Ernest Lee Harrelson, age 81, passed away Aug. 10, 2009, at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital.He was born Feb. 27, 1928, and was the loving father of Ernest Lee Harrelson II, Laura Harrelson, and Joyce (Bill) Weissmann-Harrelson. He is also survived by numerous brothers, sisters, grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Ernest is preceded in death by his most cherished wife, Peggy Joyce Harrelson; daughter, Sherry Harrelson; and his parents. Per his family's request services will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Anderson Memorial Chapel in Romeoville, IL, where you may call (815) 886-2323 for further information. Published in the Mt. Vernon Register News from 8/14/2009 - 8/15/2009

MCLEANSBORO, Ill. - Alta L. (Mezo) Miller, 88, died August 8, 2009, in Eldorado. She was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Janice Rice; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services 1 p.m. Friday at Gholson Funeral Home, burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. Friday. Published in the Courier Press on 8/13/2009

Lee Ann James Lee Ann James, 81, McLeansboro, passed away at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis. Mrs. James was a secretary for North Richland Hills Baptist Church for more than 20 years as well as for other Baptist churches in the Fort Worth, Texas, area. She was born June 7, 1928, in McLeansboro, a daughter of Leslie Lee and Lela York Donelson. She married Anson Jack James on June 1, 1946, at First Baptist Church of McLeansboro; he survives. Mrs. James' body was donated to science as per her request. A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday at Ten Mile Baptist Church, McLeansboro; the Rev. John Smith will officiate. Survivors include her mother, Lela York Donelson of McLeansboro; her husband of 63 years, Anson Jack James of McLeansboro; one son, Terry Jack James, McLeansboro; one daughter, Debra Lee (James) Adkins and husband B.D. of San Antonio, Texas; one brother, Donald Donelson of McLeansboro; four sisters, Daphne Drake, Marilyn James and Kitty Lakin, all of McLeansboro, and Clara Nell Dillinger and husband Bob of Pa-ducah, Ky.; four grandchildren, Jef James of Weatherford, Texas, Jason James and wife Jennifer of Weatherford, Texas, Amy Hayden and husband Tommy of Cedar Park, Texas, and Wes Thompson of College Station, Texas; and two great-grandchildren, Riley James of Weatherford, Texas, and Mikael James of Bedford, Texas. Mrs. James was a member of Ten Mile Baptist Church, McLeansboro. She was a member of the Homemakers Education Association in McLeansboro and former president of the Springtown, Texas, chapter of HEA. She served as a den mother and in other aspects of scouting for many years. She served Meals on Wheels in Springtown. She was preceded in death by her father and a grandson, Jonathan James. Memorials may be made to Ten Mile Baptist Church, McLeansboro, and will be accepted at the church or at Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro, which was in charge of arrangements

Seeking information on Elizabeth Rodgers in Hamilton County 1850 census age 54 with the following other persons: James W. Rodgers age 25 born TN Elizabeth Haines age 15 born TN Rachael E.A. Linn age 9 born TN Joseph A. Linn age 8 born TN Does anyone know of this family or of others sources for information. Joan

MCLEANSBORO - Leroy "Butch" Finch Sr., 86, died at 2:42 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, in Hamilton Memorial Hospital. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Harre Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bill Reed officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on August 12, 2009

MCLEANSBORO - Eason James Inboden, infant son of Kyle James and Samantha Jane (Flannigan) Inboden, passed away at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, in Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was born April 9, 2009, in Evansville, Ind. Survivors include his parents; paternal grandparents, Randy and Cindy Inboden of McLeansboro; paternal great-grandparents, Joy Inboden of McLeansboro, Thelma Inboden of Advance, Mo., and Gene and Phyllis Eblen of Mill Shoals; maternal grandparents, Danny and Janet Flannigan of McLeansboro; maternal great-grandparents, Marion and Betty Drew of McLeansboro; uncle, Sean Paul Flannigan; and aunt, Heather Mitchell. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, in Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro, with Jason Moore officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery in McLeansboro. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on August 11, 2009

