Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home

04/27/2026

Christy A. Bradshaw, 60, of Fairfield, passed away at 6:30am on Friday, April 24, 2026, at her residence.

Christy was born on October 23, 1965, in Union County, IL, to Robert and Jacquelin Bradshaw. She participated in the activity program at Career Development Center in Fairfield.

Christy is survived by her guardian and the residents and staff at Kinsale house in Fairfield.

Christy’s body will be cremated with no formal service or burial at this time. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is assisting with cremation arrangements.

04/21/2026

Larry Lee Smith, 81, of Cisne entered eternal rest on April 20, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Larry was born on August 28, 1944, in Rinard, Illinois to Owen and Elsie (Hickenbottom) Smith. Larry graduated from Fairfield Community High School in 1964. On November 27, 1964, he married the love of his life, Mary Ruth Smith (née Simpson). In 1966, their daughter Pamela was born.

Larry and Mary Ruth moved to Texas in the 1980s and returned to Cisne in 2021. Larry had a rare gift for connection; he never met a stranger, only friends he hadn’t talked to yet. Over the years, he built a wide circle of friendships through his work at GTE, his time as a truck driver on the open road, and later in retirement, where he seemed to find just as much joy in conversation as in rest. Larry was active in the church and enjoyed helping others. He was most recently a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Flora. He was a steady presence in his church community, always ready to lend a hand, share a kind word, and help wherever help was needed. To those who knew him best, Larry will be remembered not just for what he did, but for the warmth and kindness he brought into every room he entered. A source of joy for Larry was spending time traveling, camping, fishing, visiting friends and family, being in his workshop, watching old Western shows, and telling stories to his grandchildren. Larry found some of his deepest joy in the simple things in life, like camping under open skies, sitting around a fire, and telling stories. He also enjoyed spending mornings catching up on the news, listening to gospel, country, and bluegrass music, and sipping on a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Larry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ruth; daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Leonard Trapane III of Jacksonville, FL; five grandchildren, Autumn (Kevin) Parks of Cheyene, WY; Courtney Bayles of Lacey, WA; Lenny Trapane of Cedar Rapids, IA; Elena (Aran) Simawe of Coralville, IA; and Tisa Plotner of Jacksonville, FL; and four great grandchildren, Payton and Sadie Parks and Ethan and Oakleigh Bayles. Larry is also survived by brothers Karel (Gladys) Smith and Lex (Judy) Smith, sister-in-law Joselene Smith, brothers-in-law K.D. (Shirley) Simpson and Lester Simpson, and sisters-in-law Eleanor Venable, Karen Singleterry, and Trudy (Victor) Simpson, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Elsie Smith, brothers Marvin Smith, Max Smith, and Kelly Smith, brothers-in-law Bill Simpson and Ervin Simpson, and sisters-in-law Evelyn Byrge and Diana West.

Visitation will be Saturday April 25th from 10am until the time of the funeral service (12PM) with burial to follow in the Cisne Cemetery. Visitation and service will be at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield.

The family would like to thank Larry’s cousins, Rick (Verna) Smith, and Pam (Greg) Courtright, the staff of Residential Living Center, and his medical teams at Good Samaritan Hospital, especially Palliative Care and Hospice, who allowed Larry to live his final months and moments with dignity and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made to SSM Health Foundation with a note to go to the Palliative Care Service, or your favorite local charity, to help those in need.

04/20/2026

Robert “Bob” Eldon Barnard, 98 of rural Cisne, passed away at 2:40PM on Friday April 17, 2026, at his home. He was an autobody repairman and a farmer. Bob loved fishing and was a member of the Wayne County Bass Club. Bob was born in Fairfield on September 7, 1927, to Ralph and Ruth (Peddicord) Barnard.

Bob is survived by nephews- Roy (Beth) Barnard of Mt Vernon; Robert (Shelly) Barnard of Fairfield; Richard (Michelle) Zimmerman of Du Quoin; Danny (Karen) Barnard of Fairfield; Bryan (Diana) Barnard of Pratt KS; and Brad (Laura) Barnard of Hoisington KS. Nieces- Kim (Eric) Landers of Hoisington KS; and Kara (Cory) Gale of Windfield KS. One brother-in-law- Richard Zimmerman, also survives.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers- Dale (Kay) Barnard and Pete (Joyce) Barnard, and sister- Sharon Zimmerman.
A graveside service will be held at 11AM on Tuesday April 21, 2026, at Bailey Cemetery with military rites provided by Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and the Wayne County Post #4535 VFW. There will be no visitation, family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

04/15/2026

Mary Inez Hill, 67, of Fairfield, passed away at 11:20am on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN.

Mary was born on November 3, 1958, in Fairfield, IL, to Robert Russell and Mabel Inez (Smith) Hill.

Mary had worked for Airtex Products for more than 25 years before her retirement. She was a member of Cumberland Chapel C.P. Church in Fairfield. Mary was an avid Civil War re-enactor, traveling all over the country participating in re-enactment events. She loved family history and genealogy along with quilting, sewing, baking, and spoiling her beloved dogs Fi, Blaze, and Sheba.

