Obituaries

Kenneth David Nixon

Kenneth David Nixon

Nov 26, 2025

Kenneth David Nixon, 55, of Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 19, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Donald and Virginia (Hayes) Nixon.

Kenneth is survived by his children: Kenneth Hren and wife Shayna, Kevin Nixon-Watt, and Danielle Foster. He was a proud grandfather to McKenna Atkinson, Zane...

Dennis Michael Johnson

Dennis Michael Johnson

Nov 22, 2025

Dennis Michael Johnson, 75, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away on November 22, 2025.Born on August 5, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Vincent "Sparkie" and Margaret Johnson, Dennis grew up in Carlyle, Illinois. He spent his career working as a dedicated Laborer with Local 773, but those who knew him best knew that his favorite role in life...

Laura Kathleen Young

Laura Kathleen Young

Nov 20, 2025

Laura Kathleen Young, 59, of Harrisburg, IL, passed away surrounded by love from all seven of her children on November 20, 2025.

She was born in Savanna, IL on Dec 12, 1965 to Irene Rand. Laura attended Eldorado High School before she married and had four of her seven children. She then continued her life in Southern IL where she'd go...

Michelle "Shelly" Wayne Kelly

Michelle "Shelly" Wayne Kelly

Nov 19, 2025

Michelle “Shelly” Wayne Kelly, born September 22, 1966, left this world unexpectedly on November 19, 2025.

Shelly was a fierce, funny, and straightforward mom, sister, and grandma who never sugar-coated anything and never hesitated to speak her mind. Those who knew her knew she was full of sass, strength, and a love that ran deep. Her presence filled every room, and...

Jimmy Lee Stuckey, Sr.

Jimmy Lee Stuckey, Sr.

Nov 18, 2025

Jimmy Lee Stuckey, Sr., affectionately known as “Paw” or “The Big Kahuna,” departed this life on Tuesday, November 18, 2026, at Manor Court of Carbondale. He was born on November 26, 1941, in Grenda, Mississippi, to the late Nora and Johnnie Lou Stuckey.

At a young age, he met a young lady named Margaret Clay, and to this union three children...

Jo Ann Kettmann

Jo Ann Kettmann

Nov 18, 2025

Joann Kettmann, age 78, of Steeleville, Illinois, passed away on November 18, 2025, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale due to complications from a stroke. She was born on January 1, 1947, in Dowell, Illinois, to her parents, Henry and Adele Loeh.

Joann is survived by her husband, Bruce; her daughter, Michelle (Rob) Gilliam; her sisters, Jaci Bert, Jill (Tom) Snider, and...

Nancy Heil-Schaffner

Nancy Heil-Schaffner

Nov 17, 2025

Nancy Heil-Schaffner, age 74, of Carbondale, left this world suddenly on November 17, 2025. The daughter of George and Gertrude (Schuster) Heil, Nancy grew up in a large family on a small farm in Piopolis, Illinois, with many aunts, uncles and cousins as her neighbors. 

After graduating McLeansboro High School, Nancy attended beauty and barber colleges to pursue a passion she...

Denise L. Harris

Denise L. Harris

Nov 14, 2025

Denise LaCole Harris – devoted mother of five children passed away on November 14, 2025, at the age of 40 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Denise, affectionately known as NeNe, was born on October 26, 1985 to Wenella Mack and Dennis Lorenzo Harris in Carbondale, Illinois. Raised in several cities, Denise achieved early education in Bloomington, Illinois; Carbondale,...

Mark Linkon

Mark Linkon

Nov 7, 2025

Mark Linkon, age 58, of Mt. Vernon, passed away on November 7, 2025, at Axiom Garden Nursing Home.

He was born on January 29, 1967, in Centralia, Illinois, to Janette Nash and was adopted by Leonard Linkon at age 8.

Mark was known for his independent spirit and strong will. A true survivalist at heart, he held a deep skepticism toward bureaucracy...

