Wilson Funeral Home

03/30/2026

Terry L Smock age 60 of Midland, Texas, formerly of Brookport, Illinois, passed away March 18, 2026 in Midland.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Billy R. Sr. and Alice C. Smock of Grand Chain.

He is survived by one son, Wesley G. Smock of Columbus, Ohio; one sister, Machie (Harry) Lang of Grand Chain; three brothers, Billy R. Smock Jr. of Brookport, James A. 1st (Tina) Smock of Vienna, Harley E. (Vicki) Smock of Brookport; nephews, James A. 2nd (Courtney) Smock of Carbondale, Daniel (Taby) Smock of Vienna; nieces, Jennifer R. Lang (Jeremy) of Perks, April M. (Garrett) Runge of Grand Chain.

Terry adored his great nephews and nieces, Khloe Rader, Harlee and Victor Runge of Grand Chain, Maverick and Amelia Lang of Perks. A special cousin, Tammy (Doug) and Kylie Huston of Springfield, Illinois. Very special, life long friend, Chuck (Jana) Jeffords of Brookport. He was a man that lived on the edge, he had more nine lives to live. He was a life long truck driver. Terry loved automobiles, he loved to will and deal, it was in his blood. He was loved by so many people.

There will be no public services.

A private celebration of life will take place at noon on April 11, 2026, at the Rentfro Cemetery near Vienna.

Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak is assisting the family with arrangements.

03/28/2026

Charles Barnett, age 91, of Karnak, Illinois passed away at 12:13 A.M. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Metropolis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Metropolis.

Charles was born August 27, 1934 in Karnak.

He was a graduate of Karnak High School. Charles was a member of the First Baptist Church in Karnak and was a Deacon for many years. Charles and Anna Sanders were united in marriage in 1953. He was an executive board member for the IBEW. He had retired from General Telephone. Charles had been very active in the Karnak Khoury League. He was a past member of the Century School Board and had also served as the Mayor of Karnak, as well as the Fire Chief. Charles also served on the Karnak City Council for many years. Charles owned and operated Bob's Billiards in Karnak for several years.

He is survived by two daughters, Beverly Greer of Karnak, Julie and (Robin) Hinton of Karnak; one son, Alan Barnett of Karnak; three grandchildren, Stephanie Hutchison of Belknap, Blair Anderson of Ullin, Jessi and (Bret) Green of Karnak; nine great-grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Sanders Barnett (2019); one sister, Ruth Barnett; his parents, James and Ruth Smith Barnett; grandson, Chris Greer.

Services honoring the life of Mr. Charles Barnett will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 1 P.M. at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak. Rev. Scott Harner will be officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 11 A.M. until the service hour at the funeral home. Internment will follow at Anderson Cemetery in the Boaz Community of Massac County.

Pallbearers will be, Dylan Green, Drew Green, Dane Green, Tadge Anderson, Bret Green and Jackson Wight.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the First Baptist Church of Karnak Food Pantry. Envelopes will be provided.

To leave an on-line message for the family or to share a memory, you can also visit our web at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com

03/23/2026

Gerald Glen (Jerry) Brown 88, of Olmsted, Illinois, went to his heavenly home on March 23, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Ines Brown, and his wife, Iris Elaine Brown. Jerry and Elaine were high school sweethearts, marrying on September 2, 1956. They had three daughters: Cherry (John) Lindamood of Tiptonville, Tennessee; Andrea (Don) Witthoft of Anna, Illinois; and Regina (Craig) Vaughn of Farmington, Missouri. They had four grandchildren: Maleita (Kaylie) Lindamood of Pahrump, Nevada; John Michael (Evee) Lindamood of Gonzales, Louisiana; Nathan (Tabitha) Brown of Bonne Terre, Missouri; and Jessica (Drew) Kelley of Anna, Illinois. Their legacy includes six great-grandchildren: Elijah and Elaina Lindamood, Bowen, Delaney and Emerson Kelley, and Theodore Brown, and beloved nieces and nephews who were cherished as though they were his own.

