Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home and Cremation Services

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day to those who served!

11/10/2025

Mr. David Marlin Balentine, 87 of Murray, KY, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 30, 1938, in Golden Pond, KY, David was son of the late Rev. Audie Balentine and Frances (Askew) Balentine. Growing up “between the rivers” was an endless source of storytelling material, as was his time in law enforcement. He loved nothing more than sharing those stories with others, including the men of the Martha’s Breakfast Club, with whom he enjoyed having breakfast most every morning. David was also a Kentucky Colonel and a third-degree Mason, having been a member of the Golden Pond and Hardin Lodges.

David proudly served Calloway County as Deputy Sheriff from 1974 to 1982, then as Sheriff from 1982 to 1986. He later retired after many years of service with the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet. Not being one to sit still, David spent countless hours in his shop repairing lawnmowers. If he wasn’t repairing them, he was riding them—keeping his lawn in perfect condition and even mowing neighborhood yards if they grew taller than he thought they should. After retirement, David also worked for Imes-Miller Funeral Home and, most recently, for Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home as a funeral assistant. His warm smile and kind greetings at the front door will be missed by all.

Those left to cherish wonderful memories of David include his loving wife of 34 years, Gayle (Payne) Balentine; and step-daughters, Angel (Dan) Renick and Melissa (Barry) Layton, all of Murray. David’s greatest joy was being “Pop” to his precious grandchildren, Will (Vivian) Layton, Katherine (Jack) Hanes, Audrey Renick, Olivia Layton, Chase Renick, and Thomas Renick; and great-grandchildren, Henry Hanes, Charlie Hanes, Mary Katherine Hanes, and Crawford Layton. He is also survived by a sister, Alice (Homer) McCoy of Murray; and brothers, Rev. Elijah Balentine of Dexter, and Jerry Balentine of Indianapolis, IN; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by siblings, Ralph Balentine, Flora Mae Higgins, Dorothy Baker, Thomas Balentine, Helen Litchfield, Velie Eads, William Balentine, and Margie Nell Balentine.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, in the chapel of Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Bro. Brett Miles and Bro. Steve Phillips officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service in the Murray Memorial Gardens.

Friends may visit with the family after 10:00 a.m. on Friday, until the 1:00 p.m. service time, at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray.

Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to Murray WATCH, 702 Main St., Murray, KY 42071.

We at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services have had the pleasure of calling David a dear friend for many years, and a trusted co-worker for the last four. He will be sorely missed by us all. It has been an honor and a privilege to care for David and the Balentine family during this time. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.

View David M Balentine's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

11/09/2025

Mr. David Marlin Balentine, 87 of Murray, KY, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born July 30, 1938, in Golden Pond, KY, David was son of the late Rev. Audie Balentine and Frances (Askew) Balentine. Growing up “between the rivers” was an endless source of storytelling material, as was his time in law enforcement. He loved nothing more than sharing those stories with others, including the men of the Martha’s Breakfast Club, with whom he enjoyed having breakfast most every morning. David was also a Kentucky Colonel and a third-degree Mason, having been a member of the Golden Pond and Hardin Lodges.
David proudly served Calloway County as Deputy Sheriff from 1974 to 1982, then as Sheriff from 1982 to 1986. He later retired after many years of service with the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet. Not being one to sit still, David spent countless hours in his shop repairing lawnmowers. If he wasn’t repairing them, he was riding them—keeping his lawn in perfect condition and even mowing neighborhood yards if they grew taller than he thought they should. After retirement, David also worked for Imes-Miller Funeral Home and, most recently, for Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home as a funeral assistant. His warm smile and kind greetings at the front door will be missed by all.
Those left to cherish wonderful memories of David include his loving wife of 34 years, Gayle (Payne) Balentine; and step-daughters, Angel (Dan) Renick and Melissa (Barry) Layton, all of Murray. David’s greatest joy was being “Pop” to his precious grandchildren, Will (Vivian) Layton, Katherine (Jack) Hanes, Audrey Renick, Olivia Layton, Chase Renick, and Thomas Renick; and great-grandchildren, Henry Hanes, Charlie Hanes, Mary Katherine Hanes, and Crawford Layton. He is also survived by a sister, Alice (Homer) McCoy of Murray; and brothers, Rev. Elijah Balentine of Dexter, and Jerry Balentine of Indianapolis, IN; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by siblings, Ralph Balentine, Flora Mae Higgins, Dorothy Baker, Thomas Balentine, Helen Litchfield, Velie Eads, William Balentine, and Margie Nell Balentine.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, in the chapel of Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Bro. Brett Miles and Bro. Steve Phillips officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service in the Murray Memorial Gardens.
Friends may visit with the family after 10:00 a.m. on Friday, until the 1:00 p.m. service time, at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray.
Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to Murray WATCH, 702 Main St., Murray, KY 42071.

