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Walker Funeral Home & Crematory of Southern Illinois, 112 South Poplar Street, Carbondale, IL (2025)

12/10/2025

Karen Lynn Parrish
February 21,1950 – December 8, 2025

Karen Lynn Parrish, 75, of Chester, Illinois (formerly of Perryville, Missouri) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family December 8, 2025 at 1:53 a.m.

Karen was born on February 21, 1950, in East St. Louis, Illinois to Harry and Arneda (Utley) Blockley.

She retired from TG USA, in Perryville, Missouri. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Karen is survived by her children; Kimberly Absher of Chester, IL, Jason Parrish of Ellis Grove, IL, Misty (Tim) Parrish of Perryville, MO, Sara (David) Torres of Carbondale, IL; sisters; Norma Rathjen of Chester, IL, Sharon Kennedy of Murphysboro, IL; Brother; James (Stacy) Blockley of Grand Junction, CO; grandchildren; Lindsey (Ian), Brandi, Ericca (Richard), Sadie, Abigail, Ayla (Eric), Bailey, Matthew, Gavin, Ryan (Katelyn), Kailyn (Zak), Maleia (Ethan), Brayden, Quinton, Kaiden, Keegan, Evan, and Vance; great grandchildren; Clayton, Corian, Morgan, Taylor, Elizabeth, Parker, Amari, Karsyn, Pine Robin, Amelia, Lydia, Jayce and Theo; as well as many nieces and nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by; parents; Harry and Arneda Blockley; significant other Allan Schremp; sisters; Carol June, Ruth Ann, Barbara and Jacqueline, brothers; Harry “Butch” and Brad; grandson; Bradley Parker; great grandchildren; Landon, Scotty, Madison, Natalyn, Max, Billy, Zoey, Arin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 21, 2025, at the Chester Eagles from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory of Southern Illinois entrusted with arrangements.

11/13/2025

John Poulos

John Poulos was born on April 4, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Stavros and Aikaterini Poulopoulou. He had two sisters, Christina and Vasiliki.

He moved back to Athens, Greece, in the early 1930s, where he grew up. He graduated from high school in 1946, then attended medical school in Athens, graduating in 1952. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the Greek Medical Corps from 1952–1955.

John came back to Chicago for an internship at Illinois Masonic Hospital in 1955, then worked at Carbondale Clinic as a general practitioner before returning to Chicago for his residency in pediatrics at Northwestern University. It was at Northwestern where he met his future wife, Eugenia (Genie) Kansas, who was a medical student. They were married on June 16, 1962, the day of her medical school graduation.

John and Genie moved to Carbondale in 1962. He worked as a pediatrician at Carbondale Clinic until his mid-50s, when he had to retire due to vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa. He was loved by his patients and their families. To this day, grown-up patients of his still in Carbondale remember Dr. John for his caring manner and his Greek terms of endearment for children. He was known for his kind, gentle manner. Genie continued to work at Carbondale Clinic as a dermatologist for nearly 30 years, walking from their home to the clinic nearby.

After retirement, he maintained a close group of friends from the clinic, going out for weekly coffee for many years. He was also close friends with the Karayiannis family, especially Tasis, who continued to visit on a regular basis over the years. John and Susan Karayiannis remained close family friends until their deaths.

With his failing eyesight, through the generosity of the Lions Club, he went to Minnesota for a Leader Dog. In the early 1990s, he was frequently seen walking miles around the Carbondale Clinic Circle with his German Shepherd, Max. He voraciously consumed books on tape from the Library for the Blind. He enjoyed swimming and would spend summer evenings doing laps in the pool. He continued to do yard work as well. Gumballs from the sweetgum trees were his nemesis.

John and Genie enjoyed many trips back to Greece to visit friends and family and maintained his mother’s apartment in Athens for many years before gifting the property to an organization that supported Greek Americans with vision loss. They also enjoyed their time in Gulf Shores, Alabama, making the long drive twice a year to stay at their condominium at the beach.

John was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Genie, in 2020. He is survived by his two daughters, Katherine of Carbondale, Illinois, and Margaret (spouse, Adam Ge**er) of Orlando, Florida. His grandchildren, Erica Deichen (spouse, John Deichen) and Anna Ge**er, live in Orlando, Florida, as well as his three great-grandchildren, Emma, Peter, and William Deichen. His nephew, Dimitri Goussios (Katerina), who attended Southern Illinois University, still lives in Athens, Greece.

