It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert E. Hayes, who departed this life on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 73. Born on Monday, September 22, 1952, in Salem, Illinois, Robert is the son of Robert Hayes and Marie (Beasley) Mullins. Robert was a devoted family man, cherished by his wife, Ann Hayes, and his beloved daughter, Julie Wiley (Tony) of Centralia. He was the proud grandfather of Jordan Wiley, and his legacy of love and kindness continues through his ext...

Billie Harlan Kerins passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, in Centralia, Illinois. She was 78 years old. Billie was born on March 16th, 1947, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and is the daughter of Loyd and Dorthea (Phillips) Bradford. Billie is survived by her husband, Richard "Dick" Kerins, who was her steadfast partner in life's journey. She leaves behind her children, Jimmy (Barbie) Lockwood, Ty (Christy) Lockwood, and Kelli Bean, who were the light of her life. Billie ...

Carolyn J. Wilson, 88, of Carlyle, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Carlyle Healthcare. She was born in Dowell, Illinois, on September 12, 1937, to Howard Allen Porter and Gladys Edith (Hartley) Porter. Survivors include her children, Thomas Brett (Marla) Wilson of Centralia, Robin (Douglas) Gormann of Centralia, Johna (Wayne) Albritton of Louisville, Kentucky and Allen Wilson of Centralia; grandchildren, Sarah Albritton, Houston (Rachel) Albritton, Marah (Michael) Elliott, Kelse...

Anthony Travis, 43, of Salem, passed away unexpectedly at his home on February 16th, 2026. He was born on March 1st, 1982, in Salem, Illinois to Joseph Travis and Tana Patten. Anthony was of the Baptist faith. He had a very charismatic personality and a good heart. He would always make sure people were laughing. He enjoyed going fishing and watching sports, especially football. He was recently teaching himself how to play the harmonica and getting good at playing. He loved to talk on his phon...

Elizabeth Marie Springer McCalla, 42, of Carbondale formerly of Iuka, passed away on February 13th, 2026. She was born to Larry and Sandra (Stanford) Springer on June 27th, 1983. She was married to Robert McCalla on October 31st, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Robert, her mother, Sandra Springer, both of Carbondale, her brother, Larry Lee & family, of Kell, half-sister, Lori Geels, of Indiana, uncle, Eugene (Cathy) Stanford of Woodlawn, aunt, Susan (Brent) Beighley, of Iuka, and 6 ...

Thelma Houston 76, of rural Patoka passed away February 15, 2026 at her family farm surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Fred Donald and Opal (Belcher) Adams on June 25, 1949 in Centralia. She married John "Tom" Houston on November 14, 1969 at the Fairman Baptist Church. Thelma is survived by her beloved husband, Tom Houston; children, Essie Houston & fiancé Rob Pursley, John R. Houston, and wife Stephanie and Gib Houston all of Patoka; cherished grandchil...

Darrell Lee Shook, a lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the age of 81. Born and raised in Centralia, Darrell is the son of Chris Shook and Marie (Shaw) Shook. He married Patricia Robbins on April 2, 1965, and they later divorced. He married Carol Hart on February 28, 1991, in Boyd, IL; they divorced. Darrell leaves two sons, Darrell Shook and Douglas Shook, both of whom reside in Centralia. Cherished by his sisters, Patricia Thom...

Mary Jane Smith, 90, of Odin, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the home she raised her family in Odin. She was born on November 15, 1935, the daughter Harold and Leona (Pence) Templeman. She was raised by Virgie (Pence) Sapp. She married her one true love, Paul Delano Smith, on December 7, 1956, in Watseka, IL. He preceded her in death on January 19, 1999. Survivors remaining to carry on her legacy; Cathy Shanafelt and husband Jerry of Odin, Mike Smith of Odin, Mark Smith and wife ...