WILMA (MYERS) LANDIS was born near New Canton, Illinois, January 30, 1918. Her parents were Warren and Alta Shewhart Myers. In 1927 the family moved to Quincy, Illinois where they made their home for many years. Wilma graduated from Quincy Senior High School in June of 1936 and attended Gem City Business College in Quincy in 1937, after which time she worked as a secretary in Quincy. Wilma married Mr. John E. Landis on April 15, 1938 and after Mr. Landis returned from service in the Second World War, they settled in Decatur, Illinois. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of their son, Rickey, in 1939 and Johnnie in 1953. In November 1954 Wilma became ill and John Landis moved his family to Arizona, where they settled in Tucson. Wilma passed away in her home there on June 9, 1955. Mrs. Landis was a member of the Methodist Church in Tucson, Arizona. Surviving is her husband, John E. Landis; two sons, Elmer Rickey and John Warren Landis; her mother, Mrs. Alta Myers of Decatur, Illinois and six brothers: Elmo of Tucson, Arizona; Douglas of Denver, Colorado; Jack of Decatur, Illinois, Frank of Quincy, Illinois, Berl of Decatur, Illinois and Airman First Class Ronald Myers of the U.S.A.F., based at Dow A. F. Base, Bangor, Maine. The body will be brought to the Huffnagel Funeral Home, Barry, and burial will be in the Barry Cemetery. Other arrangements are incomplete.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [June 1955, combined two clippings from Douglas Myers notebook]

NANCY A. (WOODWARD) LAURIMORE was born August 1, 1836, and passed from the earth life November 12, 1918, aged 82 years, 3 months and 11 days. On July 5, 1855, she was married to Robert David Laurimore, who passed away February 26, 1907. The deceased leaves 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Mrs. Laurimore united with the Barry Baptist church in early girlhood. Later, there being no Baptist church in New Canton, her home, she joined the Christian church under the pastorate of Rev. H. C. Littleton, of Barry....Funeral services in her memory were held at the Christian church of Barry on Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. B. Dabney. The remains were laid to rest in Barry cemetery.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [Barry Adage, 20 Nov 1918]

JAMES LAUX retired, 90, died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at the Veteran’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. with family members at his side. He was born May 4, 1921, on the family farm west of Pearl, the son of James and Addie (Gollier) Laux. A graduate of Pearl Community High School, he went on to complete two years of college at State University at Normal. Sgt. Laux enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. His overseas duty included tours in Hawaii, Germany, Italy and France. Sgt. Laux served in France from 1959 to 1963 as the personal radio operator on the crew of Gen. L. Norstad, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. From 1952 to 1958, he served at Washington National Airport, Va., on special mission aircraft in support of the President. He retired in 1963 after more than 20 years of service. After his retirement, Sgt. Laux lived in San Francisco where he finished his degree at San Francisco State University, majoring in history and geography. For the rest of his life he maintained an interest in these subjects and read widely in them. Later in his retirement he lived in the Air Force Retirement Home in Washington and maintained a home in Grafton where he was able to garden and be close to nature. He loved the spring and summer seasons that he spent there. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, John H, Laux, Hubert L. Laux, Margaret Laux Balding and Audrey Davis. He is survived by one sister, Evelyn Laux of Grafton, and nieces and nephews. His body was cremated and his ashes will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery with a memorial at a later date.
Contributed by Billie Browning

EMMETT WARD LEEDS - b. 17 Apr 1897, Rockport, IL; d. 5 Jan 1976, Pittsfield, IL; bu.: Samuel Taylor Cem., Rockport, IL; Fa.: Milton Leeds; Mo.: Rebecca Ward; Survived by a brother: Emmerson Leeds of Washburn, ND; and six sisters; Mrs. Paul (Opal) Jeune of Anderson, IN, Mrs. Grace Perkins of Alton, Mrs. Flossie Davis of Quincy, Mrs. Pearl Brosie of Pittsfield, Miss Ruby Leeds of Pittsfield and Mrs. Charles Eldridge of Jacksonville
Contributed by Kathy Robinson

