Marie C. Kerr

 Springfield –Marie C. Kerr, 85, of Springfield, IL, formerly of Virden, IL, passed away at 1:56 A.M. Friday, May 18, 2018 at her residence in Springfield surrounded by her loving family.

Marie was born April 21, 1933 in Chester, Pennsylvania, a daughter to Frederick and Catherine (Butler) Fleitz.  She married Joseph Kerr September 1, 1956 in Chester, Pennsylvania.  Marie worked for Sears in Springfield, Illinois in the Sales Department.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Virden, Illinois.

Surviving Marie is her son, Christopher (Lisa) Kerr of Chatham, IL; daughters, Mary Kerr of St Louis, MO, Bernadette Kerr of Springfield IL; brother, Fred (Mary) Fleitz of Pennsylvania; sister, Theresa (Jim) Anderson of Pennsylvania; daughter-in-law, Rene’ Kerr of Reno, NV; 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceding Marie in death are her parents, husband, Joseph Kerr; son, Joseph Kerr; daughter, Andrea Kerr and son-in-law, Howard Tate.

Private family visitation will be from 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home in Virden, IL. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Sacred Heart Church in Virden, IL with Rev. Father James Palakudy officiating.  Pallbearers:  Chris Kerr, Eric Kerr, Kurtis Wujek, Utham Balachandran and Jim Anderson.  Memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Association. Interment will be in Chatham Memorial Cemetery, Chatham, IL.  To leave a comment for the family, please visit:  www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com

Jean Sparks

Virden – Jean Sparks, 90 of Virden, IL, passed away Wednesday May 16, 2018 at Memorial Medical Center Springfield, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

Jean was born in West Plains, MO, a daughter of Earl and Faye (Griffin) Spears. She married Kyle R. Sparks December 29, 1950 in Mountain Home, AR. Jean worked for the Lowpoint Washburn School District as a cook at the high school for many years.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Nancy J. (Dave) O’Dell of Virden, IL, and Judy K. (Mike) Hasty of Congerville, IL, 5 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, sister, Wilda Hand of West Plains, MO, sister-in-law, Rose Sparks of Sacramento, CA, Margie (Wayne) Schornhost of West Plains, MO, Norma (Ernie) deRuess and Barbara (Duane) Jennings both of Prairie City, IA, and Doris Spears of Springfield, MO, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding in death were her parents, husband, Kyle R. Sparks and a brother, Jack Spears.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 19, 2018 at the Robertson-Drago Funeral Home West Plains, MO, with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Rev. David Ball officiating. Burial will be in Homeland Cemetery West Plains, MO. Memorials may be made to the Grand Prairie of the West Library Virden, IL. Pallbearers: Mike Hasty, Brian Brady, Steve O’Dell, Terry Hand, Barry Griffin, Will Schornhorst and Russell Hand. Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home Virden, IL in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.comto leave a comment for the family.

Keith T. Castagno

Keith T. Castagno, 66 of Thayer, IL, formerly of Virden, IL, passed away Saturday May 12, 2018 at his residence in Thayer, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

Keith was born August 16, 1951 in Thayer, IL, a son of Joby and Bev (Kearns) Castagno. He graduated from Virden High School in 1969 and from DeVry University in Chicago, IL, with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Keith married Bonnie J. Crays June 8, 1974 in Girard, IL. Keith worked for over 43 years for Dickey-john Inc. in Auburn, IL, as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer. He enjoyed being outdoors, hiking, reading, Sci-Fi, a big lover of the X-Box, studying the bible and spending time with his family and friends.

Keith is survived by his wife, Bonnie Castagno of Thayer, IL, sons, Thomas J. “T.J” Castagno of Virden, IL, and Michael D. Castagno of Thayer, IL, 2 grandchildren, sisters, Marcia L. Joiner of Virden, IL and Nancy J. (Dustin) Fitch of Springfield, IL, several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews. Preceding in death were his parents and a son, Steven Castagno.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday May 16, 2018 at Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home Virden, IL, with funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Thursday May 17, 2018 at the funeral home with Rev. Brent Williams officiating.  Pallbearers:  Tony Fouts, Casey Hutchinson, Corey Gatschenberger, David Travous, Bryan Hobson, George Richards and Chris Pepper with Honorary Pallbearers Terry Shipp and Tyson McDaniel.  Burial will be in Virden Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Mayo Clinic 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905. Please visit www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.comto leavea comment for the family.

Mrs. Lucille Neighbors

Virden– Lucille Neighbors, 96, of Virden, IL passed away at 12:13 P.M. Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at Auburn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Auburn, IL surrounded by her loving family.

Lucille was born August 18, 1921 in Springfield, IL a daughter to Anton and Christine (Chekotowski) Mehreider.  Lucille attended Feitshans High School in Springfield and graduated in 1939.  She married Edward “Ted” Neighbors in 1946 in Springfield, IL.  She was a member of the Virden Women’s Club and a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.  She was active with the Abraham Lincoln Council Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years, serving as a Den Mother, Unit Commissioner and Treasurer of the Virden Boy Scouts.  She received her District Award of Merit in 1979.  She was Virden Co-Citizen of the Year in 2003 and she was active in the Catholic Ladies Society and taught CCD classes for several years.

Surviving Lucille are her sons; David A. (Jeanann) Neighbors of Jefferson City, MO. Donnie L. (June) Neighbors of Virden, IL; daughters, Kristine R. Elmore of Girard, IL, Paula K. (Greg) Seifert of Springfield, IL; 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.  Preceding Lucille in death are her parents, husband, Edward “Ted” Neighbors and sisters, Elizabeth Reimers and Margaret Smith.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon, Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Sacred Heart Church with a Funeral Mass immediately following the visitation at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Father James Palakudy officiating.  Pallbearers were Jeff Spoor, Tim Neighbors, Jeremy Neighbors, Brian Neighbors, Adam Neighbors and Larry Kiel.  Memorials may be made to the Boy Scout Troop #61 of Virden, IL or to Grand Prairie of the West Library, Virden, IL.  Interment will be in Virden Cemetery, Virden, IL.  To leave a comment for the family, please visit:  www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com