Obituaries

James D. Elder Jr., 69, a resident of Midway, Texas, was born on June 28, 1957, in McLeansboro, Illinois to proud parents, James Donald and Delores (Gholson) Elder and passed away on October 31, 2026.

Clarence Marion “Bud” Parr, 93, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon, IL.  Clarence was born in Hamilton County, IL on April 25, 1933 to parents Clarence Theodore Parr & Lela Virgene (Cross) Parr.  On August 2, 1952 he married Phyllis Harter at Methodist Parsonage in Lincoln Park, Michigan.

Jacqueline Dorene Pearson, 88, of Grayville, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026. She was born on Thursday, August 25, 1938, the daughter of John "Jeff" and Evelyn (Flemming) McCollum. Jackie married Larry S. Pearson on June 14, 1957, and he preceded her in death on November 16, 2015. She started her working career as a beautician, and later on worked as a secretary for Chatsworth High School, Wabash Regional Planning commission, Terrell Drilling and Meadowood Nursing Home. Jackie was a member of the Grayville United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Grayville Quilters Guild.  Jackie was a life long Cubs fan. She enjoyed fishing, reading, sewing and working in her yard. In her younger years, she enjoyed barrel racing. Most of all, she loved spending time with her friends and family.

Yevonda Lynn Bell, 72, of Carmi, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026. She was born on Thursday, August 5, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Dearl and Hilda (Browning) Williams. Yevonda married Ronald D. Bell on November 8, 1975, in Midland Texas. She worked for Dr. Stricklin for a time and as an Activity Director at a local nursing home. Yevonda was a member of Ashland Christian Church. She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary, of the Carmi VFW. Yevonda enjoyed fishing, camping and riding motorcycles. Most of all, she loved being with family.

Sophie Mary (Groszek) Owen, 87, of Harrisburg, IL passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.  Sophie was born on December 6, 1938 to Stanley & Angie Groszek.  Sophie married Karol Rozycki, then remarried J.L. Johnson, and then married Charles Owen – all of whom preceded her in death.

Tammy L. Miller, 63, of Norris City, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026. She was born on Saturday, November 17, 1962, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Robert LeRoy and Dianna Lee (Cavaness) Georgeff. Tammy married Michael Thomas Miller and he preceded her in death on January 30, 2026. She was a member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary. Tammy enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

 Larry E. Kisner, 94, of Carmi, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Wabash Senior Living and Rehab in Carmi. He was born on September 2, 1932, in Barrington, Illinois, to Roy and Dorothy (Setser) Kisner. After graduating from Carmi High School in 1951, he attended McKendree College for one year. Larry enlisted in the United States Navy as a plane mechanic from September 24, 1952, to September 22, 1956, and in the active reserve from September 22, 1956, to August 21, 1983. In 1960 he transitioned to the Seabee’s for the remainder of service in the Reserves.

Linda Lou Hayes Williams (nee Williams) passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at the age of 99 years. Linda had a full life, born and raised in Carmi, IL, married 20+ years, a widowed single mother 20+ years, married again 20+ years, and widowed again 12 years.

  Wanda Lou Buttery, 86, of Carmi, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro. Born June 3, 1940, in Carmi, she was the daughter of Theodore “Ted” and Ada V. (Stewart) Duvall. She married Reverend Dennis Buttery on December 5, 1958. They shared more than 50 years of marriage before his passing on October 30, 2009. Wanda was a pastor’s wife during her husband’s ministry at Georgia General Baptist Church.

Robert "Bob" P. Lee, age 89, of McLeansboro, Illinois, passed away on October 20, 2026 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital. Robert was born on December 26, 1936, in McLeansboro, Illinois, and was the ninth of twelve children born to John Roosevelt and Flossie Edith (Satterfield) Lee.