Obituaries

   Charla K. Maxfield, 79, of Carmi passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. She was born in Ross, California on September 23, 1946 the daughter of Charles Kenneth and Laura Elizabeth (Helmantoler) Maxfield. Charla had worked as a teacher and for 20 years, was a utility rep. for Pacific Gas and Electric.

Ruth Ann Smith, 89, of Carmi, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Wabash Senior Living and Rehabilitation. She was born in Dahlgren Township, Hamilton County, Illinois, on Thursday, August 13, 1936, the daughter of Floyd Daniel and Alta Ruth (Tharp) Ward.

   William O. Dillman finished his earthly walk at a little past 5 pm on February 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. He also began his heavenly adventure, at the same time, surrounded by family and friends that were eagerly awaiting his arrival at the Pearly Gates. The celebration has started and is planned to run from now thru eternity.

Bobby Lee Paschal, 95, of Grayville, Illinois, died Saturday, February 14th, 2026, at Haven on the River in Grayville, Illinois. He was born August 24, 1930, in Corsicana, Texas, the son of the late Bill and Lottie (Edwards) Paschal.

James “Butch” Vailes, 70, of Broughton, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado.  He was born November 23, 1955 in Eldorado to Ryan Lee Barker & Shirley Ann Vailes.

Larry Jay Gwaltney passed away, surrounded by family, at his home in Benton, IL on Monday, February 16, 2026, ending a lengthy battle with cancer.

Billie “Bill” Earl Towell, 87, passed away on February 12, 2026, at home in Carmi surrounded by his family. He was born on June 23, 1938, in Chelsea, OK, the son of Dean and Zelma (Macomb) Towell.

Marieta Kay (Johnson) Hammond, 78, of Olney, Illinois, formerly of Ridgeway, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Lawrence County Hospital in Lawrenceville Illinois.

John Rules Evans, 74, of Norris City passed away on February 2, 2026. He was born on May 15, 1951 in Peoria, IL the son of Bob Evans and Burldeen (Blake) Watt. John owned/operated a siding and window business. He had attended Norris City General Baptist Church. John loved to go fishing and be outdoors.

Norma Lee (Melton) Sledge, 79, of Wayne City, IL passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026 at her home.  Norma was born on December 31, 1946 in Wayne City to Kenneth & Gladys (Hawkins) Melton.