenue Christian Church, Decatur. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star No. 186 and past president and secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary of the United Transportation Union No. 177.

RUSSELL C. DOZIER
Strawn - Russell C. Dozier, 65, of Lenexa, Kan., formerly of Gibson City and Strawn, died at 11:20 p.m. Saturday 2-8-1992 at Humana Hospital, Overland Park, Kansas. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. today at Lenexa United Methodist Church, the Rev. Evelyn Fisher officiating. He was cremated. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City, where the Sibley Masonic Lodge will conduct rites. There will be no visitation. Amos Family Funeral Home, Lenexa, Kans., handled arrangements. Mr. Dozier was born 7-5-1926 at Harpster, a son of Harry and Charlotte Conrad Dozier. He married Phyllis Farney 6-12-1948 at Forrest. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Susan von Fossen, Lenexa, Kan.; one son, Douglas Dozier, El Paso; one brother, Earl Dozier, Elgin, Texas; and one grandson. Mr. Dozier was a member of the Sibley Masonic Lodge and the American Legion, Olatha, Kan. He was a veteran of WWII. He was a member of the Lenexa United Methodist Church and retired from the US Dept of Agriculture, where he served as a supervisor. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

EMMA E. (TARVIN) DRAGOO
Emma E. Dragoo, 86, of Gibson City died at 7:10 a.m. yesterday 4-28-1993 at Covenant Medical Center, Urbana. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, with a minister from the Jehovah's Witnesses Church officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. The family will receive friends at Tammie Busy's residence at 716 N. State St., Gibson City, following the burial. Visitation will be 10 - 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mrs. Dragoo was born 11-20-1906 at Richmond, Ky., the daughter of Virgil and Ollie Hewson Tarvin. She married Todd Coit, who preceded her in death. She later married Clifford Dragoo, who also preceded her in death. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. One sister preceded her in death. She had been a Gibson City resident since 1945 and was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses Church, Gibson City. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

MAUDE ETHEL (FILBY) RICHARDS DRAKE
Maude Ethel Richards Drake, 96, a resident of Los Gatos, Ca. for several years and formerly of Colfax, died 1-2-1984, in a Los Gatos convalescent hospital. A private memorial service was in Los Gatos. Cremation rites will be accorded and inurnment will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. The Chapel of the Hills, Los Gatos, had charge of arrangements. Mrs. Drake was born 8-28-1887, in Iqua, Ca., a daughter of Francis I. and Bridget Baron Filby. She married William Richards, who preceded her in death. She married Ernest Drake who preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, William Richards, Los Gatos, a daughter, Dorothy Richards, Eureka, Ca.; a granddaughter; and a great granddaughter. Mrs. Drake, a retired practical nurse, was a 50-year-member of Chapter 198, Order of the Eastern Star, Fairbury.

KATHRYN L. (DAVIS) DREIDAME
Kathryn L. Dreidame, age 79 of Gibson City died at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana at 4:37 p.m. Wednesday 7-3-1996. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, July 8 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Gibson City with the Reverend William Smith officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 3 - 5 p.m. Sunday, July 7 at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City where a rosary service was conducted at 5 p.m. Pallbearers were Bryan Brandon, Benjamin Steinberg, Jack Walton, Terry Delaney, Shad Delaney and Woody Steinberg. Mrs. Dreidame was born 4-7-1917 at Gibson City, a daughter of George Walter and Catherine Jensen Davis. She married Sebern Delaney at Decatur in 1937. He died in 1970. She married Charles A. Dreidame at Gibson City 6-12-1948. He died 6-10-1978. Survivors include one son, Larry Delaney of Bellflower; one daughter, Betty Hinesley of Gibson City; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Raymond Davis of Rantoul; two sisters, Margaret Trinkle of Gibson City and Delores Walker of Gibson City. She was preceded in death by two sisters and five brothers. Mrs. Dreidame lived in Gibson City all of her life and she was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Gibson City. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and the Senior Citizens Club. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Gibson City or to an organization of the donor's choice.

