"B" Obituaries

Alexander County/Illinois Genealogy Trails

AUGUSTA, GA--MR. PERRY WILLIAM BADGER JR., 59, of Route 2, Box 186, died Friday, April 22, 1994.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Thomas L. King Funeral home, Martinez, with the Rev. Ted Dennis officiating. Burial will be in West View Cemetery.
Mr. Badger, a native of Olive Branch, Ill., was a farmer and a Baptist. He had lived in Blackville for 12 years and was an Army veteran of the Korean War.
Survivors include three sons, Perry W. Badger III and Rick Badger, both of Martinez, and Robert Badger, LaGrange, Ga.; three daughters, Alice Muller, Augusta, Darlene Staten, Barnwell, and Mary Ann Parker, Paducah, Ky.; his mother, Rose Lee Williams, Blackville; two brothers, Tommy Badger, Barnwell and William (Billy) Badger, McBean; three sisters, Rose Mary Reese, Pasadena, Texas, and Roselee Sumner and Dorothy Ellen Spivey, both of Augusta; and 15 grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Robert Sumner, Charles Vaught, Grady (Skeet) Fussell, Larry (Blue) Feldbusch, Mike McKenzie and Norman Boland.
Friends may call at the residence of Perry Badger III, 3898 Almon Drive, Martinez.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
--Augusta Chronicle, The (GA) - April 24, 1994

Cache, IL and Aurora, IL--FRANCES L. BAILEY, age 67, of Aurora, IL, formerly of Plano, IL, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2007 at The Aurora Rehab Living Center in Aurora, IL. She was born on November 17, 1939 in Cache, IL, the only child of Virgil and Nellie (Taylor) Benefiel. Frances was united in marriage on June 7, 1958 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Plano, IL to Mr. Sidney D. Bailey, Jr. and they spent the next 49 happy years of their lives together. Mrs. Bailey was for many years a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Plano, IL. She enjoyed several hobbies including reading and playing Bingo with her family and friends. Frances was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed by all that knew her. She is survived by her husband, Sid Bailey, of Aurora, IL; her children, Sean (Sasha) Bailey of Dallas, TX, Kimberly (David) Parry of Sugar Grove, IL, and Kyle Bailey of Plano, IL; as well as her three grandchildren that she loved to spoil, Jacob, Ethan and Logan Parry. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Nellie Benefiel, and her son, Brian Thomas Bailey, on December 16, 1992. Friends may visit from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Monday, September 17, 2007 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 1010 W. South St. in Plano, IL. Funeral Services for Mrs. Bailey will be at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at the Funeral Home in Plano, IL with Father Jerome Zalonis, M.I.C. officiating. Interment will take place at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 20, 2007 in the St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Bristol, IL. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home.  --Beacon News, The (Aurora, IL) - September 17, 2007

Cairo, IL.--NELLIE JONES BAILEY (MRS. GILBERT)--Funeral services for Mrs. Gilbert Bailey, formerly Miss Nellie Jones, who died in Arizona, were held in Cairo today at the home of her sister, Mrs. James McCormick, 526 Thirtieth Street, conducted by Dr. William P. Pearce, pastor of the Cairo Baptist church.  A special interurban train conveyed the cortege to Beech Grove cemetery where interment was made.  Many beautiful floral offerings were sent by sympathetic friends, and the services were largely attended. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Monday, April 9, 1923, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Cairo, IL.--FUNERAL OF MRS. BAIN TO BE HELD TUESDAY--Funeral services of MRS. SARAH BAIN, of 618 Thirty-sixth, who died Saturday evening, will be held tomorrow morning at the family residence. The funeral cortege will leave the residence at 10:20 over a special interurban train for Shiloh Cemetery, Mounds.  There will be services at the grave. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Monday, Sept. 2, 1918, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Carrollton, IL--MRS. EDNA FERNE BAKER, 61, of Carrollton, died at Boyd Memorial Hospital at 9:35 a.m. Wednesday.  Surviving are her husband, Arthur, whom she married in March of 1938; two daughters, Mrs. Lois Schmidt of Carrollton and Mrs. Artricia Simpson of Phoeniz, Ariz; a son, Jon Baker of Carrollton; nine grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Thelma Reitemeier of Bethalto and Mrs. Marian King of Cottage Hills.  Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at Mehl Funeral Home in Carrollton, where funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday.  The Rev. Richard Steinbach will officiate.  Burial will be in Carrollton City Cemetery.  (Contributed by Donna Dailey Knight.  Note:  Edna Ferne was born July 9, 1912; d. April 17, 1974; daughter of G. and Estella Dailey Betz, probably born in Tamms.)

MC CLURE, IL–SR. MASTER SGT. JIMMIE W. “JIM” BAKER, USAF Ret, 76, of McClure, died suddenly at 4:10 PM Friday, May 29, 2009 at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.
He was born April 18, 1933 at Thebes, Ill., the son of Eugene and Elsie Waddell Baker.  He and Patty Powless were married on Oct. 4, 1952.
Jim was a retired Master Sgt. in the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1952-1975 in Korea, Phillipines, Vietnam, and North Africa. He was a Bronze Star recipient for his Vietnam service.
After retirement from the Air Force, he worked for 18 years as port coordinator for Luhr Brothers in Cape Girardeau.
He was a member of Sandy Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Patty, of McClure; 1 son Jimmie H. Baker of McClure; 1 daughter, Cathi (Mike) Burnham of Bossier City, LA; 4 grandchildren, Bradley Neal Anderson, Brittany Sue Anderson, Jimmie Howard Baker, Jr., and Brent Burnham; 3 great grandchildren, Payton, Josh, and Ashley; 1 brother, A. G. (Gladys) Baker of Scott City, MO; 1 sister, Thelma “Sis” (Lloyd) Phillips of McClure; brother-in-law Bill Powless of Tamms; daughter-in-law Viola Baker of Cape Girardeau; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services for Sr. Master Sgt. Jimmie W. “Jim” Baker were conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms with Rev. Mark Kirk and Rev. Clint Nale officiating. Military honors followed at the funeral home. Interment was in McCrite Cemetery.
Visitation was held from 5-7 Tuesday and 11-1 Wednesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms. 
Crain Funeral Home in Tamms in charge of arrangements.
–Cairo Citizen, Published: Thursday, June 4, 2009.

McClure, IL--DOYLE EUGENE BALDWIN, 75, of McClure, died at 12:13 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2006 in Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born July 4, 1930 in Elco, the son of the late Amos Leroy and Nellie Eva (Poole) Baldwin. He attended the House of Prayer Church in McClure and was a lifelong farmer. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn (Keller) Baldwin; his second wife, Mary (Winch) Baldwin; sisters, Eula Baldwin Lingle and Florence Baldwin Cauble; a brother, Walter Baldwin; and a son, Gene Doyle Baldwin. Survivors include four stepdaughters, Linda Hall of McClure, Charlotte Beasley of Olive Branch, Patricia Pennington of Thebes and Barbara Mendenhall of St. Genevieve; three stepsons, Mike Foeste of East Cape, Mark Foeste of McClure, and Bill Foeste of Olive Branch; daughter-in-law, Pat Baldwin of McClure; close companion, Carol Annable of McClure; nieces, Helen R. Lingle Head of Anna and Margaret Lingle Poole of Cobden; nephews, Carlos Lingle of Lena, Bobby Lingle of Vienna, Ben Cauble of Munfurd, Tenn., Bob Baldwin of Rockford and Glenn Baldwin of Dixon; and many other relatives and friends. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2006 in the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms, with Bro. Leon Wilkins officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery in rural Dongola. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. --Courtesy The Southern Illinoisan, Apr. 25, 2006.

Anna, IL--MARTHA BALDWIN, 92, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, in Union County Hospital in Anna. She was born April 15, 1914, in Elco, daughter of John and Lucy (Sharp) Sims. She married Rollie Baldwin on May 7, 1936, and he preceded her in death July 5, 1979. She worked at the state hospital in Menteno for many years. She is survived by one daughter, Shelby Young of Anna; two granddaughters, Ceceillia Young of Chicago and A. Michelle Young of Southern Pines, N.C.; three sisters, Erma Shelton of Jonesboro, Cleta Poole of Mill Creek and Esther Read of Fordyce, Ark.; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, in the chapel of Hileman Funeral Home, with Brother Jay Franklin officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. --Courtesy The Southern Illinoisan from 1/22/2007 - 1/24/2007.

Tamms, IL.--WALTER BALDWIN--Funeral services for Walter Baldwin of Tamms will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Crain Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Lou Barton will officiate with burial in St. John's Cemetery near Dongola, IL. Friends may call at the funeral home after 5 p.m. Tuesday. Baldwin died Saturday, Aug. 12, 1989 at Southeast Missouri Hospital at the age of 77. He was born Oct. 3, 1911 in Union County, son of Amos and Nellie Catherine Poole Baldwin. He first married Connie Crider, who died in 1953. He later married Thelma Groves February 27, 1954. Baldwin was a retired farmer. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Glenn Baldwin of Walnut Creek, CA; Robert Baldwin of Rockford and Howard Baldwin of Rochelle; a daughter, Debra Black of Kenosha, WI; two stepsons, Larry Bartlett of Jackson, MO and Kenneth Darnell of Rockwood, TN; three stepdaughters, Mary Burchyett of Murray, KY, Ruby Theis of Millstadt and Vickie Mayberry of Jonesboro; two sisters, Florence Cauble of Tamms and Eula Lingle of Anna; a brother, Doyle Baldwin of McClure; 42 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rosena Phillips in 1974 and a stepson, William Darnell in 1985.

