Barnett Strother Funeral Home

10/29/2025

John Clifton Babb, 78, of Madisonville, KY passed away Monday, October 27, 2025 at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville, KY
He was born May 29, 1947 in Minnesota to the late Jesse C. Babb and Elizabeth Rose Smith. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Judy Babb; and his daughter, Julie J. Babb Espey.
John was an Air Force veteran. He served in Vietnam, where he worked on aircraft. He met the love of his life, Judy Babb, before he went into the service and they have been happily married for 53 years. In his free time, he was a big fisherman. John was also a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW 5480 Post 6 in Madisonville.
He is survived by his two daughters, Jonna (Keith) Rickard of Madisonville, and Jennifer (Steven) Gipson of Paducah, KY; one sister, Donna Holmes of Madisonville; one brother, Michael Babb of Pillager, Minnesota; three grandchildren, John (Ashley) Brittain, Devon Moore, and Chloe Gipson; great grandchildren, Karter Brittain and Summer Brittain; bonus grandchildren, Brook Cantoral, Jeremy (Kacey) Rickard, and Jamie (Matt) Kerperien; bonus great grandchildren, Maycee Rickard, Rex Kerperien, Harper Rickard, and Ariah Cantoral; and several nieces and nephews. His family was everything to him.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday November 1, 2025 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home – Madisonville Chapel with Rev, Jessie Campbell and Chaplin Nick Duvall officiating. Burial will follow at Grapevine Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the service time Saturday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be John Brittain, Devon Moore, Jeremy Rickard, Matthew Kerperien, John Paul Holmes, and Willis Holmes.

John was born on May 29th, 1947 and passed away on October 27th, 2025 at the age of 78

10/27/2025

Anna (Ann) Claire Neese Walker, 93, of Madisonville, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ-the hope and joy of her life-on October 26, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family.
Born on August 12, 1932, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to the late Willie and Allene Neese, Ann lived a life anchored in faith, love, and selfless service. Her devotion to Christ shone brightly, guiding others to His grace through her wisdom, unwavering example, and boundless Christian hospitality. With unshakable faith, she touched countless lives, leading many to know the Lord and experience His grace.
A devoted mother and grandmother, affectionately called Omi, Ann found her greatest joy in nurturing her family. She was the heart of every gathering, ever ready to offer a helping hand, intercede in prayer, or prepare a heartfelt home-cooked meal. Her family and friends will forever treasure memories of weekly Sunday lunches, her prayers for each by name, and her infectious joy that warmed every heart.
Ann dedicated her professional life as an Administrator for the Mine Safety & Health Administration, where she served with integrity. A lover of the arts and travel, she delighted in sharing cultural experiences with her family, introducing them to the beauty of the world across the United States.
Her service extended far beyond her family, as Ann faithfully served her church and community. Living out the call to make disciples of all nations, she joined mission teams to Costa Rica and South Africa. Guided by the principle that “iron sharpens iron,” she taught Sunday school, led Bible studies, and served on teams for Chrysalis and Walks to Emmaus. Her love was expressed in action—welcoming strangers to her table, bringing Habitat for Humanity to Hopkins County, and giving generously in ways known only to the Lord. Even in her final days, she remained devoted to her church, and we are certain she was greeted in eternity with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Ann was preceded in death by her daughters, J’Nese West and Paige Higdon. She is survived by her children, Janet Walker and Jay (Debbie) Walker; her sister, Dian Neese Jordan; her brother, Bill Neese; eight grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Though she will be deeply missed, she continues to shine in the lives she touched, and her legacy of faith and love will live on for generations to come.
A celebration of her life will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 30th at Madisonville First United Methodist Church, with Ken Hundley and Reverend Doctors John and Loletuth Kalz officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. before the celebration. A burial service will be held later that day at Maplewood Cemetery in Paris, Tennessee, where Ann will be laid to rest with her loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made, in her memory, to Madisonville First United Church or the new Mental Health Wing at the Refuge Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky

Anna was born on August 12th, 1932 and passed away on October 26th, 2025 at the age of 93

10/26/2025

Mary E. McCay, 83 of Madisonville, KY passed away, Friday, October 24, 2025 at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.
She was born January 14, 1942 in McKees Rock, PA to the late John Fleishaker and Sadie Pongratz Fleishaker. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. McCay; son, Rob McCay; and brother, John Fleishaker.
Mary worked as a nurse, working at Meadows Psychiatric Hospital. She loved things Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Penn State Wrestling and had a love for Elvis. She loved spending time and helping out with the grandkids and her great grandkid.
She is survived by her daughter, Erin Crutcher; sister, Stevie (Colman) Gaal; daughter-in-law, Marina McCay; grandchildren, Jordan (Gatlin) Carrier, Madline (Brennan) Olesh; Jon McCay, Brooke Crutcher, and Candice Crutcher; and great grandchild, Salem Carrier.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home – Madisonville Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Breaking Bread at 275 W. Center Street, Madisonville, KY 42431.

