All Obituaries

Mescal Marie Wilson Bair was born on January 22, 1927 on a farm in southern Illinois after the doctor arrived on horseback during a snowstorm. After living independently in her own home through her 94th birthday, she passed away at her daughter’s home this Sunday, June 6, 2021. She loved cooking and sharing meals with family and friends, working on complicated jigsaw puzzles, and watching Jeopardy. Since she was quite witty herself, she also appreciated interesting obituaries. She was...

Don Ray Ewell, age 86 of Equality, IL passed on this life, June 9, 2021 after an extended illness.  Don was born in Harrisburg, IL on June 13, 1934 to the late Rev. Edward and Nona (Hibbs) Ewell.  He was married to the love of his life, Rita (Roe) Ewell on March 6, 1957. Don graduated high school in Harrisburg and was a very good basketball player, playing in the first game in Davenport Gym in 1952.   Don then served his country in the U.S. Army.  He had owned and...

George D. Tudor, age 86, longtime Shawneetown resident, passed on this life on June 5, 2021 in the Gallatin Manor Nursing Center after an extended illness.  George, as most knew him was born near Blackford, Kentucky on July 22, 1934.  While living in Blackford Kentucky growing up, he became a very good baseball player as a catcher.  He was to go for tryouts with the Chicago White Sox, but went into the Army and served his country proudly.   On March 17, 1967 he...

Lester Barger, Jr., age 40, of Valparaiso, IN but formerly of Shawneetown passed on this life, May 25, 2021 in Porter Memorial Hospital, Valparaiso, IN.  Lester was born in Harrisburg on November 7, 1980 to Lester Barger, Sr now deceased and Joanne (Sharp) Barger.  He was married to Chelsea (Oldham) Barger on May 17, 2012. Lester loved the outdoors and was always very good with his hands and wood working.  One of the last things he built by hand was a rocking cradle for his...

Billy Wayne Pettyjohn, age 78 lifelong New Haven resident passed on this life, on May 17, 2021 at his home.  Billy Wayne or “Tritt” as most knew him was born in New Haven on December 24, 1942 to the late Edward and Minnie (Ellison) Pettyjohn.  Tritt was always jovial and good natured.  He will be remembered for always being kind to others, he would give the shirt off of his back.  He loved to work in his yard but his real love was being around his family and...

Jackie J. Wilson, age, 84, longtime Shawneetown resident passed on this life May 15, 2021 in the Eldorado Rehab and Healthcare Center.  Jackie was born in Iowa on September 3, 1936.  She was married to Joe Wilson who preceded her in death in 2002.  She was a homemaker. Jackie is survived by her daughter Twyla Sanchez of Caseyville, IL   Graveside services for Jackie will be on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown.  Those wanting to...

Frances J. Phelps, age 75, of Omaha, IL passed on this life, Tuesday, May 11, 2021, in Deaconess Hospital, Evansville, IN.  Frances was born in Shawneetown, IL on July 25, 1945, to the late Charles Herman Monroe and Mary Frances (Thorne) Monroe.  On December 24, 1961, she married E. A. Phelps who survives. Frances was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.  She dedicated her life to her family always taking care of everyone.  She was a hard worker, enjoying being...

James R. Davis, age 67, of Gilbertsville, KY but formerly of Shawneetown passed on this life after an extended illness.  Jim as most knew him was born in Harrisburg, IL on February 27, 1954 to the late Frank & Betty (Harrelson) Davis.  He was first married to Cathy Oldham, she preceded him in death, he was now married to Mary (Kuhn). Jim served his country proudly in the US Army from 1972 to 1977.  He had worked as a mechanic and owned a gas station before becoming...

Barbara Holland Sidler born February 6, 1929 in Evanston, Illinois. Died April 30, 2021 in Fargo, ND. Raised in the Cottonwood/New Haven area. Barbara became an attorney and worked for both the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in Springfield and the US Environmental Protection Agency in both Chicago and Washington DC. She very much loved to travel and visited many countries. After retiring from the law she worked at the Visitor’s Center in Arlington, Virginia and volunteered...

Luther David Dale, age 79 of Ridgway passed on this life, April 21, 2021 after an extended illness.  David as most knew him was born on June 26, 1941 to the late Luther and Evelyn (Grandstaff) Dale in Rosiclare, Il.  On May 28, 1960 he married the love of his life, Barbara (Parish) Dale who survives. David served his country proudly in the United States Army during Vietnam.  David and Barbara had lived in Northern Illinois for many years where he owned and operated several...