Leader-News

07/29/2025

MARDINE WILLIAMS RANDOLPH

HENDERSON - Mardine Williams Randolph, 88, of Henderson, died Monday, July 28, 2025 at 1:55PM at Redbanks Nursing Home in Henderson. Ms. Randolph was born January 17, 1937 in Greenville. She worked as a Press Operator for GAMCO Products and was a member of Bards Hill Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin D. Randolph; father, Welthy Williams; mother, Carrie Mae Rice Williams; sons, David Randolph, and Dennis Randolph; brothers, Granvil Lee Williams, and Kenneth R. Williams; and sister, Earline Williams Garris.

She is survived by her son, Denford Waide Randolph of Henderson, KY; granddaughter, Lacy Marie Hackney of Henderson, KY; great-grandchildren, Brynn Jayde Baker of Henderson, KY, Kaylor Powell of Henderson, KY; and Gunnar Powell of Henderson, KY; brothers, Donald D. Williams of Greenville, KY, and J.T. Williams of Graham, KY; sister, Shirley Faye Williams Dockery of Greenville, KY; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11AM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Rob Melton officiating. Burial in Vernal Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Anthony’s Hospice in Henderson.

07/28/2025

WILMA JOAN HARLAN

BREMEN – Wilma Joan Harlan, 88, of Bremen, KY died Monday, July 28, 2025 at the Villa at Terracina Grand Senior Living in Naples, FL. Ms. Harlan was born April 4, 1937 in Hopkins County, KY. She was a Homemaker and a member of Mercer Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Bennett Harlan; parents, Dale M., and Nevaline Phillips; sister, Wanda Phillips; and brother, Rodney (Ankje) Phillips.

She is survived by her three sons, Mike (Laura) Harlan of Strasbourg, France, Randy (Donna) Harlan of Moorman, KY, and Gary Harlan of Naples, FL; three grandchildren, Jason, Mindy, and Brandon; and one great-grand-child, Wyatt.

Funeral services will be Friday, August, 1, 2025 at 12PM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Leroy Rearden officiating. Burial in Bethlehem Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10AM -12PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com

07/28/2025

NORMAN GLENN CARTWRIGHT

BOWLING GREEN - Norman Glenn Cartwright, 56, of Bowling Green, died Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 12:01PM at TriStar Skyline Hospital in Nashville, TN. Mr. Cartwright was born March 25, 1969 in Hammond, IN. He was of the Baptist faith and was an HVAC Technician for Creek Heating and Cooling. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and best friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vermont, and Shirley Cartwright; brother, Gregory Cartwright; and sister, Debbie Kukula.

He is survived by his wife, Bertie Cartwright; children, Alex Cartwright (Michaelah), Whitney Whitaker (Travis), Eleah Huff (Ozzy), Crystal Helzer (Travis), and James French; 18 grandchildren, and one great-grandson; several nieces and nephews; and three very special friends, Sharon Paker, Rodney Smith, and Stacy Curtis.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 1PM at Tucker Beechmont Funeral Home with Bro. Gary Pardue officiating. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10AM-1PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.

07/28/2025

RALPH HAROLD MERROW

ROCKPORT - Ralph Harold Merrow, 85, of Rockport, died Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 8PM at Ohio County Hospital in Hartford. Mr. Merrow was born December 22, 1939 in Saginaw, MI. He was a member of Luzerne General Baptist Church and was a Retired Pinner from Pyro. He served in the Military Special Forces for 101 Airborne. He was a Deacon at Luzerne General Baptist Church for more than 40 years, and volunteered at Camp Martin and VBS in the summers. He donated his time to take school children to archaeological digs. He was a mentor for several students throughout their education, and he loved the Ohio County Eagles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Sarah Merrow; and sister, Danielle Bauer.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Wright Merrow; daughters, Tina (Rod) Decker of Rockport, and Penny Kimbley of Rockport; grandchildren, Nicholas Belhasen, Joshua (Jarren) Decker, Ashley (Dustin) Nanny, and Samantha (Kyle) Allen; great-grandchildren, Grayson (Miranda) Belhasen, Willow Nanny, Josslyn Allen, Aiden Belhasen, Violet Nanny, Khloe Allen, Vivianne Decker, Silas Nanny, Julianne Decker, Henry Allen; and great-great-grandchild, Maverick.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 12PM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Kerry Vincent officiating and Bro. Donald McGehee assisting. Burial will be private. Visitation will be Saturday from 10AM-12PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.

