Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home

11/01/2025

Kenneth Scott, 55 of Golden Gate, IL, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Born on September 15, 1970, in Fairfield to Dellos and Carolyn (Newton) Scott, Kenny began working in construction right out of high school and spent the next three years honing his carpentry skills on roofing homes.

After a lot of hard work spent mastering his craft and chosen trade, he made the decision to start up his own construction company, Scott Construction, which he went on to run successfully for the next 25 years. Kenneth eventually made the decision to step away from the construction business and later found new employment as Maintenance Director at Cisne Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Cisne, IL, where he remained employed up until his untimely passing.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 35 years Kimberly Scott of Golden Gate, sons Tyler Scott, Cory Scott, and Nathan (fiancé Makaylee) Scott all of Golden Gate, mother Carolyn (Alan) Bland of Fairfield, sister Betty (Robert) Harrelson of Fairfield, nieces Jennifer (Jay) Wood and Ember (Daniel) Bergman, nephew Ryan (Jamie) Wood, 2 special uncles Ken (Lisa) Newton and Jack (Stacy) Newton, beloved dog Pablo Escobark, father and mother-in-law George and Dorothy Tomlinson of Fairfield, sister-in-law Tracy Thompson of Fairfield, brothers-in-law Rob Tomlinson and Colin Tomlinson of Fairfield, several nieces and nephews, and many, many, close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Dellos Scott and brother Rick Scott.

Funeral services for Kenneth Scott will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, November 5th at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield, with burial to follow in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials in his honor may be made to help with funeral expenses and will be accepted at the funeral home.

10/31/2025

The National Funeral Directors Association had their annual International Convention and Expo from Oct. 26-29th at McCormick Place, downtown Chicago. One of our funeral directors, Staci Morse, was able to attend this event.

It is a time when funeral directors from in and out of the country come to learn valuable information from seminars, inspirational sessions, and on the expo floor. Many new ideas are brought to life through companies that work with funeral homes, reconnections are made with old friends, and new friends are made.

10/29/2025

Elma Joan Holmes 90, known to all as Joan, passed away October 26, 2025, at her home. Joan entered this life on October 25, 1935, in Wayne County, to Elmer and Wilma (Williams) Legg and was the eldest of five children. She married Seth Holmes on June 14, 1964, in Fairfield, IL. Joan grew up with a strong foundation of faith that guided her throughout her journey.

Joan was a homemaker, loving wife, devoted mother, and prayer warrior. She taught Sunday school for many years and was dedicated to serving others. In her early years, Joan trained as a nurse via apprenticeship, caring for patients in critical need with skill and compassion. Later in life, she found deep joy in serving the elderly, offering comfort and kindness in their final chapters. Her life’s work reflected her calling to serve others through both professional care and personal devotion.

She is survived by her husband and their four children: Shawn Holmes (Linda) of Opdyke, IL; Shanon Holmes of Redford, MI; Shari Graves (Colin) of Mt. Zion, IL; and Shana Linder (Johnny) of Princeton, IN. Joan loved her grandchildren: Peyton Graves, Connor Graves, J’ne Clark-Shelton (Brandon), and Breanna Holmes-Linder, as well as four great-grandchildren, Ryker, Ripley, Ridge, and Rhett, each of whom brought her delight and joy.

She is also survived by her sisters and cherished a special bond with each of them: Joyce Day of Mt. Carmel, IL; Kay (Larry) White of Sims, IL; and Rhonda Vanway (Charles) of Sims, IL, as well as her many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved brother Gerald Legg. Also, her mother and father in-law, and several of her brothers and sister’s in-law.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Joan’s many caregivers who provided her with years of support: The teams at Deaconess, Gateway Cardiology, Dr. Tatinini and Dr. Kumbar; Primary Care Providers of Fairfield, Dr. Carter and Dr. Mitchell; Retina Eye Institute, Dr. Blinder; WashU Medical Glaucoma specialist Dr. Siek, and Dr. Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic, whose skills and compassion have meant so much over the years. Also, her personal care providers Becky Scott and Kathy Milner, who made her remaining time at home so very special.