We at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services have had the pleasure of calling David a dear friend for many years, and a trusted co-worker for the last four. He will be sorely missed by us all. It has been an honor and a privilege to care for David and the Balentine family during this time.

Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.

View David M Balentine's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

11/09/2025

Mr. Ray Gene Coursey, Sr., 82 of Murray, KY, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, Murray, KY.

Born May 23, 1943, in Almo, KY, Ray was the son of the late Leon Coursey and Mary Olga (Clendenon) Coursey. He was a proud alumnus of Almo High School, where he played center on the Warriors basketball team before moving to the newly consolidated Calloway County High School, where he graduated with the inaugural class. Ray took great pride in his Almo roots, and the friendships he made in childhood remained among his most treasured throughout his life. He was a supervisor at Tappan Stove Co. and later retired from Briggs & Stratton, where he worked as a forklift operator. A true Jeep enthusiast, Ray loved everything about them—the sound of the engine, the feeling of the open road, and the camaraderie among fellow Jeep owners. His passion for Jeeps was a lifelong hobby that brought him joy and connection with others who shared his enthusiasm.

Those left to cherish memories of Ray include his wife, Deborah (Jackson) Coursey; children, Jenger Coursey DeShields of Murray, Tina Matheny Morris of Bostwick, GA, Jeremy (Melanie) Matheny of Murray, and Daniel (Heather) Matheny of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Ally Deshields (Evan) Hopkins, Bobby DeShields, Dorian (Evelyn) Matheny, Mary (Kade) Gibson, Josiah Matheny, Malachi Matheny, Makayla Matheny, Jessie Matheny, Ephraim Matheny, Soloman Matheny, Eleanor Matheny, Aila Matheny, Anja Matheny, Brayden Morris, and Ty Morris; and great-grandchildren, Evangelina Kay Jane Hopkins, Jaymie Matheny, Kaylie Matheny, and River Gibson.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his son, Ray Gene Coursey, Jr. and a sister, JoAnn Balentine.

Honoring Ray’s wishes, his family will remember him privately, with no public visitation or services being held. The family requests contributions in memory of Ray 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. Coursey. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.

View Ray Gene Coursey, Sr.'s obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

11/06/2025

2026 Calendars have arrived!!!

10/29/2025

October 29, 2025

Mr. Donald William Hartman, 82 of Hazel, KY, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Baptist Health, Paducah, KY.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 713 South 4th St., Murray, KY.

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10/26/2025

Debra Sue “Debbie” (Sanders) Coles, 65, of Murray, passed away Friday, October 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at home.

Born February 13, 1960, in Murray, KY, Debbie was the daughter of the late James Sanders and the late Carolyn Sue (Barnes) Sanders Wire. She was self-employed in sales a...

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10/25/2025

Debra Sue “Debbie” (Sanders) Coles, 65, of Murray, passed away Friday, October 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at home.

Born February 13, 1960, in Murray, KY, Debbie was the daughter of the late James Sanders and the late Carolyn Sue (Barnes) Sanders Wire. She was self-employed in sales and was a member of North Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish memories of Debbie include her husband, Allen Coles; a sister, Lisa Prather of Murray; and brothers, Jim (Donna) Sanders of Murray, Randy (Beth) Sanders and Larry (Rosemary) Sanders, both of South Carolina. Also surviving are nieces, Paxton Prather (Marcos Roblero) of Mayfield and Jamie Dawn of Murray; nephews, T.J. Sanders and Josh Sanders, both of Murray; and an uncle, Plomer (Cookie) Barnes of Illinois.

Funeral services for Debbie will be conducted Monday, October 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Bro. Sammy Cunningham and John Dale officiating.

Interment will follow the service in the North Pleasant Grove Cemetery with T.J. Sanders, Curtis Sanders, Josh Sanders, Bobby Prather, Gary Siress, and Jackie Cunningham serving as pallbearers.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 South 4th St., Murray, KY.

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

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10/24/2025

Mr. Gene Arlton Hill, 75 of Murray, KY, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray.

Born January 16, 1950, in Murray, Gene was the son of the late Amos Hill and Mary Pauline (Thompson) Hill. In his early years, Gene worked at Benton Auto Supply, spent a few years as a truck driver, and later joined the parts department at Purdom Motors, before dedicating nearly 34 years to serving west Kentucky as a sales representative for Boone’s Laundry and Dry Cleaners. He made countless friends along those service routes, and he will be greatly missed by them all. After Boone’s, he continued working for Murray Cleaners until health challenges required him to step away. Gene was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and a member of Pleasant Valley Church of Christ.

Those left to cherish memories of Gene include his children, Greg (Elli) Hill of Hazel, KY, Selena (Chad) Alderman of Benton, KY, Alicia Woods and Angella Woods, both of Murray; his much-loved grandchildren - who affectionately called him “G-Man” - Taylor Lovett, Alyssa Brooks, Catherine Sands, Ciarra Alderman, Makayla Alderman, James Pugh, Jr., Amos Hill, Lindsay Hill, Haley Pugh, and Emily Pugh; six great-grandchildren; and his brother, Ray (Debbie) Hill of New Concord, KY.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his fiancé, Tressa Vogle, and his little sister, Evonna Hill.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home with John Dale officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Coldwater Church of Christ Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family Monday, October 27, 2025, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the 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. Hill. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.

