Obituaries

Patricia Lee Fuqua, age 75 and resident of McLeansboro, IL, passed away at 6:10 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024 at her home. Pat was born July 21, 1948 to Coy and Monette (Taylor) Braden in Macedonia, IL. She attended school in Hamilton County and later married Authur Hayward Fuqua, Jr. on February 18, 1967 in McLeansboro, IL and he preceded her in death October 30, 1991.

It is with great sorrow, we say goodbye to the earthly body of Robert Joseph Lauer II, of Crossville, IL, at the tender age of 37. Robert entered the world on September 4, 1986, in Gaylord, MI, and from that day forward was an endless source of kindness, love and positive energy. He was born to be outside and loved everything about nature. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and camping enthusiast. Once he became a father, his world centered around his sons and he instilled a love for the outdoors, camping and growing things in his boys. Robert has always had jobs working with his hands and could not tolerate being idle. He felt he found his niche working in the oil field following in his grandfather Cobb’s footsteps. 

 Laura Marie Edwards, 94, of Norris City, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro. She was born on February 11, 1930, in Junction, Illinois, the daughter of James Madison and Mary Eunice (Willis) Walters. Laura married William Benjamin "Jack" Edwards on July 1, 1950, and he survives. She graduated from Equality High School and worked as a seamstress. Laura was an instructor at a sewing factory. She later worked at a department store in Chicago. Laura was a member of Ditney Ridge Baptist Church. She enjoyed sewing and loved working with flowers. Laura could put anything into the ground and it would grow.

Daniel Ray Birkner, age 60, passed away at 8:19 a.m., Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, IL.

 Linda Lou Hatcher, 70, of Harrisburg passed away on June 15, 2024 at her residence.

James Robert "Bob" Endicott Jr., 76, of Carmi, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2024, at his home. Full obituary will be forthcoming, Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Joyce Myatt, 67, of Norris City, left to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, June 14, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

Mark S. Winter, 66, of Carmi, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. He was born on December 26, 1957, in Carmi, the son of William "Bill" and Marilyn (Hubele) Winter. Mark attended Emmanuel Church as a youth. He graduated from Carmi High School in 1975, where he was very active in sports. Mark then went on to receive a scholarship to play basketball for the SIU Salukis in Carbondale. After college he returned to Carmi and worked in farming.

Age: 100

Residence: McLeansboro, IL

 Hubert C. Ballard, 90, of McLeansboro, Illinois, passed away at home, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. He was born on July 23, 1933, in Hamilton County, the son of William Henry and Edith Alice (Long) Ballard. Hubert married Ila Sue Boyer on May 8, 1955, and she survives. He worked as a grain and livestock farmer. Hubert was a member of Webb's Chapel Methodist Church.