GLADYS DUERINGER
Gladys J. Dueringer, age 87 of Gibson City died at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, 5-29-1993 at the Covenant Medical Center, Urbana. A memorial service was at 1 p.m. Tuesday at United Methodist Church in Gibson City with the Reverends Patrick W. Cox and Wally Krech officiating. A graveside service was at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 5 - 8 p.m. Monday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. She was born 7-23-1905 near Guthrie, a daughter of Charles F. and Julia F. Miner Dueringer. Surviving is a sister, Julia Evelyn Dueringer, Gibson City. She was preceded in death by a brother. Miss Dueringer was a resident of Gibson City since 1950. She attended Miner School and later graduated from Drummer Twp High School, Gibson City. She taught at Miner School until 1924, then entered Northwestern University, Evanston. In 1926, she transferred to University of Illinois and graduated in 1928 with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts. She taught at Mt. Zion for six years and then Cothern School for a semester. Miss Dueringer taught high school in Melvin for 12 years and was school librarian and the Latin teacher for 18 years at Gibson City High School, retiring in 1967. She earned her master's degree at U of I and was a member of the honorary education fraternity Kappa Delta Pi. She also was a member of the United Methodist Church, Gibson City; the Gibson City Women's Club; Gibson Community Hospital Auxiliary; United Methodist Women, the Governor Thomas Ford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and the Ford County Farm Bureau. Memorials may be made to her church or Cunninghamn Children's Home in Urbana.

EDITH M. (SHEPHERD) DUERINGER
Edith M. Dueringer, age 75 of Sibley died at 10:35 a.m. Saturday, 12-28-1991 at home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City with the Reverend Patrick W. Cox officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City., Visitation was held from 5 - 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Mrs. Dueringer was born 2-4-1916 at Philo, a daughter of George and Blanche Spicer Shepherd. She married Ralph O. Dueringer on June 10, 1939 at Gibson City. He died 9-14-1987. Survivors include three sons, David Lee Dueringer of Fayetteville, NY; William J. Dueringer of Gibson City and Thomas Dueringer of Pontiac; six grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; one great-grandson; three brothers, Richard Shepherd of Whitley, Indiana; Jack Shepherd of Huntington, Ind., and James Shepherd of Warsaw, Indiana; and three sisters, Anita Kenny of Oceanside Ca., Georgia Poore of Urbana and Ena Shepherd of Washington DC. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother. Mrs. Dueringer and her husband farmed in the rural Gibson City area for many years. She taught high school in Gibson City for two years. She had been a resident of Sibley for four years. Mrs. Dueringer graduated from Urbana High School in 1933 and from the University of Illinois in 1937. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Gibson City, the Gibson Community Hospital Auxiliary and the Dix Twp Home Extension. Memorials may be made to the church or to the Gibson Community Hospital. Pallbearers will include Ron Warfield, Dean Lindholm, Bob Anderson, Larry Dueringer, Mike Freehill and Mark Killian.

RALPH O. DUERINGER
The funeral of Ralph O. Dueringer, 78, Sibley, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church, Gibson City. The Revs. Randall Perry and Carl Johnston will officiate. Burial will be in Drummer Twp. Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. today at the Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, and for an hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. He died at 5:33 p.m. Monday, 9-14-1987 at Burnham Hospital, Urbana. Mr. Dueringer was born 7-15-1909 near Guthrie, a son of Charles and Julia Miner Dueringer. He married Edith Shepherd on 6-10-1939 in Gibson City. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, David Lee, Carmel, Ind.; William J., Gibson City; and Thomas C., McMinnville, Tn.; six grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and two sisters, Gladys and Evelyn Dueringer, both of Gibson City. Three sisters preceded him in death. Mr. Dueringer was employed from 1937 - 1943 by the Agricultural Adjustment Adm. and managed the government hemp mill at Lexington. From 1943 - 1950 he was manager of Kemp Grain Co., Lexington. He farmed near Guthrie from 1950 until his retirement in 1984. He had been a resident of Sibley for three years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Gibson City; Gibson City Lions Club; Ford Co. Farm Bureau; and a former member of Gibson City school board. He was a graduate of Drummer Twp High School and attended the University of Illinois, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.

BARBARA M. (MORNINWEG) DUERINGER
Barbara M. Dueringer, 46, of Carmel, Indiana, died Sunday morning 7-17-1988 at Carmel St. Vincent Hospital. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Flanner & Buchanan Carmel Mortuary, Carmell, is in charge of arrangements. She was born 8-5-1941 in Albany NY, a daughter of Fred and Elsie Kross Mornhinweg. She married D. Lee Dueringer on 2-22-1964. He survives. Also surviving are her mother, Gibson City; one son, Scott, and one daughter, Lisa, both of Carmel, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

