Obituaries

Jo Ann Malacarne

Jo Ann Malacarne

Jun 8, 2025

Jo Ann Malacarne (nee Froese), 88, of Tunnel Hill, Illinois passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 11:00-12:00 PM. Burial will be in Bethlehem Gospel Mission Church Cemetery in Tunnell...

Shirley J Fox

Shirley J Fox

Jun 7, 2025

Shirley J. Fox, 90, of Marion, died at 11:25 a.m., June 7, 2025, in Sparta, Illinois. Shirley was born in rural Williamson County, Illinois, July 25, 1934, to Verbal and Myrtle (Phillips) Barnett.

She was a longtime member of the American Association of Medical Assistants. She worked for C.S. Schlageter MD, Sparta, Illinois for 20 years and H.O. Lyle MD, Marion,...

Jesse Abraham Shelton

Jesse Abraham Shelton

Jun 6, 2025

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Jesse Shelton 43, of Marion, Illinois on June 6, 2025. Jesse was born on August 8, 1981, in Marion, Illinois. He was a skilled carpenter and worked for A1 Construction. 

Jesse leaves behind his father Paul Shelton, mother Susan Hilton, second dad Jeff Hilton, brother Sebastian Hilton, his much-loved dog Hootie, and many...

Velma Regina Franklin

Velma Regina Franklin

Jun 4, 2025

Velma "Jean" Franklin, of Marion Illinois, passed away on June 4, 2025. Velma was born August 20, 1934, to Roma Rue Dunbar and Regina (Roll) Dunbar.

Jean is survived by her husband Coy Franklin; daughter Becky Robertson; grandchildren Jason Robertson; Jared (Heather) Robertson, Amy Whitehead and her fiancé Josh Johnson, Daniel (Erica) Whitehead, Rachael (Keith) Dasilva, her great grandchildren; Remi Robertson,...

Debbie Burnett

Debbie Burnett

May 31, 2025

Debbie Marlene Burnett, age 68, of Marion, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025. Debbie was born on August 11, 1956, in Valparaiso, Indiana, to Frank Burnett, Sr. and Ludene (Graves) Smith. Debbie is survived by her brothers Frank Burnett, Keith and Kevin Smith, and her sister Sally Taylor. She also leaves behind extended family and friends who will...

Paula Jo Allen

Paula Jo Allen

May 30, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Paula Jo Allen, who departed this life on May 30, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on July 15, 1951, in Illinois, Paula was a radiant presence whose warmth, style, and spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Paula was the beloved mother of Gabriel Burks and Roman Allen,...

Kingston Armani Burnett-Rudd

Kingston Armani Burnett-Rudd

May 18, 2025

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved baby boy, Kingston Armani Burnett-Rudd, who was born on May 17, 2025, and gently passed away on May 18, 2025, at Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.

In his brief time on this earth, Kingston brought immense joy, light, and love to all who met him. Though his...

Princeton James Burnett-Rudd

Princeton James Burnett-Rudd

May 17, 2025

Princeton James Burnett-Rudd was born on May 17, 2025, and gently passed while sleeping, wrapped in love, though his time on earth was brief. In his few precious minutes, he touched the hearts of many and will forever be cherished by those who awaited his arrival with hope and joy.

He is deeply loved and mourned by his mother, Catrina Burnett,...

Erma Louise Boester

Erma Louise Boester

May 14, 2025

Erma Louise Boester (née Moulton) of Marion, Illinois passed away on May 14, 2025, at Sunshine Gardens in Marion, leaving behind a legacy of faith, friendship, and fabulous style. Born on October 6, 1931, in southern Illinois, she was the daughter of George and Hazel (McCombs) Moulton.

Erma was a proud and faithful member of the First Church of God in...

Jerry Wayne Rock

Jerry Wayne Rock

May 13, 2025

Jerry W Rock, 78, was born March 11, 1947, and passed away May 13, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Anna Rock and his two sisters Beverly Spry and Linda Keighley.

He is survived by his wife Carol Rock, daughter Angela Rock of Stevens Point, Wisconsin and his son Andrew (Shandra) Rock of Lakeland, Tennessee. He has...

