Obituaries

William Robert “Bill” Herzing, 81, of Dahlgren, IL, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion, IL.  He was born July 26, 1942 in Dahlgren, the son of Louis & Clara (Rubenacker) Herzing.

 Lawrence Ray Medlin, 88, of Enfield, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Silver Foxes Senior Living and Rehabilitation Center, in McLeansboro. He was born on September 5, 1935, in rural Carmi, the son of Lawrence W. and Mildred (Barton) Medlin. Lawrence married Mildred Foley on August 28, 1955, and she survives. He worked in the oilfield for over 45 years, beginning his career with Brehm Oil and eventually retiring from Ashland Oil, Inc. SARGE, as his oilfield crew called him, was never the man in charge, but you would think he was, since his crew always looked to him for direction. Lawrence enjoyed watching sports, working in his yard, and most of all, he enjoyed time with his family. Lawrence, Pa Medlin, to his grandkids and great-grandkids, was always ready to play games or play a joke on someone. He loved to laugh, and most of all, loved making his grandkids laugh.

Steven Walter Woodham, 77, of Grayville, Illinois, died Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana. He was born June 25, 1946, in Princeton, Indiana, the son of Walter and Frances (Aker) Woodham.

Judy Ann Ermert, 84, of Carmi, IL, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Harrisburg Medical Center. She was born on January 24, 1940, in Seattle, WA, the daughter of Lillian Mateke. Judy Owned and operated Suttons Shoe Store in Carmi for a number of years and was the former chairwoman of the White County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. She served as president of Bread of Life Ministries in Naples, FL, where she and other volunteers, annually served more than 1,100 hungry children and their families by providing meals and other services. Judy helped many immigrant families to start afresh and lead successful lives.

     Betty Ann (McMahan) Johnston, 60, of Golconda, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Hardin County General Hospital in Rosiclare, IL. She was born on May 26, 1964, in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Howard and Betty Sue (McEwen) McMahan. Betty worked as a paramedic and a certified nursing assistant. She also worked with family counseling. Betty enjoyed crocheting and quilting and loved spending time with family.

James Loren Burrow, 54, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024.  James was born in Kenosha, WI on January 10, 1970 to Philip Burrow Sr. and Edna (Hanley) Burrow.

Jerre Hout, 82, of Olney, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at St. Vincents Hospital, Evansville, IN. 

    Charles Keith Holman, 72, of Carmi, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on December 25, 1951, in Evansville, the son of Robert L. and Mary (Carr) Holman. Keith married Vickie Fishback on June 8, 1973, and she survives. He graduated from Crossville High School in 1970. Keith worked as a miner at Wabash Mine at Keensburg, Illinois. He was a member of the UMWA and Ducks Unlimited. He loved to golf, fish, and cook. Keith enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and tried out for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. He loved his dog, Candy, and most of all, spending time with friends and family.

     Betty Lou O'Daniel, 86, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024. She was born on August 18, 1937, in Jamestown, Tennessee, the daughter of Homer Linder and Flawny (Peavyhouse) Linder Stover.. Betty married Edward Hillary O'Daniel, Jr. on August 4,1979, and he preceded her in death on April 1, 2010. She worked as an elementary school teacher and a remedial reading specialist at Jefferson School in Carmi until her retirement.

Sandra Kay Mecum Knight, 81, of Carmi, IL, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Wabash Senior Living. She was born on April 4, 1943, in Norris City, IL, the daughter of Marion Earl and Louise Jannel (Wooten) Henson. Sandra married Franklin D. Mecum in 1960 in Norris City, and together they shared 42 years of marriage before his passing on December 2, 2002. She later married Bertis G. Knight in 2005, in Kentucky and together they shared over 15 years of marriage before his passing on July 13, 2021. Sandra spent her career serving others while working as a nurse. She attended Trinity Assembly of God and assisted in the ministries at Lonesome Roads and also served in jail ministry locally. She shared Jesus and His love everywhere that she went.