View Gene Arlton Hill's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/23/2025

Martha Sue Belcher, 85, of Murray, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Passion and Purpose Homecare, Murray, KY.

Born on April 5, 1940, in Benton, KY, Martha was the daughter of the late Dewey Free and the late Elphie (Youngblood) Free. She dedicated many years to serving Murray State students at Winslow Cafeteria and was a member of Owens Chapel Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish wonderful memories of Martha include her daughters; Arlene Butler and Tammy Belcher, both of Murray; her sons, Mark Free (Sherry) and George Belcher, both of Murray; her cherished grandchildren, Mitchell (Lori) Butler, Alizabeth (Tim) Barron, Craig (Marlene) Free, Matthew (Chelsey) Free, Brian (Dallas) Free, Marcus Belcher, Wesley Belcher, Kelsey Belcher, Amy Belcher, Kalisha Belcher, Derek (Danice) Belcher, Gregory (Kayla) Wilson, Davontae (Atlanta) Wilson, Angelina (Darius) Belcher, Marcus Belcher, Alexus Belcher and Alanta Belcher; and precious great-grandchildren, Daxton Dunlap, Jenovah Wilson, Morgan Free, Charles Free, Kaleigh Free, Makayla Butler, Joseph Townsend, Isaiah Barron, Blaze Belcher, Joshua Barron, Cambrie Wilson, Adalynn Wilson, Ivy Wilson, Jo’Anni Wilson, Dakota Free, Kolbie Free, Cash Hawk, King Hawk, Creed Hawk, and Evalyn Brooke Belcher. A host of much-loved nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her former husband, Bobbie Belcher; her brothers, Udell Free, James Thomas Free, Fred Arthur Free, Joseph Edward Free, Euel Ray Free, Donald “Base” Free, Robert Wayne Free, and Scotty Eugene Free; her sisters, Mary Lou Free, Rebecca Estelle Shaw, Susan Josephine “Betsy” Patton, Gearldene Anderson, and Lillian Lawrence; and a son-in-law, Joe Butler.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Bro. James Stom officiating.

Burial will follow the service in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Kirksey, KY, with Derek Belcher, Marcus Belcher, Mitchell Butler, Wesley Belcher, Davontae Wilson, and Gregory Wilson serving as pallbearers.

Friends may visit with the family after 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, until the service hour at 2:00 p.m. at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 South 4th St., Murray, KY.

The family requested that memorial contributions be made in Martha’s memory to Mt. Carmel Cemetery c/o Larry Tucker, 613 Hedley Trail, Kirksey, KY 42054 or the National Kidney Foundation, 12468 LaGrange Rd. #207, Louisville, KY 40245.

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

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09/30/2025

Dianna Kay (Paschall) Spain, of Almo, KY passed away Monday September 29, 2025, at the Fulton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born May 25, 1948, in Henry County, TN, Dianna was the daughter of the late Oxie and Bertie (Manning) Paschall. She was a loving homemaker and a faithful member of Almo Church of Christ.
Dianna has led a faithful Christian life and dearly loved her Almo Church of Christ family. Her greatest joy was giving to others, and she certainly practiced 2 Corinthians 9:7, as she was always a cheerful giver. She loved going to the movies, all things Elvis, and spending time with family and friends. She was truly a blessing to everyone that knew her.

In addition to her parents, Dianna was preceded in death by her husband Gary Spain, her loving brother, Patrick Michael Paschall, twin brothers, Randy and Andy Paschall, who died at birth; as well as her dear aunt and uncle, James (Jug) and Ruby Lindsey and nephew Jeff Durham.

Those left to cherish memories of Dianne include her son, Jason Spain (Samantha) of Lawton, OK, and her cherished grandchildren, Gavin, Logan and Ryah Spain; her sister-in-law, Beverly Paschall; nephews Darren Paschall (Lynn) and Shane Paschall (Pam); niece Rhonda Durham; and great nephews and nieces, Jared Paschall (Sherrie), Tyler Paschall, Brooke Harness (Jeremy), Ashton Downey (Brock), Paige Ellioitt (Hudson), John and Hampton Durham and Jacob and Jade Oakley. Also surviving are her cousins, Greg Bouffard (Kathy) and Dr. Keith Bouffard, of Michigan and dear friends Mary Stubblefield of Almo, Melisa Fearn of Murray, and Mary Bell of Sequim, WA.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home in Murray, with John Dale officiating. Entombment will follow the service in the Murray Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Friends may visit with the family between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dianna’s memory to the Calloway County Animal Shelter, 81 Shelter Ln, Murray, KY 42071.

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

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