David Earl Loden of Centralia, formerly of Grand Tower, Illinois, passed away, surrounded by love, on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born in Middlesboro, KY, on Sunday, March 10, 1946, to Jesse and Gladys (Poe) Loden. David had many accomplishments during his 78 years. His driven personality led him to working on the pipeline in Grange,Texas, obtaining his CDL and working as a long haul driver and restoring old cars. He loved fishing, drinking coffee, working in his gar...

Pamela M. Brown passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the age of 74. She was born on April 7, 1951, in Centralia, IL to George Faith and Mildred (Knight) Faith. Pamela served her community with compassion and dedication as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Friendship Manor in Centralia for over 20 years. Her gentle spirit and selfless nature were evident in her lifelong commitment to the well-being of her patients. She leaves behind to cherish her memory a special friend, Richard Brown of C...

Brenda Pennington passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Centralia, Illinois, just a week shy of her 63rd birthday. Born on May 16, 1962, in Centralia, Brenda is the daughter of John Bierman and Delores (Walton) Bierman. Brenda married Mike Pennington in 1986, and he survives in Centralia. She is also survived by her sister, Teddy Diedrich, and brother-in-law Bruce of Nashville; her brother, Brad Bierman, and sister-in-law Cindi of Kell; her cherished daughters, Jona Meier and husband Dustin ...

Joyce M. Brown, age 69 of Salem, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025, at her home. Joyce was born on May 20, 1955, in Salem, Illinois, the daughter of Norman Leroy and Bertha Ethelene (Ritter) Brown. Survivors include her two daughters, Bobbie Olmsted and husband Curtis of Patoka, and Bonnie McDaneld of Salem; grandchildren, Dakota Brown, Cody Brown, Kelsey Littleton, Eric Littleton; siblings, Roy Brown and wife Sherry of Salem. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Gerry Bro...

Ann L. Tate, a lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on February 22, 1942, in Centralia, Ann was the daughter of Lester Tinsley and Audrey (Beyerbach) Tinsley. She married Charles "Bud" Wilber Tate and he preceded her in death on January 24, 2009. Ann was a dedicated employee of Walmart, where she worked as an Assistant Manager for 28 1/2 years. Her colleagues remember her as a reliable and compassionate leader who alwa...

Keith Stewart, 63, of Hoffman passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital. He was born on September 5, 1961, the son of Lillian Stewart and Donald Stewart. Keith was previously married to Lori Jones and to Connie Lukens, but in the end, he found lasting happiness with his life partner and best friend, Nina Scattergood. Survivors include his life partner, Nina Scattergood; his children, Jennifer Binstock, Joshua Lundrigan, Zachary Stewart and wife Sarah, Lucas Stewart a...

Delbert W. Higgins passed away at his home in Carlyle on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 78. Mr. Higgins was born on December 8, 1946, in Breese, Illinois, a son of the late Elmer and Lorraine (nee Sommers) Higgins. Delbert cherished his life with Patricia (Rensing) Higgins, to whom he was united in marriage on November 10, 1966, in Trenton, Illinois. Their union was blessed with love, adventure, and three wonderful children: Leslie (Chandler) Fitch of Nashville, TN; Delbert (Kelley) Hig...

The man. The legend. The heart of so many stories. There are no words grand enough to fully capture the life, courage, and legacy of Joe Phoenix, 62, of Centralia, who was gently lifted into the arms of the angels on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Joe was born the beloved son of Woodson and Ruth Naomi Phoenix on February 28, 1963, in Salem, Illinois. From the very beginning, Joe carried a spirit that was too bold to be contained - a blend of fierce strength, boundless curiosity, and a heart full of ...