Obituaries in Springfield, IL | The State Journal-Register (2024)

John F. Trees 1947 - 2022

Springfield, IL—John "Tall Trees" Trees, 75 of Springfield, transitioned on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

John was born on June 5, 1947, in Urbana, IL, the son of Arthur C. and Frances M. Madigan Trees. He married Candice D. Senor on September 28, 1974, in Springfield.

John was a graduate of Feisthans High School Class of 1965 and he attended LLCC. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge as well as developed life-long friendships. He had a career as a skilled laborer, an accomplished carpenter, as well as having several trade certifications. He was a member of American Legion Post 809, Carpenter's Local 16, and Stationary Engineers Local 399. John veraciously read and was a student of history—knowledgeable about politics and world events. John loved reading the Sunday New York Times, listening to good music, traveling, and eating delicious food. John enjoyed food so much, he even started Two Drunks in the Dark Catering. In his younger years, he and Candice would annually attend the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

John retired from IDOT, after an illustrious career with the State of Illinois, including a stint at the Illinois State Fair where he worked as a carpenter alongside Uncle Nate Chandler. John was a journeyman for the Carpenter Apprenticeship School. He worked for a short time at the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant.

John was affectionately known as Papa John and by his friends at Spammy's as Tall Trees. He was a master carpenter who could fix anything and if he couldn't—he knew a guy. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He loved a good bargain, garage sales, and antiquing. John knew no strangers and he and Candice welcomed everyone into their home. They opened their home to family and friends in their times of need. They hosted many fun filled June Birthday parties. He was always ready to provide unsolicited advice.

Trees met the love his life Candice at the Metro through his good friend Bustamante, and on September 28, 2022, they would have celebrated 48 years of matrimonial mayhem. Trees enjoyed shooting the breeze and getting the latest Springfield gossip through his high school cohorts over a cold beer. He was a devoted Cardinal fan and supported the local high school sports teams, especially the Southeast Spartan Girls Basketball and Track Teams. John enjoyed his hunting trips to Pike County and fishing at Reelfoot Lake Tennessee with his daughters, brother, and nephews. Papa John was always ready for an adventure and a tall tale. Papa John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, be it taking them to school, attending their sporting events, playing Roblox or their yearly trips to St. Louis Cardinal games.

He is survived by his wife, Candice D. Trees of Springfield: three daughters, Peggi (Marcus) Trees-Gant, Jessi Trees (all of Springfield), and Johanna (Dr. Corbet Ellison) Trees, Esq., niece, Dr. Alexandra (Sherwin) Lockridge,Jr.; five grandchildren, Makai, Marisa, Megan, Dariana, and Madigan; one brother, Tom (Norma)Trees; in-laws, Deborah (David) Burns, Lester Kevin (Linda) Senor, Patricia (Donald) Carter, Herman (Valeria) Senor, and Mark Senor; nephews, Josh (Yvan) Trees, Brook (Lynn) Trees, and Patrick Trees; Life Partner Jesse Bustamante; his favorite best friend to complain about John B. Hudson; the three sons he was a father figure to Donald, Harrison, and Ho Chi; beloved dog Max and a host of beloved nieces and nephews and all his friends across the Globe.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Graveside Ceremony; The family will host a graveside ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at Camp Butler National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Department of Defense and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.