Obituaries

     JoAnn Maynard, 87, of Streator, IL passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at OSF St. James Hospital in Pontiac, IL. She was born in Norris City, IL on March 5, 1938 the daughter of Charlie and Ethel (May) Bryant.

Wesley Gene Trout, 77, of Crossville, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana. He was born on Monday, July 7, 1947, in Carmi a son of Alonzo Murdock and Clara Mae (Swafford) Trout.

 On June 10, 2025, Derek Lenn Smith left this Earth to, in his words, “go live with Jesus and his mom.” Following a long battle with complications from diabetes, Derek passed with those he loved surrounding him.

Jimmy Wayne “J.W.” Lowe, 81, of Maunie, Illinois, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at his home. He was born on Sunday, September 12, 1943, in Richland, Virginia, a son of Charlie Carl and Sally Lucy Lowe.

 Jeanne F. Nicholson, 84, of Benton, IL passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Harrisburg, IL.  She was born on May 22, 1941 in St. Louis, MO the daughter of John and Gertrude (Leiser) Winkler.

Julia Lynn Simmons 66, of Albion, passed away at home on Tuesday June 3, 2023, with her husband at her side. She was born on February 25, 1959, in Mt. Carmel, the daughter of James and Betty (Crawley) Risley.

     Samuel Eugene Porter, of Norris City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, after a long journey with congestive heart failure. He was surrounded by the love and comfort of his family and friends in his final days. Sam was born May 31, 1931, the youngest son of Plenna and Vakel Porter of Norris City, IL. He was united in marriage to Mabel Cozart of Harrisburg, Illinois on July 11, 1952, in El Paso, Texas. After his time of service in the military, they returned to Norris City to raise their family and work on the family farm. Sam and Mabel were married 70 years.

Daniel Ray “Danny” Johnson, 82, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at his home.  Danny was born on November 19, 1942 in Eldorado, IL to John Leslie “Pete” Johnson & Thelma Jewel (Satterfield) Johnson.

       Ronald Lee Maurer, 78, of Carmi, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025. He was born on September 25, 1946, in Carmi, Illinois, the son of Raymond George and Moudine Elizabeth (Bloodworth) Maurer. Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked various jobs throughout his life, including working and helping out with his family farm.

       Jenepher Driggers, 70, of Norris City, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Wabash Senior Living in Carmi. She was born on January 18, 1955, in Carmi, the daughter of Elmer Frederick and Edith "Faye" (Frashier) Driggers. Jenepher married Ray Eugene Kingery on March 5, 1972, and he survives. She worked in accounting. Jenepher enjoyed gardening and canning fruits and vegetables.