Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home and Cremation Services

01/24/2026

Mr. Kenneth Edward Johnson, 71 of Hardin, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Murray, KY.

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01/19/2026

Michael Makay (Walter Arthur Kay) died in the Lighthouse at Clinton Place, Clinton, Kentucky on January 18th, 2026. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Henry John Kay and Mary Elizabeth Kay on January 12th, 1935. He grew up with his brothers Henry John Kay, Jr., Roger Allen Kay, and Jerome (Jerry) Kay. He attended Loyola Academy in a Latin - English course of study, from which he graduated on June 9th, 1952. Sometime later, after pursuing the priesthood, he moved to San Diego, California.

Michael married Barbra Dillinger (Kupiec) in July of 1987. This was, beyond a doubt, a turning point for both of them. Michael and Barbra built a wonderful life together in Del Mar, California. Michael loved and embraced Barbra’s large family as his own, and Barbra loved and embraced Michael’s mother, Mary. Michael and Barbra loved spending time with their children (Scott and Lesa), and especially their grandchildren, which they made a top priority for many years. They also spent a great deal of time with Adam and Monette Kupiec and Barbra’s siblings and their families, as well as Michael’s mother Mary, and would sometimes visit Michael’s brother Jerry and his wife, Gail. They took work related cruises, spent time in Europe, and made at least one trip by rail, which Michael especially loved, to visit with his other brothers and their families.

Michael loved to cook, and was an especially good chef! Michael and Barbra loved to have family and friends over for special dinners Michael prepared, with Barbra creating a special setting to serve and enjoy them in. Michael loved to sing! He sang in a men’s chorus, and he sang or hummed while cooking, ironing, which was a regular part of his daily routine, or just about any time. Michael loved clothes, and loved to shop! He was always well dressed and had so many shirts that he could have easily worn a different shirt every day of the year. Michael spent some of his time as an interior designer, and especially loved decorating their homes. As they moved from home to home in Del Mar, and then to Cardiff, it was miraculous how he transformed each one to take on the Michael and Barbra aesthetic.

Michael and Barbra enjoyed special outings with their grandchildren, taking them to theme parks and other attractions, with wonderful opportunities to spoil them with all kinds of love and attention. And they loved going to the large family gatherings at Bass Lake in the summers, and to Mammoth for New Years.

Birthday and holiday celebrations were special. As a couple they carefully chose and wrapped gifts for everyone in the family. Michael wrapped the gifts so beautifully, one hated to tear into them! And Christmas was always amazing. They loved decorating their home together and sharing it with the family and friends. Their Winter Solstice celebration was truly amazing, bringing together their close spiritual community and family.

Michael and Barbra’s heart held during tough times. Both were very supportive to Lesa and her boys during her husband Darin’s illness and passing. Barbra nurtured Michael through heart surgery. They both embraced Lesa’s husband John and his three sons when she remarried and built their lives together. And Michael, during Barbra’s battle with cancer, gave all he had to give, and then some.

Michael and Barbra enjoyed a large spiritual family of friends, colleagues and clients–they had a very positive impact on many people. Together they formed Metanoia Services, a nonprofit corporation created to advance human awareness and inner wisdom. This community has helped many people in their spiritual journeys.

Michael’s legacy lives on through Barbra’s children, grandchildren, and great grandsons, as well as the many people they have helped over his long, loving, and very giving life.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. MaKay. Please share your messages of condolence by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.

View Michael (Walter Arthur Kay) Makay's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/16/2026

Joseph Lee Simpson, 50, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at his home.

Born in Illinois on December 11, 1975, Joseph was the son of Mark Helmick of Illinois and the late Billie Ann (Pirtle) Fredrick. He worked as a cashier at the Peoria Chiefs Stadium in Peoria, Illinois, before moving to Murray.

Joseph is survived by his father, Mark Helmick of Marquette Heights, Illinois, his wife, Bridget (Krigner) Simpson of Murray; children, Keegan Simpson of Hardin, Caleb Simpson, Alyssa Simpson and Faith Simpson, all of Murray, Katy Taylor, Sebastian Simpson, Shawn Simpson, and Jason Abraham, all of Illinois. He is also survived by brothers, Roy E. “Eddy” Simpson, Jr. of Pekin, IL and John (Victoria) Simpson, of Streator, IL; nieces, Alexis and Brooke Simpson; and nephews, Samuel and Matthew Simpson.

In addition to his mother, Joseph was preceded in death by his guardian, Roy E. Simpson, Sr.; a sister, Christina Simpson Hamoum; and grandparents, Charles Pirtle and Arlene Frye Pirtle.

The family plans to remember Joseph privately, with no public visitation or funeral service being held at this time.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Simpson. Please share your messages of condolence by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.

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01/12/2026

Mr. Garry “Pete” Foster, 68 of Murray, Kentucky, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Murray Calloway Co. Hospital, Murray, KY.

Born April 26, 1957, in Murray, Kentucky, Garry was the son of the late Herman Isaac Foster and the late Corrine (Dunlap) Foster. Garry was a talented maintenance professional, retired from the Love Family’s McDonald’s Restaurant in Murray. He was a member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Puryear, Tennessee and also attended Higher Praise Worship Center in Murray, Kentucky.