MCLEANSBORO, Ill. - Ladorna Maddox, 65, of McLeansboro, Ill., formerly of Carmi, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2009, at 12:38 a.m. at her residence. She was born December 8, 1943, in Phillipstown, Ill., the daughter of Charles Marion and Iola Ruth (Elliott) Browning. She was married to Willie Nichols who preceded her in death, she then married Henry Theodore Maddox on June 24, 1973, and he preceded her in death on December 20, 2002. She was a cashier at Wal-Mart in Carmi. Mrs. Maddox attended Georgia General Baptist Church in Carmi. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Ruth and Roger Nickens of Evansville; one son, Ted Maddox; one stepdaughter and stepson-in-law, Janine and Steve Heath of Carmi; two sisters, Betty Fleck of Carmi and Jane Watkins of St., Louis, Mo.; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Louie and Mabel Browning of Carmi, Wayne and Diane Browning of Crossville, Ill., and Fred and Mary Browning of Kimberling City, Mo.; five grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren; special friend and caregiver, Alfred "Buck" Johnson of McLeansboro. Also preceding her in death was one brother, Joe Browning. Funeral services for Ladorna Maddox, 65, of McLeansboro, will be Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, with the Rev. Dale Boeger officiating. Burial will be in Kuykendall Cemetery in Carmi. Friends may call on Wednesday for 9 a.m. until time of the service at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Published in the Courier Press on 8/11/2009

Rubye Hayward, 89, of McLeansboro, died at 5:57 a.m., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009 at Enfield Health Care.She was born on April 30, 1920, in Hornbeck, La., the daughter of Shafer and Sudie Grace (House) Ellzey. She married Marion V. Hayward and he preceded her in death.She was a homemaker and a member of Blooming Grove Baptist Church.Graveside memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Enfield City Cemetery. Those attending are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Rev. Mark Hutson will officiate.Memorials may be made to Enfield Health Care and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home.Gholson Funeral Home of McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements and further information is available by calling 643-2321.

Jeannine Blackledge, 78, of Carmi, formerly of McLeansboro, passed away at 12:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, at her home.She was born July 21, 1931, in McLeansboro, the daughter of Nicholas and Geneva (Deitz) Novicki. She married John Blackledge and he preceded her in death.Jeannine was a retired certified nurse assistant. She was a member of the Carmi VFW and the American Legion Auxillary.Funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 10 at 1 p.m. at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with the Rev. Robert Sefried officiating.Visitation will be Monday at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until time of service.Interment will be at IOOF Cemetery in McLeansboro.Jeannine is survived by two sons, Steven Frailey of Morganfield, Ky. and Dennis Frailey of Providence, Ky.; four brothers, James and David Mezo, both of Cuba, Mo., and John and Bob Mezo, both of McLeansboro; two sisters, Lois Hooker of Smith Grove, Ky. and Nancy Markle of Wheeling, W. Va.; eight grandchildren, Billy, Adam, Sabrina, Jason, Jimmy, Jesse, Daniel, and Joseph Frailey; and eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers; one sister; and one grandson, Steven William Frailey.Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements. For further information call 643-2321. Published in the Mt. Vernon Register News on 8/10/2009

MCLEANSBORO - Rubye Hayward, 89, died at 5:57 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, in Enfield Health Care Center in Enfield. Graveside memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Enfield City Cemetery, with the Rev. Mark Hutson officiating. Those attending the service are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Memorials may be made to Enfield Health Care. Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on August 9,

CARMI - Jeannine Blackledge, 78, formerly of McLeansboro, died at 12:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro, with the Rev. Robert Sefried officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery in McLeansboro. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on August 9, 2009

Rubye Hayward, 89, of McLeansboro, passed away at 5:57 a.m. Monday, Aug.. 3, 2009, at Enfield Health Care in Enfield.Funeral arrangements are pending at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Published in the Mt. Vernon Register News from 8/7/2009 - 8/8/2009

