Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home

04/03/2026

Thank you Tabitha for your kind words

I wanted to leave the Bennetts something to read or anyone else that needs to know about them. First the funeral home of theirs is absolutely stunning and I loved the atmosphere. But when I contacted lesleigh in regards to my daughter whom passed and that I would need a payment option she understood and I felt that she did she was worm and inviting showed love and compassion when it was most important to me this was 10 years ago. My daughter was 13 years old and had passed in st Louis mo. She went and got my daughter to bring her home no questions. They also would not except money for the cost of her arrangements. This was truly a god send and lesleigh and her husband done more for me than I could ever express. But it did not stop with this loss I recently lost my mom and she was their hugging me and making all worries lessened. They cared for not just my mom but daughter and made sure it was in price range with options. I have thanked them many times but it does not feel enough for the kindness the family and I received. Thank you both in every way possible!

04/02/2026

04/01/2026

Locally Owned. Family Operated. Deeply Rooted.
At our funeral home, this isn’t just our profession—it’s our life.
We are a husband and wife team who live right here in the funeral home, serving families not as outsiders, but as neighbors and friends. Our children were raised in this community, and the people we care for are the same people we see at school events, church, local gatherings, and around town.
We believe that caring for your family means more when it comes from someone who truly understands your community, your traditions, and your values.
When you call us, you’re not reaching a corporation—you’re reaching a family who is here, day and night, committed to providing compassionate, personal care.
Because to us, this community isn’t just where we work.
It’s home.
100% Locally and Family Owned & Operated

Locally and Family Owned and Operated Funeral Home

03/31/2026

James "Wayne" Tibbs, 69, of Atlanta, IL., passed away March 30, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be from 11Am until 1 PM Friday, April 3, 2026, at Full Gospel Evangelistic Center with funeral services following at 1PM. Burial will follow in Atlanta Cemetery. Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Wayne was born January 26, 1957, in Lincoln, IL., the son of James L. Tibbs and Hildur (Hueneke) Tibbs. He married Patricia (Loy). She preceded him in death on September 5, 2017. He attended Full Gospel Evangelistic Center. Wayne retired from Bridgestone/Firestone in Decatur, IL. after many years and then worked at Sam Leman Ford in Bloomington for several years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and NASCAR fan. He enjoyed gardening and candle making. He loved his dog, Gunner.

Survivors include his mother Hildur Tibbs, his daughters Lori (Anthony) Zimmerman and Mandy (Jared) Owens; grandchildren: Alexus, Kayla, Zach, Andrew, Ashlynn, and Mallory; siblings: Barb Ipsen, Mark Tibbs, and Liz (Dan) Hunter. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father and his sister Bev Gordon.

Memorial donations may be made to the family in care of Mandy Owens to assist with funeral expenses.

03/30/2026

Robert D. "Bob" Cooper, 78, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully at St. Clara's Manor, Lincoln on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Monday, April 6, 2026, at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Open Arms Church. Burial will be at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Bob was born September 24, 1947, in Decatur, IL., the son of Paul Dudley Porter Cooper and Severina Maria Rodriguez. He married Marsha (Barnes) on August 26, 1971. They later divorced but remained friends. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era and later in the Illinois Army National Guard. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 263 and enjoyed Civil War Reenactments. Bob moved to Lincoln in 1984 after previously residing in Joliet, IL. and Gardner, IL. He retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections where he worked up through the ranks to Captain, working at Stateville, Joliet, and Lincoln. He was a lifetime member of the Illinois Police Association. He was also a talented barber. Bob enjoyed traveling and collecting guns and coins. He was an avid Cubs and Bears fan. Bob was a Christian man and attended Open Arms Church with his family.