Joe S. Buchanan

Joe S. Buchanan

Oct 26, 2025

Joe S. Buchanan, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Marion, Illinois. He was born on July 1, 1953, in Leland, Mississippi, to George Buchanan and Lucille (Valliant) Buchanan.

Joe was a proud father and grandfather who loved his grandchildren dearly. In his earlier years, he worked in construction and was a dedicated member...

Paul Michael Spiller

Paul Michael Spiller

Oct 25, 2025

Paul Michael Spiller, age 76, of Carterville, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on December 21, 1948, in Anna, Illinois, to Paul L. and Margaret Ann (Brust) Spiller. On November 14, 1967, he married the love of his life, Nancy K. Spiller.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy;...

Judith L. Carter

Judith L. Carter

Oct 10, 2025

Judy Carter, 90, passed away the evening of Friday, October 10, 2025, at her home in Carbondale, Illinois.

She spent that day and the previous days being visited by friends and family who were telling stories, laughing and admiring her life. Her son Sam Carter was with her throughout the past year, and at her last breath.

Judy was born in Webster...

Daryl L. Norwood

Daryl L. Norwood

Oct 2, 2025

Daryl Levall Norwood, 38, of Carbondale, Illinois, traded time for eternity on the morning of Thursday, October 2, 2025.

He was born on February 3, 1987, in Chicago, Illinois, to Earl Johnson and Rayvaughn Norwood.

Daryl was the proud father of Daziyah and Daryl Jr., whom he loved dearly. He was the owner and operator of D&D Landscaping and Perfect Picks Kennel,...

Edgar R. Brantley

Edgar R. Brantley

Sep 30, 2025

Edgar R. “Ed” Brantley, 70, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Manor Court of Carbondale.

He was born April 15, 1955, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to the late Clifford and Helen (Jarrett) Brantley.

Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tinkering on small projects. He was employed with Super Wash for more than 24 years. On January 2, 1981,...

Richard A. Spurgeon

Richard A. Spurgeon

Sep 28, 2025

Richard Allen Spurgeon, 72, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

He was born September 27, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Virgil “Jake” and Betty (Wills) Spurgeon.

Richard worked as a Commercial Truck Driver for more than 50 years. He was deeply dedicated to his work and took great...

Cathleen Mitts Leonard

Cathleen Mitts Leonard

Sep 23, 2025

Cathleen Mitts Leonard, 65, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 23, 2025, in Carbondale, Illinois.

Born on February 10, 1960, in Moline, Illinois, Cathy grew up in East Moline and graduated from United Township High School. She began her higher education journey at Southern Illinois University, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences. Her passion for learning...

Steven Smith

Steven Smith

Sep 22, 2025

Steven Smith, 55, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away on September 22, 2025. He was a beloved dad and grandpa who will be missed by all who knew him.

Steven grew up in Murphysboro and worked as a roofing contractor for several years. He loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and enjoying bonfires with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by...

Mary Anna Worthen

Mary Anna Worthen

Sep 20, 2025

Mary Anna Worthen, 68, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away on September 20, 2025, in Carbondale, Illinois. She was born on October 6, 1956, in Murphysboro to Carl and June (Howel) Worthen.

Mary grew up in Murphysboro and attended John A. Logan College. She later worked as a riverboat card dealer, a role she thoroughly enjoyed. Mary had a love for gaming,...

Chris Ann Brewer

Chris Ann Brewer

Sep 18, 2025

Chris Ann Brewer, 61, of Carterville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on August 5, 1964.

Chris was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ray Brewer of Waterford, MI, and her brother, Lloyd Brewer Jr.

She is survived by her son, Joshua Kempf (Crystal); her daughter, Rebecca Hill (Matt Doss); seven cherished...

Frank Marsh

Frank Marsh

Sep 17, 2025

Frank Marsh, affectionately known as “Junk Yard Dog,” passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 85.

He was born on October 9, 1939, in Rose Hill, Mississippi, to the late Augie Marsh and Idell (Smith) Marsh. Frank left Mississippi at the age of 12 and spent most of his...