Obituaries

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...

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...

J S Martinez Morillo

J S Martinez Morillo

Jul 9, 2025

J. S. Martinez Murillo, born April 8, 1955, in Santiago Maravatío, Mexico, to Roberto and Maria Martinez, passed away on July 9, 2025.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden, Illinois.

Ministry of comfort was lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremationa and Burial Services of Murphysboro,...

Marion Gale Snow Jr.

Marion Gale Snow Jr.

Jul 9, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marion Gale Snow Jr., affectionately known as Gale. Born on September 29, 1966, to Myra and Marion Snow Sr., Gale was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

A 1984 graduate of Brazil High School, Gale discovered a passion for speed early in life—a love that became part of his legacy. On...

Betty Lou Roberts

Betty Lou Roberts

Jul 7, 2025

Betty Lou Roberts, age 89, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at Three Springs Lodge in Chester, Illinois. She was born on September 16, 1935, in Houston, Missouri, to Bryan and Hazel Weaver.

Betty grew up in the bootheel of Missouri, where she spent her childhood on family farms. Later in life, she pursued higher education and proudly earned an...

Phyllis J. Marsh

Phyllis J. Marsh

Jul 6, 2025

Phyllis Jean Marsh, 84, of Freeman Spur, Illinois, passed away on July 6, 2025, at Herrin Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Phyllis was born on December 27, 1940, Freeman Spur, Illinois, the eldest of six children to Ed and Christine (Claybrook) Brown. From an early age, she was known for her strong work ethic, generous spirit, and enduring love for...

Phyllis Ann Nelson

Phyllis Ann Nelson

Jul 2, 2025

Phyllis A. Nelson, 71, of Herrin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on July 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 4, 1953, in Herrin to Lloyd and Ruby Crowell. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on July 18, 2025, at 1st Apostolic Church, 307 Missouri Ave, Carterville, Illinois.

Ministry of Comfort...

Kelly Gale Castleman-Staley

Kelly Gale Castleman-Staley

Jun 27, 2025

CASTLEMAN-STALEY, Kelly Gale, 53, of Carbondale, IL (formerly of Decatur, IL), passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Liberty Village in Carbondale.

Kelly was born on February 9, 1972, in Decatur, the daughter of Richard and Frances (Luck) Castleman. As a young girl, she was actively involved with the Decatur YMCA Gymnastics Team for many years. She graduated from Eisenhower...

Denise Ann Lougeay

Denise Ann Lougeay

Jun 23, 2025

Denise Ann Lougeay, 69, passed away June 23, 2025. Lougeay was born February 16, 1956 in Belleville, Illinois.

Lougeay lived most of her life in Murphysboro, IL. She was a proud Red Devil and 1974 MTHS graduate where she was involved in many activities and clubs, including Crimson and Corn, Spanish, Speech, Staff, National Forensic League, Thespians, and Prom Steering Committee....

Brenda Louise Burke

Brenda Louise Burke

Jun 23, 2025

Brenda Louise Burke (64) of Murphysboro, Illinois passed away at her home on June 23rd, 2025.

Brenda was born on February 20th, 1961 in Hammond, Indiana and she graduated from Frankfort Community High School in West Frankfort, Illinois in 1979. She was a loving Mother, former police officer, and avid outdoors lover who enjoyed traveling and engaging in new experiences in...

James Michael Bullard

James Michael Bullard

Jun 22, 2025

James Michael Bullard, lovingly known as “Buschman,” passed away peacefully at his home in Murphysboro, Illinois, on June 22, 2025, at the age of 69.

Born on August 18, 1955, to James Harold Bullard and Shelba Cox Bullard, James proudly served his country as a cryptographic repairman in the United States Army from 1972 to 1977. His service took him to...

Billy Dewayne Hopson

Billy Dewayne Hopson

Jun 16, 2025

Billy Dewayne Hopson was born on January 17, 1979, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Linda D. Olsen and Billy Wayne Hopson. He passed away on June 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and hard work.

Billy was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, and a true friend to many. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sami,...