07/25/2025

FRANCES ELIZABETH HUGHES

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Frances Elizabeth Hughes, 89, of Cookeville, TN and formerly of Hawesville, KY passed on to her Heavenly Home on Tuesday July 22, 2025 at Overton County Health & Rehab. Frances was born on June 10, 1936 in the Beech Creek Community, to the late Ozra and Dealy Smith Mefford. A woman of deep faith Baptist faith, Frances devoted her life to her family and her faith. She worked diligently as a homemaker and took great joy in supporting her husband in ministry work throughout the Owensboro, KY area. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dan Hughes, Jr.
Suvivors include daughters Sharon Wayne and husband Randy of Campbellsville, KY, Joy Hosey and husband Jim of Livingston, TN; son Tim Hughes and wife Sophia of Missouri; sister Naomi Baker of Russellville, KY and six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Visitation for Mrs. Hughes will be from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Hawesville Chapel with a Graveside Service and burial to follow at Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for Mrs. Hughes’s family at gibsonandsonfh.com.

07/25/2025

TRUMEN ALLEN DAVID

GREENVILLE----- Truman Allen Davis, 81, of Greenville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at his son’s home, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Born on September 20, 1943, in Beech Creek, Kentucky, Truman had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time outdoors with his hunting dogs, cheering on his beloved University of Kentucky basketball team, and, most of all, being with his family. His quiet strength, warm heart, and unwavering love left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alma Louise Davis; his parents, Collas and Myrtis Davis; his sisters, Edwina Davis, Virginia “Snook” Carter, and Hannah Knight; his brothers, Collas Davis Jr. and Randal Davis; his son, Richie Davis; and his grandson, Logan Davis.
Truman is survived by his son, Michael (Elizabeth) Davis; his daughter, Amy Davis; and his treasured grandchildren: Cory (Jenny) Davis, Bradley (Lauren) Davis, Haley (Luke) Dickens, Emma Bethel, Lanie (Austin) Mattingly, and Nicholas Dillehay. He was a proud great-grand “Papaw” to Arlo, Oliver, Rex, Leo, Jerry, Alexander, and Miles. He is also survived by his sister, Carlotta (Wayne) Fulkerson; former in-laws, Karla Davis and Mike Bethel; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A celebration of Truman’s life will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, Kentucky. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with the service to follow at 1:00 PM, officiated by Barry Davis. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Greenville, KY.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Tina Waggoner and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Truman’s final days. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Gary’s Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.garysfuneralhome.net

07/25/2025

KENNETH DAVID WALTON, SR.

BREMEN - Kenneth David Walton, Sr., 74, of Bremen, died Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 10:25PM at his residence. Mr. Walton was born September 2, 1950 in Pemiscot, MO. He attended New Harmony Baptist Church, retired from Local 561 Labor Union out of Evansville, and was a U.S Army Veteran. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Franks, and Lynda Stonestreet; brother, Robert Alton "Bobby" Walton, Jr.; and parents, Robert Alton Walton, Sr., and Audrey Walton.

He is survived by his children, Kenneth (Sara) Walton, Jr. of Iowa, and Kelli Walton of Greenville; five grandchildren, Dylan Walton, Hannah Davis, Reagan (Trey) Barnett, Madison Walton, and Kaden Walton; great-grandchild, Harper Grace; and four step-grandchildren, Josh, Calob, Mika, and Noah.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 12PM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Mike Neal officiating. Burial in New Harmony Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10AM-12PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.

07/24/2025

07/24/2025

BRAYDEN TYRIQ LOVAN

GREENVILLE - Brayden Tyriq Lovan, 21, of Greenville, Kentucky, entered into rest on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Born January 28, 2004 in Greenville, Kentucky.

Brayden served his country proudly in the 90th Security Forces Group, 90 Security Forces Squadron as a Remote Targeting Engagement System Operator and worked inside the Weapons Storage Area in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, KY. He played football, basketball, track and field.

He loved going four wheel riding with his friends, fishing, camping, jet skiing, hunting and playing play station.

He was preceded in death by great grandmother, Izetta Tutt, and Martha Lovan; grandfathers; Larry Hurt, Willie Lovan and Danny Tucker.

Survivors include his mother, Melinda Tucker, Greenville, KY; father, Allison Lovan, Henderson, KY; four sisters, Mya Harvey, Greenville, KY; Alexis, A’Layah and Brooklyn; four brothers, Joseph Summers, Ayden Miller, Malik Owens and Jakayden Lovan; two grandmothers, Jackie Tucker, Greenville, KY and Martha Hawkins, Greenville, KY; several aunts, uncles, cousins, close family friends and the Nolen Family .

