Obituaries

Daniel Dillon

Published by admin on Thu, 09/07/2023 - 8:24am

ESSEX—Daniel Steven Dillon, 30, of Essex, formerly of Braidwood, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 following a long and arduous battle with addiction and substance abuse.
He was born Nov. 2, 1992 in Palos Heights, IL. Danny was educated in Reed-Custer Schools in Braidwood, graduating with the class of 2011. He was a union carpenter by trade.

Linda K. Melius

Published by admin on Tue, 09/05/2023 - 1:12pm

DIAMOND—Linda K. Melius, 66, of Diamond, and formerly of Waukegan, IL, passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL with family surrounding her.
Born Nov. 3, 1956 in Waukegan, Linda was a daughter of Virginia (Mitchell) Reif, of Waukegan and the late, Robert Reif. She was raised and educated in Waukegan and attended Waukegan High School. On Oct. 31, 1987, Linda married James Allan Melius and he preceded her in death on Feb. 1, 2020.

Dorris A. Fonner

Published by admin on Tue, 09/05/2023 - 10:00am

YORKVILLE—Doris A. Fonner, 78, a resident of Heritage Woods Yorkville, and formerly of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora.

Helen Lancaster

Published by admin on Fri, 09/01/2023 - 10:07am

MARION IL—Helen Marie Lancaster, 83, formerly of Royalton, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at The Anchor in Marion.
Helen was born on July 4, 1940, in Bollinger County, MO, to William E. and Imogene (Love) Powers. She was united in marriage to Norman Earl Lancaster Sr. on June 16, 1958, in Missouri. They shared 57 years of marriage together before he preceded her in death on Feb. 8, 2015.

Gary Hish

Published by admin on Tue, 08/29/2023 - 9:28am

WILMINGTON—Gary Wayne Hish, 82, of Wilmington, passed away Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno, IL.

John Tira Sr.

Published by admin on Tue, 08/29/2023 - 9:27am

SAN DIEGO, CA—John Martin Tira Sr., 73, passed away on Aug. 22, 2023, surrounded by his family in San Diego, CA.

Debbie Plese

Published by admin on Tue, 08/29/2023 - 9:25am

WILMINGTON—Debbie Plese, 71, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023 at her home.

Adam D. Rodriguez

Published by admin on Mon, 08/28/2023 - 12:14pm

MORRIS—Adam D. Rodriguez, “A-Rod,” 39, of Morris, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.
He was born in Joliet on Oct. 21, 1983 to Alfie R. and Karyn (nee McCarthy) Rodriguez. Adam was educated in Coal City, graduating from Coal City High School. He was a devoted dad to his son, Brayden, and they enjoyed their time bonding together at Brayden’s sports and activities. Adam was a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox. Known as “A-Rod” to his friends, he has left plenty memories of good times with them. Adam will be especially missed by his Dad, Alfie.

Dwayne Bawcum

Published by admin on Mon, 08/28/2023 - 12:13pm

BRAIDWOOD—Dwayne Bawcum, 66, of Braidwood, passed away Friday, Aug. 25, 2023 at his home.
Born on May 12, 1957 in Palo Heights, IL, he was the son of Autry and Joyce (nee Rigby) Bawcum. On Feb. 2, 2010 he married Sandra Wheet in Joliet. Dwayne was a member of Island City Baptist Church and enjoyed fishing, gardening and being outdoors.
Surviving are his wife, Sandra Bawcum; daughter, Bobbie Jo Bawcum; sister, Adrianne Bacavis; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Autry Lee Bawcum.

William Strawson

Published by admin on Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:05am

WILMINGTON—William “Bill” Strawson, 63 of Wilmington, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023 at Citadel Care in Bourbonnais.
Born May 3, 1960 in Joliet, William Arthur was a son of Arthur and Claire (Audette) Strawson. He was raised in Wilmington and graduated from Manteno High School with the Class of 1978. On Aug. 31, 1985, Bill married Ann Lang at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Lockport, and together they made their home and raised their family in rural Wilmington.