Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

Deaths

Tom Battershell, 63, of Tuscola, Illinois, died at home April 26. He worked for the university’s grounds crew. Memorials: Tuscola Lions Club, c/o James Harbaugh, 501 N. Ohio St., Tuscola, IL 61953.

Jeannine W. Corlas, 53, of St. Joseph, Illinois, died at home April 26. She worked at the university. Memorials: Carle Cancer Center.

Keith Randall Erickson, 70, of Urbana, died April 26 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was employed by the university’s Facilities and Services division for 40 years, most recently as the associate director of utilities and energy services distribution. He received the Chancellor’s Academic Professional Excellence Award and was an integral part of the construction of the university’s solar farm. Memorials: Copper Creek Church Welcome Home Building Campaign.

Philip Clayton Mitchell, 96, of Champaign, died at home April 27. In 1968, he was hired by the university in the physical plant as an upholsterer, retiring in 1987. Memorials:American Red Cross

Shirley J. Smith, 89, of Champaign, died April 24 at Country Health Care and Rehab in Gifford, Illinois. She worked at the university for 24 years as an administrator in the College of Agriculture and later in the purchasing department. Memorials: Champaign County Humane Society.

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