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

Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes

Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois now being home to the highest property tax rates in the country, state Rep....
Charles-Harlan-1754588106

Charles Dewain Harlan, 73

Charles Dewain Harlan, 73, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, formerly of Greenup, Illinois, passed away at 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Greentree Assisted Living in Mt. Vernon. He...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for August 4, 2025

The Casey City Council met Monday to approve its annual spending plan, address blighted properties, and discuss impending utility rate increases driven by inflation and a shrinking customer base. The...
Texas House, Illinois state senator sue 33 AWOL Democrats in Illinois court

Texas House, Illinois state senator sue 33 AWOL Democrats in Illinois court

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Texas House of Representatives has sued 33 House Democrats who absconded to Illinois to prevent...
WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says

WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Democratic lawmakers from California to New York have threatened to redistrict in response to Texas'...
Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment

Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Fatal helicopter crash Two people are dead after a helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River. The Federal Aviation...
New poll: 50.2% of Illinois voters view Pritzker unfavorably

New poll: 50.2% of Illinois voters view Pritzker unfavorably

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new poll shows that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s approval rating has flipped negative for the first time....
WATCH: Pritzker welcomes FBI looking for TX Dems in IL, dismisses bribery question

WATCH: Pritzker welcomes FBI looking for TX Dems in IL, dismisses bribery question

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the FBI gets involved in locating Texas Democrats hiding out in states like Illinois, Gov. J.B....
WATCH: Illinois State Fair: Affordable fun backed by $140M in taxpayer funding

WATCH: Illinois State Fair: Affordable fun backed by $140M in taxpayer funding

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The 2025 Illinois State Fair is being praised for its affordability and accessibility to families across...
Op-Ed: State lawmakers gut Emmett Till Day bill, expose Illinois’ corruption problem

Op-Ed: State lawmakers gut Emmett Till Day bill, expose Illinois’ corruption problem

By LyLena D. Estabine | Illinois Policy InstituteThe Center Square July 25, 2025, would have marked Illinois’ first Emmett Till Day, a commemoration of the 14-year-old Chicagoan whose 1955 lynching...
Democratic PACs being investigated for bankrolling AWOL Texas House Democrats

Democratic PACs being investigated for bankrolling AWOL Texas House Democrats

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Democratic political action committees are being investigated by state, and potentially federal, authorities over claims they...
Pritzker: Chicago mayor 'never once called' to oppose pension bill

Pritzker: Chicago mayor ‘never once called’ to oppose pension bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson never called him to oppose a pension bill...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 7th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 7th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop continues his coverage...
Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cook County, Chicago declare flood disaster Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have issued respective disaster...
Doudna Logo

Doudna Fine Arts Center 2025/2026 Season Announcement

The 2025/2026 season kicks off at the end of the month! Check out everything we have in store for you. You can find the link below to buy tickets. Doudna...