Yuletide Passing of Jack Vandevanter

Jack Lee Vandevanter, a member of the Douglas MacArthur graduating class of 1965, was involved with freshmen and sophomore football.

Jackie Lee “Jack” Vandevanter, 77, of Decatur, Illinois, died at his home on Sunday, December 15, 2024, with his family by his side.

Jack was born in Decatur in January of 1947, the son of John and Wanda Vandevanter. He was a 1965 graduate of MacArthur High School. Jack worked as a draftsman for Illinois Power Company. He was an avid bowler, member of the Decatur Bowlers Association and recent inductee to the Decatur Bowlers Hall of Fame. In his younger days he was a racecar co-owner with Lee Jenkins involved with Macon Speedway. 

Jack Vandevanter was a coach for Karla’s traveling softball teams. His grandkids loved their papa dearly. Jack married his sweetheart Joette Donovan in Decatur on October 16, 1976.

Surviving is his wife Joette Marie Vandevanter of Decatur, children, Lorie (Jeffrey) Laskowski of Argenta, Christopher Vandevanter of Decatur, Karla (Michael) Lamberto of Pasco, WA., six grandchildren Karson, Konnor, Luke, Zachary, Rachel, and Gabrielle, one great grandchild Katara, sister Marsha Kohler of Decatur, nephew Joshua (Amy) and great nephew, Oliver Smith of Decatur. He was preceded in death by his parents. (Source.)

A memorial celebration of Jack’s life was held at 7:00 pm Friday December 20, 2024, at West Decatur Church of God (4500 West Main Street Decatur, IL., 62522) with Pastor Ed Hollis officiating. Memorials if desired may be made to the American Cancer Society or to The Macon County Humane Society. R.I.P.

Thanks to Stephen Haury for passing along the news.

Jim Gillen Has Passed Away

James Dudley Gillen, who graduated in the Douglas MacArthur High Class of 1965, has passed away, September 30, 2024.

Jim was a track athlete as a freshman and a wrestler as a sophomore, joined the class council as a sophomore, then got involved in vocational graphic arts as a junior and senior.

Jim fondly remembers his first car, a 1963 Chevy; "I paid for it myself. It was green. Sometimes we had to push it to get it started."

Born on February 2, 1947, and raised in Decatur, Illinois, Jim was the youngest of four siblings, which were three boys and one girl.

Jim was educated in the Decatur School System, and then attended Richland Community College. He married Sue, the young woman he dated through high school. and have three grown sons, grandsons and a  granddaughter.

After graduating from high school, Jim began his employment a printer for the Rand McNally Co. He then changed jobs in 1970, moving to the Decatur Fire Department. During the 34 years there, he was promoted through the ranks, and for his final ten years served as a Battalion Chief. 

Old neighbor friend, Lanny Aderman (on the right here), passed along the news Jim had passed away, suffering from dementia. 

James D Gillen (Jim, Jimbo or Slim Jim) died on Monday September 30th, 2024, in his home alongside his wife and sons at the age of 77. Jim was born on February 2, 1947, in Decatur. Son of Albert & Martha (Gasten) Gillen. Jim graduated from MacArthur High School in 1965. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart Sue Ann (Roderick) on August 5, 1966. While Jim spent much of his career serving the greater Decatur community as a member of the Decatur Fire Department, his greatest accomplishments were raising and coaching his sons throughout their youth. As well as cheering from the stands or watching from the fence line as his grandchildren participated in Warrensburg-Latham sporting events. Jim spent countless hours to build their family home, and never stopped renovating until 2022. There was no such thing as an off day for this loving and supportive husband, father grandfather and friend. Jim’s most notable attributes were his goofy sense of humor, heartfelt smile and extremely stubborn mindset. He never met a stranger, and he always cared for those who might need just a little more. In 1970 Jim began his over 33 years of service with the Decatur Fire Department. His sons, nieces and nephews-built memories of visiting their dad and uncle at the station. He rose in rank throughout the years from a Lieutenant to a Battalion Chief where he retired in 2003. Jim is survived by wife Sue Gillen, Sister Joyce (Gillen) Morenz of Tulsa Oklahoma, Sons; Scott (Amy) Gillen – Decatur, Greg (Alicia) Gillen – Decatur, & James (Christina) Gillen – Decatur. Special Niece, Ashley (Jeff) Rhodes – Decatur. Grandchildren; Reagan (Dustin) Adams – Warrensburg, Shayne Gillen, Penelope & Ezra Baker – Decatur. Great Granddaughter Harper Adams - Decatur. He is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Martha (Gasten) Gillen. Siblings; Dick Gillen, Ron Gillen. Son Todd Gillen and Grandson Tanner Gillen. While Jim likely never realized how much of a positive spirit in life, he was he touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten. As Jim would always say “I don’t know about that.” We don’t know about life without you, but we do know you made one hell of an impact.

 

Don Bivens Has Passed

 

Donald Lee Bivens, Jr. was a member of the Mac Class of 1965. He was active in Track as a freshman and the Spanish Club as a freshman and senior.

Donald Lee Bivens Jr., 77, of Illiopolis, passed away on September 27, 2024, with his children by his side. Don fought courageously through many health struggles over the last decade. He was the beloved husband of Sue (Quigley), with whom he was blessed to spend the last 35 years together.

