John-Wofford-1755084241

John William Wofford, 55

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 quick hits: Court rejects lawsuit against Texas Democrats; no charges for police

Illinois quick hits: Court rejects lawsuit against Texas Democrats; no charges for police

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Court rejects lawsuit against Texas Democrats An Adams County judge has rejected a lawsuit against 33 Texas House Democrats who absconded...
Illinois judge rejects Texas legislature lawsuit over absconding Dems

Illinois judge rejects Texas legislature lawsuit over absconding Dems

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square An Illinois judge has rejected a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas against 33 House Democrats who absconded from the state to stop legislative...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for June 9, 2025

At its regular monthly meeting, the Lake Land College Board of Trustees took several actions, including approving employee pay raises, supporting a TIF district extension for the City of Mattoon,...
DOJ settles race-based admissions with military academies

DOJ settles race-based admissions with military academies

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The Department of Justice announced this week a settlement of litigation challenging the race-based admissions practices at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and...
More California voters are liking Trump's job performance

More California voters are liking Trump’s job performance

By Jamie ParsonsThe Center Square President Donald Trump’s job approval rating in California is slightly higher than what it was at this time in his first term and from when...
U.S. national debt tops $37 trillion

U.S. national debt tops $37 trillion

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Congress has spent more money than it has collected for the last two decades, allowing the U.S. debt to top $37 trillion for the first...
Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Human trafficking law signed Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation requiring state agencies to develop a strategic unified plan to build...
Justice Department finds GWU in violation of Title VI

Justice Department finds GWU in violation of Title VI

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice announced this week that George Washington University violated federal civil rights laws by doing nothing while Israeli students faced antisemitic...
WATCH: Nearly 400 people become U.S. citizens at Illinois State Fair

WATCH: Nearly 400 people become U.S. citizens at Illinois State Fair

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Nearly 400 people from more than 70 different countries became naturalized U.S. citizens Wednesday at the Illinois...
Appeals court says Trump can move forward with foreign aid cuts

Appeals court says Trump can move forward with foreign aid cuts

By Caroline BodaThe Center Square A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration can cut billions of dollars in foreign aid that had been appropriated by Congress. The...
WATCH: Governor suggests ending nuclear ban as lawmaker files pro-nuclear bill

WATCH: Governor suggests ending nuclear ban as lawmaker files pro-nuclear bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After an Illinois state senator filed legislation to streamline permits for nuclear energy projects, Gov J.B. Pritzker...
Kratom byproduct in gummies, candies, ice cream ruled same as herion, LSD

Kratom byproduct in gummies, candies, ice cream ruled same as herion, LSD

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Found in gummies, candies and ice cream, a concentrated substance known as 7-OH has been classified as a Schedule 1 substance alongside heroin and LSD...
'Liberation Day' reignites D.C. statehood debate

‘Liberation Day’ reignites D.C. statehood debate

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As the National Guard begins patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C., after President Donald Trump announced their deployment in support of making the city safer,...
Trump to meet with Democratic leaders to discuss govt funding bills

Trump to meet with Democratic leaders to discuss govt funding bills

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With government funding progress halted and a government shutdown deadline looming, President Donald Trump is reaching across the aisle to Democratic congressional leaders to discuss...
WATCH: Illinois Democrats blast Trump, Republicans at state fair

WATCH: Illinois Democrats blast Trump, Republicans at state fair

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) − Illinois Democrats say their party will win across the United States in 2026, with the Land of...