All Obituaries

Michael Curtis “Mike" Baker died unexpectedly of natural causes on April 9, 2026 at his home in Sigel, IL.   Mike was born in Effingham on October 8, 1964 to J. Curtis and LoElla (Lankford) Baker. Mike will be remembered by his family and friends for his infectious smile.  Mike was fun-loving,  warm-hearted, and a generous son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather and friend.  He was always ready to help when his family or friends needed anything. ...

Larry Hymes, 83,  of  Neoga, Illinois passed away peacefully in his winter home on December 28, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida.  Born on December 7, 1942, in Chapin, Illinois, Larry lived a life marked by dedication—to his family, his profession, and his community. Larry pursued an impressive academic path in civil engineering, earning an associate degree followed by both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the field.  His passion for engineering extended ...

Carol L. Barger, 89 of Neoga, Illinois, passed away Monday April 6, 2026. She was born February 1, 1937 in Champaign, Illinois to Harold and Mildred (Shelley) Johnson. She married Richard L. Barger August 3, 1955 in Charleston, Illinois.  Carol enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends. She was retired from General Electric.  She is survived by son, Kelly (Sharon) Barger of Neoga, Illinois; granddaughter, Kelsey Barger of Mattoon, Illinois, sisters; Beverly Ann ...

John J. Verdeyen, age 67 of Neoga, Illinois passed away Friday April 3, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He was born July 15, 1958 in Hialeah Florida to John and Elvira (Hartke) Verdeyen. John spent the last 23 years with his special companion Robin Brewster.  John was a machine operator at John Boos and Co. for over 35 years. He loved playing his guitar, motorcycle riding, fishing, and camping with his family and friends. His greatest love in life was spending time with Robin ...

Diana Kay Storm, 80 of Effingham, Illinois, passed away Wednesday March 25, 2026 at home in Effingham, Illinois. She was born October 10, 1945 in Trowbridge, Illinois to Thomas and Viola (Blake) McLaughlin.  She devoted much of her life to care of others serving as a nurse. She specialized in Alzheimer care. She loved to gamble and visit the casino boats. Diana loved cooking shows and spending time in the kitchen. She was a friend to all regardless of age. She loved home decorating. ...

Norman E. Baker of Newton, Illinois formerly of Sigel and Hidalgo, Illinois passed away Sunday March 22, 2026, in the Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham, Illinois.  He was born April 18, 1927 in Sigel, Illinois the son of Earl C. And Hester H. (Wolf) Baker.   Norman married Leona G. Yocum July 19, 1950 in Effingham, Illinois Mrs. Baker passed away June 16, 2019.  Mr. Baker proudly served in the U.S Army and was a WW II veteran.  After his ...

WILLIAM “BILL” O'DELL  68, of Neoga, Illinois, passed away at 9:12 P.M., Sunday, March 22, 2026, at his residence. He was born April 19th, 1957, in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Joe E. and Judy Sue (Swengel) O'Dell. He married Lisa Garrett, September 23rd, 1978 in Gays, Illinois. Bill graduated from Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1978 and worked with his father and brother in the Swengel - O'Dell Funeral Home in Neoga. He became the co-owner/operator with his ...

The Reverend Robert L. (“Bud”) DeGrand, of Sigel, Illinois, passed away at his home on March 20, 2026. Those who knew Father Bud will recall his fiery nature, his sense of humor, and his love of his dog Redmond, a pipe to smoke and a glass of good Irish whisky to sip. He had a deep capacity for human kindness, connection, compassion, and justice for the wrongly accused. Father Bud was ordained a diocesan priest in May of 1980 and served in several parishes throughout the ...

Lawrence Robert "Bob" Myers, 92, of Neoga, Illinois passed away at 7:46 AM, Friday March 13, 2026 at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga, Illinois. Bob was born October 15, 1933 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Lawrence and Constance (Biggs) Myers. He married Velma June Orr on August 10, 1952 in Lerna, Illinois. Bob worked as a truck driver and retired from JM Jones Trucking in Urbana, Illinois. He enjoyed his family, fishing, camping, and church. Bob had a green thumb, he inherited from ...

Margaret M. "Maggie" Walk, 77 of Sigel, Illinois, passed away Friday March 13, 2026 in her home after several years of battling Alzheimer's and heart related issues. She was born October 9,1948 in Trowbridge, Illinois to Elmer and Lucy May. She married Paul Walk, her high school sweetheart, while he was on leave from the Army, on September 20, 1969 in Sigel. Maggie was a member of the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Sigel.   She was a member of BUNCO, a small group ...