During his time at Ullin High School, Jerry was a pitcher on the fast-pitch softball team, a member of the basketball team, a member of the drama club and the FFA. He and Elaine were organizers for many years of the Ullin High School Reunion, an event that Jerry enjoyed planning and attending. Jerry would help out with church Christmas plays and Vacation Bible School skits for many years, and would sometimes play Santa for the Cache Chapel Christmas event. He loved receiving and sending Christmas cards. He was a long time member of Cache Chapel Church, and later attended Maple Grove Baptist Church.

Jerry was a lover of many kinds of animals, and would often rescue lost ones bringing them to live on the farm outside of Ullin. The kids at church knew to ask him whenever they were doing a fundraiser. He bought many pizzas and lots of cookie dough, even though he wasn't a genuine fan of pizza. He was known for his kindness and generous spirit, giving help to anyone in need. He was grateful to have been included in dinners for the Century High School FFA in recognition of his long farming life. Jerry loved pulling hayride wagons with his vintage John Deere tractors, often participating in the Cache River Days Parade as a float from his church. He enjoyed being part of the tractor pulls at the Pulaski County Fair for many years.

Services honoring the life of Mr. Jerry Brown will be at Wilson's Funeral Home in Karnak, Illinois on Saturday, March 28, 2026 with the visitation from 12:30 till 2:00 P.M., followed by a service at 2:00 P M. Rev. Scott Kelley will be officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Cache Chapel Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Cache Chapel Cemetery, or the Century High School FFA. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be, John Lindamood, Don Witthoft, Craig Vaughn, John Michael Lindamood , Drew Kelley and Nathan Brown.

To leave an online message for the family or to share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com

03/22/2026

Terry Wayne Verble, age 74, of Jonesboro, Illinois passed away at 12:42 P.M. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at his home.

Terry was born January 10, 1952 in Carbondale, Illinois.

He was a graduate of Anna High School. Terry was a Union Operator and was retired from the Local 318 Operating Engineers as a 50 year member. Terry loved all kinds of racing, drag racing and especially NASCAR. He was an accomplished auto mechanic and auto body repair.

Terry is survived by one daughter, Callie (Caleb) Baird of Anna; granddaughter, Addison Baird.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Jewel Slone Verble.

A celebration of life for Mr. Terry Wayne Verble will be held at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak, Illinois on Wednesday morning, April 1, 2026 from 10 till 12. Everyone is asked to dress casual. .

To leave an on-line message for the family or to share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com

03/16/2026

Starla Sharp, age 63, of Olmsted passed away at 7:15 A.M. Monday, March 16, 2026 at her home with her family by her side.

Starla was born November 23, 1962 in Anna, Illinois.

She was a graduate of Vienna High School. Starla and David Sharp spent thirty eight years of marriage together until David's passing in 2018. She loved camping with David and working in her flower gardens. Starla loved her Sunday School class at the United Methodist Church in Olmsted where she was a faithful member.

She is survived by one daughter, Ashley (Ryan) Hannan of Anna; three grandchildren, Nicholas, Tyler and Beckett Hannan of Anna; brother, Joey Whiteside of Vienna; sister, Christine (Herb) Hosfeldt of Tunnel Hill; mother-in-law, Nancy Sharp of Olmsted.

Starla was preceded in death by her husband, David Sharp, her parents, Lynn and Arlene Price Whiteside; her father-in-law, Charlie Sharp.

Services honoring the life of Mrs. Starla Sharp will be held at 11:30 A.M. Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak. The family will receive friends Thursday morning from 9 A.M. until the service hour. The Holy Rosary will be led by father Joel Seipp at 11 A.M. Pastor Mike Sharp will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Wyatt Cemetery near Grand Chain.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Hannan, Tyler Hannan, Phillip Hosfeldt, Eric Sharp, Shawn Sharp and Gino Helms.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to help the family with expenses. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

To leave an online message with the family or to share memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com

03/06/2026

Bradley R. Staton, 66, of Kankakee, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Riverside Medical Center.

He was born September 21, 1959, in Anna, Illinois, the son of Donald R. and Barbara Sue (Collins) Staton. On October 9, 1992, he married Jenny L. Gresham at Bourbonnais Central Christian Church. He was a self-employed painter, running Spectrum Painting with his partner Dwayne Early for 20+ years.

Brad enjoyed playing guitar and played in a couple different bands over the years. He played in the Mason Young Band and Bootleg, one time even playing at Chicago Fest. He loved weekly jam nights with his musical friends and family every Thursday, where they played and recorded all their own original music. Brad also enjoyed art and practiced with many different media.

