John Everett Probus, 80, of Holder, IL, passed away Wednesday June 19, 2019 at Advocate BroMenn Hospital in Normal, IL. He was born March 16, 1939 in Rosine, Kentucky, to Leslie and Betty (Hayes) Probus.
John kept close connections to his friends and family in Rosine and was proud to let everyone know Rosine was the home of Bill Monroe and Bluegrass Music.
He married Judith Sue Evans on May 29, 1964 in Joliet, IL. She survives. They recently celebrated their 55th anniversary.
He is also survived by his three daughters, Stephanie (Randy) Boyd, Downs, Julie (Andy) Schad, St. Louis, MO, and Nicole (Jeremy) Wilcox, Heyworth; six grandchildren: Randall Frank (Johanna) Zychowski, Zachary John Zychowski, Jodie Nicole Zychowski, and Bradley William (Chelsea) Zychowski, Alexandra Nicole Schad, and Lydia Nicole Wilcox; three great-grandchildren: Bay Nicole Walden, Alayna Lyn Zychowski, and Bruce Everett Wayne Zychowski.
John especially appreciated his sons-in-law for their unique gifts; mostly taking loving care of his daughters.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Clifford Probus, and two sisters, Rowena Allen and Ervena Probus.
Surviving siblings are Orena Stewart, Charlie (Joyce) Probus, and James (Annavon) Probus.
He was employed by Central Drywall for many years before operating his own drywall business, which thrived. John was known as an artist in the industry and many people he worked for became friends.
As a 15-year esophageal cancer survivor, John had a zest for life. He actively participated in Relay For Life, meeting up with the LeRoy coffee clatch, and was a true outdoorsman.
He was an avid baseball fan and cheered on his New York Yankees up until the eve of his death.
His endearing sense of humor and playfulness touched many lives. He truly enjoyed people, earning him the title of Honorary Mayor of Holder and an invitation to present an award to a cadet squadron.
John had a way with plants, animals, and children. He loved his massive vegetable garden and sharing the harvest. Animals would flock to him; he especially enjoyed training dogs, cats, and mules. He was the unofficial baseball coach for his nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, and the neighborhood kids; sometimes drafting his beloved dog, Bouncy as an outfielder.
There will be a celebration of John's life on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 4-7 pm at East Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with a private internment at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to his wife, or the Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington, IL.
The family will host a gathering at the Downs Methodist Church, Downs, IL immediately following the Celebration.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com for the Probus family.
