Obituaries

Travis C. Wake, age 79, of Centerville, Indiana, and formerly of Crossville, Illinois, died peacefully at his home during the early hours of Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Ray Ellis Bishop, 91, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, died peacefully in Dayton, Ohio, surrounded by his daughters, Mindy and Kendra, and his beloved dog, Ella, on January 14, 2025.

     Mary Lou Huffer-McBrayer, 98, of Henderson, Kentucky, formerly of Carmi, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Redbanks Nursing Home in Henderson, Kentucky. She was born on September 1, 1926, in Oklahoma, the daughter of Roy and Mary Magdaline "Maggie" (Simmons) Matthews. Mary married Oscar Earl McBrayer and he preceded her in death on March 31, 2000. Mary worked as a waitress at the Carmi Elks, the Coffee Shop as well as the Carmi Steakhouse. She was a member of the Eastern Star and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, and playing golf when she was younger.

    Jeffrey Wayne Wolfe, 54, of Crossville, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on June 22, 1970, in Carmi, Illinois, the son of Larry and Helen (Murphy) Wolfe. Jeff graduated from Norris City Omaha Enfield High School in 1988. He married Rebecca Jackson on October 23, 2004, and she preceded him in death on June 9, 2020. Jeff worked at various places throughout his life, including, WSI, Walmart, and GE. Jeff enjoyed working on CB radios and watching football. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids.

Stanley (Stan) R. Struckmeyer of Albion, born on February 7, 1952, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, at the age of 72.

Reta Diane Munsell Denny, 82, of Woodburn, KY passed away December 7, 2024 at her residence. The McLeansboro, Illinois native was born January 19, 1942 to the late James Frederick and Diana Jane Vaughn Munsell.

Robin Michelle Tupper, 53, of Grayville, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN. She was born on Tuesday, January 19, 1971, in Eldorado, IL, the daughter of Robert Gabbard and Sarah Freeman.

Jerry Kenneth Taylor, 81, of Grayville, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at home. He was born on Sunday, May 2, 1943, in Cripple Creek, CO, a son of Kenneth and Julyar (Sammons) Yarborough.

Letha Marie Michels, age 79, of Carmi and formerly of Cowling, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Hamilton County Hospital in McLeansboro. She was born on Thursday, May 3, 1945, in Wabash County a daughter of Leo and Caradena (Stadler) Higginson.

     Doris Jean (Taylor) Malone was born December 21, 1938, in rural Mills Shoals, Illinois, to Sherman Ivan and Lucy Lorene (Files) Taylor and departed this life, surrounded by family, January 3, 2025. She was a retired high school teacher and was a member of IRTA and Carmi First Christian Church. Jean enjoyed attending Bible studies, Red Hat meetings, reunions and family outings, reading, shopping (in her younger years), studying history and watching college basketball games.