Survivors include her brother William Robert “Rob” (Cheryl) Hill of Alton, IL, her nephew Christopher Robert Hill of Georgetown, TX, and her niece Katherine Volner of Camas, WA.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Per Mary’s request, her body will be cremated. Her family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at 11am on Saturday, May 2nd, at the Cumberland Chapel C.P. Church north of Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cumberland Chapel C.P. Church and will be accepted at the time of the celebration of life or at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is assisting with the arrangements.

04/14/2026

Anthony J. “Tony” Sullivan, 64, of Fairfield, passed away at 8:04pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Tony was born on September 15, 1961, in Fairfield, IL, to Michael and Donna (Gray) Sullivan. He was a graduate of Fairfield Community High School, class of 1979.

Tony spent his life working at the Wayne County Speed Shop and was the owner of Sully’s Welding and Custom Fabrication. He lived his life to the fullest. His pride and joy were his Harley Davidson’s and, of course, his loving daughter Darby.

Survivors include his father Mike Sullivan of Fairfield, his daughter Darby (Gavin) Dickey of Sims, IL, a grandson Kalel Dickey, his sister Lori Lofton of Newburgh, IN, a nephew Brock (Madison) Lofton and great nephew Bo Lofton of Fort Branch, IN, along with an abundance of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Donna Sullivan, grandparents Kenneth and Grace Sullivan and Ruth Gray, and his nephew Brody Lofton.

Per Tony’s request, his body has been cremated. A celebration of life visitation will be held from 4pm-6pm on Tuesday, April 21st, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield. There will be no burial at this time. Memorial donations can be made to help with cremation expenses and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

04/10/2026

Michelle Tucker, 63, of Fairfield, Illinois;
Welcomed into Heaven on April 9th, 2026

Michelle Jo Tucker was born on November 11th, 1962, in Fairfield, Illinois, to Charles L. Savage and Sammy K. Meritt. Michelle was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, April 9th, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous 19-month battle with Glioblastoma.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 13th, 2026, at Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Graveside Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 14th, at Maple Hill Cemetery at 11:00 am. Michelle had a lifelong career in the automotive industry. She most recently served as the Catalog Manager and Content Director for First Brands Group. She loved her work and the relationships she built over the years.

The true joy of Michelle’s life was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Their interests quickly became her interests. She enjoyed attending the sporting events of her grandsons; most recently, watching her grandson, Landon, become a coach; keeping up with her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in Texas; traveling with family; working outdoors; shopping with her daughter; and spending time at her family farm. Michelle especially loved her time with her daughter, Marissa, her primary caregiver for the last 19 months. Her husband, Robert, her grandsons, Landon and Tucker, and son-in-law, Justin, also joined in her care, and for that she was so grateful. In addition, Michelle was a member of the Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Robert D. Tucker; daughter and son-in-law, Marissa and Justin Townsend of Fairfield; son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Alyssa Tucker of Spring, Texas; and three grandchildren, Landon Zurliene, Tucker Townsend, and Capri Tucker. Michelle is also survived by two siblings, Luther Savage of St. Elmo and Maralyn Savage of Fairfield.

Michelle was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Savage and Sammy Meritt.

The family would like to thank the staff of Clay County Hospice, Clay County Hospital, and Mayo Clinic for their wonderful care and is grateful to all who supported Michelle throughout her cancer journey.

In lieu of flowers, Michelle requested that memorial donations be made to the FCHS Mules Football team and to Fairfield Junior Mules Football. For many years, Michelle had been an avid supporter of Mules Football and rarely missed a game. She especially loved the Mules coach, her son-in-law, Justin Townsend. She also really enjoyed watching her son, Derek, and grandsons, Landon and Tucker, play over the years.

04/10/2026

Roy “Sonny” Thomason, 89, of Fairfield, passed away at 2:53pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, IL.

Sonny was born on February 27, 1937, in Wayne County, IL, to Loren and Nettie (Morlan) Thomason. On September 28, 1957, he married the love of his life, Violet (Dunn) Thomason who preceded him in death in 2017.

Sonny had worked for Bunnage Truck Parts for 36 years before going to work at Airtex Products for another 13 years. He attended Full Gospel Tabernacle and loved to help his family and neighborhood friends with anything he could, especially auto mechanic work.

Survivors include his daughter Nancy (Dewayne) Gregory of Fairfield, five grandchildren Jason Thomason (Kelli Hixenbaugh), Justn (Brad) Young, Sonny Jaymin Gregory, and Lucy Gregory, all of Fairfield, James (Lisa) Gregory of Rockford, IL, five great grandchildren Jaeda, Ryland, and Ellyse Thomason and Oliver and Sadie Young, a brother-in-law Loren Lee (Debi) Dunn, sisters-in-law Alice Dunn, Janis Dunn, Sharon Miranda, and Sharon Thomason all of Fairfield, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Violet, a daughter Cindy Hammond, an infant son Doyle Thomason, three sisters Dorothy Keen, Helen Talbert, and Doris Morlan, and two brothers Hershel Morlan, and James Thomason.

