Francis "Frank" D. Webster

Francis "Frank" D. Webster, 83, of Elmwood, passed away at 10:11 a.m., on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 25, 1938. He married Mary Ruth Dikeman on June 9, 1963, at the First Presbyterian Church in Elmwood. She preceded him in death on November 15, 2018. He is survived by three children, Cynthia (John) Alcaraz of Hanna City, Brent (Janice) Webster of Elmwood, and Andrea Brush of Elmwood; one sister, Wintress (the late Ed) Dehne; eight grandchildren, Mitchell (Karmen) Webster, Matthew Webster, Matthew Hollis, Andrew Hollis, Kyle Alcaraz, Katelynne Alcaraz, Cory Alcaraz, and Allison Brush; and three great-grandchildren, Grace Lynn Smith, Autumn Webster, and Tripp Webster. He is also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Sidney (the late Marilyn) Webster; and one grandchild, Shannon Brush. Frank was born and raised in the small town of Laura, Illinois and he helped his parents by working at the family business, Webster's Grocery Store. During his years at Princeville High school, he was an excellent athlete. Frank led the football team as the quarterback, pitcher for the baseball team, and point guard for the bask...[more]

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all team, earning an all-state title. Popular with his classmates, they voted him homecoming king his senior year. After high school, he pursued his degree in History Education at Western Illinois University. It was here that he met the love of his life, Mary. Frank's career as an educator and coach at Elmwood High School began in the early 1960s. He influenced generations of students with his humor and calm nature while teaching history, economics, drivers education and driving a school bus. Many students reflect on drivers education, telling stories of times with Mr. Webster remaining calm as they went "speeding" down the road, almost hitting buildings, or ditches. They also enjoyed being able to go for ice cream or a burger during their drive. He taught at Elmwood High School for 40 years. In addition to teaching, he also farmed for over 55 years through the generations with his father, brother, son, and grandsons. He was a leader for the First Presbyterian Church as an elder and a deacon and was strong in his faith. Frank also took great pride in his family and enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, boating, and water skiing with them through the years. During retirement, he remained active while traveling, socializing with groups for breakfast at the café, tending to the land-mowing and farming. With his constant smile, cheery disposition and love for telling stories, he will be dearly missed by his family and the community. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church in Elmwood. A visitation will be held the night before from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Elmwood Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elmwood Education Foundation and the Elmwood First Presbyterian Church. To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.