Obituaries

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.

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.