RUBY LEEDS , of Pittsfield, died Thursday, May 24, 2001, at the Pittsfield Health Care Center in Pittsfield. Born March 30, 1909 near Rockport, she was the daughter of Milton and Rebecca Ward Leeds. She attended Gilgal and Horton country schools and Barry High School, working her way through high school. She had her first job teaching before she graduated from high school. She taught two years at Whittleton School east of Barry and then went to Barry to teach. In Barry she taught for 50 years, most of the time in junior high. She was principal of the elementary and junior high for eight years and gave that up to teach high school art, having 60 students in art. However, she always continued for some time in junior high. She attended college at Macomb and Normal during the summers and also took extension courses. She never took a year off to go to college, but finished her master's degree in five years. She taught from 1921 to 1973 when she retired. She spent her life working with youth groups, including Girl Scouts for seven years with 42 girls in seven patrols. In Barry Methodist Church she was superintendent of the young people's department, taught a class for 22 years, and was in charge of recreation and senior MYF and other organizations. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Retired Teachers and a past member of Rebekah Lodge, the Historical Society of Pike County, Pittsfield Woman's Club and the Esther Circle of Pittsfield United Methodist Church. She is survived by a sister, Flossie Davis of Quincy, 10 nieces and four nephews, and numerous great-nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Rebecca; two brothers, Emerson and Emmett; and five sisters, Emily Eldridge, Opal Jeune, Grace Parkins, Pearl Brosie and Alma Leeds in infancy. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Rev. Nancy Monahan officiating. Burial was at the Samuel Taylor Cemetery in Rockport. Memorials may be given to Barry Methodist Church or Barry School District.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson

MICHAEL E. LIERLY , 53, of Pittsfield, died Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, as a result of an accident at his employment, The Old Orchard Country Club, Pittsfield. Mike was born Jan. 10, 1958 in Pittsfield, to Delbert E. and Florence Hastings Lierly, Sr. He married Sandy Wassell May 1, 1982, and she survives. Mike had worked in maintenance at the Old Orchard Country Club for the past three years. Previously, he had worked as a hunting guide and maintenance at the Walnut Knob for four years; he had also worked for twenty-three years at EMI in Jacksonville. Mike was a Charter member of the Pike County HAWGS Fishing Club, and a member of Buck Masters, and the Old Orchard Country Club. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, spending time with his family, and guiding hunters. He enjoyed music and his band, “The Eric Brown Band”, now called “Another Chance.” Mike was a bass guitar player. He also enjoyed his pet Pug, “Maggie,” four-wheeling, and sledding. He especially loved his family and loved the time they spent together. He is survived by his wife Sandy of Pittsfield; his mother, Florence, of Pittsfield; two daughters, Natalie Lierly and Nikki Lierly (Companion, Josh Callahan), both of Pittsfield; a brother, Delbert (Kathy) Lierly of Temple, Texas, five sisters, Barb (Carroll) Mitchell of Pittsfield, Shirley Farris, of Pittsfield, Connie Hackworth, of Rushville, Marsha Brown of Beardstown and Lori Bergman of Pittsfield. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Delbert Lierly, Sr. Nov. 3, 1979. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 2, at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL. with Rev. John Ruzich officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 1, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, Pittsfield.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

DAN LITTLE , 76, of rural New Canton, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family and friends. Dan was born Aug. 22, 1935 near Winchester, a son of Clarence and Grace Shepherd Little. He married Pauline Corle Dambacher July 2, 1983, in New Canton and she survives. Dan was employed by the IL Rural Electric Cooperative in Winchester as a forestry foreman for 33 years before retiring in 1997. He enjoyed collecting Coke memorabilia and model cars and trucks. He enjoyed playing dominoes and was an avid card player. Dan and his son, Steven, restored Dan’s father’s Allis-Chalmers WD 45 tractor which he loved taking to local parades and festivals along with his 1966 Mustang. He enjoyed working in his yard and watching all the wildlife, especially birds. Dan was a member of the Barry Fire Department and Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield. Dan was always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it and everyone will miss his humor and dry wit. Survivors include his wife, Pauline Little of rural New Canton; his mother, Grace Little of Patterson; a son, Steven (Kathie) Little of Jacksonville; two daughters, Shirlene Little of Fort Worth, Texas and Janea Little of Midland, Mich.; a granddaughter, Katelynn Little of Riverton; a goddaughter, Presley Fee of Kinderhook; three brothers, Jerry (Carol) Little of Patterson, Lonnie (Susan) Little of Glasgow and Rod (Rogenia) Little of Wincheste; a sister, Sue (Kevin) Cadwell of Winchester; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and cousins. Dan was preceded in death by his father and an infant son. Funeral services will be held today, Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill conducted by Bro. Don Hannel and Greg Howard. Burial will follow at Shearer Cemetery in New Canton. Visitation was held from 4–7 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill, the New Canton United Methodist Church, Barry Community Care Center’s Activity Fund or to the charity or organization of the donor’s choice. Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill is handling the arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