ROBERT G. DUGGINS
Robert G. Duggins, 65, of Gibson City died at 10:40 a.m. yesterday 1-17-1990 at Gibson Community Hospital, Gibson City. His funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, Gibson City, the Rev. Laurence Sunkel officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City, where military graveside rites will be accorded by Lee Lowrey American Legion Post No 568, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. today at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, and for one hour before the service at the church Friday. There will be a Masonic service at 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Mr. Duggins was born 3-16-1924 in Dunlap, a son of Wilbur and Myrtle Bouton Duggins. He married Wilma Cook 5-27-1945, in Bloomington. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Nancy Olivero, Gibson City; one sister, Doris Frank, Morton; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Duggins was a resident of Gibson City for 38 years. He worked for Nickel Plate Railroad for 23 years and owned and operated Duggins Electric in Gibson City for more than 25 years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Gibson City, and was a former trustee of the church. A WWII veteran, he was a former member of Lee Lowery American Legion Post No. 568, Gibson City. Memorials may be made to the church.

PAULINE E. (CAMPBELL) ORT DUNLAP
Pauline E. Ort Dunlap, age 80 of Piggott, Ark., formerly of Gibson City, died at 8:25 a.m. Wednesday 3-27-1996 at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Reverend Dan Hill officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 1 - 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers included Greg Powell, Joe Powell, Steven Ort, Scott Frickleton, Jason Ort, and Joe Hurley. Mrs. Dunlap was born 8-14-1915 at Piggott, Ark., a daughter of Claude and Jose Thomas Campbell. She married John A. Ort in November 1934 at Piggott, Ark. He died 4-20-1977. She later married Leslie Dunlap on 4-18-1995 at Piggott, Ark. and he survives. Also surviving are two sons, James F. Ort of Linn Creek, Missouri and Steven Ort of East Peoria; one daughter, Carole Powell of Mountain Lake, MN; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; one brother, Ralph Campbell of Kansas City, KS and one sister, Betty Sherfield of Piggott, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. Formerly of Gibson City, Mrs. Dunlap was a resident of Piggott, Ark. for two years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gibson City and the United Methodist Church in Piggott, Ark. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Gibson City or to the United Methodist Church in Piggott, Ark.

ROY J. DYSERT
The funeral of Roy J. Dysert, 83, formerly of Cooksville, who died Saturday 1-19-1985 will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax, the Rev. Gerald Verdun officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from noon to 1 pm. Tuesday at the memorial home. He was born 5-30-1901 in Martin Twp, a son of John W. and Ellen E. Nickerson Dysert. Surviving are a sister, Lovella Castongia, Morocco, Ind.; one brother, Willard, Port Charlotte, Fl.; two nieces, Ila Mae Haag, Bloomington, and Reta Rinkenberger, Clinton; one grand-nephew; and four great nieces. He was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister and one nephew. Mr. Dysert was a farmer in Martin Twp near Colfax. He moved to Cooksville in 1947. He was a Roman Catholic.

CHARLES LEE DAVIS
Champaign - Funeral services for Charles Lee Davis, 46, Champaign will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Jericho Missionary Baptist Church, Urbana. The Rev. Timothy Menefield will officiate. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday at Twin City Memorial Chapel, Champaign. Mr. Davis died at 1:20 a.m. Sunday 5-6-2001 at home. He was born 12-18-1954 in Gibson City, a son of Elson H. and Zora N. Vins Davis. He married Audrey Sykes on 5-27-1995 in Champaign and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Lawrence Davis and Mikel Walker, both of Champaign; four sisters, Ora Nell Stewart of Champaign, Mollie Davis of Chicago, Betty Kent of Urbana and Alma Day of Gibson City; two brothers, Alexander Bens of Chicago and Willie Davis of Champaign; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers. Mr. Davis served in the Army. He was a mechanic for the Union Pacific Railroad.

ETHEL L. (MILLER) DICKERMAN
Ethel L. Dickerman, age 102 of Gibson City died at 7:30 p.m. Sunday 6-23-2002 at Gibson Area Hospital Annex in Gibson City. Private graveside services will be Wednesday June 26 at Drummer Twp Cemetery in Gibson City, with the Reverend Randall Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery. There was no visitation. Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City was in charge of the arrangements. Mrs. Dickerman was born 5-7-1900 at Gibson City a daughter of Charles B. and Celia Higdon Miller. She married Loyal Dickerman on 7-11-1953 at Gibson City. He preceded her in death on 5-17-1978. Survivors include a niece, Marjorie Miller Hess of Columbus, Ohio and two stepgrandsons, Kenneth and Lee Wiggins of Pekin and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Charles. Mrs. Dickerman taught in both Gibson City and Elliott schools all of her adult life. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Illinois State Normal University and a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois. Mrs. Dickerman was a member of the Elliott United Methodist Church and then the Gibson City United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Ford County Retired Teachers Association. Memorials may be made to the Gibson City United Methodist Church.

