Obituaries

Ryan Keith Rubenacker, fondly known as “Rube,” passed away on August 18, 2026, at The Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson, Kentucky. Born on February 1, 1980, in Fairfield, Illinois, Ryan’s life was marked by warmth, laughter, and a deep devotion to family, friends, and his community.

Chester "Chet: Wayne Cole, 87, of Carmi, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on Monday, August 29, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Ernest Wesley and Chloie Evelyn (Daughtery) Harp.  He married Carolyn "Carol" Faye Adams on July 23, 1966, and together they shared over 60 years of marriage.

Linda Carol Vines went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2026, surrounded by her family.

     Linda was born in Alton, Illinois to her parents Velmer William and Nadine Kelly on June 17, 1943. She grew up near Norris City on the family farm.

Dorothy Mae Wheeler, 88, of Norris City, passed away on August 16, 2026, at Linda E. White Hospice House.

Thomas Gary Reese, 85, of Crossville, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on Monday, November 3, 1941, in Grayville, Illinois, the son of Gerald and Judith (Bunting) Reese.

Edward W. Ticer, 46, of Carmi, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Harrisburg, Illinois. He was born on February 7, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Edward Ticer, Sr. and Lisa (James) Ramo.

Harold L. Karger, 97, of Carmi, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Ferrell Hospital. He was born on March 6, 1929, in Carmi, the son of Walter Karger and Ruth (Hughes) Karger Burdette. Harold married Barbara Ann Doneghue on July 11, 1959, and they shared more than 67 years together.

Jerry Franklin Owen, 85, of Grayville, Illinois, passed away peacefully oJerry Franklin Owen, 85, of Grayville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, love and service. He was born on February 16,1941, in Grayville, the son of Chester and Genevieve (Rudisill) Owen.

Ronald G. Yates, 62, of Ridgway, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026. Ron was born on October 26, 1963, in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Francis and Willa (Daniel) Yates.

Geoffrey “Junior” Steven Ward, 39, of Carmi, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026. He was born on July 8, 1987 in Highland, Indiana, to Steven Geoffrey Ward and Penny (Anderson) Morris.