GLADYS L. LITTLE , 85 of Milton, died Monday, June 1, 2009, at the home of her son, Ron and wife Lora Little of Peoria. Born March 5, 1924 at Pekin, she was a daughter of Charles and Bertha Lowe Strope. She married Edward A. Little Oct. 24, 1941 and he preceded her in death Feb. 28, 2004. Gladys was a member of the Milton Christian Church and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and gardening. She was well known at area craft shows for her knitted dishcloths, scrubbers and afghans. Surviving is one son, Ron (Lora) Little of Peoria; two daughters, Linda (Fred) Thomas of Butte, Mt. and Carol Smith of Pekin; 14 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren also survive. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Edward and three brothers, Virgil, Harry and Harold Strope. Funeral services were Monday, June 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Milton Christian Church with Bro. Jerry Edison officiating. Burial was at the Winchester City Cemetery, Winchester. Visitation was held 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. prior to the service at the Milton Christian Church. Family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Milton Christian Church. Lunch was served at 11 a.m. at the Milton Christian Church Annex for family and friends.
Contributed by Billie Browning

MARY JANE (RICHEY) LITTLE , 72, died in her home near Summer Hill at 12:30 Wednesday, Nov 14. She had been in failing health for several months. Mrs. Little was born near El Dara, October 18, 1890, a daughter of James and Emma Hoskins Richey. She was married to James Little in Pittsfield , Dec. 23, 1911. He preceded her in death. Mrs. Little had lived on the farm where she died for 45 years, and was a member of the Christian church of New Hartford . Funeral services were conducted in the Congregational church in New Hartford, Friday afternoon at 2 with Rev. Don Prospeck and Rev. Ernest Jordan officiating. Burial was in Taylor-Martin cemetery near El Dara. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Marion (Emma Mae) Wenneker and Mrs. Dale (Mary June) Hastings, and one grandchild.

JAMES M. LOGAN , was born in Coles county, Illinois, Sept. 17th, 1835; died in Barry, Illinois, June 8th, 1895. Age 59 years, 9 months and 8 days. He was the father of eleven children. His wife and six children have preceded him to the better world. He was formerly a member of the Christian church. He enlisted in the 108th Regt. Ill., Vol. Inft., in 1861, was severely wounded at Bolivar, Tenn. He has suffered severely with his wound ever since, and all that his loving children could do to alleviate his suffering was done. So has passed away one of our country's noble defenders. Peace to his ashes. Good friend, true hero, hail and farewell.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [Barry Adage, 13 Jun 1895]

LOTTIE M. (COLVIN) LONGNECKER , daughter of Joseph and Ann Andrews Colvin was born at Kinderhook, Ill. Aug 23, 1865 and departed this life at noon, Monday Oct 16th 1922 aged 57 years, 1 month and 23 days. She was educated in the local school and at the Barry High School, after which she was a teacher in the primary room at Kinderhook for four years. Here scores of boys and girls of the community not only began their education but felt the impress of her beautiful life. They all called her "Miss Lottie" and Miss Lottie she has been to them through all the years. At the age of fifteen she was converted and in 1881 united with the Baptist church when Rev. Green was pastor, continuing in the fellowship and service of the church to the end of life. For 25 years she was a teacher in the Sabbath School, bringing to this work of love, her best powers of mind and heart. She also served as treasurer of the S. S. and of the church for a number of years till failing health necessitated the relinquishment of these duties....November 20th 1889 she was united in marriage to Francis A. Longnecker and they made their home continuously in Kinderhook. For several years they gave tender care to Mrs. Longnecker's aged aunt, Mrs. Sarah Colvin, and after the death of her father, her mother made her home with them. Her illness commenced in the summer of 1919 when she underwent a serious operation which gave temporary relief. About a year later another operation was necessary and while there was relief, health and strength were not restored. Since last winter she has been confined to her bed....She is survived by her husband F.A. Longnecker, one sister, Mrs. M.G. Sprague and one brother, Joseph Colvin, all of Kinderhook. Funeral services were held at the Kinderhook Baptist church...Thursday, October 19, 1922. Rev. W.M. Hailey of Perry, formerly pastor of the M.E. church had charge of the service and gave the funeral sermon. Rev. L.C. Taylor of Mononk, Ill. who recently left the pastorate of the Kinderhook Baptist church, came from Centralia where he was in attendance at the Illinois Baptist State Convention and participated in the service, bringing a brief message of appreciation and comfort. A mixed quartette provided suitable music. The pall bearers were A.C. Bancroft, H.E. Higgins, Geo. Thompson, S.S. Gaines, L.A. Flick and J. P. Larimore....Interment was made in the Kinderhook cemetery.
Contributred by Virginia Gorton Bonne - (Barry Adage, 25 Oct 1922]