Cairo, IL.--DEATH CLAIMS OLD RESIDENT OF CAIRO--MR. P. W. BARCLAY Passed Away This Afternoon After Brief Illness--  FUNERAL HAS NOT YET BEEN ARRANGED--Remains Will Be Buried in Chicago, Beside His Wife in Rose Hill Cemetery--Mr. P. W. Barclay passed away at 1:40 o'clock this afternoon. After an illness, with which he was stricken on June 25th, and which did not cause his family any alarm until several days later, he passed away this afternoon, surrounded by his family, his son, Mr. P. C. Barclay with whom he makes his home in Cairo, and his daughter, Mrs. J. A. Nangle, who arrived from Mexico City, Mexico, only yesterday morning to spend the last moments with him.
Mr. Barclay was born in Russellville, Ky., on Dec. 30, 1832.  He was one of a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters.
Surviving him are three brothers, John F. of Atlanta, Ga., J. C. and W. F. of Louisville, Ky., and two sisters, Mrs. J. W. Caldwell of Wake Forrest, N. C., and Mrs. W. G. Hines of Trinidad, Colo.
Learning the drug business in Philadelphia he followed that calling in Bowling Green, Ky., during the war, coming to Cairo in 1867. Mr. Barclay was one of the old and respected citizens of Cairo and a number of years ago was one of the most active business men.  Coming to Cairo with his brother, Mr. James S. Barclay, at the close of the Civil war they engaged in the drug business on a large scale.  They conducted a wholesale business on Ohio levee, which was under the management of Mr. P. W. Barclay, while Mr. J. S. Barclay conducted the retail store where Mr. H. C. Schuh's drug store now is located, at Eighth and Washington avenue.  The name Barclay Brothers was linked with all that made up the commercial history of Cairo for a long period of years. When they retired from the drug business, Mr. P. W. Barclay became general Agent in this territory for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance company, and he has continued that business, in company with his son, Mr. P. C. Barclay until the present time.
Mr. Barclay was prominent in Masonic circles of Illinois.  He was a member of the Blue Lodge of the Chapter and the Commandery, and was a Thirty-third degree Mason.  He was Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Illinois, Knights Templar, and Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Illinois.  Funeral services will be held at the
Methodist church, after a short prayer at the residence on Seventh street, and the body will be taken to Chicago to be laid to rest beside his wife who died in May 1896 and his son Hugh in Rose Hill Cemetery. The time of the funeral had not been decided upon this afternoon. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Saturday, July 6, 1907, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Oklahoma City, OK--BLANCHE DELL BARHAM, passed away Thurs. Sept. 29 at Mercy Health Center. She was born Oct. 20, 1903 in Elco IL. She and her late husband, Cecil moved to OKC in 1972. She was a member of the Church of New Life. Survived by her sister, Minnie Buford of IL; daughter-in-law, Ellen S. Hardy of Bethany; 4 grandsons, William Smith of CO, Roger Bowen of Bethany, Kenneth Hardy of Edmond, and Ernest Hardy stationed in Germany with the US Army; 4 granddaughters, Mrs. Diane Jennings and Mrs. Donna Casper, both of OKC, Mrs. Patricia Diehl of Arcadia and Mrs. Debra Staneart of Purcell; 15 great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the Guardian West Funeral Home until 12 noon Monday. Services 2 pm Mon. Church of New Life, 7501 N Brookline, interment in Resurrection Cemetery. --Daily Oklahoman, The (Oklahoma City, OK) - October 2, 1983.

Tamms, IL--LENA MAE PEPPERSACK BUTLER BARKER, 87, of Tamms died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004 at her home.  She was born Dec. 10, 1916 in Elco, IL, daughter of Samuel and Mary Meisenheimer Sharp.  She and Raymond L. Barker were married Nov. 16, 1979 in Cape Girardeau, Mo.  He died Dec. 18, 1996.
Survivors include three sons, Homer Butler of Hillsboro, MO, Ron Butler of St. Charles, MO, Ernest Butler of Tamms; three daughters, Shirley Dixon of Madison, IL, Carrie Hale of Tamms, Peggy Holtmann of Madison; a sister Ruth Schellingburg of Fairmont City, IL; 36 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three daughters, a son, a sister, a brother and two grandsons.
Friends may call at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna, IL from 11 a.m. until time of service today.  The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. today at the funeral home with the Revs. Darrell Faire and Carl Land officiating.  Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in Dongola, IL.

Sandusky, IL.--MRS. MARY MCCLAN BARNETT, age 73, a former resident of Sandusky, Ill., died Wednesday at 5 a.m. in Brooklyn, N.Y. Survivors include one son; Burdis Barnett of Sandusky, Ill., five daughters, Mrs. Maggie Hampilton, Sandusky, Mrs. Hurtha Booth, Mrs. Dorothy Castle, Mrs. Goldie Barnett, Mrs. Burnice Barnett, all of Brooklyn; three brothers, Harvey McClan of St. Louis, Mo., Ernest McClan of Toledo, Ohio, and Ples McClan of Los Angeles, Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Millie Adams of Toledo, Ohio; 29 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 9 a.m. today in Brooklyn. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, January 24, 1964, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Olive Branch, IL.--ZOLAN DALE BARNETT, infant son of Jason and Brandi (Stokes) Barnett, was stillborn Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006 at Saint Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau, Mo. Graveside services were conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3 at Olive Branch Cemetery, with the Rev. Verlee Eaker officiating. Crain Funeral Home in Tamms in charge of arrangements. --Cairo Citizen, Feb. 8, 2006.

Cairo, IL.--EVARISTA BARRY --Funeral services for Miss Evarista Barry, who passed away Thursday evening after a short illness, were held at St. Joseph's church this morning at 10:30 o'clock with Rev. R. T. Jantzen officiating. Burial was made in Calvary cemetery at Villa Ridge.  Casket bearers were John Dougherty, E. J. O'Donnell, Herman Youch, Ray Metheney, Elmer Cowell and Russell O'Shea.  Karcher Brothers were in charge of arrangements. --From The Cairo Citizen, Saturday, April 4, 1942, contributed by Anna Shelton. (Miss Barry was born on April 23, 1894.)

Cairo, IL.--MISS NONA BARRY Dies This Afternoon--Miss Nona Barry, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Barry of 2803 Sycamore Street, passed away this afternoon shortly after 3 o'clock after an illness of about two months, following a severe attack of influenza, from which she never fully recovered.  Her mother died last July, her father preceding her in death six years ago. Surviving Miss Barry are four sisters, Misses Mayme, Kate, Rose and Rita Barry, all of whom lived at home.  Miss Barry was formerly a student at the old Loretta Academy, and was a devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic church. She was a young woman of beautiful disposition and had many close friends. Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed but will be announced later. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Monday, May 10, 1926, contributed by Anna Shelton. (Miss Nona Barry is buried at the Calvary Cem. in Villa Ridge, IL.  Her birth year is listed on the stone as 1882.)

McClure, IL.--DONALD LEROY BAUGHER, 45, of Hickman, Ky., formerly of McClure, died March 9 at 1:30 a.m.  He is survived by his wife Helen McCullum Baugher, daughter, Donna and son, Donald Jr.  Other survivors are brothers Dorris of Butler, Ind., Edward of DeSoto, Mo., Raymond and Richard of McClure, Harold of Thebes, Darold of Franklin, Ky., and Billy of Texas.  He also leaves sisters, Mrs. Frances Devine of St. Louis, Mo., and Eulah Stevens of Marble Hill, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward and Ruth Backus Baugher, two brothers, Dallas and James, and two sisters, Edith Nelson and Ruby Cassidy. Services will be Friday, March 11, at White Ranson Funeral Home in Union City, Tenn., at 2:00 p.m.  Burial will be in the Freemont Cemetery.  Visitation will be at 6:00 to 9:00 today and before services tomorrow. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, March 10, 1983, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Tamms, IL.--MARJORIE J. BAUGHER, age 72, of Edwardsville, Ill., formerly of Tamms, died at 4:55 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2002 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Toni and Russ Lipe in Edwardsville, Ill. Marjorie was born Dec. 30, 1929 in Pontiac, Mich., daughter of the late John Miller and Nora Cooley Miller. She attended the St. Luke's Methodist Church in Maryville, Ill., was a former member of the Tamms United Methodist Church, prior to 1999, member of the Tamms United Methodist Church Women's Club, member of the Pulaski-Alexander County Home Extension. Marjorie was owner and operated Margie's Flower Shop in Tamms for 16 years, prior to moving to Edwardsville, Ill. in February 2000. Marjorie was preceded in death by her father, John Miller; mother, Nora Miller Aldridge; step-father, Robert Aldridge; brother Harold Miller; and sister, Patsy Cagle. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Toni and Russ Lipe of Edwardsville, Ill.; three sons and daughters-in-law, Tim Pappas of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Kerry and Jenny Baugher, Jr. of Edwardsville, Ill. and Jack and Shelly Baugher of Tamms; sister, Sandra Veavers of Wickliffe, Ky.; seven grandchildren. Friends called from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms. Funeral services for Marjorie Baugher were held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2002 at the Tamms United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Bridges officiating.  Interment followed in the Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge, Ill. At the request of the family, expressions of sympathy may take the form of memorials to the Gateway Regional Hospice Program, 2100 Madison Avenue, Granite City, IL, 62040 in memory of Marjorie Baugher. Jones Funeral Home in Tamms in charge of the arrangements. --From The Cairo Citizen, Thursday, April 4, 2002, contributed by Anna Shelton.