Mary passed away on October 24th, 2025

10/25/2025

Larry Rushing, 58, of Madisonville, KY passed away, Friday, October 24, 2025 at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.
He was born July 7, 1967 in Chicago, IL to the late Lawrence Ray Rushing and Ruby Nell Lindsey.
Larry, owner of Larry Rushing Painting Rock Solid Coatings, worked as a painter for over 40 years and took great pride in his work. Larry loved being outdoors. He enjoyed spending his time riding his motorcycle, fishing, and being on his boat. Larry faithfully attended The River in Nortonville. He was a devoted Christian who prioritized faith, family, and sharing God’s love.
He is survived by his daughter, Kayla Ford of Henderson, KY; son, Braydin Rushing of Madisonville; siblings, Cathy (Jerry) Robards of Madisonville, Dave (Pam) Rushing of Bothell, WA, Rob (Vicky) Rushing of San Diego, CA, and Susie (Skip) Dame of Madisonville.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home – Madisonville Chapel. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday and from 12:00 P.M. until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Braydin Rushing, Rob Rushing, Brandin Stokes, Rodney Burns, David Poole, and Lonnie “Tonto” Piper.

Larry passed away on October 24th, 2025

10/24/2025

Thomas Roland Bean, 75 of Madisonville, KY passed away, Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Redbanks Colonial Terrace in Sebree, KY.
He was born March 19, 1950 in Evansville, IN to the late William “Jack” Bean and Sarah Smith Bean.
Tom worked as a self-employed contractor. He had a love for design and architecture, especially designing and drawing up plans.
He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Jane (Travis) Harmon of Madisonville; three sons, Francis Erskine Bean of Auburn, AL, Thomas Tyson Bean of Panama City, FL, and William Wallace (Mikayla) Bean of Madisonville; brother, Jerry Bean; and his grandchildren, Bent’Lii, Ayvah, Tripp, Tyson, and Easton.
Services will be held privately for the family.
Barnett-Strother Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Thomas was born on March 19th, 1950 and passed away on October 23rd, 2025 at the age of 75

10/21/2025

Mildred Jean Rickard, age 86, of Hanson, Kentucky, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Dawson Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Jean was a woman of unshakable faith and wholehearted devotion, known for her deep love of Scripture and her passionate life of prayer. To know her was to know a true prayer warrior--bold, fearless, and full of faith. She prayed with authority, believed for the impossible, and carried the fire of heaven everywhere she went.

Jean was born into a large and loving family as one of nineteen children. Her childhood was filled with faith, hard work, and prayer, values that became her foundation. She grew into a talented and industrious woman, becoming a skilled seamstress and craft maker, helping ends meet through tough times, and worked at Enro Shirt Company for a number of years.

On October 31, 1957, she married the love of her life, Charles Raymond Rickard, and together they began a journey marked by ministry, service, and adventure. Their shared calling to serve others shaped every season of their lives. They helped establish and support many churches both locally and in other states, and even operated a children's home and personal care facility in Blue Mountain, MS. Many in the community fondly remember their years serving together at Hanson Elementary School--Charles as custodian and Jean caring for students in the cafeteria. Together, they also led hundreds of home Bible studies that helped many people come to know Christ and grow in their faith, leaving an eternal legacy in the lives they touched.

Jean was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband, Charles, who passed away shortly after their 60th wedding anniversary; her granddaughter, Autumn Brook Clark; her parents, Chester and Haline Gates; and her siblings Edna Wells, Everlene Gates, Betty Gates, J.C. Gates, Hattie Baldwin, Lindle Gates, Virginia Harden, James Gates, Doris Kasel, and Jewell Gates.