William D. "Bill'" Barr, 72, of Pinckneyville, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo.Bill was born on Feb. 21, 1937, a son to Virgil and Ruby (DeWitt) Barr. In 1957, he married Helen Yearwood in Corinth, Miss.; in 1986, he married Sandra Humphress in Pinckneyville, and they both survive. Bill was owner and operator of Barr Implement in Pinckneyville, and was a truck driver for 27 years for Barr Trucking in Pinckneyville. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Pinckneyville, Pinckneyville Volunteer Fireman and was instrumental in the formation of the Pinckneyville Ambulance Service. Bill loved boating, skiing, camping and canoeing and was an avid Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider. What he loved most of all was spending time with his daughter, Mikalean. Bill loved and was loved by all.Bill is survived by two sons, Mark Barr and wife Shellie and Donnie Kincannon and wife Tammy, all of Pinckneyville; three daughters, Brenda Hagene and husband Kenneth of Pinckneyville, Mikalean Barr of Pinckneyville and Amanda Showalter and husband Gordy of DuQuoin; six grandchildren, Katie Barr, Chelsea Hagene, Airman 1st Class Corey Hagene, Christine Hagene, Nolan Showalter and Jordyn Wieland; and best friend Kent "Bon Jovi" McClurken.He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Joey Hagene.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Willow Glen Worship Center in Pinckneyville. Brother Jerry Ross will officiate. Interment will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery in Pinckneyville.Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home on Friday from 5 until 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 until 9:30 a.m., and at the church from 10 until 11 a.m.Memorials may be made to Mikalean Barr Educational Fund.For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services for Mrs. Ellnora E. Sammons, 93, of Louisiana, Mo., and formerly of Mt. Vernon will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Bethel Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. The Rev. J. Howard Kraps will officiate. Mrs. Sammons passed away Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at the Maple Grove Lodge Nursing Home in Louisiana, Mo.She was born Sept. 8, 1915, in Benton, to James and Myra Fisher Boster. She married Lee R. Sammons and he preceded her in death in 1977. She is survived by one sister, Leona May Bradley, and a nephew, Mr. Rex Bradley, both of Louisiana, Mo.Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, Mo., is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Mt. Vernon Register News on 8/6/2009

Charles O. Gray, 70, of Springerton, died at 4:45 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield.A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Crouch Cemetery in Dahlgren under the direction of Gholson Funeral Home. Published in the Mt. Vernon Register News on 8/6/2009

Genevieve Gage, 95, of Dix and formerly of Dahlgren, passed away at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.Funeral arrangements are pending at Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren.

Charles Gray SPRINGERTON - Charles O. Gray, 70, died at 4:45 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, in Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield. A private graveside service will be at a later date under the direction of Gholson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert Sefried officiating. Burial will be in Crouch Cemetery in Dahlgren. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on 8/5/2009

Catherine M. Mitsdarffer, 88, of Enfield, passed away at 2:50 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, at Hamilon Memorial Nursing Center in McLeansboro.She was born Sept. 6, 1920, in Enfield, the daughter of Mark and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Dolan. She married Paul Mitsdarffer on Sept. 6, 1947, in Enfield, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 31, 1995.Visitation and Rosary service was held Sunday, Aug. 2 at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 3 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Enfield with Father Joseph Trapp and Father Steven Rudolphi officiating.Interment will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Church Cemetery in Enfield.Catherine was a secretary at Hampton-Goss Insurance ans also workked as a ward clerk at Hamilton Memorial Hospital. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Enfield, a member of the St. Patrick's Ladies Alter Society and a Eucharist minister.She is survived by three sons, Kenneth P. Mitsdarffer and wife Brenda of Carbondale, Steven J. Mitsdarffer and wife Sharon of Enfield and Robert Keith Mitsdarffer ans wife Robin of Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Mary Jo Beck and husband Marty of McLeansboro; a brother, Bernard Dolan and wife Loretta of St. Louis, Mo.; two sisters, Mary Greulich and Lucille Mitsdarffer, both of Evansville, Ind.; five grandsons, Kenneth Bryan Mitsdarffer and wife Kristy of Bloomington, Ind., Jason Matthew Mitsdarffer and wife Erin of Wauconda, Steven Craig Mitsdarffer and wife Lisa of Newburgh, Ind., Chad Andrew Mitsdarffer of Enfield and Brad Thomas Mitsdarffer of Lewisville, Texas; four granddaughters, Angela Dawn and husband Dr. Chad Mathis of Birmingham, Ala., Jessica Dawn and husband David True of Coppell, Texas, Melissa Ann Mitsdarffer of Du Quoin and Marilee Nicole Beck of Pontoon Beach, Fla.; eight great-grandchildren, Kyle, Bryce, Allyson, Logan, Gavin and Isaac Mitsdarffer and Abigail and Benjamin Mathis; and a sister-in-law, Bernice Dolan of Enfield.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and four brothers, Edward, John, Lawrence and Clarence Dolan.Memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Church or Cemetery and St. Jude's Children Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of all arrangements. Published in the Mt. Vernon Register News from 8/3/2009 - 8/4/2009