McClure, IL--RAYMOND EUGENE BAUGHER, 66, of McClure died Sunday, May 16, 1999 at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.  He was born April 30, 1933 in McClure, son of James E. and Ruth Backus Baugher.  Baugher had been city marshal, fire chief, and water plant supervisor.  He worked at Procter & Gamble 13 years, retiring in 1981 because of ill health.  He was a veteran of the Korean War.  Survivors include a son, Raymond Baugher, Jr. of Greenville; three daughters, Darla Matlock of McClure, Terri Burd of Anna, Kim Smithey of Oran, Mo.; three brothers, Darrell Baugher of Puxico, Mo., Harold and Richard Baugher of Olive Branch; a sister, Frances Devine of Rock Hill, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.  He was preceded in death by six brothers and three sisters.  Friends may call at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel in Cape Girardeau from 5-8 p.m. today.  Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the chapel with the Rev. Raymond Oxford officiating.  Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery, with graveside rites by VFW Post 3838 of Cape Girardeau.  --Contributed by J. C. McNelly.

Cairo, IL.--WALTER C. BEARD, 96, of 434 Cross Street, died at 12:10 a.m. Sunday at the Southern Medical Center, after an extended illness. Mr. Beard was a member of the Martin Temple C.M.E. Church and a member of the Union Church Aid Society. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary L. Beard, of the home; step-sons, Johnnie Cole, Detroit, Mich. and L. C. Cole, Niles, Mich.; step-daughters, Mrs. Willa Mae Lowery, Danville, and Mrs. Mozella Marshall, Detroit, Mich.; daughters-in-law, Mrs. Sammie Mae Beard and Mrs. Pearl Beard, both of Ripley, Tenn., and one granddaughter. Friends may call at the Ruffin Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at the First Central Missionary Baptist Church, Thursday at 1 p.m. with the pastor, Rev. W. M. Vaughn, officiating. Interment will be made in the Spencer Heights Memorial Park Cemetery, Mounds. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1981, contributed by Anna Shelton. (Mr. Beard was born in June of 1886)

Thebes, IL--HERMAN L. "BABE" BEASLEY, 62, of Thebes died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 at his home.  He was born Sept. 5, 1946 in Cairo, Ill., son of Archie and Helen M. Jackson Beasley.  He and Charlotte A. Foeste were married March 29, 1966 in St. Genevieve, Mo.  He served in the U. S. Army and was a member of Cape First Church, the Moose Lodge in Anna, Ill., and a former member of the American Legion Post in McClure, Ill.  He was the owner/operator of Beasley Trash Disposal more than 20 years, selling the business in 1991.  He went on to be a commercial fisherman and operator of Babe Fish Wagon in East Cape Girardeau, Ill.  Survivors include his wife, of Thebes; a daughter, Michelle Butler of Olive Branch, Ill.; five sons, Archie Beasley of Thebes, Matt Beasley of Olive Branch, Ill., Allen Pearman of Advance, Mo., Daniel Beasley and Andrew Beasley, both of Thebes; two brothers, Archie Beasley, Jr. of Del Rio, Texas, Raymond L. Beasley of Avoca, NY; and a sister, Mary E. Gearing of Bloomington, Ill.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Leslie Ray Beasley; and three sisters, Shirley Story, Barbara Cain and Evelyn Musgraves.  Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.  The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gary Brothers officiating.  Burial will be at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure.  --Contributed by J. C. McNelly.

Tamms, Ill.--LEO BEASLEY, 86, of Tamms died Sunday, April 19, 2009 at home.  He was born Sept. 11, 1922 in Ohio County, Ky., to Thomas and Elizabeth Burden Beasley.  He and Shirley Denton were married May 29, 1976.
Beasley was a member of the First Baptist Church in Thebes, Ill.  He served his country honorably in the U. S. Army during World War II in Europe.  He was a retired farmer.
Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Carolyn (John) Butcher, Tonya (Robin) Reid and Kelly Beasley, all of Tamms; a sister, Joyce Bradshaw of Anna, Ill; two brothers, Willard Beasley of Cobden, Ill., and Leslie Beasley of Tamms; two grandchildren, Michele Russell and Lindsey Reid; a great-granddaughter, Kala Sims; and a great-grandson, Randol Sims; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Archie and Raymond Beasley; and five sisters, Mervel Beasley, Della Rossi, Gracie Beasley and two infant sisters.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.  Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kenneth Johnson officiating.  Interment will be in Lindsey Cemetery, with military honors by the Illinois Army National Guard Honors Detail and area veterans.  --Contributed by J. C. McNelly.

MOUNT OLIVE, IL - PAUL DAVID BEASLEY, SR., 95, of Mount Olive died Sunday, April 23, 2000, at C.L.C. of Carlinville, IL.
He was born March 31, 1905, in Tamms, the son of David and Lucy McEvoy Beasley. He married Anne Vrenick in 1927 in Granite City.  She preceded him in death in 1977.
Mr. Beasley was a switchman for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad from 1951-64. He then worked as a watchman for the city of St. Louis until his retirement.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1925-27.
Survivors: a son, Paul David (wife, Gertrude) Beasley Jr. of Mount Olive; three daughters, Alberta Grider of Staunton and Pauline Emerson and Martha (husband, Vincent) Bommarito, both of St. Louis; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Raymond Beasley of Indiana; and a sister, Alberta Stuart of Florissant, Mo.
Services: 11 a.m. today, Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mount Olive, the Rev. Daniel Barbey officiating. Burial: Mount Olive City Cemetery.   --State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - April 25, 2000.

Olive Branch, IL.--WILLIAM H. "BILL" BEASLEY, age 55 of Olive Branch, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at his home. Mr. Beasley was born at Cape Girardeau, Mo. on Dec. 28, 1946, son of Robert Beasley and Eunice Moore Beasley. Mr. Beasley was a veteran of the Vietnam War and an electrician. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert J. Beasley in 1965. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Eunice Beasley of Thebes; two daughters, Lorna Middleton of Advance, Mo. and Lisa Mueller of Norman, Okla; a niece, Rena Lenand of Scott City, Mo.; five grandchildren and a close friend, Hope Raden. Funeral services for William H. "Bill Beasley were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms with Rev. Tom Bridges officiating.  Interment followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.  Friends called from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms. --From The Cairo Citizen, Thursday, May 23, 2002, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Miller City, IL--EVELYN BECKER, 81, of Beaumont, Texas, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003 in Beaumont.  She was born May 25,1921 in Miller City, daughter of Thomas and Vera Willis McCoy.  She and the Rev. Walter E. Becker were married in 1944.  The Beckers resided in the Miller City/Olive Branch, Ill., area until moving to Beaumont in the 1950s.
Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Jean Becker and June Worrell of Beaumont; a sister, Elaine Frazee of Brook Park, Minn.; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.  She was preceded in death by a son.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont.  Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont.
Announcement courtesy of Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, IL.

Tamms, IL.-- THE REV. WALTER EUGENE BECKER, 81, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005, at home in Beaumont, TX. Private services will be held Wednesday (Feb. 23, 2005) in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Beaumont). Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. today at Claybar Funeral Home in Beaumont. Crain Funeral Home in Tamms courtesy announcement. --Courtesy of The Southern Illinoisan , Wed., Feb. 23, 2005. (Note:  Mr. Becker was born in 1924. He married Evelyn McCoy, daughter of Thomas and Vera Willis McCoy in 1944. The Beckers resided in the Miller City/Olive Branch, IL area until moving to Beaumont in the 1950s. Mr. Becker had taught at the Elco Grade School in the early 1950s.)

Cairo, IL.--WORLD WAR VETERAN DIES--FRED BELYEW, age 45 years, of 1007 1/2 Commercial Ave., this city, passed away very suddenly and unexpectantly Friday night at 10:30 o'clock at St. Mary's hospital after being sick only a few hours.  Mr. Belyew was a veteran of the World War and served his country in France for more than a year during that great conflict, as a member of the 10th Field Signal Batallion.  He is survived by 4 brothers, Joe of Cairo, Jesse of Memphis, and Ernest and Richard of Metropolis; besides two sisters, Mrs. Charles Kidd of Metropolis and Mrs. Lacy Sullivan of Cairo, also several nephews and nieces.  Mr. Belyew was a Veneer saw filer by trade and worked for the Singer Mfg. Co. at their plant here for many years in that capacity until they left here for Truman, Ark., at which time Mr. Belyew also went to Truman and worked there for about three years.  The remains will be at the Berbling Funeral Home until Monday afternoon when funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock.  Rev. O. A. Carmean, pastor of the Calvary Baptist church officiating, followed by burial in the National Cemetery at Mound City.  The American Legion will hold a military service at the grave and a firing squad will be furnished by Company K.  The following friends will serve as casket bearers:  Roy Hession, Edward Bucher, Roy Coffman, Ben Frizzell, Wayne Hayden and Fred Sullivan.  Berbling Funeral Service will have charge of arrangements.  --From The Cairo Evening Citizen and Bulletin, Saturday, April 25, 1936, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Tamms, IL.-- VIRGIL T. BENEFIEL, age 77 of Plano, IL passed away Thursday, August 28, 1997 at his home.  He was born June 8, 1920 in Tamms, Illinois to James Benefiel and Amanda B. (Goleaner).  He was employed at Richard Wilcox as a Machinist, Aurora.  He is survived by his wife, Nellie; one daughter, Frances (Sydney) Bailey of Plano and three grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters and one grandson.
Funeral services are private.  Burial of cremains at a later date at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Aurora, IL.  Visitation Sunday, August 31, 3 to 5 p.m at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St., Sandwich, IL.  --Beacon News, The (Aurora, IL) - August 30, 1997.

