Obituaries
Vicki Jean Brayton Howard
Jun 10, 2025
Vicki Jean Brayton Howard, of Shawneetown, Illinois, passed away in Carbondale June 10, 2025. Born on August 16, 1958, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Donald and Ruth (Maine) Brayton, Vicki was raised in Kings Mills, Ohio—the very community that inspired the name of the Kings Island amusement park. She graduated from Kings High School and carried her love for nature and...
Debra Martin
Jun 8, 2025
Debra Ann Martin, lovingly known as “Momma,” passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, at 3:35 a.m. at Marion Deaconess Hospital, after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was 64 years old.
Debra was born on October 3, 1960, to the late Marylin R. Billingsley and Delbert A. Martin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy D....
Raymond E. Clover, Jr.
Jun 6, 2025
Raymond E. Clover, Jr., 67, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025. Born on January 20, 1958, in Murphysboro to Myreldean (Davitz) and Raymond E. Clover, Sr., Raymond was a proud graduate of Murphysboro High School, Class of 1976.
A man of many interests and a hands-on spirit, Raymond found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed riding...
Cartor Benjamin Vernon Hencke
Jun 4, 2025
Cartor Benjamin Vernon Hencke was born on June 28, 2006, to Benjamin V.R. Hencke and Kellisha McArtor. From the beginning, Cartor was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him—a young man with a heart and soul that truly felt larger than life.
His hugs were legendary—deep, heartfelt, and healing. To be embraced by Cartor was to feel...
Robert S. Purcell
Jun 3, 2025
Robert S. Purcell, 78, of Ava, Illinois, passed away on June 3, 2025. He was the beloved son of Rev. Louis and Zelda Purcell.
Robert graduated from Murphysboro Township High School in 1965 and attended McKendree College. A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he served in Thailand during the Vietnam conflict.
Robert was a longtime member of the United Methodist...
James Maurice Rush
Jun 1, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Maurice Rush, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. Born on March 17, 1969, to Mark Anthony Rush and Margaret Jean (Johnson) Rush, James was known affectionately by most as Maurice.
Maurice was a cherished member of a large and loving family. He is survived by his siblings: Alvin,...
Angela Kay Thomas
May 30, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Angela Kay (Verbal) Thomas, age 48, of Murphysboro, IL on Friday, May 30, 2025. A beloved daughter, wife, mother, Gigi, sister, aunt, and friend, Angela fought a courageous 13-year battle with cancer, embodying strength and grace throughout.
Angela was born on July 25, 1976, to Richard and Barbara (Baker) Verbal...
Oren LaDell Alley
May 26, 2025
Oren LaDell Alley, 91, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away on May 28, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on July 13, 1933, in Ava, Illinois, to the union of Oren B. and Grace (Crawford) Alley. Oren proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War and participated in historical reenactments such as Rendezvous at Fort de Chartres and...
Clinton E. Wooley
May 25, 2025
Clinton Eugene Wooley passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.
Clinton was born on January 24, 1961, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Marlee and Francis (Lewis) Wooley. He was educated in the Carbondale school system and graduated from Carbondale Community High School with the Class of 1980. During his high school years, Clinton was active in athletics,...
Jon Muller
May 24, 2025
Jon Muller, aged 83, passed away peacefully in hospice care on May 24, 2025.
Jon grew up in Salina, Kansas, the son of a painter and a registered nurse. From an early age, he knew he wanted to be an archaeologist and went on to earn his doctorate in archaeology from Harvard University, specializing in Mississippian culture. He moved to Carbondale...
Darin Davis
May 21, 2025
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Darin Davis took his final breath. His passing has left a deep ache in the hearts of all who loved him — aching for one more conversation, one more hug, one more moment of laughter. Though his physical presence is gone, his spirit lives on in the cherished memories that will sustain his family and...
Jack Dean Carter, Jr.
May 21, 2025
Jack D. Carter, Jr., beloved husband, son, and friend, passed away on May 21, 2025, in Murphysboro, Illinois. He was born on January 8, 1960, to Jackie and Shirley Carter.
Jack had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He found joy in fishing, hiking, mushroom hunting, riding his motorcycle, and boating on the lake. A passionate gardener and cook, Jack loved...
James P. Cavender
May 21, 2025
James P. Cavender, 89, of Anna, Illinois, passed away on May 21, 2025, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.
Born on November 16, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Samuel and Pauline (Abernathy) Cavender. James enlisted in the United States Army on September 8, 1954, and served honorably as a paratrooper until his discharge...
Austin B. Greene
May 20, 2025
Austin Brent Greene, 37, of Carlinville, Illinois (formerly of Scott City, Missouri), passed away on May 20, 2025, at Integrity Healthcare Facility in Carbondale, Illinois. He was born on October 27, 1987, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Phillip Greene and Kristina (Krepps) Leimer.
Austin was a devout Christian, known for his dedication to sharing God’s word with anyone who would listen....
Joy Monay Smith
May 15, 2025
Joy Monay Smith was born March 5, 1968 in Murphysboro, IL to William G. Smith and Dolores A. Mosley. She departed this life May 15, 2025 at her home in Belleville, IL.
Joy received her education in the Carbondale Elementary School system where she participated in art activities which allowed her to display her creative abilities in drawings, painting and writing...
Michael L. Sales
May 9, 2025
Michael L. Sales, 66, of Makanda, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and kindness.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Lesley. Mike was a hardworking and exemplary employee throughout his career, consistently earning the respect and praise of his colleagues and superiors.
In his personal time, Mike found joy in hands-on projects, often immersing...
Floyd Eugene Ditzler
May 7, 2025
Floyd Eugene Ditzler, 89, of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at 2:33 p.m., after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 4, 1935, in Pana, Illinois, to Ervie and Ruth (Nalley) Ditzler. Floyd lived a life rich with love, family, and adventure.
He is survived by his devoted daughters: Kimberly Ruble, Rosalind Ditzler-Moore, and...
Elizabeth A. Welch
Apr 28, 2025
Elizabeth A. Welch, affectionately known as "Tee," was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at her home.
Born in Murphysboro, Illinois, to the late Ulysses and Luella (Oliver) Thomas, Elizabeth graduated from Murphysboro Township High School. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where...
Milton A. Burns
Apr 23, 2025
Milton August Burns, 94, of Mt. Vernon, passed away peacefully at his home with his daughter, Amber, by his side.
Born on August 27, 1930, to the late Arthur and Gertie (Taylor) Burns, Milton was a gentle and empathetic man whose life was rich with adventure and wisdom gathered over his 94 years. He was a wealth of knowledge and a...
Domion Darius Pearson
Apr 19, 2025
Domion Pearson was born September 30, 1995 in Vista California. He was a kind, brilliant, and spirited soul whose presence lit up every room he entered. From a young age, Domion's talents and passions were evident—he loved swimming, fishing, playing musical instruments, and even worked as a child model. He participated in mall fashion shows and graced the covers of...
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