Obituaries

James Anderson Buckner, 66, of Carmi, IL, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Wabash Senior Living. He was born September 14, 1957, in Carmi, IL, the son of Delbert and Dorothy (Churchwell) Buckner. He married Mary Jane Hoy Yates on July 3, 1979, and together they shared over 39 years of marriage before her passing on October 16, 2018. James greatly enjoyed fishing and was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Jesse DeLap, 79, of Norris City, IL, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Eldorado Rehab and Healthcare, with family by his side. He was born on July 16, 1944, in Norris City, the son of Roy Harold and Inice (Healy) DeLap. He married Maxine Melton on August 31, 1968, in Carmi, IL and together they shared over 52 years of marriage before her passing on November 7, 2020. Jesse worked as a welder and boilermaker and was very talented and could build anything he set his hand to. He was a member of the Norris City Christian Church and served on the Norris City Museum Board. He enjoyed antiquing and spending time with his family.

Delbert R. Moss, age 94, of McLeansboro, IL passed away peacefully Friday, June 7, 2024 at 12:25 a.m. in his home. He was born July 30, 1929 in Mt. Vernon, IL to Oscar Moss and Grace (Jennings) Moss. He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School and he served in the U.S. Army from February 28, 1951 to February 13, 1953 and was stationed in Germany. He married Georgia Lee ( Lewis ) in Mt. Vernon, IL December 24, 1956 and she survives. He graduated from DeVry University in Chicago, IL and went to work for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in St. Louis, MO for about 20 years. Delbert and Georgia started Mr. Gutter Company in McLeansboro, IL in 1978. He was known as “Mr. Gutter” and he enjoyed working in this business. He was a member of Delafield Missionary Baptist Church. He loved spending time with family and visiting with people. He enjoyed gardening and repairing things that were broken.

Sondra Lea (McNew) Smith, 58 of Enfield, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN. Sondra was born on October 27, 1965, in Olney, IL, the daughter of James H. and Patricia Delores (Kesterson) McNew. On February 14, 1984, she married Jeffrey Patrick Smith at First Christian Church in Carmi, IL and together they shared over 37 years before his passing on July 19, 2021. Sondra was retired, having spent her career in nursing serving others.

  Joe Everett, 64, of Carmi, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, Illinois. He was born on January 6, 1960, in Sacramento, California, the son of Frank Delano Everett and Oga Valdez. Joe worked as a coating applicator for C.A.W. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool and was the manager at the New Haven American Legion.

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.