Fresno, CA--CLIFFORD EUGENE BENNETT, 65, passed away in Fresno on Friday, Nov. 8, 2002. He was born in Olive Branch, Illinois on April 21, 1937. He worked as a Refrigeration Specialist for many years before his illness. A nine-year veteran of the Air Force stationed at Castle Air Force Base. He was an active member of the Le Grand American Legion Post 660 for the past 25 years and a faithful member of the Le Grand Bible Christian Church. Cliff was a loving, caring person to all; we will miss his phone calls.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Betty Jo Snider-Bennett of Le Grand, a son Gregory Bryan Bennett, daughter-in-law Dee Dee Campbell-Bennett of Merced, one granddaughter Amanda Campbell of Hanford and his parents Hank and Lena Greenley of Tamms, Illinois. Cliff is preceded in death by his father Silas Bennett, a son Howard Henry (Howie) Bennett, a brother Ivan Sonny Bennett and a sister Pat Paulson. Six sisters, Effie May Harrel, Sylvia Muffo, Lynda Smith, Jodie Cain, Theresa Thomas and Tammy Bennett also survive him.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002 from 12 to 7 p.m. at the Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced. Services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002 at 10 a.m. at Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced. Burial to follow at the Plainsburg Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Stratford Evans.  --Merced Sun-Star, The (CA) - November 11, 2002 

Thebes, IL--DONNA BENNETT, 66, of Thebes died Saturday, June 28, 2008 at her home.  She was born March 6, 1942 in Cairo, Ill., daughter of Clarence Earl and Lucille McHughs Baugher.  She and Marvin Bennett were married Aug. 17, 1957 in Hernando, Miss.  He died April 25, 2000.  
Bennett was a lifelong resident of Thebes.  She was a Baptist.
Survivors include a son, Jerry Bennett of Thebes; two daughters, Toni Sims of Olive Branch, Ill., Angie Jones of Gale, Ill.; two brothers, Melvin Baugher of Arizona, Bill Baugher of East Cape Girardeau, Ill; four sisters, Eileen Story of Pekin, Ill., Carolyn Thomas of East Cape Girardeau, Sharon Burpo of East Cape Girardeau, Mary Robert of Cape Girardeau, Mo; and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home.  Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Raymond Oxford officiating.  Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.  --Contributed by J. C. McNelly.


Tamms, IL.--MARILYN JEAN BENNETT, age 57, of Tamms, died at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2002 at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Marilyn was born Feb. 16, 1945 at Thebes, Ill., daughter of Richard Bennett and Zelva Dunning Bennett. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church in Olive Branch and a member of the Wetaug Homemakers Extension. Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Richard Bennett on Dec. 4, 1988 and a sister, Juanita Dowdy on Nov. 7, 2001. She is survived by her mother, Zelva Bennett of Tamms; one sister, Naomi Mann of Tamms; and a brother, Dwain Bennett of Wheatfield, Ind.; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Marilyn Jean Bennett were held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms with the Rev. Billy Don Heady and Rev. F. Jerry Herring officiating.  Interment followed in the Olive Branch Cemetery. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 7, 2002 at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms where friends called from 5-8 p.m. Jones Funeral Home in Tamms in charge of the arrangements. --From The Cairo Citizen, March 14 2002, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Chaffee, MO--RHETA WINONA BENTLEY, 58, of Chaffee died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, at her home, where she spent the last 36 years and was loved dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rheta was born Jan. 8, 1948, in Cairo, Ill., daughter of Albert Gene and Patsy Ruth Abney Casper of Mounds, Ill. She married Gary Wayne Bentley Oct. 8, 1970. 
Rheta, along with her husband and family, was a minister of music since the early 1970s, singing originally with the Soul Crusaders Gospel Singers, winning many souls for Christ. She worked as a certified nurse assistant at Saint Francis Medical Center and the Lutheran Home many years until 1998, when she fulfilled her dream and became a licensed practical nurse. She spent seven years of her nursing career caring for patients at Cardiovascular Consultants. She dedicated her life to serving others. She was a member of Chaffee General Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Gary Wayne Bentley of the home; her mother, Patsy Ruth Casper of Mounds; six children, Kimberly Helt-Melvin of Jackson, Gary Lynn (Theresa) Bentley of Kelso, Mo., Rebecca (Adam) Miller of Jackson, Stephen Bryan Bentley of Chaffee, Tim (April) Bentley of Blytheville, Ark., and Cheryl Burns of Sikeston, Mo.
 Also 12 grandchildren, Jordan, Liz and Hannah Melvin, Courtney and Collin Bentley, Jake Miller, Brandon and Wes Bentley, Jonathan Turner, Tyler Bentley, Chris and Kyle Kirkpatrick; and three great-grandchildren. Two more grandchildren are on the way. 
 Rheta was the oldest of 10 children.  Surviving siblings include Shirley (Roy) McHarry of Ullin, Ill., Gail (Dave) Walton of Barlow, Ky., Ricky (Debbie) Casper of Olive Branch, Ill., Jerry Casper of Mounds, Ill., Albert (Cheryl) Casper of Mound City, Ill.; Robbie (Lisa) Casper of Mounds, Chris (Karen) Casper of Anna, Ill., and Holly (Sammy) Goins of Mounds.
 She was preceded in death by her father, Albert Gene Casper; a brother, Jackie Casper; a sister-in-law, Mable Helt (her loving caregiver), and a  brother-in-law, Bill Bentley.  
Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee after 5 p.m. Friday.
 The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Joe Payne officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery at Chaffee.  --Contributed by Leslie Riney.

Cairo, IL--Neely Bettis Dead--CORNELIUS F. BETTIS died at eleven o'clock this morning at his home on Fourteenth street of consumption.  He had been confined to his bed for the past two months and for the last week his life was despaired of.
Neely was a young man about thirty years of age.  He has been janitor of the Douglas school for many years but broke down under the work this year.  He was a member in good standing of the colored Methodist church here, and was as honest and faithful a young colored man as you can find anywhere.  He leaves a mother, wife and two small children, a boy and a girl.  His death is a loss to the colored community. --From The Cairo Weekly Citizen, Thursday, Dec. 4, 1890, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Tamms, IL--CLIFFORD J. BETTS, 94, of Tamms died Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the Jonesboro Health Care Center. He was born Jan. 16, 1913 in Alexander County, IL, son of Lark Jackson and Mary Dillman Betts. He and Lilly E. Dickerson were married Aug. 23, 1938.
Betts was a member of the Elco Methodist Church. He was a retired farmer and had been active with the Tamms Senior Citizen.
Survivors include his wife, Lilly Betts of Tamms; a son, Lacie D. Betts of Tamms; two daughters, Linda Lingle of Jonesboro, and Debra Knupp of Tamms; two brothers, Charles Betts of Murray, KY, and Wesley Betts of Brighton, IL; six sisters, Mary Overmeyer and Vernetta Henderson of Bethalto, IL, Bernelda Burney, Carmelita Betts and Edna Gold, all of Wood River, IL, and Alta Smith of Carbondale, IL; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, three grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, and after 9 a.m. Tuesday at Elco Methodist Church. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at the church with Rev. Rob Grief officiating. Interment will be at St. John's Cemetery.

Tamms, IL.--DOROTHY JEAN (DAVIS) BETTS, 69, of Sebring, Fla., formerly of Tamms died at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2006, in the Shands at University of Florida in Gainesville.
Mrs. Betts was born Aug. 18, 1936 in Elco, daughter of the late Wilbert and Mary (West) Davis, Sr. She was a former member of Elco Baptist Church and Independence Baptist Church in Sebring, Fla. She was also a retired licensed practical nurse.
Survivors include her husband, Charles F. Betts of Sebring, Fla.; two sons, Charles Kevin Betts and Roger Betts of Tamms; two daughters, Mary Jane Henderson of Murray, Ky., and Joan Vick of Tamms; four sisters, Martha Atwood of Sebring, Fla., Kathryn Kerr of Elco, Margaret Marrow of Elco and Cheryl Sams of Thebes; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, aunt, Thelma Kirby of Grand Junction, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Betts was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Wilbert Davis, Jr.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2006 in Jones Funeral Home in Tamms with the Revs. Jay Franklin and Tom Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery in rural Dongola. Friends may call after 9 a.m. until the hour of service Saturday at the funeral home. --The Southern Illinoisan, June 26, 2006.

Tamms, IL.--Funeral services for LARK JACKSON BETTS, 87 yrs old, of Alton, a former area resident, were held this afternoon (Jan. 3, 1972) at the Elco Baptist Church. A grandson, the Rev. Lacie Dean Betts, pastor of the Reynoldsville Baptist Church officiated, assisted by the Rev. Tom L. Bridges, pastor of Elco Baptist Church. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery near Dongola. Mr. Betts died Friday night in an Alton hospital. He was born near Vienna on Dec. 3, 1884. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mary Lillie Betts; seven daughters, Mrs. Mary Lois Sivia and Mrs. Vernetta Henderson, both of Meadowbrook, Mrs. Leona (?Peach), Ballwin, MO, Miss Carlotta Betts and Miss Edna Betts, both of Alton, Mrs. Bernelda Burney, Wood River and Mrs. Alta Smith, Carbondale; six sons, Clifford and Charlie, both of Elco, Robert of Alhambra, Lark Jr. of Alton, John of Moro and Wesley of Brighten; a sister, Mrs. Lottie Mundt, Los Angeles, CA; 41 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. The Farnsworth Funeral Home of Tamms was in charge of arrangements.

