Obituaries

 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.

  Samuel Lee Jenny, II, 66, of Carmi, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. He was born on May 6, 1957, St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Samuel Lee Jenny and Carol Lee (Langenwalter) Bell. Sam married Cheryl Lynn Woolsey on October 17, 1998, and she survives. He worked as a pumper in the oilfield along with owning and operating Two Cycle and Tool Repair, and was a Stihl dealer. Sam enjoyed working in his machine shop and was an avid military enthusiast.

Virginia Irene (Prince) Swafford, 99, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Silver Foxes Senior Living & Rehabilitation in McLeansboro.  Virginia was born June 28, 1924 in Blairsville, IL to Cecil & Louise (Helms) Prince.  On September 6, 1940 she married Matthew Swafford, who preceded her in death.

Estell Hunter, age 89 and a resident of McLeansboro, IL, passed away at Hamilton Memorial Hospital, McLeansboro, IL on Friday , January 26th, 2024. She was a cherished wife, sister, Mom, Mamaw, Maw, friend to many & lifelong devoted servant of the Lord. Estell was born February 17, 1934 in Sneedville, TN to William Moles & Nellie (Barnard ) Moles and was the 3rd of 7 children. Her family emigrated north from Appalachia to the family farm near Delafield when she was 3. Her parents instilled their hard working, God fearing spirit in their family. They had very little but each other, but with determination and the Lord's blessings, they created much & the farm they toiled to establish remains in the family to this day.

Dorla Jean (Farris) Swallows, 91, of Blairsville, IL passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at her home.  She was born on April 10, 1932 to William Farris & Lula Mae (Vaughn) Farris in the Bottoms of Hall Creek near Blairsville.  On June 13, 1953 she married George Swallows, who survives.