Funeral services will be held at Johnson and Vaughn, Fairfield, IL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Funeral service at 11:00. Visitation will be from 10:00am until time of service, with burial to follow at Baltimore Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Sims Missionary Baptist Church, Sims, IL and will be accepted at the Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home.

10/27/2025

Flora Louise Randolph, 94, formerly of Fairfield, passed away peacefully at 12:22AM on Sunday October 26, 2025, at Haven on the River Nursing and Rehab in Grayville. She was born in Wayne County on October 3, 1931, to the late Frank and Myrtle (Hiley) Bailey. Flora shared a life filled with love, family, and community. She was united in marriage to James Lockinbar Griswold, with whom she had eight children. She later married Ed Randolph who preceded her. Flora retired from Champion Labs after many years of dedicated service, where she was admired for her strong work ethic, kind spirit, and unwavering dedication.

Flora is survived by her children- Earl (Mary) Griswold of Princeton IN, Leann York of Fairfield, Gary Griswold of Mill Shoals, Jackie (Bruce) Castro of St. Peters MO, Sherman (Chandra) Griswold of Washington IN, Dorothy (Steve) Stone of West Frankfort, Eva (John) Farler of Cave-in-Rock, and Tina (Todd) Perrott of Bridgeport; brother-in-law- Gary Velie of Perry GA; stepdaughters- Shelia Woodrome and Judy (Gary) Baxter; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren who brought joy to her life.

Flora was preceded in death by her parents, brothers- James Bailey and Frankie Bailey, sisters- Dorothy Randolph and Edna Velie, brother-in-law- Tom Randolph, sister-in-law- Eva Bailey, and one great grandson.

Graveside services will be held at 1PM on Thursday October 30, 2025, at Shrewsbury Cemetery in Mill Shoals. There will be no visitation, family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Memorials may be made to Feeding Kids of Wayne County and will be accepted at the service and at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.

10/23/2025

Donald R. Beeson, 84 of Fairfield, passed away at 11:20 PM, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.

Born on August 30, 1941, in Wayne County, IL to James and Juanita (Milner) Beeson, he had been a lifelong livestock and grain farmer. He married Sandra Kearnes on November 21, 1964, and as Sandy says, “Poor Donnie, bless his heart he had to put up with me for 30 days shy of 61 years.”

Donald had served as Berry Township Road Commissioner and on the Berry Township Cemetery Board. He was also a veteran of the US Army Reserves, and an avid hunter and fisherman. Family was very important to him and one of his favorite things was spending time with his grandkids. Donnie always made time to visit with and help his neighbors, never expecting anything in return.

Donald is survived by his wife Sandra Beeson of Fairfield, son Russell Beeson of Fairfield, daughters Sheila Beeson of Fairfield, Janet Billington of Cisne, and JoAnne (Mike) Greathouse of West Salem, 5 grandchildren- Charlton (Michaela) Greathouse, Ethan (JJ) Greathouse, Matthew (Alexis Atwood) Billington, Jaclyn (Caleb) Caldwell, and Johnathan W. Beeson, 9 great grandchildren- Micah Greathouse, James Greathouse, Zedidiah Greathouse, Emma Greathouse, Martha Anne Greathouse, Abram Greathouse, Thomas Greathouse, Joseph Greathouse, and Gunner Caldwell, brother James Beeson of Geff, sisters Rosalee Pearce of Rinard, Katy Auvil of Flora, and Nina Stanford of Newton, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Cassie Billington, and brothers Jerry and Phillip Beeson.

Funeral services for Donald Beeson will be held on Tuesday, October 28th at 10 AM at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Lappin Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and the Wayne County Post #4535 VFW. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Memorials in his honor may be made to Cisne FFA and will be accepted at the funeral home.

10/22/2025

Jerry L. Gray, 82, of Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Victoria General Hospital in Winnepeg.

Jerry was born on September 13, 1942, in Evansville, IN, to Robert and Bettye (Kane) Gray. On June 21, 1970, he married the love of his life, Lynda (Weber) Gray, who preceded him in death in 2012.