Tamms, IL--LARK JACKSON BETTS JR., 75, of Tamms died Friday, July 4, 2003 at his home.  He was born July 8, 1927 in Elco, IL, son of Lark Jackson and Mary Lillian Schillings Betts Sr.  He married Betty Bridges.
He was a member of the Elco Baptist Church, served in the U. S. Army during World War II, and retired from the LaCleede Steel Mill in Alton, IL.  
Survivors include his wife; a son, William Betts of Murphysboro, IL; three daughters, Catherine Sarginson of Murphysboro, Joyce "Kim" Butler of Tamms and Beverly Ashworth of Olive Branch, IL; four brothers, John Betts of Moro, IL, Charles Betts of Sebring, FL, Wesley Betts of Brighton, IL and Clifford Betts of Tamms; six sisters, Mary Overmeyer, Carmelita Betts and Vernetta Henderson, all of Bethalto, IL, Bernelda Burney and Edna Gold, both of Wood River, IL, and Alta Smith of Carbondale, IL; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Friends may call between 5 and 8 p.m. Monday at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms.  The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Bridges officiating.  Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in rural Dongola, IL, with full military honors by Pulaski County VFW Post 8891 of Mounds, IL.

Dongola, IL.--Funeral services for MARGARET C. BETTS of Brighton will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Elias-Smith Funeral Home in Alton. The Rev. Jim Boyer will officiate. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. John's Cemetery with Crain Funeral Home of Dongola in charge of arrangements. Betts, 59, died Friday, July 3, 1992 at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO. She was born Aug. 21, 1932 at Elco, daughter of Floyd and Ellen Graves Smith. She married Wesley E. Betts. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Helen Betts of Brighton; four sons, David and Lark Betts of Brighton, Donald Betts of Quinlan, TX, Daryl Betts of Roxana; her mother of Dongola; four sisters, Rosemary Chapel of Jerseyville, Evelyn Poole of Tamms, Carolyn Bracken of Dongola and Shirley Donaldson of Little Rock, AR; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister.

Meadowbrook, IL--MRS. ESTELLA A. BETZ, 83, a resident of the East Alton-Meadowbrook area for the past 32 years, died at 4 a.m. Monday (May 30, 1960) in Haven Rest Nursing Home, Alhambra.  She had been in failing health for two years and a patient in the nursing home since last March 19.
Before entering the nursing home she had resided at Meadowbrook for seven years and previous to that in East Alton for 25 years.
A daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Dailey, she was born at Tamms, Feb. 22, 1877.  Her marriage to G. Betz took place on June 10, 1901.  Her husband died Jan. 27, 1917.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Thelma Reitemeier, Meadowbrook; Mrs. Marion King, Cottage Hills, and Mrs. Fern Baker, Carrollton; a sister, Mrs. Ellen Thomas, Tamms; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
A daughter, Mrs. Alma McWhorter died in 1953 and a son died in infancy.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters and her husband.
The body is at Smith Funeral Home, Bethalto, where friends may call after 7 p.m. today.  Funeral rites will be conducted Thursday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home after which interment will take place in Valhalla Memorial Park.  --Contributed by Donna Dailey Knight.

Olive Branch, Ill--LINDA BEVENS, age 63, of Olive Branch died suddenly Thursday evening, July 2, 2009 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.  She was born Dec. 23, 1945 in Elco, Ill., to Alguquine and Ruby Ilene Bridges May.  she and Ford Bevens, Jr. were married Oct. 17, 1965.  He survives her.
She was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Ford, of Olive Branch; a son, Michael Bevens of Olive Branch; two daughters, Rhonda Powell of Olive Branch and Crystoil VanHorne of Houston; eight grandchildren; three sisters, Willa Simmons of McClure, Ill., Dixie Reed of French Village, Mo, and Barbara Bailey of Olive Branch; two brothers, Robert May of Thebes, Ill. and Thomas May of Cape Girardeau, Mo; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ford Bevens III; a sister, Diane Hammond; and five brothers, Cecil, Leonard, Ronnie, Patrick and Jackie May.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2009 at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at the funeral home with the Revs. Darrell E. Faire Sr. and Stephen R. Butler officiating.  Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.  (Contributed by J. C. McNelly)

Miller City, IL.--ELLA MAE BISHOP--Funeral services for Mrs. Ella Mae Bishop, age 60, who died Monday at St. Mary's Hospital (Cairo) will be held at the Lake Milligan Baptist Church at Miller City Tuesday at 1 p.m. with the pastor, Rev. Oran Smith, assisted by Rev. U. E. Hopkins, pastor of the Assembly of God Church of Cairo officiating. Interment will be made in the Thistlewood Cemetery at Mounds. The body is at Karcher Brothers Funeral Home where friends may call. Karcher brothers are in charge. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 1950, contributed by Anna Shelton.

Burke, VA--LOUISA BLAKEMORE, nee Hoppe, 91, of Burke, Va., formerly of Oak Park and Alexander County, Ill., died at 6 a.m. Feb. 16 at home. Mrs. Blakemore was born Feb. 17, 1913, in Cairo, Ill., a daughter of Ernest and Amelia, nee Barsuhn, Hoppe. She was married on June 23, 1935, to John, who died June 20, 1993.
Mrs. Blakemore was a homemaker. She was a member of the Harrison St. Bible Church, Oak Park, where her husband and son were pastors. She was the organist and pianist at the church.
She is survived by daughter Elizabeth (David) Tye of Burke, Va., son Paul (Dorothy) Blakemore of Shiewsbury, Pa., daughter-in-law Marla Blakemore of Oak Park, 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Peter, and seven brothers and sisters.
Visitation and funeral services were held Feb. 20 in Crain Funeral Home, Tamms, IL., with the Rev. Verlee Eaker officiating. Interment was in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens.   --Forest Leaves (River Forest, IL) - February 23, 2005

Tamms, IL.--DAVID BRENT BLANEY, 18, of Tamms died Saturday in Tamms. He was born March 20, 1976 in Cape Girardeau, son of Ralph and Diane Jordan Blaney. He was a member of the Elco Methodist Church, the FFA Chapter at Egyptian High School and Ducks Unlimited. He is survived by his parents of Tamms; a brother, Donnie Blaney; maternal grandparents, Donald and Isabel Jordan of Tamms and his paternal grandmother, Pauline Blaney of Jonesboro. He was preceded in death by a grandfather and two aunts. Service will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. at Alexander Freewill Baptist Church near Olive Branch, with Rev. Tom Bailey officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms after 5:00 p.m. today and before noon Monday and at the church from noon until time of service Monday.

Bethalto, IL--LORAN G. BLEDSOE, 80, died at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 14, 2001 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, (IL).  Born Sept. 23, 1920 in Thebes, he was a son of the late Charlie D. and Lillie (Staton) Bledsoe.  He served in the United States Army and was toll officer for the Golden Gate Bridge in California for 35 years and retired in 1975.  In 1977 in Las Vegas, he married the former Leona M. Martin.  she died in 1985.  Surviving are two sisters, Anna Mae Eaker of Bethalto and Bethel Berrey of Collinsville, (IL); and several nieces and nephews.  A brother, Alfred D. Bledsoe and two sisters, Vivian Sauls and Billie Schuette, preceded him in death.  There will be no visitation.  Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, (IL) at a later date.  Marks Mortuary in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.  (Contributed by Donna Knight)

Thebes, IL.--MRS. LUCY BLEDSOE, died Friday at noon at Chester, Il. following a long illness. She was a life-long resident of the Thebes community. Mrs. Bledsoe was preceded in death by her husband, Frank in 1936. Survivors include two daughters, Wanda Bledsoe and Mrs. Blanche Wehmeyer, both of Thebes, three sons, Frank of Chester, Roy of Olive Branch and Lloyd of Thebes, one brother Pete Shaver of Chester and other relatives. Friends may call at the family resident near Thebes after 6pm today. Funeral Services will be held at 2pm at Mt. Zion Church in Thebes. Interment will be made in the Mt. Zion Cemetery. Berbling Funeral Home will be in charge....donated by Judy Simpson. (The stone has b. 1897; d. 1953.)

Cairo, IL.--MISS GESINA BLOMS, passed away this morning at 8:30 o'clock, at her home, 228-7th street in this city. Miss Bloms was born and reared in Cairo and spent her entire life here.  She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Bloms, pioneer residents of Cairo. She is survived by a sister, Miss Anne Bloms; three brothers, Clement, Herman, and Egbert, besides other relatives. The body will remain at the Berbling Funeral Home, where friends may call after 9 a.m. Tuesday.  Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick's church at 8:30 Wednesday morning, with Rev. Fr. Bernard Pender, officiating.  Burial will be made in the family lot in Calvary cemetery at Villa Ridge.  Berbling Funeral Service will be in charge of arrangements. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen, Oct 1, 1940, contributed by Anna Shelton. (Gesina Bloms was born in 1874)

Cairo, IL.--SALEEM BOALBY, age 47 years, died Friday night at 10 o'clock at his home, 1301 1/2 Commercial avenue, following a paralytic stroke which was the third stroke he had suffered recently.  Mr. Boalby was born in Syria, coming to this country in 1903.  He had lived in Cairo for 20 years, and was proprietor of a general store at 1301 Commercial avenue until a year ago when ill health forced him to retire from business.  He was a member of the Syrian-American club. Surviving Mr. Boalby are his widow and the following children, James, 13; Alex, 12; Norma, 10; Thelma, 8; Martha, 7; Rose Alice, 6; and George, 2.  He leaves several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the residence, followed by interment in the St. Anthony lot at Thistlewood cemetery.  Karcher Brothers will direct the funeral. --From The Cairo Evening Citizen & Bulletin, Saturday, Dec. 17, 1932, contributed by Anna Shelton.