Bradley is survived by his beloved wife, Jenny L. Staton of Kankakee; mother, Barbara Collins; siblings, Chesley Staton of Champaign, Trena (Rand) Wilkinson of Momence, Rachel Weigt of Plano, and Caleb Staton of Vienna; several nieces and nephews; as well as many best friends.

He is preceded in death by his father.

A graveside service will be held at Kankakee Memorial Gardens at 1pm on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Following the burial, there will also be visitation held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 3pm until the memorial service at 6pm at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee.

Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.

This is a courtesy obit by Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak, Illinois.

02/13/2026

Jacqueline Sauerbrunn "Jackie", age 86, of Marion, Illinois passed away peacfully at 6:57 A.M. Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Sunshine Gardens Healthcare Center in Marion with her loving family by her side.

She was born on May 22, 1939 in Belknap, Illinois in Johnson County, to Orval and Wanda Henry. She spent most of her teenage years in Karnak, Illinois. Jackie was united in marriage to Norval "Dean" Sauerbrunn on January 2, 1958 in Karnak, Illinois, and together they shared sixty eight years in marriage. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Johnson City, Illinois.

Jackie spent the first two years of marriage in Germany with her husband, Dean, who served in the U.S. Army. Upon their return to Illinois, they soon started their family.

Jackie's contributions extended outside of the family and was employed at many places including Anchor Brush, All-Steel, and Keeler School for the Physically and Mentally challenged young adults.

After retirement, Jackie and Dean moved back to Southern, Illinois. Retirement brought them much joy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Their favorite pastimes were boating, four-wheeling, riding go carts, and swimming in the pool.

Some of Jackie's favorite hobbies were reading, taking care of her dogs over the years (Lady, Cindy, Sam, Freckles, and Rocky). She was an active member of her community running the food pantry and volunteering for the Lunch Bunch in Johnson City.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who was always up for adventures with her kids and grandkids.

She is survived by her husband, Dean of Marion, Illinois, daughter, Deborah Knauer and her husband Carl of Virginia Beach, Virginia, two sons, Bruce Sauerbrunn his wife Vickie of Olmsted, Illinois and Terry Sauerbrunn and his wife Chris of Marion Illinois. She is also survived by six grandchildren; Steven and Ryan Knauer, Taryn Sauerbrunn, Larry and Andrew Schnaare, Michelle Hannan, and elevan great-grandchildren.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Wanda Henry, brother, Weldon James Henry, brother, William Henry, grandson, Eric Schnaare.

Funeral services honoring the life of Mrs. Jacqueline Sauerbrunn "Jackie" will be held at 1 P.M. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak. Rev. Steve Hudspath will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 A.M. Tuesday until the service hour. Interment will follow at the Concord Cemetery, Olmsted, Illinois.

For those that prefer memorial contributions can be made to Concord Cemetery. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

To leave an online message for the family or to share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com

02/11/2026

Patsy Goins Crain, age 89, of Cadiz, Kentucky, formerly of Grand Chain, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Christian Health Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Born on December 26, 1936, in Karnak, Illinois, she was the daughter of Ernest Goins and Dorothy Durall Goins, who preceded her in death.

Patsy worked for many years at Spraying Systems in Wheaton, Illinois. After retiring, she and her husband Bill settled in Cadiz, where they called home for the rest of their days. In Cadiz, she served as a volunteer at Helping Hands and was a faithful member of Cadiz Baptist Church.

Patsy found joy in the little things, from tending to her beautiful flower garden to caring for her cats and feeding the neighborhood animals, including the deer and squirrels she welcomed into her yard.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill Crain, on December 3, 2011, and her daughter Regina Prusak.

She is survived by her grandson David Prusak (Tori) of Mesa, Arizona, and two great-grandchildren, as well as her caregiver and friend, Jennifer Strauch (Rick), of Cadiz.

Per the family's request, cremation was accorded with no services being held. Inurnment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Grand Chain, Illinois.

Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak is assisting with local arrangements.

01/15/2026

Melinda Renee Corzine gained her heavenly wings January 14, 2026. She passed peacefully at home with her children by her side, at the age of 64.

