Bits and pieces

Bits & Pieces – Police bust rooftop yelling

On May 28,1963 I graduated from high school. It was a hot day and was held in the ‘59 gym. Two weeks later, June 11, I started school at the Quincy Beauty Academy. At that time, cosmetology school was only six months, but they crammed a lot in your heads in six months. 

I was only 17 at the time and didn’t turn 18 until the following September.

Like all teenagers, I was elated at living away from home and being on my own, although I was still totally dependent on my parents for money, food, living expenses, etc. But the thought of being at home with NO curfews was a dream come true.

But I should have known that my mother was one clever woman. She had to look far and wide to find a home on Main Street, six blocks from the school (walking distance) because none of us had a car.

Rex Davis

Rex Davis

Rex Olin Davis, age 88, of Springfield, and formerly of Mason and Effingham, died at 11:35 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2023 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was born August 11, 1935 in Watson, the son of Chan William and Tracy Beatrice Parker Davis.  He married Norma “Naydene” Newton on June 15, 1962 in Mt. Sterling, and she survives. Mr. Davis was a teacher and served as high school basketball coach for the Beardstown, Crete-Monee and Robinson School Districts for several years. Rex graduated from Altamont High School with the class of 1953 and then attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, where he received his bachelor of science degree in education in 1960.  Rex continued his education at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville receiving a master of science degree in education in 1969.

Ronald Hoenes

Ronald Hoenes

Ronald Hoenes, 82, of Beardstown, died on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at his home. He was born on June 17, 1941, in Hannibal, Missouri, the son of Paul and Iris Ithema (Pollard) Hoenes. He married Faye Yackley on July 14, 1963, and she survives.In addition to his wife, Faye, he is survived by his sons: Jeff (Wanda) Hoenes, Vern (Vickey) Hoenes, Cliff (Melinda) Hoenes; grandchildren: Nathan (Jenny) Hoenes, Shayla (Matt) Miller, Caleb Hoenes, Alex Taylor, Oliver Hoenes, Colt Hoenes, Braxton Hoenes, Jade Hoenes; Great-Grandchildren: Jayla Tennyson, Cannon Hoenes, Creed Hoenes, Emmett Miller; and Siblings: Donna (Jack) Thornburg, Rendell (Teri) Hoenes, Dennis (Sue) Hoenes, and David Hoenes.He was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandchild: Jackson Hea.After graduating from Palmyra High School in Missouri, he went to work for Bleigh Construction in Palmyra, Missouri. Soon after eventually retired early.

Charles Akin, Jr.

Charles Akin, Jr.

Charles J. Akin, Jr., 85, of Rushville, died at 7:47 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.He was born February 11, 1938 in Pittsfield, the son of Charles, Sr. and Alene Burke Akin. He married Vivian Eileen Jockisch on October 4, 1964 in Rushville and she preceded him in death on March 22, 2007. Mr. Akin worked for Oscar Mayer in Beardstown for 20 years and was also engaged in farming. Later in life he owned and operated Akin Lawn Care and Clean Up with his son, Randy. Charles graduated from Perry High School with the class of 1957. Mr. Akin was of the Christian faith. He always enjoyed fishing and truly loved the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors

William “Mike” Lynn

William “Mike” Lynn   

William “Mike” Lynn, 79, of Virginia, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at his home.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet; one son, “Billy Mike” of Chandlerville; one daughter, Ann Iberg of Virginia; two grandsons, Cody and Bryce Iberg of Highland; and one brother, Ron Lynn of Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Fat” and Frances Lynn; and one brother, Tom.   Mike farmed for a lot of years and had a trucking business. He trucked for Chevron Commercial, delivering roll backs and wreckers. He was a Vietnam Veteran, belonging to VFW Post #1239 of Beardstown. Mike loved his grandsons, watching them show pigs and play football.

Joseph “Joe” Willis

Joseph “Joe” Willis, 86, of Ashland, died at 12:35 am, Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Bridge Care Suites. He was born April 21, 1937 in Springfield, to Emmett and Katherine Sutherd Willis.

Survivors include two cousins, Mary (Jim) Launer of Modesto and Kay Maddox Compardo of Springfield and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert and Jack Willis.

Joe was a US Army Veteran and served from June 1956 – June 1958. He lived his entire life on the family farm and retired as a carpenter.

Elaine Prough

Elaine Prough   

Elaine Prough, 75, of Arenzville passed away September 18. She was born December 21, 1948 in Dallas, Tx, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Hay. She became the proud wife of Jim Prough on July 30, 1992.    She is survived by her husband, Jim, daughter, Jacquie (Tim) Meyer, son, John Prough, grandchildren, Megan (Zach) Chenault, JD (Bianca) Clement, Jordan (Arely) Meyer, great-grandchildren, Weston, Chloe, Zoey, and another great -grandson on the way. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.    Elaine was a friend to all and didn’t know a stranger. She loved to travel and especially loved the ocean. She loved all animals, eating grits, knitting, visiting with friends, experimenting with new recipes, and reporting to Arenzville as Snow Patrol 1. She had such a passion for life. However, nothing meant more to her than being a wife, mother, and nana.

Bread of Love

September 25 – September 29 Monday – Meatballs in brown sauce, brown…

Veteran

Veterans Memorial Wall bricks

Once again the V.F.W.  will be engraving bricks for our Veterans Memorial Wall.  The cost of the bricks are $100 each.  You may pick up an application at the VFW Post located at 610 E. 4th St.  Applications need to be in by September 30, 2023 to give us ample time to get them engraved before Veterans Day. If you have any questions please call Doug Taylor at 217-781-0017 and leave a message.Doug Taylor, Memorial Wall Committee

The Beardstown Middle School softball team is all smiles and headed to the State Tourney after a 3 to 0 Sectional Championship win over Havana.

Lady Tigers are State bound! – Middle School Softball in final 8

The Beardstown Tiger Middle School softball team is advancing to the IESA Softball State Tournament.  

The Tigers won the Regional Championship with a 4 to 1 victory over Pikeland and captured the Sectional Title with a 3 to 0 win over Havana last Saturday.  They will be the opening game of the Class 2A State Tournament, playing against Princeton Logan at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 22 at Champions Field in Normal.  There will be a student fan bus going to the game with enough interest.  For information and for ticket purchase information go to the Beardstown CUSD # 15 Facebook page.