Obituaries

Sandra Kay Popp, 76, of Crossville, Illinois, died Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. She was born July 6, 1947, in Carmi, Illinois, the daughter of Eldon “Curley” and Earlene (Carter) Ackerman. She was married to James L. Popp, and he survives.

Gerald Lee Muehlenbein, 83, of Dahlgren, IL passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.  Gerald was born on July 4, 1940 to Edward & Jennie (Garrison) Muehlenbein.

 Neva Mae Hasara, age 93, of McLeansboro, Illinois went home to heaven on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, Illinois. She was the firstborn daughter of Hobart and Frieda Shelton and was born on August 14, 1930, at the home of her grandparents, James and Minnie May Davis, in Hamilton County, Illinois. Neva married John “Jack” Hasara on July 2, 1976, at St. Clements Catholic Church in McLeansboro, Illinois. She loved being a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother and spending time with family and friends.

Steven Lee Neal, 67, of Norris City, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital, in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on January 30, 1956, in Benton, Illinois, the son of Frank Holten and Delores Rosan (Sanders) Neal. Steve graduated from Norris City Omaha High School in 1974. Steve worked as a mechanic and a welder. He later carried on his father's business and became owner of Neal's Lawn and Garden on Forrest Street in Norris City. Steve enjoyed drag racing and tinkering with anything that had a motor.

 Joseph Wiley Harmon, Jr. 77, of Carmi, passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on May 19, 1946, in Harrisburg, Illinois, the son of Joseph Wiley and Beulah Margaret (Roy) Harmon. Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He attended Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, Illinois. Joseph worked as an electrician. He was a member of the Electrical Union IBEW. Joseph worked for Healy Electric in Enfield for many years. He was a member of the Norris City VFW and American Legion. Joseph was an avid gun hobbyist, and was a member of the Carmi Rifle Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and loved being outdoors. He liked to collect and work on watches as well. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and loved being with his grandchildren.

     Helen Jane McGehee, 92, of Norris City, departed this life on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville, IN surrounded by family. Helen was born on October 12,1931 to the late Harriet and Leland Wheeler of Norris City.

Robert R. Ward passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on February 4, 2024. He treated his body as he treated his tractors. He got every last bit of life out of it with a little duct tape, baling wire and a lot of hope. His resolve to fight his failing body never faltered to the end. He died with the many bumps and bruises of life, quite literally.

Hobert Campbell, Jr., age 85 and a resident of Macedonia, IL, passed away at 12:20 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the Silver Foxes Senior Living & Rehab Center in McLeansboro, IL.

   Harold E. Pennington, Sr., 89, of Carmi passed away Friday, February 2, 2024 at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado, IL.  He was born in Mt. Vernon, IN on December 11, 1934 the son of Acie Lee and Essie Mae (Holland) Pennington.  Harold faithfully served his country as a part of the United States Navy Seabees. He served 6 years of active duty and 27 years in the Reserves.  He was a farmer, raising cattle and cutting hay along with working as a mechanic at Bill's Garage.  Harold was also a member of the Carmi Fire Department where he had served as Fire Chief.  He was also a Deputy Sheriff for the White County Sheriff's Department.

Cheryle Leigh Walters, 62, of Norris City, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at her home, surrounded by family. She was born on June 28, 1961, in LaGrange, Illinois, the daughter of William Vonnell and Barbara Joyce (Morris) Long. Cheryle married Donald Rand Walters on July 18, 1982, and he survives. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Norris City. Cheryle was a part of the Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief team, where she participated in many disaster efforts by cooking meals for those who had been displaced. She also was part of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Norris City, at the First Baptist Church.