Bruce McCandlish, Beloved Farmer and Community Advocate, Honored in Greenup
Greenup, IL – The community of Greenup, Illinois, will gather to celebrate the life of Bruce McCandlish, a dedicated farmer and tireless advocate for his community, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am at Barkley Funeral Chapel, located in Greenup, IL, followed by funeral services at 11:00 am at the same location. McCandlish will be laid to rest at Tippett Cemetery in Toledo.
Born April 22, 1935, in rural Toledo, Bruce was the son of Fred and Violet (Butler) mccandlish. He dedicated his life to the land and his community, leaving a lasting legacy thru his commitment to service.
Bruce is remembered with love by his four daughters: 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. He cherished his 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, frequently enough referring to his daughters as “the best crop I ever raised.” He is also survived by his three sisters: Dorothy Cutright and Carolyn Auger, both of Toledo, IL, and Donna Barnes of Tullahoma, TN.
A pillar of Cottonwood Township, Bruce served as a trustee for over two decades, prioritizing the well-being of his neighbors. His efforts to secure clean, safe water for the community were instrumental, as he personally collected signatures to bring EJ Water to the area. Bruce also played a pivotal role in the establishment and construction of the Life Center of Cumberland County. Throughout his life, he generously shared his agricultural knowlege and farming strategies with aspiring young farmers, always offering a listening ear and encouragement.
Beyond his public service, Bruce was an eager rock collector, fostering connections with fellow enthusiasts across the nation through correspondence and trades. His passion for geology was evident in his extensive collection, which brought him joy even in his final days.
Known for his genuine interest in people,Bruce possessed a remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met,engaging in conversations,learning about their lives,and offering support for their aspirations. He had a gift for making each individual feel valued.
Bruce was a lifelong member of Cottonwood United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Life Center of Cumberland County, located at 507 E Main Street, Toledo, IL 62468.Online condolences can be shared at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com.
