Obituaries

Frances M. Whitehead, 87, of Montgomery, Texas, died at home Sunday, December 3, 2023. Fran was born March 29, 1936, in Carmi, Illinois, the daughter of Henry and Hildreth Land. She received her diploma from Carmi Township High School and earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Houston. Fran married Wayne Barker in 1953 and they started raising their family in Carmi. She was widowed in 1963 and later remarried and moved to Texas. Fran started FMW Distributors which she ran until her passing.

Marita Grace “Gracie” Wilson, 91, of Grayville, Illinois, died Monday, December 4, 2023, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. She was born April 11, 1932, in Johnson, Indiana, the daughter of Arthur and Florence (Walling) Garrett. She was married to Herman Wilson on January 5, 1949, and he preceded her in death in 1985.

Darrell L. McGuire, 57, of Enfield, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023. He was born on June 24, 1966, in Wood River Township, Illinois, the son of James F. and Miona (Endicott) McGuire. Darrell married Michelle Dawn Barger on June 28, 2005, and she survives. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Darrell worked for the railroad. He was a longtime officer in the old Illinois Central Gulf Federation, serving most recently as Vice Chairman and Secretary for over ten years. Darrell was a longtime advocate in Union matters for the BMWED. He started his railroad career as a trackman on a Canadian National South tie gang on January 7, 1997. Darrell then transferred to CN North on October 19, 1998, where he remained until his election to system federation office. He enjoyed camping, riding side by sides, fishing, and most of all he loved spending time with family.

    Ollen Owen Smith Jr, 54, of Eldorado, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023, He was born on February 28, 1969, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the son of Ollen Owen and Annabelle (Finley) Smith. Junior enjoyed woodworking and video and online gaming. Most of all, he enjoyed being with family.

Frank Jacob Schumacher, age 82, passed away on November 25, 2023 in Whitney, Texas. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Whitney, Texas. Pastor Philip will officiate the ceremony. After the Memorial Service, there will be a lunch.

Barbara Ann (Rose) Murdach, 79, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Marshal Browning Hospital in Du Quoin, IL.  Barbara was born on May 11, 1944 to Thomas “Benny” Rose & Ethel (Wisely) Rose.

88 years of age, resident of Carmi, IL, formerly Enfield and McLeansboro, IL passed away 8:00 P.M., Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Deaconess Hospital in Henderson, KY
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro, IL on Friday, December 1, 2023 with Pastor Rod Marlow officiating.

Robert Todd Lane, 63, of Evansville, Indiana, formerly of Carmi passed away peacefully on November 28, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children.

Donald Marvin Kirsch, 78, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 in Mcleansboro.  Donald was born on November 1, 1945 to Valentine “Val” Kirsch and Mary Anna “Annie” (Aydt) Kirsch.  On March 2, 1973 he married Phillis Rossine (Floyd) Kirsch, who preceded him in death on April 1, 2022.

Brian Scott Gunter, 51, of Mt, Vernon, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, November 19, 2023.