Dustin Lee Byrn

Dustin Lee Byrn

May 11, 2025

Dustin “Dusty” Lee Byrn, 38, of Marion, passed away at Harrisburg Medical Center on May 11, 2025. Born on March 28, 1987, in Herrin, Illinois, Dusty was the beloved son of Johnnie Lee Byrn and Patricia K. (Norris) Byrn.

A true craftsman, Dusty worked as a welder for Precision Fabrication in Marion for 12 years. He was a proud member of...

Jon Michael Rivers

Jon Michael Rivers

May 11, 2025

Jon Michael Rivers, 81, of Marion, IL, passed away on May 11, 2025. Born on August 24, 1943, in Marshall, Michigan, he was the son of Carl and Illa Rivers.

Jon’s life was one of devotion—to his family, his students and his ball players. A trailblazer in collegiate athletics, Jon became the first head baseball coach at John A. Logan College...

Robert Michael Cochrane

Robert Michael Cochrane

May 2, 2025

Robert Michael Cochrane, affectionately known as Mick, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, with his loving wife and daughters at his side.

Mick was born in Champaign, Illinois on February 12, 1949, to James and Alice Cochrane. He married Lorna Teter and together they shared 54 wonderful years.

Mick was employed by Illinois Central Railroad and later by Amtrak as a...

Terry Murphy

Terry Murphy

Apr 26, 2025

Terry Lynn Murphy, lovingly known to many as "Murph," age 68 of Coello, Illinois, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

He was born on August 27, 1956, in Herrin, Illinois, to Charles Jerome and Pauline (Keeling) Murphy. A proud 1975 graduate of Herrin High School, he spent his life...

Harold Hartwell

Harold Hartwell

Apr 25, 2025

Harold L. Hartwell, 78, passed away on April 25, 2025, in his home in Jacksonville, Florida. A devoted family man, decorated Navy veteran, and passionate ham radio enthusiast, Harold lived a life marked by service, adventure, and deep familial bonds.

Born on August 28, 1946, in Creal Springs, Illinois, Harold grew up with a strong sense of duty and curiosity. He...

Steven Eugene Ward

Steven Eugene Ward

Apr 25, 2025

Steven Eugene Ward

June 13, 1952 – April 25, 2025

Steven Eugene Ward, 72, of Creal Springs, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his residence on April 25, 2025. Born on June 13, 1952, he was the son of the late Thomas Walter Ward and Mildred McErn Ward.

On April 24, 1976, Steven married the love of his life, Sally Mappin Ward. Together, they...

Chris A. Kirby

Chris A. Kirby

Apr 23, 2025

Chris Alva Kirby passed away on April 23, 2025, at the Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson, Kentucky. He was born in Marion, Illinois on February 2, 1955, the son of Billy Gene and Catherine (Green) Kirby.

He was united in marriage in Paducah, Kentucky on June 22, 1990, to Renee (Turner) Kirby, whom he had dated for ten years...

Gerald "Jerry" Robert Griebe

Gerald "Jerry" Robert Griebe

Apr 21, 2025

Gerald “Jerry” Griebe Jr., age 67, of Goreville, Illinois, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Deaconess Hospital of Marion.

Jerry was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to Gerald Griebe Sr. and Bonnie (Phipps) Griebe. He will be remembered for his generous heart, quiet strength, and the deep love he had for his family.

He is survived by his son, Jeremy...

Grancy Davis

Grancy Davis

Apr 18, 2025

Grancy “P.O.G. Kyle Davis, “Poor O Grancy”, 76, died Friday, April 18, 2025, in Marion, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.Grancy was born on September 15, 1948, in Hardin, Kentucky, to Pete Davis and Florine Edmonds Davis. At a young age, Grancy was drafted into the Vietnam War, U.S. military services.Grancy is survived by his children: Sam...

Bonnie Davis

Bonnie Davis

Apr 10, 2025

Bonnie (Cagle) Davis, aged 81 years, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Parkway Manor in Marion, Illinois, with her children at her side.

Bonnie was born May 21, 1943, in Albany, California, to Elmer and Goldie (Weaver) Cagle.  She married Ronald Gene Davis on January 9, 1961, in Marion, Illinois.  They were married for 47 years before Ronald passed...