Survivors include his daughter Angela (Shawn) Gaddy, his granddaughter Kenna (Stephen) Vinyard, and great granddaughters Savanna and Oaklee Vinyard. Also surviving, are his only nephew & niece, Chris (Tammy) Cooper and Amy Cooper, great nephew Devyn Ward, Also surviving, are step grandchildren Brenton Gaddy and Jessica Gaddy and step great grandchildren Briaden, Dalton, Aurora, Collin, and Maverick. Several close friends & coworkers survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ray Cooper and great nephew Jacob.

Memorial donations may be made to Open Arms Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff of St. Clara’s Manor and Transitions Hospice for their care and compassion.

03/26/2026

Rhonda L. Mattingly, 65, of Lincoln, passed away March 25, 2026, at her residence. Cremation rites have been accorded by Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Rhonda was born August 1, 1960, in Lincoln, IL., the daughter of Rolie and Vivian (Voyles) Harris. She was formerly employed at Wal-Mart and was most recently employed as an in-home caregiver. She was an animal lover and enjoyed crocheting. Rhonda led a simple life and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children Lauren Mattingly and Shaun (Erin) Mattingly; grandchildren: Jeffery Mattingly, Haiylie Seal, Damion Campbell, Drake Mattingly, Tyler Mattingly, and Braelynn Mattingly; great grandson James Mielke; and siblings Darla (Mark) Musick, Valerie (Mike) Harris, Vicki Harris, Ron "Joe" Harris, and Terry Harris.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Miranda Mattingly.

Memorial donations may be made to Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home to assist the family with cremation expenses.

03/25/2026

May they rest in eternal peace

03/23/2026

Services for George Wilmert will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at St. John United Church of Christ 204 7th Street in Lincoln at 11a.m. Visitation will be at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4-7p.m. Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

George Calvin Wilmert, 94, passed into his eternal rest February 17, 2026 surrounded by his beloved
family. George was born in Lincoln, IL February 27, 1931, the son of George Luther & Ruby Ellen (Purlee) Wilmert.
He married Marlene Boyer March 15, 1975. She survives along with daughters, April (Don) Martin,
Gina Akerman and Sheila (Kevin) Bourland and sons, Kevin (Andrea) & Steven (Doreen) Wilmert.
Grandchildren - Angie (Frank) Bramwell, Chad (Jill) Martin, Clint (Dorian) Akerman, Rusty (Alyson)
Akerman, Levi (Patty) Akerman, Jennifer Wilmert, Emily (Matt Wilmert and Dave Bourland. Great
grandchildren - Ashlynn &Martin Glick, Hunter, Wyatt & Maggie Martin, Broc, Kip & Blake
Akerman, Trinity Wilmert, Alyvia Casteel, Hayden Richardson, Emily, Gracie & Skyler Akerman &
great great granddaughter, Aaliyah Glick. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Gregory Allen
Wilmert, granddaughters, Conner Loeffelholz & Melissa Wilmert & 2 sisters, Evelyn Wilmert and
Betty Ann Holmes.
George was an avid fisherman & hunter. He served several years as president of Lincoln Sportsman's
Club and invited boy scouts out for fishing and gun safety instruction. He taught many kids how to fish
and clean fish. He enjoyed participating in softball, basketball, bowling & tennis. He was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Fighting Illini basketball. Another favorite pasttime was playing
pinochle and euchre.
George was the 1st president of Local 787 United Rubber Workers at Firestone Tire & Rubber Plant in
Bloomington in 1966. He also served on a nation wide joint labor wage administration committee to
help save jobs and make management more profitable.
He served as Secretary of the Committee on the Ministry of Lincoln Decatur Presbytery. He filled
several pulpits as a lay minister. As a member of St. John United Church of Christ he served several
terms as an officer in Men's Brotherhood, taught Sunday School and delivered meals on wheels.
He served 3 terms on the West Lincoln School board and was president one year. He opened the gym
on Saturdays for kids up to high school age and on Sundays for high schoolers and adults. He also
served as boy and girl scout coordinator.
George will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his wisdom and wit and always
trying to strive for fairness in all matters.