Obituaries

Stella Mae Gulley

Stella Mae Gulley

Sep 6, 2025

Stella Mae Gulley, 84, of Benton, Illinois passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Illinois.

She was born on September 15, 1940, to the late Richard and Ruth (Baumgart) Hall in Orient, Illinois.

She is survived by her daughter, Robyn (Danny) Vinson; son, Steve (Debra) Gulley; one brother, Richard Hall; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; one...

Robert "RJ" Ihle

Robert "RJ" Ihle

Sep 1, 2025

Robert J. “RJ” Ihle, 77, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, September 1, 2025.

RJ was born January 29, 1948, in Murphysboro to Herman C. Ihle and Doris A. (Wohlwend) Ihle.

A lifelong Murphysboro resident, RJ was well known through his businesses, RJ Electronics & Video and, years earlier, RJ Raceway with its popular slot car track....

Robert Allen McGrew

Robert Allen McGrew

Aug 20, 2025

Robert (Bob) Allen McGrew

Born August 10, 1936 to Horace Bernard McGrew and Mattie Lelia (Coonce) McGrew in Poplar Bluff, MO and passed away August 20, 2025. He grew up in Clay City, IL and had lived the past 36 years in Marion, IL. He was married to his childhood sweetheart, Margaret Josephine Sawyer, for 33 years. He was a member...

Evelyn O. Hudson

Evelyn O. Hudson

Aug 19, 2025

Evelyn Hudson, age 92, of Carbondale, Illinois, peacefully departed this life on August 19, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on June 16, 1933, in Charleston, Missouri, to Bura Lee and Cherrie Ann Robinson. Evelyn accepted Christ at an early age at First Missionary Baptist Church in Mound City, Illinois. She attended LoveJoy School in Mound City.

Evelyn worked...

Timothy "Big T" Lamb

Timothy "Big T" Lamb

Aug 19, 2025

Timothy “Big T” Lamb, of Desoto, IL, passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 63. Born on April 10, 1962, Tim lived a life full of talent, service, and love for those around him.

Tim was a man of many skills, earning numerous certifications throughout his life. From painting motorcycles to running his own refrigeration and repair business,...

Mary Ann Reynolds

Mary Ann Reynolds

Aug 19, 2025

Mary Ann Reynolds, 62, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025. She was born July 23, 1963, in Murphysboro to the late Tommy Sr. and Carolyn Stowers.

Mary Ann first married John Bramlett, and together they raised three sons: Travis, Shane, and Matt Bramlett. Later in life, she married Randy Reynolds, who preceded her in death.

Mary Ann was...

Gary Lee Starks

Gary Lee Starks

Aug 6, 2025

Gary was a loving son, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and dear friend to many. With his charismatic ways, smooth talking, and timeless style, he had a gift for leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Born in Charleston, Missouri, Gary was the son of the late Rosie Miller. He was one of many siblings, including Celestine Holman, Irene (Leonard) Hudson,...

Evelyn Ross

Evelyn Ross

Aug 5, 2025

Evelyn Ross was born on July 1, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Robert and Evalina Johnson, who preceded her in death. Evelyn attended Dumbar High School in Chicago, Illinois. She confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized by her uncle, Reverend Mack Rossie Lemons, who also preceded her in death.

On December 22, 1952, Evelyn Ross married...

Morris Greer

Morris Greer

Aug 2, 2025

Morris Greer, a positive, funny, generous, optimistic, and caring man, died from natural causes on August 2, 2025, in Byron, Georgia, with his family by his side. He was 92.

Throughout his life, in his roles as son, brother, father, husband, uncle, cousin, grandfather, sailor, storekeeper, and friend, Morris made it his mission to ensure those around him had a good...

Raymond John Sparks

Raymond John Sparks

Aug 2, 2025

(Raymond) John Sparks, beloved husband, brother and father, rode off into the sunset, Saturday, August 2, 2025. Born October 25, 1953 in Marietta, Ohio to parents Donald and Marie Sparks, John spent many years traveling to many states while his father worked as a heavy equipment operator. John is preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald Sparks.

John enjoyed...

