David M. Decker, age 75, of Iuka, Illinois, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. David was born on May 4, 1951, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Lawrence L. Decker and Elsie Irene (Smith) Decker. On August 19, 1972, David married Susan Holsapple in Salem, Illinois, and together they shared 54 years of marriage. David spent his working career with the Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked as an engineer. He dedicated 43 years to the railroad befor...

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sarina Clark who departed this world on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, at the age of 44. Born on July 13th, 1982, Sarina is the daughter of Robert McCauley and Janet Metcalf. Sarina is survived by her son, Drayvon Brown. She also leaves behind her sisters, Stephanie Wilkins and Kelly Shoemaker, both of Centralia, and her brother, Keith Garner of Virginia. Additionally, Sarina touched the lives of her several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and ...

James Allan Masters, age 47, of Allegan, Michigan, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026. Born on July 9, 1979, in Centralia, Illinois, James was raised in Salem by his grandparents, Lowell (Kern) and Betty Masters, who played an important role in his early life. On May 27, 2006, James married the love of his life, JoDanna "Jodi" Lynn Craig, in Dix, Illinois. Together they shared a deep bond built on laughter, adventure, friendship, and unwavering love. James spent 14 years on Flor...

Candy Thomas, beloved daughter, wife, mother, Grandmommie, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and faithful servant of her community, passed away on September 3, 2026. Candy shared 55 years of marriage with her husband, Charlie, building a life centered on family, faith, service, and love. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Chris (Katy) and Josh (Lindsey), a loving sister to her brother, Brandy (Doris), and a cherished aunt to Brent, Megan, and many other nieces and nephews. But of all the roles...

Carolyn Sue Roper, affectionately known as Sue, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on January 24, 1938, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the daughter of Edward "Ed" Eubank and Nellie (Simmons) Eubank. She married Harley E. Roper on October 5, 1956, and they later divorced. Sue brought joy and inspiration to everyone she met throughout her remarkable journey on this Earth. Sue was a beloved resident of Centralia, Illinois, where she made her ...

Hunter Nichols, 18, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026. Hunter was born on July 9, 2008, in Clayton, Missouri, the son of Jesse Nichols and Amy (Backs) Nichols. Hunter was a Senior at Centralia High School. Throughout high school, he stayed active and involved, playing football during his Freshman and Sophomore years and being a member of the wrestling team from his Freshman through Junior years. Hunter enjoyed his welding and trade classes and especially liked w...

Earl L. Sullens, 64, of Salem, passed away on September 5th, 2026, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield with his loving wife by his side. He was born on July 24th, 1962, in Brush, Colorado to Francis "Coonie" and Dorthy (Fyke) Sullens. He would meet his soulmate, Pam Bullard, in 1979, and they would spend 47 amazing years together. He is survived by his wife: Pam Sullens; son: Justin Sullens; brothers: John (Donna) Smith and Tim (Lucretia) Sullens; sisters: La Donna Sullens, Janet ...

Donald Lee Hampsten, 82, of Kinmundy, Illinois, passed away on September 3, 2026. Whatever Don put his hand to, he excelled. Those hands knew hard work from an early age. Don attended Kinmundy-Alma High School and graduated with the Class of 1962. While they were both still in high school, Don married his high school sweetheart, Wilma Shuler, on June 4, 1961. In those early years, Don dug graves by hand to help support them, beginning a lifetime defined by an extraordinary work ethic and a wi...