Remembering

Kenley Wade was so accomplished in his career that he was admitted into one of the nation’s most prestigious MBA programs, even though he had never earned an undergraduate degree. The Springfield civil rights leader left behind behind a legacy of fighting racism in Springfield and beyond. “He was very, very smart,” his daughter Francine […]

Jim was a popular Springfield personality and well-known radio broadcaster for University of Illinois football and basketball games. He worked in public relations and advertising in the late 1970s for the newly built Prairie Capital Convention Center and also for Watt Bros. Pharmacy West. He was also a popular master of ceremonies for events. Much […]

Pat Coburn loved chardonnay, art, travel and Springfield. He hung Christmas decorations early. Among veterans at the State Journal-Register, where he rose from cops reporter to publisher during a journalism career spanning from 1966 to 2006, he is remembered for microwave popcorn. Jack Clarke, Coburn’s predecessor in the publisher’s office, had an MBA from Harvard […]

Roger passed away at his home. He is survived by his companion, Dave Ridenour. Roger was an innkeeper and operated the Rippon-Kinsella House bed and breakfast in Springfield. He loved to cook, play cards and Scrabble, and walk his dog, Benny. He was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed. A few years ago, […]

My son’s life was focused on helping others. Even during his own health and physical complications, Alex said, “I am alive for a reason. The reason is to help people.” That’s exactly what he did. He worked and volunteered with youth organizations, cheered the downtrodden, helped individuals with disabilities and addictions, and befriended everyone he […]

Jim was a popular Springfield personality and well-known radio broadcaster for University of Illinois football and basketball games. He worked in public relations and advertising in the late 1970s for the newly built Prairie Capital Convention Center and also for Watt Bros. Pharmacy West. He was also a popular master of ceremonies for events. Much […]

Deidre Silas was a “go-getter” and “always one to diffuse a situation” rather than allow it to escalate, her mother says. Silas’ parents said those traits made it all the more painful to lose someone with her ambition, talent and energy. She was killed Jan. 4, 2022, while working as an investigator for the Illinois […]

Cullom Davis began his time in Springfield in 1970, helping to create the innovative learning experience that was Sangamon State University (SSU), which later became University of Illinois Springfield. From planning courses to recruiting and hiring instructors, Davis was far more than an administrative vice-president and teacher of history. Larry Golden, one of Davis’ fellow […]

This year at Christmas we remember a beloved husband, stepfather, grandfather and friend. Bob was born in Charleston, Illinois. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in San Diego, California. He made Fountain Hills, Arizona, his lifelong home along with a summer home in Springfield, Illinois. He was a […]

After battling breast cancer for five years, my wife and one true love of 22 years lo st her fight with this horrific disease. Lisa was kind, caring and giving, and she cared deeply about people. After working in social services for over 25 years, she changed careers to become a licensed esthetician and owner […]

It’s hard for me to call Dave Shaw anything other than Mr. Shaw. Even as our orbits continued to collide during my adulthood, he was always my teacher. His classroom moved around the Rochester High School campus during seemingly endless renovations. Regardless of his location – a trailer, a garage – Mr. Shaw’s classroom was […]

Bob was a self-proclaimed hippie who wore his hair long, loved fishing and sci-fi, supported live music and the arts, and told you exactly what he thought about politics, human rights and marijuana legalization. He was a gifted computer programmer and musician who mentored a blended family and many friends freely and willingly. Music defined […]