EVELYN DUERINGER
J. Evelyn Dueringer, 95 of Gibson City died at 12:33 p.m. Sunday 5-26-2002 at Gibson Area Hospital. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Randall Robinson officiating. Private burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home. Miss Dueringer was born 1-20-1907 in rural Guthrie, a daughter of Charles F. and Julia Miner Dueringer. Surviving are three nephews, Lee Dueringer of Scottsdale, AZ., William Dueringer of Gibson City and Thomas Dueringer of Jerseyville. One brother and one sister preceded her in death. Miss Dueringer graduated from the University of Illinois in 1928. She received a master's degree in 1947. She taught school in Mt. Zion, Sullivan High School, Drummer Twp High School and was the school librarian at Clinton High School. She then returned to Gibson City and was the school librarian at the junior high school, retiring in 1965. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Gibson Area Hospital Auxiliary, the DAR, and the Ford County Farm Bureau. Memorials may be made to Gibson City United Methodist Church, Gibson Area Hospital or the Baby Fold in Normal.

DARLENE (SPICER) DONNER
Darlene M. Donner of Gibson City died at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday 5-7-2002 at Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City. Private graveside services were held Saturday May 11 at Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery. There was no visitation. Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City was in charge of the arrangements. Mrs. Donner was born at Fisher. She married Ivin G. Donner. He died 3-26-1991. Survivors include two sisters, Ethleyn Huxtable of Gibson City and Dorothy Amsdan of Rantoul; one brother Earl Spicer of Oak Lawn and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. Mrs. Donner was a member of the First Christian Church of Gibson City to which memorials may be made.

DAVIS, SAMUEL HIAWATHA
Dies at Home in Piper City
Was First Man to Reach Scene of Big Railroad Wreck
H.S. Davis, 87, died at his home in Piper City Illinois, Sunday night at about ten o'clock, Feb. 13, 1944. While he had been ill for some time, his death occurred suddenly as the result of a severe stroke. Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at the Houk Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. H. Welton Rotz, of the First Presbyterian Church. Music was furnished by Miss Kathryn Switzer, pianist, and Mrs. R.E. Squires, who sang "The Old Rugged Cross," and "Sunrise Tomorrow." Burial took place in Brenton Cemetery with John Gerdes, Ed Rebholz, Lou Grosenbach, C.E. Miller, John Shaughnessy and Homer Walters as casket bearers. F.T. Wilson and J.B. Eacret were in charge of floral tributes.
Samuel Hiawatha, son of Joseph and Rebecca McKinsey Davis, was born January 4, 1857, in Salem, Ohio. The family came to Illinois when he was nine months old, making the trip in a covered wagon and settled on a farm three and one-half miles west of Piper City, which from that time until 1933, when he retired and moved to Piper City, was his home. He was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Linn, of Piper City, on January 23, 1896. She survives him, with one daughter, Mrs. J.J. (Hazel) Lyons, also of Piper City and two grandchildren, Eddie and Marilyn Lyons. He also leaves one sister, Miss Myra Davis, 89 years old, who resides at Edmond, Oklahoma. Three sisters and two brothers have prededed him in death. Mr. Davis had probably lived in the Piper City community continuously longer than any other resident, and his accounts of the pioneer days of the country were always interesting and in demand. When the family located on the farm west of here, which was purchased for nine dollars per acre, the town of Piper City did not exist; and Ford County had not been organized. There were no houses at Chatsworth, nor had the T.P.& W. railroad been built east of Fairbury. The man who built the first Chatsworth house stayed at the Davis home and the lumber for it and many of the Piper City homes was hauled by team from Onarga. From this stage in the history of the community, Mr. Davis watched and had a part in its development to the rich corn belt of the present time. He was a just and upright citizen and posessed those qualities which won for him the friendship of those with whom he came in contact. Mr. Davis is said to have been the first person to reach the scene of the famous Chatsworth wreck, between Chatsworth and Piper City on the night of August 10, 1887, when so many people were killed and injured in a wreck of a Niagara Falls bound passenger train. His farm lies just a short distance east of the scene and he reached the wreck very soon afterward and assisted in the work of rescue that followed.