Those left to treasure wonderful memories of Garry include his loving sister, Sheila A. Scott; nephew, Charles “Chuck” Scott, and wife Tara; great nieces, Meghan Scott-Duncan and Lily N. Scott; and great nephew, Jaxon Scott, all of Murray. Garry is also survived by a host of cousins and friends who will forever remember his kindness and his humor.

In addition to his father and mother, Garry was preceded in death by his brother, Larry A. Foster; brother-in-law, Charles Douglass Scott; and niece, LaShanda Nicole Scott.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Chuck Scott officiating. Private family burial will be in the Hazel Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Garry’s memory be made to help his family with unexpected expenses during this difficult time. An account has been established at Independence Bank, 721 South 12th Street, Murray, KY 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Foster. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.

View Garry "Pete" Foster's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/02/2026

Mr. Clifford Dee “Cliff” Vail, 71 of Murray, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at home.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Murray, KY.

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12/24/2025

12/13/2025

The service of Mr. Roger Thomas Hillenburg will be live streamed at 12:00 noon CDST. The link is available by clicking on the link below or copy and paste to your browser: https://youtube.com/live/x88k5jrjESs?feature=share

Mr. Roger Thomas Hillenburg, 87, of Hazel, KY, passed away Friday, De...

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12/11/2025

Mr. Roger Thomas Hillenburg, 87, of Hazel, KY, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at his home, with loving family by his side.

Born March 24, 1938, in Bedford, Indiana, Roger was the son of the late Opha Thomas Hillenburg and Margaret (Srylger) Hillenburg. He proudly served his country in...

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12/05/2025

Mr. Roger Thomas Hillenburg, 87, of Hazel, KY, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at his home, with loving family by his side.

Born March 24, 1938, in Bedford, Indiana, Roger was the son of the late Opha Thomas Hillenburg and Margaret (Srylger) Hillenburg. He proudly served his country in the United States Army before beginning a successful career with The Kroger Co. in Indianapolis, where he was a loyal and respected employee. Roger retired after 40 years of service as a maintenance supervisor and dairy manager in the Indianapolis market.

A devoted servant of the Lord, Roger was a faithful member of First General Baptist Church in Indianapolis for 67 years. During that time, he poured his heart into nearly every aspect of church life—serving as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, bus driver, and care team member. His willingness to serve and his desire to share God’s love touched countless lives. Roger also extended his ministry beyond the church walls as a dedicated member and trustee of the Crossroads Baptist Association in Indianapolis.

Those left to cherish memories of Roger include his loving wife, Ruby (Williams) Hillenburg of Hazel; son, David Thomas Hillenburg of Hazel; daughter Cheryl Lynn Clark of Port Richey, FL; his grandchildren, Ashley “Tess” Hillenburg, Skylar (Brooks) Daughaday, Kaitlyn (Ryan) Gilchrist, Eric Hillenburg, Jayme (Josh) Odom, Jenifer(D.J.) Harder, Morgan James, Joseph (Whitney) James, Mikaili James, and Thomas Clark; and 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his siblings, Patty Preston, Robert “Bob” Hillenberg and Bill Hillenberg.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the chapel of Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Rev. Stan Williams officiating.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until funeral time, at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY.

The family requests contributions in memory of Roger be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, c/o The Foundation at MCCH, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Hillenburg. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.

View Roger Thomas Hillenburg's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

11/30/2025

Mr. Robert L. “Bob” Payton, 80 of New Concord, KY, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Jennie Stuart Medical Center in Hopkinsville, KY, surrounded by loving family.

Born October 26, 1945, in Olaton, KY, Bob was the son of the late Archie Payton and Mamie (McDaniel) Payton. He was ...

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11/23/2025

Mr. Walter R. Payne, 61 of Murray, Kentucky, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Tri-Star Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, following a courageous battle with heart disease.

Born January 19, 1964, in Paducah, Kentucky, Walter was the eldest son of the late James E. Payne, Sr. and Mary E. (Lamarr) Payne of Murray. A proud 1982 graduate of Murray High School, he excelled as a gifted multi-sport athlete whose natural talent and determination earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike. He later developed a love for golf, finding joy in time spent on the course with friends. Walter retired as a distributor for Alliance Distributing and was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

Those left to treasure wonderful memories of Walter include his loving mother, Mary E. Payne; his daughters, Kenyarry Somerville of Paris, TN, and Layah Payne of Murray; granddaughter, Ahlydia Ayele of Paris, TN; a sister, Bonnie (Charles) Wisdom of Hopkinsville, KY; a brother, James E. (Michelle) Payne, Jr. of Ft. Wayne, IN; and a host of extended family and friends who will forever remember his kindness and sense of humor.

In addition to his father, Walter is reunited in glory with his sisters, Connie La’Shon Payne and Nekesha Yvette Payne.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 12:00 noon in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Rev. Ronald Kendrick and Elder Scott Brown officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Murray City Cemetery, with Todd Keller, Shane Black, Charles Miles, Chris Jackson, Austin Groves, and Drew Holton as pall bearers.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Payne. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.

View Walter R. Payne's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.