Jerry had been a college professor, teaching management classes and had retired as Dean Emeritus of the Faculty in Commerce, now the I.H. Asper School of Business, in 2005. He was also the author of two textbooks and scholarly books, along with having taught management seminars around the world.

Survivors include his son Derek (Emily) Gray of Portland, OR, his partner Nancy Sulkers of Winnepeg, his brother Bob Gray of Louisville, KY, his sister Mary (Brad) Kimmel of Evansville, IN, two brothers-in-law Stanley Weber of Mexico, MO, and Harold Weber, Sr. of Mill Shoals, IL, four sisters-in-law Barbara (Dan) Evans of Sims, IL, Joyce Snidle of Albion, IL, Wilberta Gregory of Centrailia, IL, and Fay Gaither of Taylorville, IL, along with several nieces and nephews from Southern Illinois and Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lynda (Weber) Gray.

A private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 29th at Pin Oak Cemetery in Sims, IL. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with local arrangements.

10/21/2025

Patricia A. “Pat” Carter, 77, of Fairfield, passed away at 1:20am on Tuesday, October 21,2025, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital’s skilled care unit.

Pat was born on December 22, 1947, in Cairo, IL, to Ernest Eugene and Mary (Johnson) Thornton. On January 25, 1986, she married the love of her life, Larry R. Carter.

Pat had been a registered nurse at Fairfield Memorial Hospital for 38 years, before her retirement in 2014. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and, also, loved her wiener dog, Jackson and her dog, Molly. Pat loved spending time with her grandchildren and her most favorite place to be, was on the beach picking up shells.

Survivors include her husband Larry Carter of Fairfield, her sons Gary (Judith) Bolen of Englewood, FL, and Nicholas Carter of Fairfield, her daughter Laurie Bolen of Geff, and her two granddaughters Hailey (Clint Runyon) Bolen, and Paige (Gino Salvino) Tadlock.

She was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws Til and Mary Carter.

Funeral services for Pat Carter will be at 11am on Friday, October 24th, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield, with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5pm-7pm on Thursday, October 23rd at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Wayne County Humane Society and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

10/20/2025

It is with profound sadness that Brenda Sue Vowels, 82, of Kalkaska, Michigan, formerly of Wayne City, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, with her children at her side.

Brenda was born on December 6, 1942, in Wayne City, IL, to Lester Dale “Pat” & Augusta Mae Crocker. Brenda married Stanley G. Waggoner on January 23, 1961, in Bridgeport, IL. Over a 30-year period, they raised their three children, Danielle 1961, Gordon 1964, and Sara 1969, residing in Bridgeport and Mattoon, IL until relocating to Kalkaska, Michigan in 1976.

Brenda is survived by her husband James “Jim” D. Vowels of Kalkaska, Michigan, her brother Dale Crocker of Wayne City, IL, her children: Danielle (Peter) Backes of North Mankato, MN, S. Gordon Waggoner II of Traverse City, MI, Sara (Joe) Waterman of Rapid City, MI, and her step-children Amanda Vowels of South Glens Falls, NY and James W.“J.W.” Vowels of Kalkaska, MI, along with her many precious grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Brenda was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles “Chuck” Crocker, Olan “Bub” Crocker, and Lavern Crocker.

Throughout Brenda’s life, she was a Girl & Boy Scout leader for her children, a volunteer for multiple organizations, waitress and past owner of Carefree Cove on Manistee Lake. She loved to read, especially her Louis L’Amour collection, along with walking with her many Schnauzers. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Eves Club, Kalkaska Academia Club, 100+ Women Who Care and the Red Hat Society. Brenda had a passion for charities, devoting most of her time to the local K.A.I.R. Chapter.

Brenda has been cremated, and a celebration of life service was held October 18th, at the Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City, MI.

Locally, a memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 25th, at the Archie Sanders Chapel at Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City, IL. Visitation will be from 10:30am until the time of service at the chapel. Burial will follow in Thomason Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in the name of Brenda Vowels be made to Kalkaska County Library, Kalkaska Animal Shelter or simply plant a flower in her honor. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the local arrangements.

10/20/2025

Donald A. Webb, 78, of Fairfield, passed away at 7:00am on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear Life Care in Wilmington, NC.

