All Obituaries

William “Bill” Pratt Jr., 94, of Centralia passed away Monday, September 26, 2022, at Salem Hospital, with his family surrounding him. He was born on October 8, 1927, the son of William Sr. and Bessie (Allison) Pratt in Richview. His father was killed by a train when Bill was only two years old. He married the love of his life Valinda Conant on September 1, 1957, at the Apostolic Church in Centralia and she survives in Centralia. Along with his beloved wife of 65 years, Valinda...

Julia Parkinson, 92, of Centralia passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Fireside House in Centralia. She was born on September 22, 1930, the daughter of Valdy and Mary (Armstrong) Rowlett in New Concord, Kentucky. She married James Parkinson on April 12, 1951, in Corinth, Mississippi and he preceded her in death on February 8, 2011. Survivors include her beloved family her son Dana Parkinson of Columbia, Illinois; granddaughter Ashley Parkinson of Godfrey, Missouri. Along with her...

Alfred E. Starr, 99, of Centralia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville Indiana, with family beside him holding his hands.  He was born on June 26, 1923, the son of Charlie P. and Mabel (Kirkland) Starr in Centralia. He married Lucille Smith on September 25, 1941, and she preceded him in death on October 22, 1997. Alfred later married Betty Reynolds on August 11, 2007, and she...

Billy R. Telford, 80, of Walnut Hill passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at his home. He was born on November 11, 1941, the son of Howard and Vera (Barton) Telford in Walnut Hill. He married Virginia Loyd, and two sons were born of this union. They later divorced. Survivors include his sons Joseph Telford and wife Kathy of Walnut Hill, and Warren Telford and wife Kim of Walnut Hill; 4 grandchildren Shawna Telford and Jake Wood, Josh Telford and wife Helen, Warren Kent Telford, and...

Myrtle Belle Buerk, 83, of Centralia passed away Friday, September 16, 2022, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. She was born on November 23, 1938, the daughter of Arthur and Artie (Wood) George in Centralia. Survivors include her beloved son Gregory “Greg” Buerk and wife RaDonna; grandson Elijah Buerk; brothers Forrest George and wife Julie, David George and Brenda, Randy George and Marsha, and Allan George and wife Gladys; sisters Linda Mitchell and husband...

Norma Grace Speiser, 88, of Sandoval passed away surrounded by the love of her family Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at her daughter’s home. She was born on July 15, 1934, the daughter of Franklin and Viola (Beck) Daniels in Kell. She married Leonard Speiser on July 3, 1972, in Sandoval and he survives in Sandoval. Along with her husband of 50 years, survivors include her children Douglas Vest of Mt. Vernon, Connie Ward and husband Darrell of Xenia, Steve Speiser and wife Myrna of...

  Ruth Ann Jennings, 67, of Sandoval passed away Monday, September 12, 2022, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born on December 1, 1954, the daughter of Michael David and Lulu Belle (Austin) Pocrnich in Effingham.  Survivors include the love of her life for 22 years Russell Wimberly; her children Henry “Tommy” Ward Jr. of Junction City, Kimberly Helm and husband William “Joe” of Richview, Shawn Ward Sr. of Florida, Kenneth Ward...

Mack Calek Herron, 25 years old of Centralia, IL passed away at Franklin Hospital in Benton, Illinois on Wednesday, August 31st.  Mack was born October 25, 1996, in Centralia, IL, son of Carleka Downey and McArthur Herron. Mack graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School in 2015 where he was a basketball athlete and talented artist. He was especially skilled and talented with his hands and could draw and sketch the most beautiful portraits free-hand. Mack accepted Christ as a late...

Kimberly Ann Williams, 55, of Centralia passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at St. Louis University Hospital. She was born on January 8, 1967, the daughter of Kenneth and Judith (Boatwright) Williams in Centralia.  Survivors that will remember the way Kim could light up a room include her beloved family, sons Curtis and wife Kim Cluck of Centralia, Justin Cluck of Salem, and Ryan and wife Jaysie Cluck of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren Colton, Emerie, Madison, & Charli; brothers...

Norma Ruth Hauck, 84, of Marion passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. She was born on February 9, 1938, the daughter of Talmadge and Mildred (Ainscough) Outhouse in Patoka. She married Paul E. Hauck on June 11, 1966, in Decatur and he preceded her in death. Survivors include her beloved family, children Tracy (Bev) Hauck of Salem, Stacey Hauck (Beth Price) of Mt. Vernon, and Paula (Ken) Mathis of Herrin; 7 grandchildren; numerous...