Obituaries
Death of Glen Alvin Tipps
Glen Alvin Tipps, 89, of Carlinville, went to the Lord on May 23, 2015, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Glen was born on September 21, 1925, to Glen and Nellie (Edwards) Tipps at Scottville, IL. On June 29, 1946, he married Stella Watters in Jefferson City, MO. She preceded him in death on March 14, 2005.
Alvin attended Carlinville High School. He entered the United States Coast Guard and served in the South Pacific during WWll. Upon discharge, he moved to Springfield, Illinois, and was a mail carrier before moving back to Carlinville. In 1950, he started Tipps Bulk Service hauling can milk. In 1957, he started hauling bulk milk to Prairie Farms Dairy in Carlinville. His true passion was that of a horseman.
He loved horses and was involved in a number of breeds, but his favorite being the quarter horse. Over the years he raised, bred, raced, and showed horses all over the country. He was a “horse show dad” to many of his daughters’ fellow horse friends. He always had time to work in the shop with his son, David, working on cars, tractors, or any other project that came along. Alvin enjoyed gardening, mowing, refinishing furniture, and building and remodeling houses. His love for animals made his home a refuge for every stray four-legged animal that needed a home.
Glen is survived by his daughter, Becky Tipps of Carlinville; son, David Tipps of Carlinville; brother, Gary (Cindy) Tipps of Carlinville; sister-in-law, Judy Tipps of Carlinville; several nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as many pets.
Glen was preceded in death by parents, wife, and brother, Dick Tipps.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery in Carlinville with Pastor Nancy Ribes officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Special Olympics Illinois Dream Catchers (Horse Program) 28 Ridge Lane Drive Decatur, IL 62521 or Macoupin County T.A.I.L.S.
Davis Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Charles M. Crays, 64 of Carlinville, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:50 p.m. He was born October 24, 1961, in Carlinville to Charles J. Crays and Dorothy Louise Johnston Crays. He married Darla K. Hankins Crays in Carlinville.
Charles was a longtime iron worker and retired from the trade. He was a devoted member of the Carlinville Moose Lodge and the Carlinville Masonic Lodge, and he took pride in helping others in his community.
Charles is survived by his wife, Darla Crays, of Carlinville; his stepchildren Crystal (Clint) Downs of Louisiana, Toby (Denni) Paxton of Louisiana, and Joey Paxton of Louisiana; his grandson Sawyer Downs; his brother Robert L. Crays (Lettie) of Carlinville; his sisters Linda L. Crays and Julie Ann Crays, both of Waggoner; and his nephew Matthew Crays.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Carlinville Moose Lodge, or the Carlinville Masonic Lodge. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of arrangements.
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Grace “Sally” Agnes Schuerman, 74 of Nokomis, passed away at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, MO on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:49 pm. She was born on December 28, 1951, in Hillsboro to the late John Whitlow and Agnes Haggarty Whitlow.
She married James Schuerman on June 7, 1975 in Decatur. She worked as a dietician, home health aide and cook. James and Sally were foster parents to many children over the years. She loved horses and her grandkids.
She is survived by her children, April Balestri (James) of Eagarville, Cris “Bill” Schuerman of Nokomis, and Crystal (Greg) Linton of Aldrich, MO; daughter in law, Kasey Schuerman; grandchildren, Paul Balestri, Gracelynn Balestri, Hunter Schuerman, and Andy Linton; brother, Guy (Norma) Whitlow of Nokomis; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; son, Charles Schuerman; sister, Rosemary (Rosie) Hopwood; brother, Sam Whitlow; and niece, Kathy Whitlow.
No services are scheduled at this time. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Paul F. Madden, 61 of Gillespie, died at his residence on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:08 pm. He was born on September 27, 1964, in Litchfield to John Patrick Madden and Barbara Ann (Resnik) Madden Sawyer.
He married Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden on June 5, 2015 in Forsyth, IL. He was a sales manager in the equipment manufacturing industry. Paul was a huge golfer who also enjoyed music, playing the guitar, riding his bike, walking his dog, running and traveling.
He is survived by his spouse, Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden of Gillespie; daughter, Colleen (Ryan) Cash of Carlinville; step daughter, Zoey Mayo of Gillespie; brothers, John P (Betsy) Madden of St. Paul, MN, Timothy J. (Anne) Madden of Lemont, IL, and David W. (Sarah) Madden of Urbana, IL; and step father, George Sawyer of Gillespie.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark D. Madden.
Friends may call on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. Funeral mass will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie at 12:00 pm. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie, IL.
Memorials are suggested to Partnership For Educational Excellence District #7, BJC Hospice or Siteman Cancer Center. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