She is lovingly remembered by her children Teresa Oliver (Dr. David Oliver) of Princeton, KY, Julie Frias (Mario) of Hanson, KY, and Brad Rickard (Deborah) of Knoxville, TN; her grandchildren Brandon Shanks (Kara), Caleb Oliver (Allison), Sarah Rose Hussey (Nathanael), Destin Wells (Trevor), and Joel Rickard (Natalie); and her great-grandchildren Hudson Shanks, Karter Shanks, Baylor Shanks, Sadie Oliver, Sutton Oliver, and Knight Wells. She is also survived by her siblings Murel Bivins, Eula Smith, Anna Petrakovitz, Janice Pate, Gary Gates, Darrell Gates, Mary Turpin, and Tim Gates, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jean's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. (CST) on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Barnett Strother Funeral Home, 2285 N. Main St., Madisonville, KY, with Rev. Heath Ferguson and Rev. Brandon Shanks officiating and burial to follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Hanson. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour at the funeral home.

Mildred was born on August 1st, 1939 and passed away on October 16th, 2025 at the age of 86

10/20/2025

Charles “Charlie” G. Franklin, loving husband, respected attorney, and devoted pilot, passed away on October 18, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital, at the age of 72.
Born in Madisonville, Kentucky, to Carroll and Linda Franklin, Charlie lived a life defined by intelligence, humor, and a spirit of adventure. Exceptionally gifted and endlessly curious, Charlie was known for his remarkable ability to solve problems, master new skills, and accomplish nearly anything he set his mind to. As a partner in the law firm of Franklin, Gordon & Hobgood for over 40 years, he was admired for his integrity, sharp mind, and steadfast commitment to his clients.
Outside the courtroom, Charlie found freedom and joy in flying a Cessna 172, and enjoying spirited conversations with other pilots, where the planes were fast, the landings were perfect, and the stories only got better with each telling. He received an award from EAA Chapter #1184 in recognition of flying over 100 Young Eagles to inspire kids in the world of aviation. Flying was one of his greatest passions, and he approached it with both skill and reverence for the open sky.
Charlie shared 38 wonderful years with his beloved wife (and favorite paralegal), Julie—a partnership full of love, laughter, and adventure. His daily joy was also ensured by Dixie, his big, furry co-pilot on the ground.
He is also survived by his siblings Mike, Pete, and Alice, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother John.
Charlie will be remembered for his wit, kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. He approached life with a sense of purpose and capability that inspired everyone around him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the enduring example of a life well lived.
A Celebration of life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, October 24, 2025, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home – Madisonville Chapel to honor Charlie’s life.
Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until service time Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Hopkins County Humane Society or the Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Foundation.

Charles was born on December 7th, 1952 and passed away on October 18th, 2025 at the age of 72

10/15/2025

Mary Lou Wilson, 72, of Madisonville, KY passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at her residence.
She was born February 23, 1953, in Dawson Springs, KY to the late Arthur Gobel Pierce and Samantha Mary Lou Wooten Piper. She was also preceded in death by her; brothers, Marshall Pierce, Cecil Pierce, Johnny Long, Donnie Long, and Roger Long ; sister, Linda Asher; and son-in-law, Marty Barker.
Mrs. Wilson was a member of Christian Tabernacle Church where she also volunteered. She helped teach many kids over the years.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Roscoe Wilson, of Madisonville; daughters, Mary Sue (Marty) Barker of Madisonville and Sheila (Mike) Powers of Madisonville; son, Ronnie Lee Wilson of Henderson; grandchildren, Lana Dickerson, Jeffery Barker, Katelyn (Lance) Johnson, Michael Powers, Jr., Jessica Powers, Heather Powers, Sharon Powers, Mary Powers, Brandon (Hannah) Wilson, Hannah (Jr.) Oliver, and Trevor Hook; great grandchildren, Abbigayle Wescott, Marty Wescott, Leona Dickerson, Maverick Dickerson, Re*****on Johnson, Trey Powers, Mariah Powers, Andre Civils, Lucian Johnson, Legend Johnson, Braxton Johnson, Brinleigh Johnson, Kimber Wilson, Kayden Wilson, Ada Wilson, and Raylan Wilson.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home with Pastor Jr. Tingle, Pastor Ryan Avery, and Michael Powers, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the service time Saturday at the funeral home in Madisonville.
Pallbearers will be Lana Dickerson, Joey Long, Jeremy Huddleston, Scott Alkire, Michael Kirk, and Jr. Powers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeffery Barker, Trey Powers, Marty Wescott, and Michael Powers, Sr.