James A. Paul

James A. Paul

Jul 31, 2025

James Anthony Paul, 74, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the home of his sister, Cathrine Mary Paul, in Carbondale, Illinois, after a courageous battle with declining health due to bladder cancer.

James was born April 1, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Vernon James and Annie Doreen (Casey) Paul. The family...

Thomas M. Busby

Thomas M. Busby

Jul 31, 2025

Thomas “Mike” Busby, 74, of Jonesboro, Illinois, left this world peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, to be reunited with his beloved wife, Twila Busby, and their son, Bryon Busby.

Mike was born on May 8, 1951, in Cairo, Illinois, to the late John and Mamie (Smith) Busby.

He is survived by his loving children: Starla Busby, Brandy and Darin Garrett; his...

William Wayne Bozarth

William Wayne Bozarth

Jul 30, 2025

William Wayne "Bill" Bozarth, 76, of Elkville, Illinois, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

He was born on February 2, 1949, in Stonefort, Illinois, to the late Hermon and Olga (Campbell) Bozarth.

Wayne lived a humble and hardworking life, holding various odd jobs over the years. He found joy in the outdoors, especially in fishing, hunting, and trapping...

Ardelia Williams

Ardelia Williams

Jul 25, 2025

Our beloved mother, Ardelia Williams, entered life on March 5, 1938, born to the union of James and Lucy Foster Williams in Alligator, Mississippi. She was the youngest of five daughters and shared a special bond with her one and only brother, James Williams Jr.

In 1941, the Williams family moved to Tunica, Mississippi, where Ardelia accepted Christ at an early...

Lena Mae McConnell

Lena Mae McConnell

Jul 22, 2025

Lena Mae McConnell was born to Mildred and Manny Boyles on July 1, 1942, in Tamaroa, Illinois, and returned to the Lord on July 22, 2025.

We were blessed to have known and loved her for all of her 83 years. Lena will be deeply missed, and her memory forever cherished by all who felt the warmth of her presence.

Lena was...

Crystal Lynn Flamer-Garrison

Crystal Lynn Flamer-Garrison

Jul 22, 2025

Crystal Lynn Flamer-Garrison, ”Cree” as she was affectionately called, was born January 8, 1961 in Carbondale, Illinois to John and Mary (Holder) Flamer. She was the first born of 9 children. God called Mother gently home on December 16, 2024.

Crystal was the oldest of 9 children, she had 3 sisters and 5 brothers. Her early years were spent in Carbondale...

Harold "Skip" Horn

Harold "Skip" Horn

Jul 17, 2025

Harold "Skip" Horn, born on September 18, 1947, passed away on July 17, 2025. A native of Desoto, Illinois, Skip proudly served his country as a Vietnam veteran and built a lifelong career in mining and construction.

He is survived by his children: Carla Forgason, Misty (Joseph) Wells, Ashley Horn, and Michael (Heather Boney) Horn; his grandchildren: Joseph N. Wells, Sean...

Larry Alan Syverson

Larry Alan Syverson

Jul 14, 2025

Larry Alan Syverson, 63, recently of Marion, IL, formerly of Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025.

Larry was born on February 15, 1962 in Evergreen Park, IL to the late Vernon and Eileen (Vetterick) Syverson. Larry graduated from TF South High School, and studied photography at South Suburban College. He worked in Quality Control for the majority of...

Edward L. Harris

Edward L. Harris

Jul 12, 2025

Life Reflections for Edward Lee “Poppa” Harris August 14, 1957 – July 12, 2025

With heavy hearts and profound love, we remember Edward Lee “Poppa” Harris, a devoted father, beloved brother, cherished uncle, faithful church member, and friend to many. Edward was born on August 14, 1957, in Cairo, Illinois, to the late Leonard Harris Sr. and Marilyn Joyce Harris. He...

Fred Ray House

Fred Ray House

Jul 12, 2025

Fred Ray House, 74, of DeSoto, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at his daughter’s home in Murphysboro, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 20, 1950, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to Fred and Jane (Crane) House. On June 26, 1968, he married Susan Piper in Perryville, Missouri, and she survives.

Fred was a...