John had dementia for many years, and through the grace of his wonderful caregivers, was able to live in his home. He passed away on November 12, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Foundation Fighting Blindness or Leader Dogs for the Blind. A private family graveside service will be held.

11/10/2025

Bonnie Lou Chapman
July 7, 1933 – November 7, 2025
Bonnie Lou Chapman, 92, of Crainville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born July 7, 1933, in Carterville, Illinois, Bonnie was the cherished daughter of the late Oscar and Ruth (Crain) Wynn. On June 25, 1954, she married the love of her life, Robert Eugene Chapman. Together they built a beautiful life filled with devotion, laughter, and hard work, celebrating over 65 years of marriage until Bob’s passing on August 15, 2019.
Bonnie began her career as a beloved schoolteacher at Giant City School, touching countless young lives with her kindness and patience. When the family’s rental business grew, she proudly stood beside Bob, helping turn their shared dream into a thriving legacy.
Left to treasure her memory are her devoted sons, Steve Chapman and wife Jaci of Crainville, Rick Chapman and wife Vicki of Crainville; her adored grandchildren, Luke Chapman and wife Hannah, Lance Chapman and wife Jessica, Nicole Anthony and husband Justin, Chad Chapman and wife Lauren; and her precious great-grandchildren, Lacy, Hayden, Stella, Sadie, Jameson, Kaylen, Camden, Landon, and Jaxson.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Bob, and her siblings.
A graveside service celebrating Bonnie’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale, with Pastor Ralph Brandon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Paws Place Animal Rescue 139 East Vienna Street Anna, Illinois 62906
Walker Funeral Home and Crematory of Southern Illinois are honored to serve the Chapman family.

09/30/2025

William Lee Eberhardt — West Frankfort, Illinois
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of William Lee Eberhardt, who left this world on Friday, September 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on February 12, 1942, in Orient, Illinois, Bill was the cherished son of the late Cecil and Mary (Sheppard) Eberhardt. A man of quiet strength and deep devotion, Bill built a life centered around family, hard work, and love.
In 1994, Bill married the love of his life, Vicki Jo Morrison. Together, they shared over 26 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in August 2020. Their bond was a true partnership, marked by laughter, loyalty, and unwavering support.
Bill was a proud and devoted father to his children:
James Eberhardt and partner Loretta Bean of DuQuoin, IL; Joe and Dianna Eberhardt of DuQuoin, IL; Mary Eberhardt of DuQuoin, IL; Lora Eberhardt of Murphysboro, IL; Misti Eberhardt of Murphysboro, IL; Cecil Eberhardt of DuQuoin, IL; Lee Larington of Omaha, NE; Bill and Melissa Larington of McCook, NE; and Karen and Nathan Southwell of Kingman, AZ.
He was a beloved grandfather to a large and loving group of grandchildren:
Emma and Christian Olson, Nile Larington, Tom Larington, Zal Larington, Julene Larington, Paul and Brittany Larington, Audrey and Josh Stevens, Nathan Stonwell, Anthony and Pam Winrow, Mark Meister, Adelaide Reyes, Joseph Oldham, Ashley and Mike Dimmer, Rachael Hays, Tom Larington and partner Sarah Murphy, Chris and Aimee Larington, Brigham and Elise Larington, Molly Grace Larington, Leo Larington, Ellenor Rose Larington, Brooke Eberhardt, Brett Eberhardt, Aaron Eberhardt, Bart Eberhardt, Samantha Conklin, Bridgett Conklin, Tabitha Conklin.
Bill also leaves behind many extended family members and close friends who brought joy to his life and will carry his memory forward.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mary Eberhardt, and his beloved wife, Vicki Jo.
Bill was a man who found his greatest joy in the presence of his family. He had a deep love for his children and grandchildren, and nothing made him prouder than seeing them grow and thrive. His kind heart, steady presence, and warm smile will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 17947 North Highway 37 Johnston City, Illinois 62951
Memorial donations may be made to: Frankfort Area Historical Museum 2000 East Saint Louis Street, West Frankfort, Illinois 62896.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker Funeral Home and Crematory of Southern Illinois.

09/02/2025

Betty Jean Odum - Anna
Betty Jean Odum entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 1, 2025, with her family by her side.