Born in 1947 in Decatur, Illinois, he was the son of Donald Bivens Sr. and Margaret (Mehsling) Bivens. After graduating from MacArthur High School, he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the 87th Combat Engineering Company. As a proud military veteran, Don enjoyed speaking to fellow veterans about their shared experiences.

Don is remembered for his work at Shur-Co in Decatur, first as a branch manager and then as a regional sales manager, a position which afforded him the opportunity to travel to areas such as Nova Scotia, Oregon, Canada, and Florida. He retired from the company in 2009.

Upon retirement, Don’s love for traveling took him all across the United States and the Caribbean with his dearest Sue, with Vero Beach, Florida, and Branson, Missouri, among his favorite destinations. Camping was also a favorite pastime of Don’s, and he enjoyed relaxing and spending time with his family at various campgrounds throughout the United States. For much of his life, Don also had a passion for antiques, and he was the proud owner of three antique stores in central Illinois. Notably, Don was known by his family as a devout Christian who loved the Lord. His favorite topics for prayer were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all who were close to his heart.

Don is survived by his wife, Sue; daughters Jennifer Bivens and Catherine Bivens; sons Don (Krista) Bivens and Tim Bivens; stepchildren Janna (Dennis) Drew and Jerry (Amy) Aldridge; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and brother Steve (Ailyn) Bivens.

Don was preceded in death by his parents.

Jackie Travato Passes Away

"Jacqueline Arlene Trovato" in our yearbook was really Jackie Travato.

She was in the Pep Club as a freshman and sophomore, Student Council Assembly as a junior and senior, Dance Committee as a senior, and in the Senior Class Play.

Here are Jackie and Mike at the Mac '65 Senior Prom.

 

After battling heart surgery complications for months, Jackie Travato Unger passed away on August 22, 2024. She lived in New Braunfels , Texas. Married on March 31, 1967. She studied at Millikin University. Daughter of Helen & John, sister to Tommy, Devout Catholic, wife of 57 years to Mike, mother to a daughter, grandma of 3, granny great to Lincoln.

Susan (Todd) Woolington

Sue Todd graduated with the MacArthur Class of 1965.

Very active in school, she was in Secretary Club and Girls Chorus as a freshman, Girls Choir as a sophomore and junior, and Advanced Girls Choir as a senior. "Take Five" as a sophomore, Class Council as a sophomore and senior, French Club as a sophomore. Homecoming Committee sophomore and senior, Prom Committee junior, Junior Talent Show, DHS Exchange Assembly junior, Senior Play, and Cadet Staff as a senior. 

 

Susan J. Woolington

December 16, 1947 - June 22, 2024

Decatur - Susan J. Woolington (Todd), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the age of 76 in Decatur. Born on December 16, 1947, she was the daughter of Robert and Alice (Mayhew) Todd. 

Sue married Gary Woolington on September 28, 1989. Gary preceded her in death on March 8, 2023.  

Sue was always busy and lived a life full of passion and dedication. She volunteered at Holy Family when her grandchildren attended, sold insurance for Prudential for many years, and spent her last year’s taking care of the community at Mari Mann Herb Co. Sue was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady Of The Holy Spirit. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and loving her grandchildren, always rounding them up for an outing. She loved football, not for any specific team, but for the game itself. She also enjoyed reading, solving the world’s problems, and a good martini. 

Sue is survived by her children: Amy (Scott) Hartman, Ronald "RL" Lugari Jr., Megan (Mike) Smith, Michelle (Cory) Matusas, and Kyle (Laura) Woolington; her sister, Sharon Wade; her grandchildren: Chastin, Bryana, Ashton, Leo, Nathaniel, Lily, Ella, Elia, Tatum, Grayson, Gracie, Laynee, Gianna, Liana, and Mila; her nieces, Tricia and Jenny; and her nephew, Owen. She is also survived by special friends who became family, Jason and Molly Summers and Jamie Lugari. 

Sue was greeted in heaven by her parents and husband. No doubt she was met with a heartfelt "Hey Susie" from Gary. 

A private graveside service will be held at Camp Butler for family. Moran & Goebel Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. 

Sue’s warm spirit, kind heart, and unwavering love for those around her will be greatly missed. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Obituary courtesy of the Decatur Review

Charles J. Holliday Has Passed Away

 

Charles J. Holliday was a member of the Class of 1965. He was in the Cadet Band as a freshman and sophomore, Wrestling and Track as a freshman, and involved in Baseball as a sophomore.

Below is his official obituary.

Charles Joseph Holliday

Sept. 18, 1946 - Feb. 6, 2024

DECATUR - Charles Joseph Holliday, 77, of Decatur, IL, passed away February 6, 2024, at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal, IL.

Charles was born, September 18, 1946 in Decatur, IL, the son of Walter Francis and Lorene Edna (Kalinski) Holliday.

Charles married Vicki Morvan in 2013 in Decatur, IL.

Charles was a veteran of the US Army serving during the Vietnam Era. Following his military service Charles worked as a delivery driver, delivering gas cylinders.

During his leisure time, he loved to fish at Lake Shelbyville, and was involved in area fishing clubs.

Surviving are his stepson, Tynan Morvan of Decatur, IL.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki; and his parents.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Wednesday February 14, 2024, at the funeral home.

Tom Manship Dies

 Tom Manship of the MacArthur High School Class of 1965 died on December 17, 2023.

Tom was involved in Track as a Junior, Vocational Graphic Arts, and Football as a Freshman.

(More details are needed.)

Kenny, Joni, and Tom Manship