Remembering

Jacqueline Wright’s devotion to history took on a life of its own when she began her 40-year teaching career at McClernand Elementary School in Springfield. The school is named for prominent Springfield politician and soldier John A. McClernand, the Union Civil War general and close ally to President Abraham Lincoln who played a prominent role in the president’s […]

Our dad, Patrick V. Grady, was one of a kind. He was our best friend, our favorite Irishman, hilarious (pee-your-pants funny), our mentor in the real estate business, and the best role model of teaching our children the meaning of family. It was never a question of how much he loved us, our mother Elizabeth, […]

I never met Raymond, but he was worth knowing. He didn’t run a business or have lots of money. He was worth knowing – or knowing about – because of his unfaltering devotion to his faith and family despite serious health problems. Most of what I know comes from monthly dinner nights with my twin-mom […]

If Wally Henderson had had his druthers, he would have been an astronaut. The first person in his family to go to college, Henderson came home to Springfield from the University of Illinois in the spring of 1950 to proud parents who had invited friends over. What, he was asked, are you studying in college? […]

Daniel “Hud” Huddleston, Jr. departed this world on June 1, 2016. He was born on Sept. 15, 1955, and married his high school sweetheart on Aug. 2, 1975. When I first met Hud (as he was called by his family and friends), I wasn’t sure how to take him. He usually dressed in jeans, boots, […]

I always considered myself to be a practical, “no nonsense” person, one who didn’t believe in Prince Charming … until he showed up in my life driving a blue Ford pickup truck. This took place in February 1985, and we had a wonderful 31-year journey. I will never forget the day he was leaning against […]

Dear Fred, You lived a good life filled with family – Kathy and your two daughters, Joan and Anne, their spouses, Tom and Bob, and your most loved grandchildren – and many friends. We will all miss you, but know that you want no maudlin tears, so I will just share a few memories. You […]

Jean Broquet was having a lousy day It was July, in Detroit, where she lived with her husband, Larry, and four daughters. The heat and humidity were oppressive. There was laundry to be ironed. The girls were screaming. She’d just washed the floors and was fighting to keep everyone from tracking in dirt. Right on […]

Herbert Louis McMath, Sr., a 1972 Springfield Southeast High School graduate and 1976 Super Bowl champion, was born in Coahoma, Mississippi, and lived most of his life in Springfield. While attending Southeast, Herb played football and basketball as well as shot put for the track and field team. After graduating, he attended Morningside College in Sioux City, […]

My father, Elmer, passed away this past summer. He was a third-generation mason contractor (bricklayer), but was mostly known for his love of books and records. When I say music, it was not the typical Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley of his time. When I was young and my friends would come over, they would […]

One day, Carol Merrill just up and left. A state worker since 1982, Merrill’s experience and knowledge at the Illinois Department of Revenue was such that she helped write the manual on how to process tax returns. When she walked out of the office forever with no warning in 2013, the state wrote up retirement […]

Mitchell’s grandmother had a way about her. I remember it like it was yesterday. I couldn’t help but be in absolute awe of the way she wore her sunglasses, the way she served me her coffee, and the way she laughed at my jokes. She had a great laugh. I can’t remember the name of […]