Claude "Hammer" Lasater, 87, of Broughton, died at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at his home.He was born on Feb. 13, 1922, in Hamilton County, a son of John and Elsie (McGill) Lasater. He married Betty Pennington on Jan. 31, 1946, and she survives.In addition to his wife, Mr. Lasater is survived by two daughters, Karla Lee and husband David of West Frankfort and Penny Lee and husband Roger of McLeansboro; a grandson, Darin Hayter and wife Robbie of Lebanon, Tenn.; two step grandchildren, Darin Lee and wife Gina of Nashville and Denise Dismukes and husband Mark of O'Fallon; a great-grandson, Andrew Hayter; five step great-grandchildren, Lacy, Kyle, Kelsey, Jackson and Danielle; two sisters, Mary Severs of Glen Carbon and Louise Towle of Waukegan; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Myrtle Matthews. He will be missed by family and friends. Mr. Lasater served as acting Broughton Post Master for several years. He was very instrumental in supervising and maintaining the Broughton Water System. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was also recognized as a 50 year Masonic Member at Walpole Tuscon Lodge 630. He was a member and superintendent of Hickory Hill Baptist Church for many years. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hickory Hill Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Gholson and Paul Brown officiating. Burial will be in Hickory Hill Cemetery near Broughton.Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro and from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the New Hickory Hill Cemetery Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Mt. Vernon Register News from 8/3/2009 - 8/4/2009

Marshall Dean Knight, the fifth child of Angus and Mabel (Lamkin) Knight, was born May 21, 1933, in Jefferson County. He departed this life at 8:30 p.m. on July 31, 2009, at his home in Ina at the age of 76 years, two months and 10 days.He was joined in marriage to Deloris (Thomas) Knight on Jan. 19, 1954, and she survives.He leaves to mourn his passing two daughters, Brenda Harvey and Marsha Knight, both of McLeansboro; one granddaughter, Erica (Tennyson) Williams and husband Joshua of McLenasboro; four grandsons, Marshall Shane Tennyson and wife Felicia along with great-grandsons Connor and Landon of Salem, Marshall Dean Knight Harvey of Ina, Noah Tennyson of St. Louis, Mo., and Tristin Cain of McLeansboro; four brothers, John Knight and wife Geraldine, David Knight and wife Sharon, Dalton Knight and wife Marge and Victor Knight and wife Janet; four sisters, Lois Smith, Faye Lee and Husband Ron, Frances Branch, Patsy Harrawood and LaDonna Young; sister-in-law Dorothy Knight; brother-in-law Lloyd Thomas and wife Betty; special uncle and aunt Oscar and Darlene Cook; and a host of other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wayne Knight; three brother-in-laws, Eulan Branch, Junior Smith and Donald Harrawood; and a nephew, Aaron Branch.Marshall had been in poor health for the past few years. He was a member of the Old Christian Chapel Church and regularly attended services until his body no longer allowed. He bore his afflictions patiently, ever hoping for recovery, but the Master in his infinite wisdom saw fit to call him home. He will be sadly missed by his many friends and relatives. He professed faith in Christ and was baptized some time ago. He has gone to join the church triumphant, where sickness pain and death are no more.When our earthly toils are overand low sinks life's setting sunwill the master fondly greet uswith a joyous, glad "well done?"he will give a crown of gloryhe his promise will fulfillyou can have a home up yonderif you only do his willhe will bid you gather round himand to follow in his train when with all his shining angels he descends to earth againFuneral services were held Monday, Aug. 3 at 11 a.m. at Old Christian Chapel Church. The Rev. John Gunter officiated.Visitation was held Sunday, Aug. 2 at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Masonic services performed by McLeansboro Polk Lodge 37.Interment was at Old Springer Cemetery followed by graveside military rites by McLeansboro American Legion Post 106. Published in the Mt. Vernon Register News from 8/3/2009 - 8/4/2009