Funeral services for Sonny Thomason will be at 12pm next Saturday, April 18th, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield, with burial to follow in Koontz Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am until the time of service at the funeral home. The family has requested casual dress for the service. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

04/07/2026

A memorial service will be held this Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2PM at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.

Julia A. "Judy" Jelley died at 4:08 AM, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Cisne Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Cisne, IL. She lived in the Chicago area for many years and worked as an Office Manager for various physicians. After retirement, she returned to Fairfield where she volunteered for many years on the skilled care unit at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Cornerstone Community Church in Fairfield.

Julia was born on January 7, 1931, in Geff, Illinois to John Stanton Jefferson and Nellie Gray Jelley.

Survivors include her sisters, Eva Lane and Velma Bunting of Fairfield. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Julia was preceded in death by half-brothers, Floyd Young, and Perry Young as well as brothers James, Donald, and Ray Jelley and sister Lois Totten.

She will be cremated with a memorial service Held on Friday April 10, 2026, at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.

04/04/2026

Good Friday-A day of remembrance and gratitude for Christ's GREAT LOVE for us.

04/03/2026

Donald R. Brake, 91, of Fairfield, passed away at 3:25am on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital Skilled Care Unit.

Don was born on October 21, 1934, in Albion, IL, to Clifford and Nina (Tait) Brake. He attended college at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, graduating in 1957 with his B.A. in education. On March 29, 1958, he married the love of his life, Susan (Childers) Brake, whom he met during college.

Upon his return to Fairfield, Don worked for the Fairfield Public School District 112 as the 7th grade science teacher and shop instructor. Since he was a life-long stamp collector like his dad, he organized a stamp club at Center Street School, which was kept up after his 35-year retirement.

Don had many hobbies and interests including fishing, camping, cooking, and walking. He joined the Health Walkers, an online walking club, and put in his miles each day for many years. Don and Susan traveled to all 50 states and several countries, enjoyed cruising, genealogy of the Brakes and Taits, and making stained glass lamps and suncatchers, selling many of them. Don helped the Boy Scout Troop 170 and went to auctions where he bought and sold many of his purchases on Ebay. He enjoyed making chowder for his friends, family, and TNT Sunday school class. He was a Kiwanis member for 20 years and a volunteer for the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Auxillary for 17 years.

Don was a member of the Cornerstone Community Church, formerly the First United Methodist Church, in Fairfield, where he enjoyed cooking the Thanksgiving dinners and Foodtastic Fridays, feeding high school students. Most of all, he loved being with his family, grandchildren, and his eight great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Susan Brake and son Stephen (Stefanie) Brake both of Fairfield, his daughter Jennifer (Donald) Bolen of Lamar, IN, four grandchildren Natalie (Josh) Bowman, Andrew (Amanda) Bolen, Alex Brake, and Lauren Brake, eight great grandchildren Eden, Edison, Emmett, Ellis, Everleigh, Parker, Bradley, and Peighton, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Flora Brake, three sisters, and three brothers.

The family would like to thank the staff of Fairfield Memorial Hospital Skilled Care and SSM Hospice for their loving care.

Funeral service for Don Brake will be at 12pm on Monday, April 6th, at Cornerstone Community Church in Fairfield, with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am until the time of service at the church. Memorial donations can be made to either the Salvation Army or the Cornerstone Community Church and will be accepted during the services or at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

04/01/2026

Happy first day of April, when showers bring flowers!! ☔️🌱🪺🪻🌷

03/30/2026

Robert Ray “Bob” Simmons, 68, passed away at 3:41PM on Friday March 13, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville IN. He was born in Fairfield on December 21, 1957, to Jack and Frances (Smith) Simmons.

Bob grew up in Fairfield, IL, with his two brothers, Jackie and Troy Simmons. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, KS, where he excelled as a Big Red One Combat Engineer.

Upon returning to his hometown, he worked alongside his father on an oil rig. In 1986, Bob and his family moved to Orlando, FL, where he became a professional painter, working on skyscrapers and high-end celebrity homes.

Bob returned to Fairfield in 2012, where he lived out his years in his childhood home. He was well liked by everyone who knew him and deeply loved by his family. Known for his big heart and intriguing stories, his smile could light up a room, earning him the nickname "Smiley Bob." He will always radiate in our hearts and live forever in our memories.

He is survived by his children- Richard “Rick” Simmons of Fairfield and Teresa Simmons of Cisne; brothers- Troy Simmons of Chicago and Jackie Simmons of Carmi; his best friend Christine Simmons also survives. He was preceded in death by his parents, and stepfather- Ivan Bell.

A memorial service in Bob’s honor will be held on Friday April 3, 2026, at 12PM at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home with burial of ashes at Maple Hill Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and the Wayne County Post #4535 VFW. Visitation will be held from 11AM until the time of service at the funeral home.