Melinda was born April 21, 1961 to Anice (A.E) and Janice Corzine. She graduated from Century High School in1979. Melinda loved her plants, her pets, cooking and spending time with her family.

Melinda is survived by her sisters, Pamela (Jerry) McSorley of Vienna, Illinois and Tamela (Carl) Lingle of Dongola, Illinois; her children, Heather (Jason) Brown of Scott City, Missouri, Michael (Natalie) Brown of Anna, Illinois; grandchildren, Charlie (Tommy) Whitaker, Caitlyn (Brandon) McClanahand, Jessilyn (Kenin) Hettenhouser, Michaela Brown, Arika Brown and Brayden Brown; great-grandchildren Scarlett, Haylee, Willow, Maisley, Violet and Karolyn.

She was preceded and death by her parents, A.E. and Janice Corzine and beloved great-grandchild Lisa Hettenhouser.

Per the family's request, cremation was accorded with a celebration of life being planned for the family and friends later this spring.

Donations to help the family with funeral expenses may be made to Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 206, Karnak, Illinois 62956

If you would like to leave a message for the family or share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com

01/04/2026

James (Larry) Badgley, age 87, of Grand Chain, Illinois passed away at 5 A.M Sunday, January 4, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky.

Larry was born November 25, 1938 in Paducah, Kentucky. He was a graduate of the Tilghman Hgh School in Paducah. Larry and June Badgley were united in marriage in 1959. Larry had retired after nearly 40 years of service as a welder/quality manager for Flour Corporation. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, woodworking and loved hobby farming. Larry was a member of the Vienna #172 Masonic Lodge. He was an avid UK fan!

He is survived by his wife, June Marie Perryman Badgley; one son, Pat (Valentina) Badgley of Chapin, South Carolina; four grandchildren, Robbie (Kelcey) Badgley of Grand Chain, Alleson (Brandon) Looper of Metropolis, Richard Badgley of Houston, Texas and Sabrina, Badgley of Chapin, South Carolina; one brother, Jerry Badgley of Atchison, Kansas; one sister, Sylvia Doss of Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

Larry was preceded in death by one son, Marty Badgley (2021); parents, Imon Latney and Esther E. Gilbert Badgley.

Memorial services honoring the life of Mr. James Larry Badgley will be held at 1 P.M. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at the Ohio Chapel Church in Grand Chain (The Tick Ridge Community). Pastor Tammy Horn will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 A M. till the service hour Wednesday at the Church. Inurnment will follow at the Ohio Chapel Cemetery.

On behalf of the family and staff of Wilson Funeral Home we send our sincere condolences to all of the Badgley family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.

12/25/2025

11/19/2025

Kathy Blasdel Ryan, age 69, of Grand Chain, Illinois passed away at 7:38 A.M. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Axion Gardens Healthcare Center in Flora, Illinois.

Kathy was born May 4, 1956 in Cairo, Illinois. She was a 1974 graduate of Century High School near Ullin, Illinois. Kathy graduated from Shawnee College and then went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University in 1979 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Kathy had retired from Century High School after 34 years of teaching. She was a member of the Ohio Chapel Church. Kathy was very active in the National Education Association (NEA). She enjoyed reading and loved her cats. Kathy loved spending time with her family, gardening and was an excellent cook. After retiring Kathy worked 7 years at the Candy Store in the Paducah Mall.

Kathy Is survived by one daughter, Betsy Ryan of Grand Chain; sister, Donna (Ed) Holhubner of Sedalia, Missouri; two nephews, Chris (Sarah) Holhubner of Vienna; Lucas (Mel) Holhubner of Smithton, Missouri; a host of great nieces and nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Louise Mathis Blasdel

Funeral services honoring the life of Mrs. Kathy Blasdel Ryan will be held at 2 P.M. Sunday, November 23, 2025 at the Ohio Chapel Church, Grand Chain, Illinois. The family will receive friends Sunday from 11 A.M. until the funeral hour at the Church. Pastor Tammy Horn will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Ohio Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ohio Chapel Church. c/o Tammy Horn, 18 Rivercrest Lane, Grand Chain, Illinois

To leave an online message for the family or to share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com

The staff of Wilson Funeral Home would like to send our sincere condolences to the family of Kathy Ryan.