Published on July 20, 2025 4:56 pm
Last Updated on July 20, 2025 4:57 pm
Bruce McCandlish, 90, of Toledo passed peacefullly from this side to heaven on July 16, 2025 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, IL.
The visitation will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup, IL. The funeral services will be held at 11:00 am at the funeral chapel. The burial will be at Tippett Cemetery, Toledo.
Bruce was born to Fred and Violet (Butler) McCandlish, April 22, 1935, at the family home in rural Toledo.
Bruce is survived by his four daughters, who he called “the best crop I ever raised,” – Teresa (Tracy) Claiborn of Toledo, IL; Chris (Larry) Schneider of Penrose, CO; Andrea (Wayne) Henrichs of Normal, IL; and Joyce (Mike) Montgomery of Greenwood, IN. Bruce enjoyed his 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Bruce is also survived by his three sisters, Dorothy Cutright and Carolyn Auger, both of Toledo, IL and Donna Barnes of Tullahoma, TN.
Bruce dedicated his life to serving others through farming and as a Cottonwood Township trustee for more than two decades. Getting clean, safe water was a priority to Bruce as he went door-to-door collecting his neighbors’ signatures to bring EJ Water to the community. Bruce was also instrumental in the conception and building of the Life Center of Cumberland County. Over the years, he shared his wisdom and farming strategies with many young people as he walked and worked his bean fields. Bruce always had a listening ear for those just getting started on their journey into farming. An avid rock collector, Bruce corresponded and traded treasures with people all over the country (as evidenced by the numerous totes of rocks he collected). Even in his final days, he enjoyed looking through his rock collection and watching videos of fellow rock enthusiasts. Bruce had a genuine interest in people, striking up conversations with anyone he met. He enjoyed learning about their life and encouraging them in their hopes and dreams. Bruce had a gift of making every person he encountered feel valuable. He was a lifelong member of Cottonwood United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Life Center of Cumberland County, 507 E Main Street, Toledo, IL 62468. Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com