Obituaries

Alice Kay Heine

Alice Kay Heine

Jul 23, 2026

Alice Kay Heine, 85, of Gorham, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Alice was born on August 15, 1940, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to the late Alvin John Behnken and Mildred (Gregory) Behnken. She was a devoted homemaker and a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob.

On June 20, 1959, Alice married the love of her...

Brenda Kay Wells

Brenda Kay Wells

Jul 15, 2026

Brenda Kay Wells departed this earthly life on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Memorial Hospital. Brenda, as she was affectionately known, was born on June 13, 1956, at the former Holden Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois. She was the youngest of six children born to the late William and Alberta (Nesbitt) Blythe.

Brenda graduated from Carbondale Community High School with the Class...

Betty Purnell

Betty Purnell

Jul 6, 2026

Betty “Darlene” Purnell, 81, of Marion, Illinois, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Integrity Healthcare of Marion.

She was born on July 25, 1944, in Marion, Illinois, to the late Gilbert and Edna (Franklin) Purnell.

Darlene will be remembered by her son, Chris (Tina) Francis; her daughter, Sammy Francis; her brother, Gary Purnell; her sister, Patricia Grauer and many other...

Pamela Ann Burns

Pamela Ann Burns

Jul 5, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Pamela Ann Burns, 72, of Carbondale, Illinois, who passed away on July 5, 2026, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Pamela was born on August 12, 1953, in Rockford, Illinois, to the late Harlen and Ethel Masters. In 1972, she married the love of her life, Danny Burns, and together they...

Christopher Dale Long

Christopher Dale Long

Jul 1, 2026

Christopher Dale Long, 62, of Carbondale, Il passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026. Christopher had a lifelong love of horses that brought him great joy. He especially treasured the time he spent working at the Saddle Barn in Brown County State Park. The horses were much more than animals to him—they were trusted companions and a source of peace...

John S. Rendleman III

John S. Rendleman III

Jun 30, 2026

John S. Rendleman III, 67, of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away at his home on June 30, 2026. He was born on December 15, 1958, in Carbondale to John S. Rendleman II and Lenora (Norris) Rendleman.

Born in Carbondale and raised in Edwardsville, John was proudly a life-long resident of Southern Illinois. He graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1977. After his...

Pamela Sue Darling

Pamela Sue Darling

Jun 23, 2026

Pamela Sue Darling, 68, of Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, with her devoted family by her side.

She was born on March 31, 1958, in Port Huron, Michigan, to the late William and Elizabeth (Urban) Haken.

Pamela dedicated more than 10 years of service as a cashier at Lowe's. In her free time,...

Beverly A. Moore

Beverly A. Moore

Jun 17, 2026

Beverly Ann Moore, affectionately known as "Belle," went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on December 9, 1953, in Carbondale, Illinois, to the late James and Vera (Holcomb) Moore, Sr.

Belle attended Attucks High School and Carbondale Community High School. Throughout her life, she worked in various positions within...

Juanita Sue Brooks

Juanita Sue Brooks

Jun 14, 2026

Juanita Sue Brooks, 86, of Carbondale, Illinois, formerly of Robinson and Newton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Manor Court of Carbondale, with her daughters by her side on June 14, 2026. She was born on May 29, 1940, in Robinson, Illinois. She was the daughter of Harlan and Mabel (Washburn) Wheeler.

On August 24, 1958, Juanita married the love of her...

Joveon D. Wilkins

Joveon D. Wilkins

Jun 1, 2026

Joveon D. Wilkins, 20, of Marion, Illinois, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center.

He was born on January 17, 2006, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Angel Jones.

Joveon attended Marion Community Unit School District 2. He had a passion for making music and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He could often be found hanging...

Gregory L. Brown

Gregory L. Brown

May 27, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gregory L. Brown on May 27, 2026 at the age of 78. He was born on January 3, 1948, in Rochester, New York to Wilmer and Beulah (Lingley) Brown. He later relocated to Southern Illinois and was a proud member of the Makanda community.

Ministry of comfort was entrusted to...

Shari Fay LeAnn Rexford

Shari Fay LeAnn Rexford

May 25, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shari Fay LeAnn Rexford, a beloved mother, partner, friend, and light to all who knew her. She was 41 years old. She died at home on Monday, May 25, 2026, surrounded by love.

She was born July 2, 1984, in Alton to Jerry Rexford and Judy Manis. She made her...

Dennoriss Meeks

Dennoriss Meeks

May 21, 2026

On May 21, 2026, at United States Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Marion, Illinois, Dennoriss Meeks gave his final salute surrounded by his loved ones.

Dennoriss Meeks, 76, was born on October 9, 1949, in Herrin, Illinois, to Louis and Norah (Page) Meeks. Affectionately known as “De,” he was the seventh of ten children born to this union.

He...

Georgia Ann Sauls

Georgia Ann Sauls

May 15, 2026

Georgia Ann “PeeWee” (Smirnes) Sauls, 83, of Harrisburg, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Herrin Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on July 14, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Henry and Gertrude Gaynell (Stringer) Smirnes.

Georgia devoted much of her life to caring for others. As a foster mother, she opened her home and...

Daniel Paul McCarthy

Daniel Paul McCarthy

May 13, 2026

Daniel Paul McCarthy, 56, passed away on May 13, 2026. He was born on October 10, 1969, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to Charles and Mona (Andrews) McCarthy.

Daniel grew up in Carbondale and was a proud graduate of Carbondale Community High School, Class of 1987. Following high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed fishing,...

Lynn Ann Moore

Lynn Ann Moore

May 13, 2026

Lynn Ann (Brayfield) Moore, born September 13, 1955, departed from this earth surrounded by her family on May 13, 2026.

Sharing 53 years of marriage with her husband Kenneth Warren Moore, they centered life around love, laughter, and family. Lynn was a devoted and loving mother to Gabe, Shelly, Shane and Joshua, mother-in-law to Mandy, Ashlie, Tara, and Tim. Her grandchildren...

Claudia M. Pena

Claudia M. Pena

May 12, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Claudia M. Pena, on May 12, 2026 at the age of 46. She was born on December 26, 1979, in Guatemala to Raymundo and Juana Pena.

Claudia leaves behind her beloved husband, Richard Lomelino, along with other family members and friends She will be remembered for her kindness, love for...

John Michael Padget

John Michael Padget

May 9, 2026

John Michael Padget, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. He was born on March 15, 1949, in Bloomington, Illinois, to Ralph and Bonita Padget.

John was a man of strong conviction, dedication, and perseverance. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for three years aboard the USS Dewey. After overcoming...

Kim A. Ervin

Kim A. Ervin

May 7, 2026

Kim A. Ervin (née Bolen), 70, of Dongola, passed away on May 7, 2026, at Deaconess Union County Hospital in Anna.

She was born on January 22, 1956, in Peru, to the late Richard and Ardis Bolen.

Kim graduated from East Aurora High School with the Class of 1974, where she was a member of the school’s first female swim team. Soon...

Kenneth J. Stephenson

Kenneth J. Stephenson

May 7, 2026

Kenneth J. Stephenson passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Marion VA Medical Center in Marion, Illinois.

Ken was born in Creve Coeur, Missouri, to a young couple who, wanting a better life for their children, lovingly placed him and his biological sister, Cheri, for adoption. At the ages of five and four, Ken and Cheri were welcomed into...