DeLand, FL--EDDIE DALE BOMAR, 47, 710 Montreville Ave., DeLand, died Tuesday (February 10, 1987). Born in Cairo, Ill., he moved to DeLand in 1951 from Nashville, Tenn. He was retired from the Volusia County Road Department. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a Baptist.
Survivors: daughters, Donna D. and Kelly Bomar, both of DeLand; sons, Charles and Eddie Jr., both of DeLand; sisters, Mary Campbell, DeLand, Bobbie Frazier, Benton, Ark., Patricia Sasser, Port St. Joe.; brother, Troy Jr., Cocoa Beach.
Lankford Funeral Home, DeLand.   --Orlando Sentinel, The (FL) - February 13, 1987

Elco, IL.--MRS. MARY M. BOTTOM, age 72, Elco, died Sunday afternoon April 3, 1988 at her home in Elco. Mrs. Bottom was born December 31, 1915 in Sharp County, AR, daughter of the late Alfred Bertrum and Louie Lucinda (Justus) Mashburn. Mrs. Bottom was a member of the Elco Methodist Church, and was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Bottom on April 26, 1969. Survivors include four daughters, Naomi S. Baldwin, Phyllis K. Becker and Sandra L. Asher, all of Rochelle, IL, and Anna L. Newell of Noble, IL; two sons, Allen W. Bottom of Elgin, IL and Charles J. Bottom of Elco; one sister, Louise J. Garside of Williford, AR; and one brother, Bertrum B. Mashburn of Seymour, MO; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Bottom will be Wednesday, April 6, 1988 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Home, Tamms, with Rev. Lacie Betts and Rev. Bruce Gordan, officiating, with the interment following in the Ebenezer Hall Cemetery near Lick Creek, IL. Friends called between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms. (Pallbearers were grandsons, Rocky Baldwin, David W. Newell, Brent Newell, Eric Newell, Michael Bottom, Keith Bottom and Steven Bottom and sons-in-law, David M. Newell and James W. Becker.) --From family records.

Elco, IL.--MILTON F. BOTTOM, 59, Elco, died Saturday morning (April 26, 1969) at Southeast Missouri Hospital (Cape Girardeau, MO). He was a retired superintendent of Illinois Mineral (Company) at Elco and a member of (Elco) Methodist Church. Survivors are his widow, Mary; four daughters, Mrs. Naomi Baldwin, Rochelle, IL, Mrs. Anna Newell, Marissa, IL; Miss Phyllis and Miss Sandra Bottom at home; two sons, Allen Wayne, Elgin, IL and Charles, at home; two sisters Mrs. Merida Oliver, West Plains, MO, and Mrs. Mildred Honeycutt, Knoxville, TN; two brothers, Merrill of Marion, IL and Morris of West Plains; and four grandchildren. Friends may call at Farnsworth Funeral chapel at any time. The body will be taken at noon Tuesday to the Elco Methodist Church for funeral services at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Jesse Seiber, assisted by the Rev. Herbert Bierman, a former pastor now of Vienna. Burial will be in the Ebenezer-Hall Cemetery at Lick Creek, (IL). (Pallbearers were Jack Butter, Gary Dillow, Bob Ray, Donald Poole, Jimmy Poole and Gene Poole.) --From family records.

Portland, OR–CAROLYN JEAN BOWER-- A Mass will be at 2 p.m. Monday, April 16, 2007, in St. Cyril Catholic Church in Wilsonville for Carolyn Jean Bower, who died April 8 (2007) at age 65.
Carolyn Jean Poole was born Dec. 8, 1941, in Elco, Ill., and moved to Portland in 1951. She graduated from Cleveland High School and was a court clerk for Judge William Keys. Later, she and her husband owned Clancy's Pub and Restaurant in Sherwood for 19 years. She moved to Wilsonville in 2003. In 1969, she married Robert D. Bower.
Survivors include her husband; sons, Gary Swaim, Steven Swaim and Allen Bower; sisters, Joyce Gumm, Judy Valpiani, Beverly Thorpe, Sunday Summer, Mary Dorry; and three grandchildren.
Remembrances to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Attrell's.   --Oregonian, The (Portland, OR) - April 13, 2007

VERO BEACH, FL–HAROLD EUGENE BOWERS, 88, of Vero Beach died Wednesday, June 10, 1998, at a local nursing home. A native of Miller City, Ill., he moved to Vero Beach from Fort Pierce, where he lived for 26 years.
He was a real estate broker. He served in the Army. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Pierce and the Veterans of Foreign War of Fort Pierce.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Maribea S. Bowers of Vero Beach; two daughters, Patricia Moudy of Stuart and Carolyn Moore of Jensen Beach; a stepdaughter, Mimi Cozad of Champagne, Ill.; four grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
A service was held Monday, June 15, at Haisley-Hobbs Funeral Home in Fort Pierce with the Rev. David Thomas of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial was in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Fort Pierce.   --Fort Pierce News (FL) - June 19, 1998 

DECATUR, IL-- ARCHIE "ARCH" BRAZIER JR. was born in Miller City, Illinois to the union of the late Archie Brazier and Mattie Brazier on October 13th 1939. On Monday, July 10, 2006, Archie made his transition from this earthly life to his heavenly home at approximately 9:20 a.m. at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Illinois. At the time of his transition Archie was 66 years, 8 months, and 27 days of age.
Archie attended Phillip School in Miller City, Illinois. He confessed a hope in Christ under the pastorate of Reverend O.H. Henderson in Miller City, Illinois and later united with Greater Northside Baptist Church in Decatur, Illinois.
Archie worked for many years on the family farm before leaving home at an early age to start his career in carpentry. Archie resided in Decatur, Illinois for over 30 years of which he started his own carpentry business "Brazier’s Remodeling". Archie was a very gifted carpenter and was well known throughout the Decatur area and throughout parts of Illinois and Michigan. Archie would often come home to do carpentry work for his family, especially his "Mom".
Archie leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted and loving friend Clara McGee, Decatur, Illinois, of which his last words to Clara were "God told him he was going to improve"; his mother Mattie Brazier, Tamms, Illinois; his son Richard (Linda) Brazier, Decatur, Illinois; four beloved sisters, Joyce Carter, Youngstown, Ohio, Melva Davis, Wichita Falls, Texas, Gloria Brazier, Tamms, Illinois, and Dorothy (Lonnie) Williford, Cape Girardeau, Missouri; five brothers, Kenneth (Isabella) Brazier, San Bernadino, California, Carl Brazier, Decatur, Illinois, Harland Brazier, Paducah, Kentucky, Terry Brazier, Mounds City, Illinois, Falvin Brazier, Youngstown, Ohio; one brother-in-law, Ira Herron, Cairo, Illinois, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Brazier, a sister, Mearl Herron, and two brothers, Kermit and James Brazier.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am. Saturday July 15, 2006 at the Greater Northside Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Waddell officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8 pm. Friday at the church. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park Harristown, Illinois. Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.   --Herald & Review (Decatur, IL) - July 12, 2006

Elco, IL.--GEORGE W. "BUD" BRIDGES, 79, of Elizabethtown, Ill., died Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, KY.  He was born Feb 22, 1928 at Elco, son of Virgil S. and Gladys Jones Bridges.  He married Thelma O. Stafford, who died Nov 6, 2000.  Bridges was a retired sign maintenance employee with Illinois Department of Transportation.  He was a member of Teamster Union.  Survivors include a son, Daniel Bridges of Elizabethtown; two daughters, Georgia Webb of Elco, Gladys Reese of Versailles, IL; a brother, Charles Bridges of Granite City, IL; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms, IL.  The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Bridges officiating.  Burial will be in Sims Cemetery in Elco.

Tamms, IL.--JAMES EDWARD BRIDGES, 76, of rural Tamms, died at 11:50 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2006, in Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion. Mr. Bridges was born Nov. 28, 1929, in Elco, son of the late Clarence Edward and Ruby Marie (West) Bridges. He was a member of Elco Baptist Church, Korean War Army Veteran, former member and finance officer for the Alfton American Legion Post and was a retired Roadway truck driver. Mr. Bridges was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mary Elizabeth (McGuire) Bridges; his second wife, May Sherry (Lessar) Bridges; a sister Sara Hall; and a brother, Leonard F. Bridges. Survivors include a son, Master Sergeant James Dean Bridges of Nowata, Okla.; a granddaughter, Paige Bridges of Nowata, Okla.; a brother, Don Bridges and his wife, Vera, of Olive Branch; a sister-in-law, Wilma Bridges of Cape Girardeau; a brother-in-law, Jack Hall of Anna; and several nieces and nephews. Services for James Edward Bridges will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2006 in Jones Funeral Home in Tamms, with the Rev. Tom Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery in rural Dongola, with full military honors given by members of the Pulaski Co. VFW Post 8891, of Mounds, Cairo VFW Post 2649, and the American Legion Post 179 of Villa Ridge. Jones Funeral Home in Tamms is in charge of arrangements. --Courtesy The Southern Illinois, 5/15/2006.

