Obituaries
Imogene Jones
Jul 11, 2026
Imogene “Jean” Jones (Atkins), of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 11, 2026, at Stonebridge Care Center in Benton.She was born in Sesser, Illinois, to Leonard and Cora (Risley) Atkins. Imogene owned and operated a beauty shop for many years and enjoyed the friendships she made throughout her life. She loved dancing with friends, had a...
Violet Marie Parsons
Jul 9, 2026
With heavy hearts yet deep gratitude, we remember and celebrate the remarkable life of Violet Marie Parsons, who passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, at the age of 102. Born Violet Marie Savant on August 21, 1923, in Johnston City, Violet’s journey was one defined by her unwavering strength, boundless warmth, and the quiet influence she had on all...
Matthew Hourany
Jul 5, 2026
Matthew Hourany Obituary Matthew Louis Hourany, age 37, of Thorsby, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2026.Matthew was born in Homewood, Alabama, on June 28, 1989, to Robert Walter Hourany and Susan Diane Beasley Mims. He was formerly employed as a timekeeper with Alabama Power Company.Matt was an avid supporter of Alabama Crimson Tide football and basketball, rarely missing...
Shirley Ann Smith
Jun 15, 2026
Shirley Ann Smith peacefully passed away on June 15, 2026, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication at the age of 88. Born on August 21, 1937, in Herrin, Illinois, to Clint and Marguerite (Cantrell) Long, Shirley’s life was marked by deep compassion and a steadfast spirit.
On October 1, 1955, in St. Charles, Missouri, she...
Steve Pochie
May 4, 2026
Steve Pochie, a cherished soul whose spirit touched the hearts of many, peacefully passed away on May 4, 2026, at his home in Hurst. Born on October 27, 1951, in Herrin to Charles and Modest (Bowden) Pochie, Steve's 74 years were marked by love, music, and dedication.
Steve shared a lifelong bond with his beloved wife, Connie (Mize) Pochie, who remains...
Bradford Smith
Apr 22, 2026
Bradford Smith, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. Born in Springfield, Missouri, to Wendell and Paula (Downey) Smith, Brad was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose steady presence and strong work ethic deeply impacted all who knew him.
Brad is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Ronda (Covington) Smith;...
Alan Muldoon Gulley
Mar 25, 2026
Alan "Muldoon" Gulley, a cherished son of Herrin, slipped quietly from this world on March 25, 2026, in the comfort of his home. Born on August 31, 1953, to Thomas and Helen (Cox) Gulley, Alan’s life was deeply rooted in the community that watched him grow. He is lovingly remembered by his two sisters, Marilyn Ingram of Waterloo, Illinois, and...
John Thomas Williams
Mar 16, 2026
John Thomas (Tom) Williams, age 83, of Herrin, Illinois, passed away on March 16, 2026, at Herrin Hospital. Born on June 28, 1942, in Herrin to Harry G. and Ruth (Garrison) Williams, Tom lived a life marked by dedication to education, community, and faith.
An Eagle Scout and proud alumnus of Southern Illinois University (SIU), Tom earned a Bachelor of Science...
Scott Nicks
Mar 10, 2026
Scott Nicks, a cherished son, devoted husband, and loving father, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, Illinois, at the age of 50. Born in Herrin to Jerry and Janet (Emery) Nicks, who survive him, Scott's life was a testament to love, strength, and family.
He and his ex wife, Danielle Kluge of Benton,...
Leo Everett Mattingly
Feb 23, 2026
Leo (Sonny) E Mattingly, Jr, a cherished father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at Herrin Hospital on February 23rd, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born in DuQuoin Illinois, on October 27th, 1948, to his loving parents Leo and Betty (Robinson)Mattingly. Leo's life was a testament to love, resilience, and community spirit.He is lovingly remembered by...
Fredrick O. Ice
Jan 30, 2026
Fredrick O. Ice, affectionately known as Fred, "The Battler" of Herrin, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at Herrin Hospital. He was born on September 2, 1934, in Herrin to John Quincy and Lucy (Long) Ice.
Fred is survived by his loving daughter, Luana Nicks of Herrin, and his son, Daryl Ice of Benton. He was a proud grandfather to...
Morris Boren
Dec 21, 2025
Morris Gene Boren, 87, of Fort Smith, Ark., passed away in Little Rock, Ark., on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. He was born in Herrin, Ill., on April 29, 1938, to Thomas M. and Ollie N. (Stover) Boren and was always and affectionately known as “Chick” to his family and many friends and colleagues, a nickname given to him at an...
Christie Schultz
Dec 15, 2025
Christie Schultz, passed away peacefully at home in Marion on December 15, 2025. Born in Jasper, Alabama, on December 15, 1969, she was the cherished daughter of Robert Reece Jr. and Sarah Bookwalter.
Christie is lovingly remembered by her mother and stepfather, Larry and Sarah Bookwalter of Marion, Illinois, and her two sons, Ryan Sasso and Cody Graves. She was preceded...
George Payne
Dec 15, 2025
George H. Payne Jr., age 89, of Herrin, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication. Born to George H. Payne Sr. and Pearl Payne, March 7, 1936, both of whom preceded him in death, George was a devoted husband to Linda Gene Driemeyer, whom he married on May 17, 1958. Together, they celebrated 67 beautiful years of...
Linda Payne
Dec 14, 2025
Linda Gene Payne 87, born in Herrin to Evans "Red" and Violet Marie (Loftus) Driemeyer, who have since passed, lived a life rich in love and connection. She entered this world with a kind spirit and continued to share that warmth with all she met.
On May 17, 1958, she married the love of her life, George H. Payne, with whom...
Joyce Beltz
Dec 10, 2025
**In Loving Memory of Joyce Beltz**
Joyce Beltz, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully departed this life on December 10, 2025, at her home in Herrin, surrounded by the warmth of cherished memories. Born on February 14, 1944, in Herrin to Kenneth and Florence (Tolbert) Beltz, Joyce embodied the spirit of love and kindness from her earliest days. She...
Steve Ray Hastings
Nov 16, 2025
Steve Hastings, a resident of Freeman Spur, Illinois, passed away at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 16, 2025, at 4:00 AM.He was born on September 17, 1964, in Carbondale, Illinois, he was the son of Claude and Linda (Ingersol) Hastings.
Steve is survived by his three children, Breanna Hastings and her fiancé Jared Craig, and Steven Hastings...
Mary A. Rodgers
Oct 17, 2025
It is with profound love and sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Mary Ann Rodgers. She peacefully left this world on October 17, 2025 at the age of 85.Mary Ann was born on February 24, 1940. She was the daughter of George L. and Beulah Roberts of Sturgis Kentucky.After graduating from high school in Sturgis Kentucky,...
Judy McMurray
Oct 12, 2025
Judy McMurray, a beloved member of the Herrin community, peacefully passed away at her home on Sunday, October 12, 202. Born on August 20, 1948, in Rosebud, Illinois, she was the cherished daughter of Gene and Beulah (Wright) Pribble.
A talented hairdresser for many years, Judy touched the lives of countless clients with her skill and warm spirit. She was not...
Shirley Ann Perotta
Oct 5, 2025
It is with profound love and sorrow that we share the news of Shirley Perotta's passing. She peacefully left this world on October 5, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by the affection of her family.
Shirley's journey began on July 17, 1934, in St. Louis, where she was born to Fred and Marie Hirth. Throughout her life, Shirley exemplified...

