Central Ill. farmers help with harvest after death

LEXINGTON — Dozens of central Illinois farmers worked together to harvest more than 300 acres of corn that belonged to a man who died this summer from a heart attack.

The (Bloomington) Pantagraph reports Dave Thomas died in July and his family decided to sell the farm and its equipment.

So Sunday, 16 combines rolled through the fields near Lexington to bring in Thomas' final corn harvest.

Residents say Thomas was known for his quiet generosity and quick-thinking.

Lexington farmer Roland Frerichs says the community came together to help with the harvest as payback for Thomas' kindness over the years.

A grain elevator that's usually closed on Sundays opened for the occasion.

Chenoa farmers are planning a similar harvest Monday for Dave Harrison, who died last week.