Tamms, IL. LEONARD FERRIN BRIDGES, 77, of Tamms died Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004 at his home. He was born Jan. 11, 1927 in Elco, IL., son of Clarence Edward and Ruby Marie West Bridges. He and Wilma Dodd were married at Tamms Oct. 9, 1947. Bridges was a retired truck driver and had worked for Roadway, Midwest Haulers, Sam Tanksley and Ohio Pacific. He was a member and trustee of Elco Baptist Church and member of Pulaski County VFW Post 8891 of Mounds, IL. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Eddie Bridges and wife, Pam, of Fredericktown, MO, Jackie Bridges of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Donald Bridges and wife, Vera, of Olive Branch, IL, Jim Bridges of Tamms; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson, his parents, two sisters and a brother. Friends may call at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until time of service. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Revs. P. L. Montgomery and Buddy Walls officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery near Dongola, IL with full military honors by members of VFW Post 8891. --Courtesy of The Southern Illinoisan.

Tamms, IL.--WILLIAM L. "CODY" BRIDGES--Funeral services will be held Monday for William L. Bridges of Tamms, who died Friday, Aug. 12, 1988 at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was 86. He was born Sept. 18, 1901 at Elco, son of James Ellis and Martha Thompson Bridges. He married Edna Bracken Sept. 17, 1921. She died Oct. 16, 1979. He married Lavonna Smiley on Nov. 27, 1982. She survives. Bridges was a member and oldest deacon of Elco Baptist Church. He was also a member of Southern Lodge 241 of IOOF of Jonesboro and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Lloyd of Jackson, TN; Jerry of Weaver, AL; and Rev. Tom Bridges of Wyatt, MO; two daughters, Betty Betts of Tamms and Thelma Dunn of Olive Branch; a step-son, Rev. Thomas E. Baine of Moore, OK; a step-daughter, Peggy Dodd of Marion, IL; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by a daughter, two sons, one grandson, one granddaughter, two sisters and three brothers. The funeral will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at the Elco Baptist Church with Rev. Jay Franklin officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery near Dongola. Crain Funeral Home of Tamms is in charge of arrangements.

Sheridan, IL-- MARGIE R. BRITT, 74, of Sheridan, Illinois, passed away on Monday, January 12, 1998 at Ottawa Community Hospital in Ottawa, Illinois. She was born on November 12, 1923 in Unity, Illinois, the daughter of John and Libby (Oliver) Staton. She married Olen J. Britt on May 10, 1941 in Charleston, Missouri.
Survivors include her husband, Olen J. Britt of Sheridan; two daughters, Gloria (Russell) Perkins of Sheridan and Connie (Ron) Talley of Sheridan; four sons, Lenneth (Judy) Britt of Sheridan, Gene (Jewell) Britt of Sheridan, John (Nancy) Britt of Somonauk and Dean Britt of Sheridan; three sisters, Thelma (Kenny) Plique of Sheridan, Urma (Paul) Thomas of Bradenton, Florida and Lizzie Summers of Karnak, Illinois; four brothers, Tommy (Wanda) Staton of Sheridan, Frankie (Vivian) Staton of Plano, John (Georgia) Staton of Joppa, Illinois and Ronnie (Linda) Staton of Metropolis, Illinois; 18 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; one uncle, Hubert "Hoot" Oliver of Sheridan and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Vernon and Fred Staton; one sister in infancy and one brother in infancy.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 1998 at the Turner Funeral Home in Somonauk with the Reverend John Paul Robbins officiating. Burial will be in Elerding Cemetery in Sheridan. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 14, 1998 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Her grandsons will serve as casket bearers. --Beacon News, The (Aurora, IL) - January 14, 1998.

July 31, 1908--Aged Thebes Man Died Sunday--Another Died Monday--A G.A.R. Was One to Pass Away--A. J. BROWN, better known here as "Jack" Brown, died at his home in this city Monday (July 27, 1908) at 4:15 o'clock, aged 67 years. Death was due to typhoid fever. The deceased was born and reared in the vicinity of Thebes and made this place his home. He was the son of David Brown, a pioneer of Alexander County. He responded to his country's call in the (18)60's and after serving until the end of the war he returned to Thebes, where he has since resided. He was a good Christian man and a model citizen and his death is mourned by the entire community. He is survived by his wife and two sons, David and Willis, and two daughters, Ella and Eliza. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Baptist Church of which the deceased was a member. Rev. William King conducted the service. The remains were laid to rest in the Thebes Cemetery under the direction of the G.A.R. post. --Source: The Daily Republican, Cape Girardeau, MO from microfilm at the Cape Public Library. (Note:  Dan Wright a great-great-grandson said that Jack had four sons and one daughter. The sons were David, Willis, Frank and Elzie. The daughter was Ella. Mrs. Brown's name was Jane and A. J. was Andrew Jackson.)

Tamms, IL--CHARLES H. "SONNY" BROWN, 78, of Tamms, formerly of Mounds, Ill., passed away at 9:47 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2008 at Southeast Missouri Hospital.  He was born Jan. 31, 1930, at Unity, Ill., son of the late Hugh and Margaret (Ray) Brown.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mounds, a Korean War Army veteran and a retired electrician with the Union Carbide Company in Kevil, KY.  He retired December 1985 and was an avid fisherman.  Sonny married the former Jean Mahan on June 27, 1952.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ina Mae Rice.  Survivors include his wife, Jean (Mahan) Brown of Tamms, two daughters and sons-in-law, Charlotte Brown Kyllenon and David of Tamms, Valerie Kay Brown Davis and Ricky of Cape Girardeau; one son, Rodney L. Brown and LaDonna of LaCenter, KY; one sister, Mary Dillow and her husband, Van of Tamms; one brother, Dallas Brown and his wife, Bonnie, of Farmington, MO; six grandchildren, Jennifer Dabbs, Cody Seigart, Joe and Charles Jerrod Guidi, Shannon Waldon and Christy Skirvin; six great-grandchidren, Riley Rae and Charles Jason Dabbs, Michael and Ella Waldon and Lauren and Megan Skirvin; and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services for Charles H. "Sonny" Brown will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms with the Revs. Buddy Walls and Tom Bridges officiating.  Interment will follow in Lindsey Cemetery in McClure, Ill., with full military honors given by members of the Pulaski County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8891 of Mounds, American Legion Post 178 of Villa Ridge and Cairo VFW Post 2649.  Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms.  Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tamms, IL--EILEEN BROWN, 91, of Tamms, formerly of Albuquerque, N.M., died Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at the home of a son in Tamms.  She was born April 7, 1916, in Michigan City, Ind., to Starr Leroy and Gladys Burnett Gephardt. She married Gene Brown in 1954. He died May 20, 2002.
Brown was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  She had been a salesperson.
Survivors include six sons, Zephyrie "Skip" Martin of Golconda, Ill., Tex Martin of Tamms, Frank Martin and Lyle Brown of Albuquerque, Bob Martin of Anna, Ill., and Ken Martin of Chicago; five daughters, Rosealie Kimberlin, Karol Stamp and JoAllen Myers, all of Tamms, Sandy Eddings of Ullin, Ill., Betty Ann Gephardt of Michigan; a stepdaughter, Loris Brown of Albuquerque; two stepsons, Jim Brown of Virginia and Dale Brown; 71 grandchildren, 83 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, a daughter and three grandchildren.
The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, with the Rev. Federico Higuerio officiating.  Visitation will follow the service.
Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Truth or Consequences, N.M.  --Contributed by Leslie Riney.

Thebes, IL.--FUNERAL SERVICES WERE HELD TODAY--Over Remains of Mrs. Martin Brown at Thebes-- MRS. ELIZABETH BROWN, whose death occurred Thursday night at Thebes was 75 years of age.  Her husband, Martin Brown, was one of the pioneer residents of Alexander county.  Seven children survive them, six sons, Alfred, William, Henry, U. S., Martin, and Thomas, and one daughter, Mrs. Mattie Bracken.  Mrs. Brown made her home with her son Martin, on the old farm east of Thebes.
Funeral services were held today and the remains were interred in the Thebes cemetery.  Mrs. Brown was a member of the Baptist Church of Thebes.  Her husband preceded her three years ago. Circuit Clerk Alfred Brown and William Brown, two of the sons, live in Cairo.  The rest of the children live in Thebes. --From the Cairo Evening Citizen, Saturday, April 17, 1909, contributed by Anna Shelton. (Note: Mrs. Brown was born Feb. 22, 1834 and died Apr. 15, 1909.)

Oklahoma City, OK--MYRTLE P. BROWN, 87, born May 30, 1902 in Cairo, Illinois. She went to be with her Lord on Jan. 31, 1990. She is survived by 2 daughters, Ann McDonald of Louisville, KY and Suzette Wall Lewis of OKC; a son, Wm. E. Brown of Los Angeles, CA. She is preceded in death by a son Richard. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and 11 great
grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all. Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 5, 1990 at the John-Ridouts Mortuary in Birmingham, Alabama. Local arrangements by HAHN-COOK/STREET & DRAPER. --Daily Oklahoman, The (Oklahoma City, OK) - February 2, 1990

McClure, IL--OSCAR OVERTON BROWN, 103, of McClure died Thursday, Nov 20, 2008 at his home.  He was born Sept. 26, 1905 at Devil's Island, Ill., son of Elzie and Bessie Catherine Presley Brown.  He and Peggy Ford were married July 27, 1982 in Wickliffe, KY.  Brown worked in construction, building bridges, roads and commercial buildings.  He also worked for Caterpillar Co. in Chicago.  After retiring he owned Pop's Tin Inn Bar in Olmsted, Ill.  Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Laura Wright of McClure, Ella Nally of Dongola, MO; a sister, Mary Bridgeman of Manito, IL; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by six brothers and three sisters.  Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.  The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bill Joyce officiating.  Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery in McClure.  --Contributed by J. C. McNelly.