She was born November 27, 1927, in Harrisburg, Illinois, the beloved only child of Rev. Tracy T. and Sylvia McCord. Betty’s early years were spent in Harrisburg and Kankakee, and she later attended Shelbyville High School, where her father pastored the Church of the Nazarene. She went on to Olivet Nazarene College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a minor in Music.
In 1945, Betty married James W. Walker in Roxana, Illinois. Together they had two children, James Tracy Walker and Jil Walker Tracy. She later married Dr. Don Odum, and they were blessed with a son, Matthew Odum.

Betty devoted her life to teaching. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She taught English at Carbondale High School, where she also served as the faculty sponsor of the Dial yearbook for many years. After raising her children, she returned to teaching and dedicated herself to adult education well into her 80s. Through her tireless work, countless students earned their GEDs and went on to achieve employment and better lives across Southern Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Don Odum; and her son, James Tracy Walker.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughter, Jil Walker Tracy, and son-in-law, Jim Tracy; son Matthew Odum; her daughter-in-law, Tamra Walker; her grandchildren Rob and Natalie Tracy, Ben and Annie Tracy, Rev. Father Mark Tracy, Kelsey and Travis Cope, and Kailey and Joe Maier; and Eleven great-grandchildren—Molly, Sloane, Benjamin, Remi, Ruthie, Tripp, Trent, Brooks, Jimmy, Tommy and Connor —who were her pride and joy.

A gifted musician, Betty faithfully served as a church pianist throughout her life, retiring from her role as pianist of the Anna Church of the Nazarene in her 90s. She taught adult Sunday School for decades, leading many families to Christ, and joyfully shared her music with residents of The Voyages in Anna. She was also deeply devoted to worldwide mission work through her church.
Above all, Betty’s life was a witness to her deep faith in God. She loved her family fiercely, cherished playing hymns for worship, and inspired all who knew her with her unwavering devotion and kindness. She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 5, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home in Carbondale. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, at Anna Church of the Nazarene, 100 Kirk Street, Anna, Illinois 62906.

Memorial donations may be made to the Anna Church of the Nazarene.

Walker Funeral Home of Carbondale is entrusted with arrangements.

08/29/2025

Eugene “Gene” Clark Bramlet – Carbondale

Eugene “Gene” Clark Bramlet of Carbondale passed away on August 28, 2025, in Carbondale, Illinois.
He was born in Harrisburg, Illinois on November 13, 1944, the son of the late Herbert Lee and Mary Ann (Clark) Bramlet.
Gene is survived by children, Beth Robertson and Brad (Tatum) Bramlet; and his grandchildren, Erin Robertson, Garrett Robertson, Avery Bramlet, and Madison Bramlet.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mike Bramlet.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Walker Funeral Home of Carbondale.

08/20/2025

Jo Anne Ledbetter – Carbondale
Jo Anne Ledbetter, 67, of Carbondale, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, surrounded by love.
Born on December 15, 1957, in Newark, New Jersey, Jo Anne was the daughter of the late Linzie and Joan Adelle (Dougherty) Ledbetter. From an early age, Jo Anne strived for excellence in everything she pursued. She had a natural gift for performance and spirit, becoming a cheerleader in her youth and continuing well into adulthood. In 1984, she achieved her dream of becoming a professional cheerleader for the New Jersey Generals, also known as the Brigadiers.
Jo Anne loved to dance and had a graceful energy that drew people to her. She also enjoyed tennis and was especially proud to have been taught the sport by renowned American tennis champion Althea Gibson. During her college years, she was honored to be part of the stage production The Wiz, an experience she always cherished.
A dedicated and hardworking woman, Jo Anne built a career that spanned more than four decades. She worked with New Jersey Belt in the 1980s, served the Carbondale community through Walmart for over 13 years, and later joined AETNA, where she retired in July 2024 at the age of 66. Beyond her professional life, Jo Anne had a deep love for history and an unshakable passion for knowledge, which she generously shared with her family and friends.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Joan Ledbetter; her brother, Linzie Ledbetter; and her cherished grandchildren, Lauren and Melanie. Jo Anne was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Denny Ledbetter.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Jo Anne’s remarkable spirit and legacy.
Walker Funeral Home & Crematory of Southern Illinois is entrusted with arrangements.

