John Likins

John Edgar Likins, 90, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away peacefully of old age on February 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born January 10, 1935, in Oreana, IL, the son of John Edgar Likins Jr. (“Ed”) and Vina (Hinton) Likins. He married his high school sweetheart, Colleen Hilliard, in 1955. Though life took them on different paths for a time, their love endured, and they remarried in 2003. This past December marked 21 years of marriage and an incredible 70 years of love and connection.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, John built a life filled with warmth, kindness, and laughter. He worked on his family farm in his early years before becoming a truck driver for local companies. A proud member of the ATHS Antique Truck Club, John found joy in collecting antique GMC trucks and toy trains. His passion for trucks, trains, and the friends he made through them brought him endless happiness.

Above all, John cherished his family. He was a gentle and playful grandfather, always ready with a joke, a kind word, or a pocket full of sweets to share. His childlike spirit and sense of humor made him a magnet for children, and he was never happier than when surrounded by his grandkids and great-grandkids. John was a true gentleman through and through, sometimes to his own detriment—like the time he got lost in his granddaughter’s high-rise building in Chicago after graciously ushering everyone out of the elevator before himself, only to have the doors close and leave him stranded alone inside. His legendary sweet tooth was a source of amusement to all who knew him, especially his ongoing—and very polite—reluctance to admit that he didn’t actually like chocolate-covered cherries, despite always having a stash to offer visitors.

John is survived by his loving wife, Colleen Likins of Decatur, IL; his children Pamela Likins of Decatur, IL, Steven (Patricia) Likins of Decatur, IL, and Douglas Epker of East Troy, WI; his sister Marilyn Babb of Macon, IL; his brother Ronald (Jan) Likins of Cerro Gordo, IL; 8 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, and his grandson, Jacob.

John’s kindness, humor, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. His family finds comfort in knowing that he lived a long, full life surrounded by those who loved him.

Per John’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. His family has been celebrating his life together and encourages all who loved him to do the same in their own way. In honor of his deep love for children, donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause that was close to his heart.