Funeral services are 1 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2025 at Felix E. Martin Jr. Hall, 501 W. Everly Brothers Blvd, Greenville, KY with visitation from 11-1 p.m. at the Felix E. Martin Jr. Hall, until time of service. Burial will be in Reynolds Cemetery, Greenville, KY. Rev. John Lee III, Eulogist.
Final Tribute entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home, 109 Court Row, Greenville, KY.

07/22/2025

SANDRA FREE ROGERS

DUGGER, INDIANA - Sandra Free Rogers, 78, of Dugger, Indiana, died Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 1:13PM at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis. Ms. Rogers was born in Muhlenberg County on December 9, 1946. She graduated high school from Hughes Kirk. She was a member of Bethel Community Church in Dugger, Indiana and she worked as an Engineering Assistant for the Division of Reclamation for the State of Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Harriet Free; sister, Becky Chaney; son, David Kimmel; and great-grandson, Theo Chapman.

She is survived by her husband, Don Rogers; three daughters, Glenda Nelson, Cara Beth (Mark) Chapman, and Vicky (Dorris) Owens; two step-sons, Kenny Rogers, and Tim Rogers; grandchildren, Jon Chapman, David Griffin, Justin Chapman, Sydney Middleton, and Ryley Gott; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are private. Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.

07/22/2025

FRANK P. CARTWRIGHT

Frank P. Cartwright, 88, of Zanesville, died Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Genesis Hospice -Morrison House, Zanesville.

Born November 15, 1936, in Wellston, Ohio, he was a son of the late Adrian and Lucille (Gilland) Cartwright and a 1955 graduate of Wellston High School. Frank was a United States Army Veteran and retired from the Peabody Company after 31 years of service. He’s a member of the Dresden Lodge No. 103 F. & A.M. and Dresden United Methodist Church. Frank was an avid golfer, involved in many local golf leagues and during his time golfing over the years he has hit six holes in one. Frank enjoyed his family, he loved his kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving are his two sons, Bruce (Jeannette) Carwright and Brian (Haley) Cartwright; two daughters, Patricia (Wayne) Kittinger and Teresa (Ted) Wells; nine grandchildren, Amber, Lucretia, Jessie, Miranda, Allie, Cala, Derek, Tanner, and Logan; nine great grandchildren, Kailey, Avah, Kashton, Lilly, Paisley, J. Bug, Hudson, Teegan, and one on the way, Palmer; a brother, Irv (Rose) Cartwright; a sister, Janet Birkhimer; a sister-in-law, Betty Bishop; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Mae Cartwright; who he married on July 8, 1961, and she died March 24, 2013; and a sister, Janice Carpenter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Genesis Hospice -Morrison House, 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.

Family and friends may visit 4-8pm, Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Dresden Chapel of Vensil & Chute, 714 Main Street.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Friday, July 25, 2025, at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Fountain officiating.

Frank will be laid to rest next to his wife, Laura, at Dresden Cemetery.

07/21/2025

CLARICE WILLIS

GREENVILLE – On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 7:05PM at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville, our beloved Clarice Willis was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 82. A faithful servant of Christ, a devoted wife, a loving mother, and grandmother, and a cherished woman of strength and grace, she passed peacefully into eternal rest, reunited with her husband and best friend, Leroy Willis, whom she missed dearly since his passing just one year ago.

Born on October 18, 1942 in Greenville, KY, Clarice lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. She was the heart of our home and the pillar of our family. A God-fearing woman who truly walked by faith and not by sight, she poured love into everything she did – whether it was cooking one of her famous meals, carefully tending her garden decorating her home with joy, or simply watching her favorite soap operas in the quiet of the afternoon. She served faithfully as the head of the culinary department at First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, KY, where she nurtured generations with love, wisdom, and prayer. Her door was always open, her food always warm, and her heart always full.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leroy Willis; her daughter, Beverly (Darrell) Hocker; her parents, John and Majie Lee Elliott; her sisters, Georgia Gene Elliott, and Marion (Clifford) Broadnax; and her brother, John (Myra) Elliott.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and strength. She is survived by her children, Pam (Ronnie) Pearson, Lisa Wells, and Andrea Willis; brother, Larry (Ann) Elliott; and her grandchildren, Kendra Smith, Tyra Pearson, Phillip Smith, Phelan (Steve) Aliprandi, Justin Pearson, Jasmine Wells, Brooklyn Willis, and Maddie Willis. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, extended family, and fiends whose lives she touched deeply with her kindness, love, and prayer.

Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice knowing she has entered into the presence of the Lord – where there is no more sickness, no more pain, and no more sorrow. She fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) And now, we believe Heaven is celebrating her arrival. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15

Funeral services will be Friday July 25, 2025 at 1PM at First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville with Rev. Terrence Minor officiating. Burial in West End Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10AM-1PM at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com. Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.