08/12/2025

Wanda Outlan, 88, of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on July 5, 1937, in Oates, Missouri, to the late Marion and Alice (Kent) Dunn, Wanda grew up with a deep love for family, nature, and the simple joys of life. On December 23, 1967, she married the love of her life, Everett Outlan, in Carbondale, Illinois. They shared more than 14 years of marriage before his passing on August 3, 1982.
Wanda’s life was a tapestry of love, hard work, and devotion. She was blessed with a large and loving family, who brought her endless pride and joy. She is survived by her children: Lloyd (Sue) Estes, Alice Seals, Linda Mandrell, Jack Estes, Robin (Paul) Robinson, and Eliza (DeWayne) Hellberg; 21 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Everett; her daughter, Ilene Fowler; her son, Joe Estes; two great-grandchildren; two sons-in-law; and six siblings.
Wanda had a green thumb and could make anything grow—her gardens and plants were a reflection of the care and patience she gave to all living things. She loved the outdoors and, for many years, could be seen joyfully riding her scooter around the neighborhood, a tradition she kept up until the age of 70.
Above all, Wanda’s greatest treasure was her family. Whether it was a large gathering or a quiet afternoon, her happiest moments were spent surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her love and laughter will echo in their hearts forever.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Hagler Cemetery in Pomona, Illinois. Walker Funeral Home of Alto Pass is entrusted with the arrangements.

08/11/2025

Charlotte Chapman-Niehaus
April 13, 1934 - August 9, 2025

Charlotte Marie Skuta Chapman-Niehaus of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the company of family on Saturday, August 9, 2025. She was 91.

Charlotte was born on April 13, 1934, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the daughter of John and Susie (Marko) Skuta. Charlotte graduated from West Frankfort High School in 1952.

Charlotte loved country dancing, shopping, adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carbondale for over 60 years. She lived between Ft. Myers, Florida and Carbondale for many years. She helped to manage her first husband’s businesses and owned rental properties throughout her lifetime.

Charlotte is preceded in death by the two loves of her life. Charlotte married Hubert Chapman on July 15, 1957 in West Frankfort, Illinois. They were married for 39 years before his passing on January 31, 1997.

Charlotte married Clarence Niehaus on October 30, 1999 in Carbondale. They were married for 20 years before his passing on July 15, 2020.

Charlotte was also preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings (brothers George, Charles, John and Richard, and sisters Irene Morthland, Emma Pelker, Dorothy Baldi, and Sue Ann Clifford), one grandchild (Derek Peterman), and one great-grandchild (Luke Chapman).

Charlotte is survived by her loving family: daughter Gail (Mike) Peterman of Carbondale, Illinois; son Scott (Jana) Chapman of Carterville, Illinois; son Bryan (Janis) Chapman of Winter Springs, Florida; six grandchildren, including Jenna Shultz, Justin Peterman, Jessica Chapman, Bradley (Samantha) Chapman, Stephen Chapman, and James Chapman, two great-grandchildren, Bentley and McKenna Shultz; and two step-great-grandchildren, Lynnex and Logan Webb.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park in Murphysboro, Illinois. Pastor Robert (Bob) Gray of Our Savior Lutheran will officiate. Walker Funeral Homes of Carbondale is entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

07/26/2025

Beverly Jo Calvert – Hurst
Beverly Jo Calvert, 70, of Hurst, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025. She was born on May 31, 1955, and was a proud graduate of Herrin High School, Class of 1973.
Beverly dedicated many years of service to the community through her work at the Bank of Herrin in Carterville and her volunteer efforts with the Hurst Fire Department. Known for her gentle spirit and warm smile, Beverly touched the lives of many with her kindness and compassion.
She will be remembered as one of the sweetest souls anyone could ever hope to meet—soft-spoken, loving, and devoted, especially to her beloved daughter, Kelli Jo Calvert, who preceded her in death and remained the center of her heart.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Irene Calvert; her brothers, Brian and Michael Calvert; and her uncles: William “Floyd” (Ruth) Smith, Bob (Ruth) Smith, and Jerry Davie.
She leaves behind her cherished Aunt Shirley Davie; cousins; Cindy Nevatt, Kevin and Beth Davie, Andrew Davie, Melinda Haynes; and Aunt Julie and Harold Haynes; along with many other dear family members and friends who will hold her memory close.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home in Hurst, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Associate Bill Harper officiating. Interment will take place immediately after at Blairsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blairsville Cemetery in her memory.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
Walker Funeral Home of Hurst is entrusted with arrangements.

Walker Funeral Home & Crematory of Southern Illinois

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