All Obituaries

Mrs. (Mary) Dolores Hale Payne, age 93, of Ina, Illinois entered into her heavenly home surrounded by her family members on Friday, January 7, 2022. Dolores was born March 27, 1928 in Jefferson County, Illinois.  She was the daughter of Herschel and Ophel Hale.  She graduated from Ina School then attended Free Will Baptist Bible College (Welch College) in the 1948/1949 school year.  She was involved in a VBS ministry during her college time. She was united in marriage on...

Byron Gale “Barney” Beard, 88, of Benton went home to be with his Savior on Monday, December 27, 2021. He was born on September 11, 1933, in Whittington, IL the son of Gale G. & Leota (Johnston) Beard. He married Shirley Ann (Adams) Beard on June 13, 1952, and she survives. In addition to his wife Shirley, Barney is survived by his daughter, Kathy and husband Rob Hutchens of Ewing, two grandchildren, Wade Martin Hutchens and Cole Robert Hutchens, and his sister, Debby and...

Jim Likens, 66, of Bonnie passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021 doing what he loved. He was born on June 2, 1955 in LaPorte, IN the son of Archie Benjamin & Dorothy "Dot" (Hargus) Likens. Jim married Kathy (Turner) on July 2, 2004. He graduated from MVTHS in 1974. He enlisted while still in High School in the Army. He was discharged in 1976 and then went to Rend Lake College receiving his Associates Degree in mechanics. He owned & operated Jim's Amoco & Jim's...

June Friar, 81, of Ina Went Home to be with the Lord, Saturday night, November 13, 2021 at her son Jerry's home surrounded by her family. She was born in Waltonville, IL on May 6, 1940, the daughter of John & Vada (Marlow) Hall. She married Johnnie Friar on May 23, 1960 and he preceded her in death on August 14, 2018. Mrs. Friar was a member of the Old Union Missionary Baptist Church. She also attended Spring Garden Community Church. Mrs. Friar is survived by her: Children: Sandy...

LAWRENCE LEE EBERT, 70, of Woodlawn, IL passed away Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. He was born in Iron County, MO on October 5, 1951, the son of Lawrence Calvin & Velda Marie (Lewis) Ebert. Mr. Ebert was a Veteran, of the U.S. Air Force serving state side during the Vietnam War. He was a retired truck driver, and avidly followed politics and was always ready for a good debate. He enjoyed socializing on Facebook, collecting movies and model...

Judy Kay Slamans, 78, of Aurora, IL. transitioned to her eternal home with Jesus on Thursday, October 28, 2021. Kay was born January 9, 1943 in Chicago Heights, IL to Orvel and Alberta (Odle) Sweetin. Kay grew up in Ina, IL and graduated from Mt. Vernon Twp High School in 1961. Kay attended FWB Bible College and married the love of her life, Thomas (Tom) Slamans, on February 10, 1962. Tom and Kay raised their family in Aurora, IL. The Lord blessed them with four amazing boys - Bruce (Susan)...

Sammy L. Bourland of Ina, Illinois passed away on October 28, 2021 at the age of 79 years old.  Sam passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Debbie, and his family by his side. He was born May 13, 1942 in Duquoin, Illinois, the son of Ernest and Faye (Fann) Bourland. Sam was a college graduate whose career involved being a high school chemistry and physics teacher.  Sam later went back to college to earn a degree in engineering.  Sam worked as a quality control...

REV. KENNETH D. PICKENS, 89, of Centralia and a former Vandalia resident, “Went home to be with the Lord” on Wednesday morning, October 20, 2021. He was born in Kinmundy, IL on February 16, 1932, the son of Thomas Franklin & Lois Pearl (Sanders) Pickens. He married Virginia (Needham) on May 14, 1950, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 20, 1996. Rev. Pickens was a Church of God Pastor for over 65 years. Two years ago he was recognized as the oldest Church of God Pastor...

JOHN PAUL SWEETIN, 49, of Bonnie, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2021 at his home. He was born in Mt. Vernon, IL on March 31, 1972, the son of Bill & Vera (Merriman) Sweetin. John was employed at Continental Tire.  He loved his grandkids, deer hunting and coon hunting. John is survived by his: Daughter: Kaylen Miller & husband Dustin of Dahlgren Mother: Vera Barnes of Idaho Father: Bill Sweetin of Bonnie Sister: Misti Sample & husband Tim of Benton John’s...

Maxine Martin, 81, of Bonnie passed away Wednesday morning October 6, 2021 at Lavender Ridge in Mt. Vernon. She was born December 18, 1939 in Franklin County, IL the daughter of Thomas & Vivian (Duckworth) Dublo. She married Clifford D. Martin on August 1, 1959 at Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church, and he preceded her in death on August 27, 2012. Maxine was a longtime member of Bakerville Free Will Baptist Church. She along with her husband founded, owned & operated Rend Lake...