Gilbert Funeral Home, Inc.

03/06/2026

Marilyn Belt Smith, 77, of St. Louis, passed away on February 26th surrounded by her family.

Marilyn was a retired High School Physics teacher, mom, sister and grandmother. She was a music lover, and Cardinal baseball super fan along with all St. Louis sports. Marilyn was also a passionate animal advocate and donated her time to various animal welfare organizations.

She was inspired to be a teacher by her maternal grandmother, Mary Bertha Phillips, of Marion. Being a teacher was her life-long passion. Even when she was not in the classroom, she reminded many that science is a part of everyday life and that Physics is Phun!!

Marilyn graduated from Bayless High School, salutatorian, class of '66. She was an alumni of Mizzou, graduating with a Bachelors in Physics and continued on to receive a Masters in Physics. She did doctoral work in Science Education at Michigan State University. She began her teaching career in Connecticut and then moved to Evansville, Indiana where she raised her daughter, and taught at Reitz Memorial High School and later at Evansville Day School.

She taught at Riverview Gardens after returning to St. Louis and finally Mehlville High School until her retirement in 2018. She also worked as an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University.

After retirement, she spent as much time as she could with her daughter and grandsons in Chicago. She enjoyed watching her grandsons play basketball and spent many weekends supporting them.

She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Weltman (Will), grandsons Paul and Sam Weltman, and sister Carol Belt Neimuth (Doug).

We will have a family graveside service in Love Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky on Tuesday, March 10th at 1 pm.

She will be laid to rest next to other family members including her parents, Thomas H. Belt and Edwina Belt, both of Marion, KY. Buried with Marilyn, will be her beloved golden retrievers, Blade and Cali.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, KY is in charge of arrangements.

02/24/2026

Emil Leroy Hodge, 83, of Marion, Kentucky, passed away on February 23, 2026, at Livingston Hospital.

Leroy was a lifelong resident of Marion and a man deeply devoted to his faith, family, and community. He was married to Barbara,
the love of his life, for 62 wonderful years. Alongside her, he was the owner of Hodge's Sports & Apparel in Marion. In 1972, he and his father, Charles "Charley" Hodge, purchased York Sporting Goods, marking the beginning of what would become Hodge Outdoor Sports. In May 2026, the business will celebrate 52 years of serving the community. At the age of 28, Leroy and Barbara purchased North Court S&T Hardware and Gifts from Raymond and Emmer Patmore. That venture eventually led to moving the business into what is today Hodge's Sports & Apparel.

Over the years, Leroy continually worked to meet the needs of the community, expanding to include a Radio Shack franchise and Verizon. As needs arose and times changed, he was always willing to adapt. He remained deeply grateful for the loyal patrons of Hodge's. Throughout the years, he was blessed with many wonderful employees, including Karen Gatten, who faithfully served alongside him for 38 years and whom he loved like family.

Earlier in life, Leroy was the head butcher at Westside Market, a family business. He was also a founding member of the Marion Airport and served on the local airport board until February 2026. A recreational pilot, certified scuba diver, and search-and-rescue diver for the local rescue squad, Leroy had a true spirit of adventure. He was an excellent slalom skier who enjoyed days on the river and helped construct a ski jump near the ferry landing. He also loved motorcycles, dirt bikes, and racing.

Leroy was a faithful member of Marion Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon and Deacon Chairman. He was also a member of Gideons International, a former member of the Crittenden County Lions Club, and served for numerous years as a board member of Hurricane Youth Camp. The most important decision of his life was accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 25. His faith was the cornerstone of his life and carried him through many challenges, especially during the past 19 years as he faced illness and physical limitations with grace and dignity.

He was deeply loved by his wife and daughter. Leroy was a kind, patient, loving, and good, Godly man whose steady faith and gentle spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Hodge of Marion, KY; daughter, Britt (Terry) Wright of Marion, KY; brother, Ronald (Debra) Hodge of Long Beach, Mississippi; sister, Karla (Glenn) Bumpus of Marion, KY; grandson, Ross Wright of Marion, KY; and great-granddaughter, Marley McDaniel of Gallatin, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Leroy and Georgia Estelle Hodge, and his brother, James Noel Hodge.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Marion Baptist Church, with interment in Sugar Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00-9:00 PM on Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, KY, and from 10:00 AM until service time Saturday at the church. In honor of Leroy, memorial donations may be made to Hurricane Youth Camp, where he faithfully served as a board member for many years.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

02/23/2026

Mary Lou Long, 91, of Brookport, Illinois, formerly of Marion, KY passed away February 21, 2026 at her home in Brookport. She was a loving mother and amazing memaw and servant of the Lord. Mary was a member of Chapter 315 Order Of The Eastern Star in Princeton, KY since 1961.
Survivors include her daughters, Joyce (Rich) Mikolaitis and Janet (Mark) Persico; grandchildren, Stephanie, Steven, B.J., Patrick, Shawn and Melissa as well as her great and great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles G. Long; sons, Billy Joe Winters and Charles N. Winters and several brothers and sisters.
Eastern Star services are scheduled for 1:30 PM Friday February 27, 2026 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, KY.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 2 PM Friday February 27, 2026 at Gilbert Funeral Home with interment in Mapleview Cemetery. Dr. Calvin Bryant will be officiating. The family will receive visitors from 9 AM until service time Friday at the funeral home.
Mary was a faithful member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church and has requested donations be made to the church at 2900 Wadesboro Road South, Benton, KY 42025.
A webcast will be available at www.gilbertfunerals.com.

