Obituaries
Death of Cecil J. Brackman
Cecil J. Brackman, 97 of Staunton, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, at his residence in Staunton with family by his side. He was born on February 15, 1926, in Bunker Hill, a son of the late William Frederick and Carrie (Fletcher) Brackman.
He married Viola Davison on February 14, 1948, in Staunton and she survives. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in The Pacific Theatre on the U.S.S. Randall. He worked as a mixer in the Primer Department at Olin Corp in East Alton for 38 years and was a member of the Machinist Union Local #660.
Cecil belonged to the Assembly Church in Staunton since 1948 serving as treasurer, Sunday School teacher, usher, musician, and handyman. He read the Bible over 140 times writing copious notes on his understanding of the scriptures.
Cecil planted a huge garden every year with tomatoes, green beans, corn, and various other vegetables and fruits. For 69 years he grew strawberries, picking over 1000 quarts a summer, selling them to Mayfield’s Market in the early years, as well as individuals until 2018, when he finally started slowing down.
After his God and his family, Cecil’s greatest love was gospel bluegrass music. He participated in many local bluegrass and gospel groups through the years, playing the guitar, mandolin, harmonica, Hawaiian guitar, and violin. He also participated in a nursing home ministry utilizing his musical talents. After retiring, Cecil and Vi would spend two or three winter months a year in the Texas Rio Grand Valley participating in many music jam sessions.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Viola Brackman of Staunton; three children, Sue Goodson of Staunton, Dennis (Barb) Brackman of Staunton, and Dwight (Kathy) Brackman of Staunton; eight grandchildren, Eric Goodson of St. Louis, MO, Amy (Carl) Zuhl of Schereville, IN, Abby Brackman of Glen Carbon, Emily (Harry) Paul of Staunton, Adam (Emily) Brackman of St. Louis, MO, Carrie (Ian) Fenton of Mt. Olive, Bethany (Nathan) Kokorudz of Wood River, and Aaron (LeAmber) Brackman of Jefferson, GA; 15 great-grandchildren, Henry, Atticus, and Silas Paul, Jessica Goodson Feldman, Jacob Goodson, Cole, Carter, Cruz, and Cash Fenton, Caleb, Gavin, Owen, and Baylor Brackman, Everly and Everett Kokorudz; and two great-great-grandchildren, Patrick and Presley Feldman.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings, William Brackman, Charles Brackman, Rose Greer Robinson, Laura Partridge, and Louis Wesley Brackman.
Friends may call from 10 AM to 12 noon on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at The Assembly Church in Staunton. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at The Assembly Church in Staunton with Reverend Art Braden officiating. The burial will be held at Tine Sawyer Cemetery near Staunton. Memorials are suggested to The Assembly Church of Staunton or Tine Sawyer Cemetery.
Comments
Nancy Ilene Weller, 74, of Gillespie, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 2:52 pm. She was born June 4, 1949, in Litchfield, to Charles Giller and Margaret Whitman Giller. She married Kenneth Raymond Weller, Sr., on August 17, 1968, in Litchfield. He preceded her in death on December 5, 2011.
She was a caregiver. Nancy loved horses, reading, and her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Chester (Katina) Weller of Gillespie, Luke Weller of Gillespie, Spring Weller (spouse, Phillip Benner) of Fowler, IN, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 5 brothers, and sisters.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, 4 brothers, and sisters.
No public services are scheduled. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
Comments
Beverly Kay Brown, 82, of Gillespie, died at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center, Gillespie, on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 8:45 am. She was born October 4, 1941, in Litchfield, to Mario Meldi and Opal Olston Meldi. She married Bob Brown on October 30, 1976.
She worked for the State of Illinois in title transferring and data processing. Beverly enjoyed reading and was an avid reader of People’s magazine.
She is survived by her spouse, Bob Brown of Gillespie, children, Joell (Sid) Flyte of Edwardsville, Jackie (Larry) Fear of The Villages, FL, Kathy Giesler of Mattoon, Kim (Joe) Brittin of Springfield, Jane (Greg) Hallum of Ishpeming, MI, Lori Brown of Temecula, CA, grandchildren, Breanna Leake, Dominique Flyte, Addie Flyte, Bradley Fear, David Fear, Brad Brittin, Melissa Casad, Amanda Kozak, Jaime Galloway, Jaimee Dobson, Jenny Knight, Emily Nault, Elyssa Gregurash, Erin Baldini, many great-grandchildren, brothers, Ron (Corky) Meldi of Nitro, WV, and sisters-in-law, June Swan and Loni Cloyd. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Jedd Hallum, and brother-in-law, Preston Brown.
Friends may call on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Funeral services are Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to SS Simon and Jude Church. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
Comments
Darrell Leon Hoffstot, 69, of Gillespie, died at St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield, on Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was born October 2, 1954, in Granite City, to Willard Lee Hoffstot and Hazel Mae Holloway Hoffstot.
He was retired after having been an assembler for Echlin. Darrell enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and water skiing.
He is survived by his sons, Zachary Hoffstot of Mt. Olive, and Zane Hoffstot of Gillespie, and sisters, Sandra Elledge of Litchfield, and Peggy (Joseph) Fischer. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Victor Hoffstot.
No public services will be held. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
Comments
-
Community News4 weeks agoBenld Council enacts ordinance against water meter tampering
-
Community News3 weeks agoSchool district apparently eyeing food management service
-
Community News4 weeks agoDenby wins judicial nomination in three-way race; Trump, Biden top choices for Macoupin voters
-
Police News3 weeks agoGillespie Police Report: March 17-23, 2024