Mary was born on February 23rd, 1953 and passed away on October 14th, 2025 at the age of 72

10/14/2025

Martha Suzanne Rodgers, 77, of Madisonville, KY passed away Monday October 13, 2025, at her residence.
She was born January 19, 1948, in Scottsville, KY to the late Carter and Joyce Marie Newman Cater. She was also preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Dale Rodgers.
Martha was a member of the Earlington Assembly of God, she was also a dispatch for the transport department for the board of education, she enjoyed riding around taking in the countryside, and especially her two cats and her dog.
She is survived by her son, Woody (Sabrina) Rodgers, of Hanson, KY; three granddaughters, McKenzie (Ethan) Putty, Sarah (Jessie) Gibson, and Rabecca (Justin) Crowley III; three great grandchildren, and her lifelong friend, Chuck Dockery.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, October 17, 2025, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home with Rev. John McCurry and Bro. Danny Earl officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11:00 PM until the service time Friday at the funeral home in Madisonville.
Pallbearers will be Woody Rodgers, Ethan Putty, Chuck Dockery, Gary Parrish, Clint Bearden, and Allen Stokes.

Martha was born on January 19th, 1948 and passed away on October 13th, 2025 at the age of 77

10/08/2025

Linda Diane “Nonnie” Reddick, 83, of Hopkinsville, KY, formerly of Madisonville, KY, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Jennie Stuart Medical Center in Hopkinsville.

She was born on September 26, 1942, in Evansville, IN, to the late C.J. Hobgood and Elsie Franklin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ellis “Jake” Reddick; her son, Todd Reddick; her brother, Buddy Hobgood; and her sisters, Cheryl Arnold and Sherry Hobgood.

Nonnie was the matriarch of her family — a woman of unwavering faith and the heart of her home. She was a prayer warrior who faithfully interceded for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends by name. She lived her life loving others and pointing them toward Jesus.

She attended Rhema Bible College and Victory Bible Institute in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Nonnie helped pioneer and plant churches throughout her life and was a founding member of Christian Assembly, Christ Community, Gateway Church, and Covenant Community Church. Throughout her ministry, she established the Military Wives Support Group, the CCC Intercessor Prayer Ministry, the Equip Small Group, and Mentoring Classes. Her passion for the Word of God and her heart for people left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Earlier in life, Diane was a hairstylist for 23 years and was also a Daystar TV personality, sharing encouragement and joy with others.

She is survived by two daughters, Stefanie (Jaime) Crowell of Madisonville and their children, Micah (Dr. Sydni) Crowell, Ethan (Kelsey) Crowell, Chase Crowell, Christian Crowell, and Caden (Marlie) Crowel; Amy (Dr. David) Bealle of Hopkinsville, their children, Elizabeth (John) Colby, Kathryn (Will) Thweatt, Benjamin (Lauren) Bealle, Jacob Bealle, and Hadley Hancock; a daughter-in-law, Michelle Reddick of Marion, KY and her children,, Jack Reddick, Jonah Reddick, Jett Reddick, and John Luke Reddick; Todd’s daughters, Kayla (Ben) McCurry, Ashton (Bradley) Wyatt, Bekah Reddick; a sister, Ramona Payne of Owensboro, KY; brothers, Rev. Glen Hobgood and Jerry Hobgood, both of Madisonville, and Rick Hobgood of Owensboro; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Covenant Community Church. Burial will follow in Greenhill Memorial Gardens in Hopkinsville.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, at Covenant Community Church, and again from 10:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Props for a Purpose, LLC, a 501(c)(3) organization in Hopkinsville, KY.
propsforapurpose.org

Her faith and prayers built a legacy that will continue to bless generations to come.
https://barnettstrother.com/obituaries/diane-reddick

Diane passed away on October 5th, 2025

10/02/2025

Carl David Browning, 84, of Madisonville, KY passed away on October 1, 2025, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.
David was born July 21, 1941, to the late A.O. Browning and Sarah Isabell Dexter Browning. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Alice Faye Trover.
David had retired from Peabody Union Coal and the Hopkins County Road Department. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Madisonville. He was a member of the Antique Tractor Club. You could often find him mowing, gardening, or doing any kind of yardwork.
David is loved and remembered by his wife of 64 years, Jeanette Orton Browning, of Madisonville; two sons, Jeff (Tracy) Browning of Madisonville and Steve (Michelle) Browning of Painesville, OH; along with six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, October 6, 2025 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home – Madisonville Chapel with Rev. John and Loletuth Kalz officiating and Bailey Orton speaking. Burial will follow at Hicklin Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until service time Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church or Hicklin Cemetery Fund.

Carl passed away on October 1st, 2025

10/01/2025

The International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on October 1st to recognize the contributions of older individuals and to highlight issues affecting them. This day promotes awareness about the importance of ensuring that people can grow old with dignity and purpose..