02/23/2026

Shirley Jean Kirk, 77, of Marion, KY passed away February 21, 2026 at her home in Marion. She was a member of Lola Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Kirk of Marion, KY; daughters, Tamara Gail White of San Antonio, TX, Jessica Elizabeth Cluette of San Antonio, TX and Bobbi Jean Kirk of Marion, KY; grandchildren, Shandre Vincent, Kirk Hambly, Michayla Cluette, Shiann Kirk, Kira Hambly, Jaden Cluette, Joshlyn Kirk and Victoria Hambly and 7 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Pearl Watson; daughter, Kaye Kirk and 5 brothers.
Services are scheduled for 1 PM Wednesday February 25, 2026 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, KY. The family will receive visitors from 11 AM until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.

02/22/2026

William Christopher Gabriel, age 75, of Marion, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Baptist Health of Madisonville.

William was born on January 12, 1951, in Portland, OR to the late William Willmott Gabriel and JoAnne Watley Gabriel Harold. William was a skilled commercial carpenter and worked for Global. During his years he supervised the build sites of several Nordsrom and Neiman Marcus stores, even helping supervise the building of The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Willaim was also a relief pitcher, playing for the Chicago Cubs. In his free time, Willaim enjoyed working in the yard and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Claudia Nolan Gabriel; daughter, Amy Greer of West Virginia; sons, Collin (Jessica) Gabriel, of Portland, OR and Matthew Becker; step-daughters, Dana (Randy) Hayes and Victoria (Sam) Laschinski; step-son, Eric (Sara) McCoy; brothers Dave, Bill, and Peter Gabriel, all of Portland, OR; step-brothers, Kevin Harold, Dave Harold and Danny Harold; step-sister, Sara Beth Harold; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

02/22/2026

02/20/2026

Dortha Jean Nichols, 88, of Eddyville, Kentucky, formerly of Marion, passed away on February 18, 2026, at Baptist Health Paducah.

Dortha was a woman of deep and unwavering faith and a devoted member of Higher Power Full Gospel Church. She loved the Lord with her whole heart and expressed that love through music. She played the guitar and piano and sang beautifully in church, using her voice and her talents to praise God and uplift others.

She was also an excellent cook who found great joy in preparing meals for her family. Cooking was one of the ways she showed her love, and her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness. Her family will forever cherish the memories made around her table.

Dortha had a creative and artistic spirit. She enjoyed writing poetry and had a gentle, expressive soul that showed through her words and her songs. Her kindness, faith, and creativity touched everyone who knew her.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply and devoted her life to caring for them.

She is survived by her children, Dempsey York of Eddyville, Kentucky, Debbie (Billy) Heady of Freeburg, Illinois, and Kim Steeley of Owensboro, Kentucky; her grandchildren, Brady, Ashlee, Jessica, Joshua, Jacob, Justin, Demi, and Sarah; 15 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Lemah Pugh and Edna Wiggington; her brothers, Bobby Thomas, Denny Thomas, Ronnie Thomas, and Ricky Thomas; and her stepchildren, Scottie Nichols and Tony Nichols.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Nichols; her parents, Ellis and Birtie Thomas; and her son, David York.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, Kentucky, with burial to follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Dortha will be deeply missed by her family, her church family, and all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy of faith, love, music, and creativity will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. We will forever be honored that God chose her to be our mama.

02/20/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Booker, 88, of Hobart, Indiana. He passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026. Jim was born in Crittenden County, KY.
Survivors include his son, Randy Booker of Naples, FL; daughter, Victoria Russo of Hoffman Estates, IL; and son, Kevin Booker of Mundelein, IL. Survivors also include his sister, Joanne Winn of Fredonia, KY; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlotte Booker, his daughter, Janalee Booker; his parents, Clinton and Dorothy Booker; and his sister, Judy Casebier.
Jim retired from Inland Steel after 40 years of dedicated service. Jim was a handy mechanic who shared his knowledge with anyone who wanted to learn. Grandchildren and great grandchildren remember hanging out in his shop where they hammered their first nail under his guidance, riding in the wagon behind his tractor or making a trip to Dairy Queen for a “cone of creme”.
A graveside service for the interment of Jim and his beloved wife’s ashes will be held at the Rowland Cemetery, Fredonia, KY at 1:00pm Saturday, June 6, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Liverpool Baptist Church, PO Box 5274, Lake Station, IN 46405. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, Kentucky is in charge of arrangements.

