Obituaries

Freeport

Darmon “Don” D. Beckington, 76

Darmon “Don” D. Beckington, 76, of Freeport, formerly of Rockford, IL passed away Saturday October 29, with his loved ones by his side.

Darmon was born August 3 1, 1946 in Rockford to Charles Beckington and Verla (Harrolle) Beckington. Darmon served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was a machinist for Tool Craft and Twin Disc in Rockford.

Darmon was a Resident Council of the Freeport Housing Authority, served several years as an Election Judge and was in several plays at the Winneshiek Theatre.

To know Don and his sense of humor, you had to laugh. He had a heart of gold, a contagious smile and a beautiful voice. He loved to sit on his porch and read and let the wind blow his hair.

He is survived by his brothers Robert (Dorothy) Beckington and Thomas (Sherita) Morgan, both of Rockford and his sister Joyce (Sam) Staggs of Stillman Valley. His “Dear” One, Doris Pittsley, his faithful companion Coco, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother Verla Medearis, step-father Charles Medearis, brother Clarence “Pee-wee” Morgan, and his father Charles Beckington.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Angie with Heartland Hospice for the care provided to Don.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

We miss you, but loved you more.

Stockton

Mike J. Townsend, 78

Mike J. Townsend, age 78, of Stockton, IL passed away Saturday, October 29, 2022 at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born October 14, 1944 in Freeport, IL to the late Lige and Ruth (Taylor) Townsend. Mike married Bonnie Chunn on February 12, 1966 at Calvary United Methodist Church in Stockton.

Mike was a 1962 graduate of Stockton High School. He was a member of Calvary UMC in Stockton. He served as President for the Wards Grove Mutual Insurance Company, President of the Stockton Fire Protection District, and member of the JoDaviess County Farm Bureau. Mike farmed his whole life and worked as a carpenter for many years. He was a handyman who enjoyed building things for his family. Mike often enjoyed watching old westerns.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Townsend; his daughter, Dawn (Robert) Crowley; his son, Shane (Jolene) Townsend; his grandchildren, Courtney Norem, Corbin Townsend, Brandon Westaby and Abigail Weber; his great grandchildren, Trinity Bertucci, Rebecca Floerke, Eli Floerke and Tatum Townsend; his sisters, Marilyn (Robert) Davey, Myrna (Jack) Gusloff and Maxine Franz; and his brothers, Marlow (Ardale) Townsend and Meredith (Pat) Townsend. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marjorie Juergens; and his brother, Morris Blair.

A visitation was held on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Interment took place on Monday, November 7, 2022 at Townsend Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.