Obituaries

2026 04/28 - Jo Anne K. 'Jo' Lyons
Jo Anne K. "Jo" Lyons, age 90 of Centralia, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia, Illinois. Jo Anne was born on November 13, 1935, on an 80-acre farm in Alma Township, Illinois, the daughter of Edgar Bryan Kagy and Bernice (Barksdale) Kagy, both of whom preceded her in death. Jo met E. Harold "Hal" Lyons at Boley's in Salem, and on January 20, 1952, they were married in Salem. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2016, a...

2026 04/25 - Lorren E. Abernathy
Lorren E. Abernathy, 78, of Buckeye, AZ, went to his eternal resting place Monday, January 26, 2026, at Banner Boswell Hospital in Sun City, AZ, in the loving arms of his wife and daughter. He was born November 12, 1947, in Centralia, IL., the son of William H. and Evelyn Abernathy (Haake). He married Rose Ann Sanders on September 25, 1971, at St. Peter's United Church of Christ of Centralia, and she survives him. In addition to his wife Rose Ann, he is survived by a daughter: Tracy Abernathy...

2026 04/25 - April Jo Heitman
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of April Jo Heitman, who left us on Thursday, March 26th, 2026. Born November 8, 1982, and raised in Centralia, April graced this world with her kindness and vibrant spirit for 43 years. She is the daughter of Edward Clem Bounds III and Louise (Wood) Bounds. On April 10, 2021, April and Ian Heitman were married in Walnut Hill. They had a small, intimate service, and April said she married her best friend. She was blessed to spend her days w...

2026 04/25 - David William Brimberry
David William Brimberry, age 76, of Kinmundy, Illinois, passed away at 10:01 pm, Monday, April 20, 2026, at his home in Kinmundy. David was born in Kinmundy, the son of Joe and Minnie (Mulvaney) Brimberry. He was united in marriage to Linda Johnson on May 17, 1974, at the Alma Methodist Church and they shared 51 years of marriage. His service to his country was a defining chapter in his life. In 1966, David enlisted in the United States Army and began his military career. While stationed in G...

2026 04/24 - Charles Joseph Lane, Jr.
Charles Joseph Lane Jr., Chuck to those who knew him well, was born in Madison, Wisconsin on April 27, 1960. He was raised in Centralia, Illinois, where he enjoyed fishing with his father in his youth. During Chuck's young adult years, he enjoyed drag racing with his friends. He wasn't afraid to go FAST, and if it had a motor, he loved to see how fast he could get it to go. Chuck was a "Jack of all trades", which started when he worked for his father's business, laying flooring. At ...

2026 04/24 - Alan R. Pitchford
Alan R. Pitchford, 74, of Centralia, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. He was born on July 4, 1951, in Centralia, the son of Roy and Vera (Ferguson) Pitchford. He married Naomi Baugh on September 9, 2010, in Paducah, KY, and she survives him in Centralia. Along with his beloved wife, Naomi Pitchford, survivors include his daughter, Kerry Pitchford (BJ Lamb) of Irvington; step-children, Melissa Chandler of TN, Terry (Susan) Walker of Waln...

2026 04/23 - Paul Marshall 'P.M.' Rose
Paul Marshall "P.M." Rose, age 90 of Iuka, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Helia Healthcare in Salem. P.M. was born on April 4, 1936, in Omega, Illinois, the son of Claude M. and Elsie (See) Rose. He married Rosie (Kuder) Rose on April 23, 2011, in Omega, Illinois, at the 1880 Christian Church, and together they shared 15 years united in marriage. Survivors include his children, Joe M. Rose and wife Kathy of Iuka, Gary Rose of Mt. Vernon, Peggy Robb of Salem, Kelly McCla...

2026 04/23 - Mary Lou (Gaston) Burkett
Mary Lou (Gaston) Burkett, age 79, of Salem, Illinois, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Hospital in Mount Vernon. Mary Lou was born on September 27, 1946, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Clair and Geraldine (Brasel) Gaston. She spent many years working as a secretary for Stanford Engineering, where she was known for her reliability, organization, and quiet professionalism. Mary Lou took pride in her work and the relationships she built along the...