02/14/2026

You are loved! Happy Valentines Day from your Gilbert Funeral Home family!

02/11/2026

Bonita Mattingly Hatfield, 82, of Marion, KY passed away on February 9, 2026, at Home Place of Henderson, due to complications of Dementia.

Bonita was a 1961 graduate of Henderson County High School. She continued her education at the University of Kentucky, graduating in 1965. She, along with her husband, James T. Hatfield, moved back to Marion as he returned home to continue his career as a pharmacist and her as an educator. For the next 26 years she would invest in the students of Crittenden County, where she mainly taught Earth Science in the Crittenden County Middle School.

During her lifetime, Bonita Hatfield served on numerous boards and committees, as well as professional and civic organizations. Most notably, Bonita served on the Board of Directors at Madisonville Community College. In addition, she and her husband created The Hatfield Endowment at Madisonville Community College, a resource for area students to receive scholarship opportunities to pursue higher education. Bonita was a strong advocate of higher education and opportunities for the students of Crittenden County. She was also a resource educational specialist for Gear Up and Soar program of Western Kentucky. She served on the inaugural board of The Clement Museum; a world-renowned collection of Fluorspar located in Marion. Additionally, she served on Crittenden Chamber of Commerce, Crittenden County Drug Coalition, Fohs Hall Board of Directors, Marion Women’s Club, Crittenden County Elder Abuse and The Crittenden County Schools Nominating Committee for Distinguished Alumni.

Bonita cherished her church, The United Methodist Church of Marion. She taught Sunday School for several years to high school and young adults there. She was most honored when she was chosen to lead a new 3’C’s Sunday school class consisting of students College, Career, and Couples at the church. In her spare time Bonita loved outdoors and landscaping around her home. She was an avid golfer. She played many rounds and tournaments at her home course in Marion. She aced not one but two hole-in-ones in her lifetime at Marion Country Club on two different holes.

Mrs. Hatfield was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, James T. “Jim” Hatfield (2011); son, James Carl Hatfield (2023); parents, Carl and Carol Likens Mattingly and sisters, Sue Heppler, and Nancy Phillips.

She is survived by her son, Jason Hatfield and two grandchildren, Jaxon and Hattie Hatfield of Marion, KY.

Friends may call at Gilbert Funeral Home, Marion, KY, on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. with Charles Cook officiating at Marion Methodist Church. Visitation will also be held prior to service starting at 12:30 p.m. at Marion Methodist Church in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the James and Bonita Hatfield Family Endowment for Crittenden County Students to attend Madisonville Community College. Memorials should be made to Madisonville Community College with the memo: “Hatfield Endowment” in care of MCC Advancement, 2000 College Drive, Madisonville, KY 42431.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

02/10/2026

William Wayne "Bill" Gregory, 73, of Marion, KY passed away February 9, 2026 at Deaconess Hospital Henderson.
Bill was born November 29, 1952 to Elzie and Leona Hopkins Gregory. In 1972 he went to work at Daniel Millikan Auto Parts where he was known to all of Marion's locals for 24 years.
After the parts store he then began his career at Rogers Group (then known as Kentucky Stone) and would work there for over 30 years.
When Bill finally decided to retire, he enjoyed spending his time tinkering in his garage, riding around in his jeep and cheering on the underdog in whatever football game was on (except when the Cowboys were playing.) But his favorite thing of all was when he was surrounded by his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Lois Gregory; children, Jennifer (Jon) Snow and Janet (Jason) Hurley; grandchildren, Alyssa (Dylan) Riley, Jonathan (Sydney) Snow, Ethan (Jazmyn) Curnel, Aiden Curnel, Raylin Curnel and Stacia (Kyle) Freeman; great grandchildren, Liam Riley, Lilliann Riley, Weston Freeman, Kenslie Freeman and Gage Freeman and sister, Patti Gregory.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Gregory.
Services are scheduled for 11 AM Thursday February 12, 2026 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, KY with interment in Mexico Cemetery, The family will receive visitors from 5-8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

02/09/2026

Michael "Mike" Edwin Watson passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Redbanks-Colonial Terrace Nursing Home, Sebree, Kentucky, where he had been a resident for several years. Mike was born on July 8, 1951. He worked many different jobs with his most recent employment at Wal-Mart in Henderson. While at Colonial Terrace, Mike served as President of the Resident's Council. Mike loved music, movies and his family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Carl "Buddy" Watson and Wanda Watson and his brother-in-law, J. Husk.

Survivors include his children Penny Watson and Carl Michael Watson and his six grandchildren. He was also survived by his sisters, Teresia Husk and Lonna Hopgood (Chris) of Henderson, brother, Sam Watson of Bisbee, Arizona and his nieces and nephews.

The family expresses its gratitude to each and every staff member at Redbanks-Colonial Terrace Nursing Home whom Mike considered a family.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Marion, Kentucky.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Henderson Christian Community Outreach where Mike had volunteered in the past: 509 Fifth Street, Henderson, KY 42420.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, KY is in charge of arrangements.