McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory

11/11/2025

On this Veterans Day, McGuire & Davies Funeral Home & Crematory proudly honors the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

We remember the sacrifices made in defense of our freedoms and recognize the enduring spirit of those who continue to serve today. Their courage, devotion, and love of country embody the highest ideals of honor and duty.

May we never forget the cost of freedom, and may we always show our gratitude to those who have defended it.

🇺🇸 With respect, honor, and gratitude—thank you, veterans.

11/10/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/john-anderson

View John Anderson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/09/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/bonnie-shamblin

View Bonnie Jean Shamblin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/07/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/deborah-moore

Mrs. Deborah Jane Moore, 75, of Monmouth, IL, passed away Friday morning, November 7, 2025, at the Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.

She was born July 23, 1950, in Decorah, IA, a daughter of the late John and Barbara (Stauffer) Byrnes. She graduated from Yorkwood High School in 1968 and attended Carl Sandburg College before getting married on June 29, 1970. Deb led a life defined by kindness, patience and love for her family and friends.

Deb is survived by her husband of 55 years, Willard Eugene (Gene) Moore, and their three children and six grandchildren. She is survived by a daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) Leisinger, son-in-law Keith Leisinger of Brimfield, Illinois and granddaughter; Sarah Leisinger and grandson, Gavin Leisinger. She is survived by her son, Grant Moore of Galesburg, IL, his Fiancé, Tawnya Revels, two daughters: Madalyn and Kaitlyn Moore. She is also survived by her daughter, Crystal Moore of Redding, CA and her two children, Ryan and Lexi. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

Throughout her life, she touched the hearts of all who knew her with her compassion and gentle spirit. She was a source of strength and comfort, always ready with a listening ear, a warm embrace, and words of encouragement.

Her legacy is carried on in the lives of those she loved and inspired. Deb worked for the Warren Achievement School and then worked for many years at the Lincoln School, both in Monmouth. Her kindness and patience for children with special needs was commendable.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Strom Center of Monmouth Illinois. We will hold her forever in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Deb’s wishes were to have her ashes spread with her husband’s and their beloved dog, Lady, over a pasture on the Moore family farm. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.

View Deborah Jane Moore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/07/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mark-blackman

Mark W. Blackman, 65, of Biggsville, IL, passed away on November 6, 2025 surrounded by his family after a 3-year battle with cancer.

He was born on January 20, 1960, to Roger Blackman Sr. and Helen Hartzell. Mark married his Yorkwood High School sweetheart, Joni (Doty) Blackman, and together they shared 45 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife Joni, their daughter Nikki (Brent) Giosta; son, Brandon (Rachel) Blackman and grandchildren, Addie, Cameron, Cassie, and Avery, who were his pride and joy. Mark also leaves behind his mother Helen, siblings Roger (Sue) Blackman, Tony (Kelly) Hartzell, Tina (Tyler) Young, Curt Coburn, David (Cindy) Coburn, Lisa (Bill) Larkins and stepmother Sue Hawk. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mark was a hard worker throughout his life. He was previously employed by Wilson Foods, Munson Transportation, and worked in the City of Monmouth on the Street department, cemetery and WWTP. Mark enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved hunting with his son and grandson. Mark was a proud gun owner and lifetime member of the NRA. He was known for his ornery spirit and generous nature. As an avid gardener, he was always eager to share his produce with friends and neighbors. Many will remember the countless hours he spent visiting with close friends in his shed, where he could always be found with a cold beer in his hand, telling stories, sharing a laugh, or lending a helping hand. Mark recently began attending Sugar Tree Grove Presbyterian Church.

The family would like to thank all the incredible cancer doctors and nurses, including Candi and those at the Richard Owens Hospice House for their incredible care in his final days.

Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be in Center Grove Cemetery at a later date. Casual attire is encouraged for the service. A potluck will follow the service at the funeral home. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Sugar Tree Grove Presbyterian Church or the Mark Blackman Memorial Fund, to be designated later and can be sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.

View Mark W. Blackman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/patricia-m-taylor

View Patricia M Taylor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/28/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rose-buckley

View Rose M Buckley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/27/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/eugene-weldon

View Eugene Weldon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/24/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/frances-sells

Frances J. Sells, 86, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.

Frances was born on November 27, 1938, in Keosauqua, Iowa, the daughter of William F. and Ina Pearl (Harness) Carruthers. She grew up in Keosauqua, where she attended local schools and graduated from Van Buren High School. Following her graduation, she pursued her passion for beauty and style by attending Young’s School of Beauty in Galesburg, Illinois.

On June 15, 1957, Frances married Bill E. Orton; the couple later divorced in January 1965. She was later united in marriage to David H. Klein on May 16, 1968, and they divorced in December 1970. On September 15, 1988, Frances married Ernest D. Sells, who preceded her in death on July 12, 1994.

Frances dedicated many years to her career as a talented hairdresser. She co-owned The Hairdresser and The Clothesline, and later owned The New Beginning, all located in Monmouth. A devoted member of the First Christian Church in Monmouth, Frances found great joy in her faith and community. She loved spending time with her family and friends, shopping, and attending family reunions, moments that brought her the most happiness.

Surviving Frances are her three children, Gary (Betty) Orton of Memphis, MO, Larry Orton of Monmouth, IL, Angie (Jeff Miller) Taylor of Monmouth, IL; her grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Orton of Burlington, IA, Christel (Daryl) Chenault of Monmouth, IL, Sheena (Chris) Nichols of Memphis, MO, J.R. (Andrea) Orton of Blythewood, SC, Rayleen Eicher of Donnellson, IA, Joseph (Jordan Lovell) Newbury of Burlington, IA, William Newbury of Monmouth, IL; 20 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and one sister, Freda Thornton of Donnellson, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernest Sells; seven siblings, Jack, Arline, Howard, Evelyn, Don, Dorothy, and Jim.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family burial of ashes will take place at Warren County Memorial Park at a later date. Memorials can be made to Compassus Hospice and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

View Frances J. Sells's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/24/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jessika-dell

View Jessika J. Dell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/20/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/john-axcell

John E. Axcell, 89, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025 at his home.

John was born February 28, 1936 in Ohio Grove Township, Warren Co. IL, the son of Edward and Ava Lillian (Higginson) Axcell. He was raised and educated in Warren County, graduating from Alexis High School in 1954. Following his graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. While serving with the Army, John was very proud to play Trumpet with the US Army Band.

John married Roxie Olson. He later married Sandra K. Smith in Cameron, IL, on July 12, 1975 and she survives.

John worked at Maytag for 36 years as a gas welder, retiring in 1993.

He enjoyed going to yard sales and flea markets. He always enjoyed a good deal. John was an animal lover, especially his dogs, Vern, Buffy, Sophie and lastly Molly,

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Axcell of Monmouth; his son, Dennis Axcell of Galesburg, IL; 2 step-son, Jeff (Sandra) Smith of Monmouth and Greg Smith of Christina, TN; grandchildren; Kathleen Axcell, Jeffrey A. (Darlene) Smith, Tarra (Jon) Lock, Chelsea (Nick) Teel and Shanell (Justin) Siemans; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Martha Flesher of CO; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John Axcell; 1 brother, Donald Axell and 2 sisters, Marilyn Johnson and Mary O’Brien.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, October 23, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth with a Military Honors Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WIAR) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.

View John E. Axcell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.