AUDREY MARCELLA (SMITH) LUCAS - Her full name was Audrey Marcella Smith. Her husband was George E. Lucas. Her parents were George Smith and Eva Mae Sims. Obituary: LOUISIANA - Audrey Marcella "Marcy" Lucas, 72, of Louisiana, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005, at Maple Grove Nursing Home in Louisiana.
Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at Samuel Taylor Cemetery near Rockport, Ill. The Rev. Joseph Larocco will officiate. Marcy was born Dec. 11, 1932, near Rockport, Ill., to George and Eva Mae Sims Smith. She was married to George Lucas. He preceded her in death in 1995. Survivors include 4 sons, Kent Adams (wife Debbie), of Louisiana, MO, Ray Adams of Cheyenne, WY, Roger Adams (wife Theresa), and Rodney Adams (wife Lynne), both of Louisiana, MO; and 8 grandchildren. Marcy graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in Pleasant Hill, Ill. She had been employed at Maple Grove Lodge Nursing Home for 20 years before retiring. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Louisiana, MO.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson

ROBERT H. LYMAN JR. , 88, of Pittsfield died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005, at his residence in Pittsfield . He was born Jan. 5, 1917 at Summer Hill to Robert and Opal Foster Lyman. He married Helen McVeigh March 15, 1957 and she survives. He served his county in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was employed at Brown Shoe Factory for five years, Doyle Trucking for eight years and Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Co. for 29 years. He was a member of the Pittsfield American Legion Post 152, Pittsfield charter member, Moose Lodge 420, and enjoyed woodworking, especially making birdhouses, and raising tomatoes to share with friends and neighbors. Survivors include his wife, Helen, of Pittsfield ; a daughter, Bobette Lyman; (special friend, David Melson) of Pittsfield ; a niece, Joan Lopez of Rock Island ; several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded by two sisters, Kathryn Hanner and Mary V. Whittaker; a nephew, Gordon K. "Butch" Lyman; and a niece, Jean Foster. Funeral services were Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Robert Hammitt officiating. Visitation was held from 12:30 p.m. until time of services. As per his request, cremation rites will be accorded with private burial at Pittsfield West Cemetery . Military funeral honors were accorded by the Pittsfield American Legion Post 152 after services at the Niebur Funeral Home Sunday with a symbolic release of white doves following those services. Memorials are to Blessing Hospice of Pike County in care of the funeral home.

RUSSELL LYMAN , 86 of Pittsfield, died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011 at Eastside Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Pittsfield. Lynn was born in Martinsburg, March 7, 1925, a son of Isaac and Amy Peecher Lyman. He married Katie “Marie” Lyman Jan. 5, 1947 at the Methodist parsonage in Pittsfield. Marie preceded him in death Nov. 25, 2007. Lynn was the sole proprietor of Lyman Upholstery serving Pittsfield and surrounding counties for many years. He enjoyed pitching horseshoes, baseball, and playing and singing music with friends. He is survived by sons, Bradley Lyman of Springfield, Terry Lyman of Maryville and Tom Lyman of Pittsfield, and a daughter, Carolyn Grosenheider of Kampsville. He was preceded in death by a son Tim Lyman. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Pittsfield Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Jon Kroeze officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Committal services will be held at a later date at the Summit Grove Cemetery near Kampsville.
Contributed by Billie Browning - PP

MRS. LYNDE - Griggsville, Nov. 23, 1880. Died on the 20th inst. Mrs. Lynde, wife of Henry Lynde, esq., in the sixty- first year of her age. She was a good Christian lady, and respected by all who came in contact with her. She was buried on Monday.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [Pike Co. Democrat, 25 Nov, 1880]