Don was born on October 16, 1946, in Fairfield, IL, to Jacob and Veda (Hunley) Webb. On February 21, 1972, he married the love of his life, Cheryl (Campbell) Webb, who preceded him in death in February, 2024.

Don had been a Country Companies insurance salesman for many years. Prior to that, he had hauled fuel for FS. He and his wife Cheryl were members of the Ellen Moore Mission in Fairfield.

Survivors include his daughter Angela (David) Lewis of Wilmington, NC, his son Brandon (Carletta) Webb of Fairfield, five grandchildren Connor Lewis, Blake Lewis, Cole Lewis, Braden Lewis, and Lydia Webb, two brothers Ray Webb and Jacob (Sharon) Webb, Jr. both of Fairfield, two sisters Norma Metcalf of Tennessee and Wilma (John) Wangler of Naperville, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Cheryl.

Per Don’s request, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be announced at a later time. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

10/17/2025

Kevin W. Melton, 64, of Fairfield, passed away at 11:55am on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at his home.

Kevin was born on January 21, 1961, in Fairfield, to John Melton and Karen (Locke) Lewis.

Kevin’s working career started in the oilfield, where he worked for over 25 years. He worked for a few different employers starting with Saber Construction of Albion, Friend Oil, Earl’s Tank Truck, and Eagle Supply, all of Fairfield, and ending his career at Wood Energy in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Kevin was an avid rock hunter and also enjoyed fishing, but, his greatest joy was watching his son Chris and grandson, Rhett, ride and race dirt bikes.

Survivors include his mother Karen Lewis of Fairfield, his son Christopher Melton and grandson, Rhett Melton both of Fairfield, his brother John (Cherry) Melton of Peoria, his sisters Schon (Greg)Lowe of Rochelle, IL, and Debbie (Bently)Lawrence of Collinsville, IL, his special friend Elaine Gardner, his special nephew Landon Lowery, along with his other nieces and nephews, Jessica, Rachel, Mary, Adrienne, Lindsey, Kyle, Jaimi, and Codi.

He was preceded in death by his father John Melton and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Per Kevin’s request, his body is being cremated. There will be a memorial visitation from 5pm-7pm on Monday, October 20th at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield. Memorial donations can be made to the Dr. Scranton Memorial Cancer Fund and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

10/10/2025

Ricky G. Miller, 66 of Fairfield passed away at 2:03 PM, Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Ascention St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, IN. Born on April 3, 1959, in Alton, IL to Donald and Evelyn (Binkley) Miller, he had been a bricklayer and worked at Champion Labs in Albion.

Ricky is survived by his daughter Pagan Colclasure of Fairfield, grandson Braylen Veach, brother Kevin (Missy) Miller of Eddyville, KY, nieces and nephews Aaron (Melissa) Miller of Newburgh, Andrew (Alanis) of Jacksonville, FL, Erica (Randy) Riley of Gilbertsville, KY, and Emily (Brady) Atkinson of Clarksville, TN.

Ricky will be cremated, and no formal services will be held at this time. Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is assisting with cremation.

10/07/2025

Our very own Ryan Best is running for Coroner! Please follow and share his Coroner page.

My name is Ryan Best, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Wayne County Coroner in the 2026 election. I am 46 years old and have worked in the funeral service industry for the past 18 years at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.

A lifelong resident of Fairfield, I live here with my wife of 23 years, April. We are blessed with three children—Dylan, Ava, and Caden. Our family is deeply rooted in the community, and I am committed to serving it with integrity and professionalism.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of learning from some of the most respected individuals to hold the office of Wayne County Coroner. Everything I know about the funeral and death care industry began under the mentorship of Bob Johnson, who served as Coroner for 32 years. I also assisted Jimmy Taylor on numerous calls during his 24-year tenure, and worked closely with Carrie Dagg and her team during her six years in office. These combined 62 years of experience have provided me with invaluable insight, practical knowledge, and a deep respect for the responsibilities of the Coroner’s role.

With this foundation, I am ready to bring compassion, professionalism, and experience to the office of Coroner. I would sincerely appreciate your support in the Republican Primary on March 17, 2026.