Obituaries
Death of Michael L. Cox
Michael L. “Mike” Cox, 79, of Bunker Hill, passed away on August 23, 2024, while surrounded by his family at Barnes Jewish Hospital.
After graduating from East Alton Wood River High School in 1963, Mike served in the military and then went on to pursue his education at SIUE. A life-long learner, Mike earned bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees, allowing him to advance from a teacher to a principal to a superintendent. Throughout his career, he worked at Lewis and Clark Elementary, Lincoln Elementary in Wood River, Hartford Elementary in Hartford, and Meissner Elementary in Bunker Hill. He retired as the Superintendent of Bunker Hill Community Unit District #8 in 2005, marking the end of a 33-year career in education.
While Mike loved his career, he had no trouble filling his retirement years with family, friends, and fun. As an avid Cubs fan and eternal optimist, Mike rarely missed a game, and his loyalty was rewarded when his team finally won the World Series in 2016. He enjoyed travel (particularly with Phylis in their RV), trivia, reading, history, golf, old movies, and television shows, especially Westerns. He was a collector of all things related to Hopalong Cassidy, Elvis, and the Chicago Cubs and could often be found on eBay, searching for the next item for his growing collection. Mike was devoted to his family, friends, and also his community. He was involved in civic activities, including the Kiwanis Club, serving as past president and treasurer. He also helped deliver Meals on Wheels, was a board member at the Staunton Hospital, and made charitable donations to many organizations.
He was preceded in death by his parents Raleigh and Opal Cox; sisters Helen (Carl) Douglas, Juanita (Dean) Reeves, and Jean (Leto) Metz. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Phylis Marie (Burden) Cox; two daughters, Kristine Wylie (Todd) of Glen Carbon, and Amy Blue (Lisa) of Gluckstadt, MS; grandson, Jacob Wylie of Glen Carbon; numerous nieces and nephews; and a beloved dog, Holly, who wandered up to his doorstop one Christmas Eve and became an instant member of the family. He leaves his friends and family with a legacy of love and a repertoire of “dad jokes” and Yogi Berra quotes to carry forward.
A celebration of life will be on Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill, with military rites at 8:00 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to St. Jude or Bunker Hill Community School District #8, which were both special to him.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill, is in charge of the 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.
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