Cairo, IL.--DEATH CLAIMS ANOTHER OLD CAIRO CITIZEN--GEORGE W BUCHANAN Passed Away Friday Night--Death claimed another of Cairo's oldest residents Friday night, when George W. Buchanan, age 84 years, passed away at his home, 526 Center Street, following an illness of little more than two years.  Mr. Buchanan was born in Rising Sun, Ind., and came to Cairo in 1880, where he has resided ever since.  For many years he was engaged in the grain business, but later entered the contracting business.  At a later date he purchased the Boat (or Bost) Store on Ohio street and was actively engaged in the grocery business with his son, J. P. Buchanan, until a few years ago when his son acquired his father's interest in the business.  The deceased is survived by his wife Mary Buchanan; three sons, A. L. and J. P. Buchanan, of Cairo, and W. J. Buchanan, of Shreveport, La.; also a brother, Perry Buchanan, aged 86 years, of Springfield, Mo.; two grandchildren, Lee and Lois Buchanan and two great-grandchildren.  His brother will be here to attend the funeral.  Mr. Buchanan was a devout member of the First Presbyterian church of Cairo, having united with this church in 1880.  Funeral services will be held at the residence on Center street Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. J. Turner Hood, pastor of the Presbyterian church.  Interment will take place at Beech Grove cemetery.  Karcher Brothers will have charge of the funeral.  The pallbearers will be:  Wallace Gore, Floss Buder, Clyde Sullivan, Jake Steger, Morris Perce, John Dewey, Frank Torrey and Herman Childers.  --From The Cairo Evening Citizen and Bulletin, Saturday, October 5, 1929, contributed by Anna Shelton.

McClure, IL--MARY TAYLOR BURCHYETT, 73, of McClure died Tuesday, Jan 13, 2009 at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.  She was born April 1, 1935 in McClure, to Dolphus and Thelma Groves Darnell.  She married Claude Earl Taylor, who preceded her in death July 27, 1969.  She later married Lester R. Burchyett, who preceded her in death March 26, 2008.  Mrs. Burchyett was a member of McClure Baptist Church, and a hairdresser 40 years.  She also in recent years volunteered at McClure Grade School.  Survivors include two sons, Claude "Jr." Taylor II and Dennis (Cynthia) Taylor, both of McClure; a stepdaughter, Betty Lou Griffith of Cape Girardeau; three sisters, Ruby Theis of Millstadt, IL, Vickie Mayberry of Jonesboro, IL, Debra Black of Massachusetts; a brother, Larry Bartlett of Sedgewickville, Mo., five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and other relatives.  She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; and two brothers, Kenneth and Bill Darnell.  The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the McClure Baptist Church with Paul Mayberry, Bill Joyce and Randy Morgan officiating.  Interment will be in Lindsey Cemetery.  Crain Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.  (Contributed by J. C. McNelly)

McClure, IL.--The REV. ROBERT LEWIS BURCHYETT, 91, of West Memphis, Ark., formerly of Cairo and McClure, Ill., passed away at 4:20 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, 2007 at the Broadway Health Center in West Memphis.  He died peacefully, surrounded by his family.  He was born March 15, 1916 in rural McClure, youngest child of the late Calvin and Erma (Baker) Burchyett.  Bob attended McClure High School and often told family members of when he walked Lawana Opal Colyer home from school one day and decided he was going to marry her.  He married his high school sweetheart Nov. 10, 1934.  She died Jan. 19, 1989.  Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Barbara Anna and Joe Smith and Erma Lynn Burchyett of West Memphis; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law Shannon Hollingsworth of Villa Ridge, Ill; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Bro Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelby Darlene Hollingsworth, with whom he lived until her death March 5, 2006; infant son William Lewis; infant daughter, Carolyn Sue; two sisters, Thelma Moore and Minnie Lovell; two brothers, Raymond and Audrey Burchyett.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Cairo Pentecostal Church.  A celebration of Bro. Bob Burchyett's life will be held at noon Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 in the church he, his wife and three daughters founded some 54 years ago.  Bro. Bobby McCool will officiate, assisted by Bro. Charles McKinnies, Bro Dan McKinnies, Bro Bob McCool, Sr. and Bro. Stephen Smith.  Burial will follow in the Lindsey Cemetery in rural McClure.  Jones Funeral Home of Villa Ridge is in charge of the arrangements. 

East Cape Girardeau, IL.--THELMA WARREN BUSTER, 85, of Wood River, formerly of East Cape, died at 12:49 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, in DCH Regional Medical Center is Tuscaloosa, Ala. Mrs. Buster was born June 5, 1921, in Thebes the daughter of the late James and Gertrude (Story) Warren. She was a retired school bus driver for 19 years with Roxanna School District.
Mrs. Buster was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Howard, Ollie, Leslie and Ralph Warren; sisters, Beulah Twente, Else Bedwell, Vertie Abercrombie and Daisy McKee and her husband, Clarence "Shorty" Buster, on Oct. 6, 2005.
Survivors include three daughters, Shirley Wilson of Alton, Crystal Corey of Ralph. Ala., and Beverly Rhymer of Russelville, Ala.; sister, Lois Draper of Bethalto; seven grandchildren, Sarah Maline, David Malone, Mary Kenny, Rebekah Ensor, Ruth Simpson, Teisha Spratlin and Jason McKee; 11 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Alexander Freewill Baptist Church in Olive Branch, with the Revs. John Montgomery, Earnest Brown and Levy Corey officiating. Burial will be in the Olive Branch Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 until 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. --Courtesy The Southern Illinoisan, 10/17/2006.

Jonesboro, IL. EDWARD H. BUTLER, 61, of Sandoval, IL, died Sunday, October 24, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia, IL. He was born July 6, 1943 in Mill Creek, IL, son of Elmer and Ethel O. Engleman Butler. Survivors include two sons, Edward Wayne Butler and wife, Anna, of Alabaster, AL, Fred Butler, and wife, Laura, of Hillsboro, IL; a daughter, Bobbi and Jeff Overby of Waterloo, IL; his mother of Jonesboro; a brother, Wayne and Mary Jo Butler of Dongola, IL; a sister, Elsie Butler of Goreville, IL; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, a sister, Marietta Yakstis, and two brothers, Jessie and Eugene Butler. Friends may call at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna, IL from 11:00 a.m. Thursday until time of service. The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Sadler officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery at Dongola. --Courtesy of The Southern Illinoisan.

Tamms, IL. JESSE LEO BUTLER, age 17, of Elco was instantly killed in an automobile and truck accident Tuesday (August 25, 1959) near Cora, IL, on Rt. 3. He is survived by his parents, Mr and Mrs. Elmer Butler of Elco; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Etta Wilkinson of Wood River, IL and Miss Elsie Marie Butler at home; three brothers, Wayne of East Alton and Edward and Eugene at home; his paternal grandfather, John Butler of Elco. He was a member of the Elco Methodist Church and attended Tamms High School. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Elco Methodist Church conducted by Rev. John Richey, pastor. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call at the Farnsworth Funeral Home. --From the Cairo Evening Citizen, August 27, 1959.
Chester, IL.--ELCO YOUTH KILLED; THREE OTHERS HURT--A 17-year-old Alexander County boy was killed Tuesday in the headon crash of a truck and a car on Highway 3, about 12 miles south of Chester. Three other persons were injured, two critically. Dead was Jesse Butler of Elco, a passenger in a car driven by Gerald Holtz, 18, East Alton. Holtz and Jesse Butler's brother, Wayne, 21, were in critical condition. Another passenger, Mrs. Margaret Butler, 18, was reported in good condition in a Murphysboro hospital. State police charged truck driver James L. Collins, 27, with driving in the wrong lane of traffic. Collins, of Route 1, Medon, TN, was not injured. He was driving a semitrailer truck.

Cairo, IL--MRS. (MARY A.) BYRNE DIED OF INFIRMITIES OF OLD AGE--Mrs. Byrne of 907 Washington Avenue, the aged mother of Mrs. John McNulty, Mrs. William Carroll and Miss Tillie Byrne died Thursday night after a prolonged illness due to the infirmities of old age.  Her life was despaired of last Saturday.  Mrs. Byrne was a devout member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  Funeral arrangements have not as yet been completed.
FUNERAL NOTICE--Mrs. Mary A. Byrne, died Saturday morning, October 14, (1910) of the infirmities of old age, age 65 years, 10 months, 6 days.  Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick's church at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
FUNERAL OF MRS. BYRNE--Service Yesterday Afternoon at St. Patrick's Church Largely Attended--Floral Tributes--The funeral of Mrs. Mary Byrne was held yesterday afternoon from the residence at 907 Washington avenue.  Service was held at St. Patrick's church by Rev. Fr. Downey with music by the church choir.  It was largely attended by friends, and there were some beautiful floral tributes.  Mrs. Byrne had been one of the oldest members of the church, and was universally esteemed.  A special train conveyed the funeral party from Fourteenth street to Villa Ridge, where interment was made.  (Note:  Mrs. Byrne (nee Brady), was the widow of the late Laurence J. Byrne of Cairo, who died 05 Jul 1875.  Contributed by Gail Wilkie)  See related article.

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