John William Wofford, 55

Spread the love

John William Wofford, 55, of Charleston, Illinois, formerly of Casey, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 8:50 p.m. in rural Westfield, Illinois. He was born January 11, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, the son of Nathan Eugene Wofford and Betty Jane (Nidey) Wofford.

John was a proud 1988 graduate of Casey High School and cherished the friendships that remained long after graduation. He worked as a licensed plumber for L.D. Mechanical for 15 years and previously at 3Z Printing. Most recently, he was self-employed in lawn care service, providing excellent service and friendship to his many clients. John never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was passionate about rescuing animals and was incapable of leaving any creature in distress, having rescued countless turtles, cats, and dogs throughout his life. His numerous hobbies included airplanes, motorcycles, home renovation, and traveling the country with his partner Amanda.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Wofford of Casey, Illinois; his lifetime partner of 35 years, Amanda Craig of Charleston, Illinois; their fur babies Louie and John’s precious Lola; sister-in-law, Cherry Wofford of Casey, Illinois; uncle, Kelley Nidey of Casey, Illinois; nephews, Justin Wofford, Joey Wofford (Katherine), Anthony Geiger, and Michael Mancell; nieces, Nikki Wofford Hansley (Matt), Angie Geiger (James), and Brandi Chrysler; great-nieces, Shanica Wofford, Lexy Wofford, Leah Wofford, Haley Wofford, and Karley Wofford; and his most precious great-nephew, Gabe Wofford and his girlfriend Jamayca Sandiford and their baby Oakley; and dear friends Wes Thomas and Dan Truelove. He was preceded in death by his father, Nathan; brother, Robert; sister-in-law, Joyce; and John and Amanda’s first fur baby, Biscuit.

Memorial service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Casey First Church of the Nazarene, 1000 E. US 40, Casey, Illinois, with Pastor Allen Ebbler officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Markwell Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Casey, Illinois 62420; Sarah Bush Lincoln Heart Center, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, Illinois 61938; or your local humane society.

Latest News Stories

Illinois child welfare agency to update number of missing children

Illinois child welfare agency to update number of missing children

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The number of missing foster children on the radar of the state’s child welfare agency will be...
lake land college.3

Lake Land College Renews CPR Training Partnership with Illinois Department of Corrections

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | September, 2025 Article Summary: The Lake Land College board approved a new four-year agreement to continue providing CPR and First Aid training for...
Screenshot 2025-10-23 at 3.16.28 PM

Casey’s Emergency Warning Sirens in Need of Critical Upgrades

Casey City Council Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: An inspection of Casey's three emergency warning sirens has revealed that all are operating with outdated or malfunctioning control boards,...
sixth-grade students visited Springfield.1

Bringing History to Life: Sixth Graders Tour Springfield

Sixth-grade students stepped out of the classroom and into the pages of history during their annual trip to Springfield. The visit served as the culmination of their studies on Abraham...
Narco interdiction at sea isn’t new, CBP, Coast Guard have been doing it for years

Narco interdiction at sea isn’t new, CBP, Coast Guard have been doing it for years

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square President Donald Trump is ordering an aircraft carrier strike group head to the Caribbean to assist with drug interdiction at sea. This is after he...
Government shutdown halts visa, permanent resident approvals

Government shutdown halts visa, permanent resident approvals

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square As the federal government shutdown continues with no clear end in sight, federal agencies that process legal immigrant petition documents have been completely halted, leaving...
Ads roll on, money pours in, and SCORE Act waits

Ads roll on, money pours in, and SCORE Act waits

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Seven big games in the Southeastern Conference alone, hundreds of players, all headed toward the billions college football generates in the 21st century. And with...
Primary election filing to begin Monday for Illinois Dem, GOP candidates

Primary election filing to begin Monday for Illinois Dem, GOP candidates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Candidates hoping for a spot on 2026 primary election ballots are expected to line up Monday outside...
Poll: Young adults not confident in 2026 election fairness

Poll: Young adults not confident in 2026 election fairness

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Almost half of young adult voters are not confident the 2026 elections will be conducted fairly, according to a new poll. The Center Square’s Voters’...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Casey-Westfield School District Reports Strong Financial Position

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield school district maintains a healthy financial status with operating funds equivalent to seven months of expenses, exceeding state...
Screenshot 2025-10-23 at 3.16.23 PM

Casey Moves Forward with City Hall Office Remodel for Enhanced Safety

Casey City Council Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey City Council is advancing a project to remodel the main offices at City Hall to improve employee safety...
Universities respond to new federal Grad PLUS loan caps

Universities respond to new federal Grad PLUS loan caps

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Santa Clara University School of Law will guarantee $16,000 annual scholarships starting next fall, fully covering tuition following the new federal Grad PLUS loan caps...
Report shows California leads in debt among all 50 states

Report shows California leads in debt among all 50 states

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square A new Reason Foundation report pegs California as the state with the nation's highest debt. The report found that the California state government carries more...
High superintendent pay fuels debate over Illinois school consolidation

High superintendent pay fuels debate over Illinois school consolidation

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois Policy Institute report reignites debate over how schools are run and how much...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago expressway projects ends; Spooky graveyards

Illinois quick hits: Chicago expressway projects ends; Spooky graveyards

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago expressway projects ends Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the end of Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation project on Friday. Illinois Transportation Secretary...