All Obituaries

Thomas Pearcy   CHARLESTON – Thomas Michael Pearcy, 62, of Charleston, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at home, with family at his side.   Tom was born August 31, 1958 in Charleston, son of Richard “Gene” and Carolyn (Duckworth) Pearcy.  He married Julie W. Lucas, June 17, 1984; she survives.  Also surviving is one brother, Steven J. Pearcy of Charleston, and two nephews, Richard C. Pearcy and Paul J. Pearcy.  He was preceded in death by his...

David A. Swickard   CHARLESTON – David Alan Swickard, 88, of Rochester, IL, formerly of Charleston, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Villa Health Care East in Sherman, Illinois.   Private burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  A public service will be scheduled at a later date.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard. Condolences may be left at: hsckfh.com.    Dave was born February 14, 1933 in Charleston, the second son of John W. and Ruth...

Nancy Halsey   MATTOON – Nancy L. Halsey, 71, of Mattoon, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021 at SBLHC.   Her visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home.   Nancy was born March 25, 1950 at Mattoon, daughter of Luther and Louise (Ervin) Guiher.  She married Robert Alan Halsey, March 14, 1992 at Charleston: he survives.  Also surviving are their children: Tina Brown, Michelle (George)...

John Piacentine   CHARLESTON – John Gilbert Piacentine, 91, of Charleston, passed away Saturday, March 20, 2021 at his home.   John was born January 23, 1930 in Charleston, son of Claude and Thelma (Archer) Piacentine.  He married Eloise F. Foreman in 1953.  She passed away March 24, 2011.  He is survived by one daughter: Janice M. (Richard) Spraker; three grandchildren: Jason Spraker, Brian Spraker, and Bradley Spraker; four great-grandchildren: Christian...

Betty Slack   CHARLESTON – Betty Lou Slack, 95, of Charleston, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.   Betty was born December 23, 1924 at Chicago Heights, Illinois, daughter of August and Lydia Emma (Bloesch) Rinkenberger.  She married Ralph Stanley Slack, July 7, 1946 at Kansas City, Missouri; he preceded her into Heaven, June 11, 2004.  She is survived by two daughters: Vicki Lynn (Slack) Greene and husband Paul of...

Donald Van Dusen   CHARLESTON – Donald George Van Dusen, 74, of rural Charleston, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at his home.   Donald was born September 10, 1946 in Elgin, Illinois, son of Donald I. and Marion (Struckman) Van Dusen.  He is survived by his sister: Carol Van Dusen of Mundelein, IL; and numerous friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.    Don graduated Elgin High School in 1964, and attended Elgin Community College for...

James Dye   CHARLESTON – James Edward Dye, Jr., 60, of Charleston, The Man, The Myth, The Legend, passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Missouri Baptist Hospital, St. Louis, MO.  He was also known as Big Papi, Dad, Step-Dad, Son-In-Law, Brother, Son, Friend, and Best Husband Ever….he was LOVED.   His Memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Friday, March 19, 2021 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home.  His memorial service will...

Betty Baines   CHARLESTON – Betty Jean Baines, 97, of Charleston, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, surrounded by her family   The funeral service honoring her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2021 at the Caudill-King Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Memorials may be made to the Charleston Moose...

Larry Lovell   CHARLESTON – Larry Edward Lovell, 76, of Charleston, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021 at SBLHC.   His funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021 at Salisbury Church, 2190 County Highway 5, Charleston, with Pastor Michael Stewart officiating.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.  IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorials may be...

Nina Cottingham   CHARLESTON – Nina L. Cottingham, 90, of Charleston, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Palm Terrace of Mattoon.   Nina was born September 13, 1930 in Hutton Township, daughter of Palmer and Vivian (Martin) Cottingham.  She is survived by her sister-in-law: Elizabeth Cottingham of Charleston; and nephew: Paul Cottingham and wife Joyce of Charleston.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brother: John Cottingham.   Nina...