ADAIR COUNTY  - "92.7 The WAVE"   https://www.ridingthewave.com

TAYLOR & GREEN COUNTY - "99.9 THE BIG DAWG"  https://www.wvlc.com.

CASEY COUNTY  - "98.7 THE BUCK"   https://www.chasingthebuck.com.

James A. Thomas, 76, of Columbia, KY died Friday, September 29, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 15, 1947 in Adair County, KY to the late Roy Freeman and Dorothy Smith Thomas. 
 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray, Danny “Boone” and Robert “Radio” Thomas.

James was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War.  He retired after 20 years of service with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons. He was a member of Pollards Chapel Church and enjoyed watching his UK Wildcats, golfing, Kansas City Chiefs and four the past five, he enjoyed spending his time on his farm.

SURVIVORS:

His wife: Carole Rowe Thomas of Columbia

1 son: James Wesley Thomas of Campbellsville

2 daughters: Angie Mills (Tim) and Stephanie Thomas, both of Campbellsville

5 step-children: Jeff Neagle of Somerset, Jenifer Boils (Dale) of Campbellsville, Thad Keltner (Courtney) of Columbia, Sarah Simmons (Jon) of Iowa, and Ethan Keltner (Emily) of Columbia

2 brothers: Harold “Catfish” Thomas of Georgetown and Donnie Thomas (Moochie) of Campbellsville

6 sisters: Betty Wingler of Campbellsville, Charlotte Coffey of Columbia, Pauline Teater of Campbellsville, Kim Skaggs of Hodgenille, and Karen Brown of Campbellsville

4 grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren & 3 step-great-grandchildren

A host of other relatives & friends

Visitation: Monday, October 2, 2023 from 12:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with Cremation to follow

Graveside Memorial Service: Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at the Columbia Cemetery will Pastor Glenn Lewis officiating

Full Military honors presented by V.F.W. Post 6097

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Gideon Bibles, Hosparus-Green River or Pollards Chapel Church. These can be made at the funeral home.

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
 

Avery Lee Rooks, 91, of Columbia, KY passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023 at his residence. He was born in Adair County on September 17, 1932 to the late Welby Lee and Myrtie Rooks.
 

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Burton Rooks in 2019; five siblings: Rollin Rooks, Charles Rooks, Cecil Burton, Ruth Burton, and Tyler Rooks; and a half-brother, Welby Rooks.

Mr. Rooks was a member of the Caldwell Ridge Separate Baptist Church and attended many churches, going wherever God led him on Sunday morning. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family and friends. Avery was always up for a conversation, and he was never at a loss for words.

SURVIVORS:

2 siblings: Eugene Rooks (Polly) of Edinburgh, IN and Ida Pearl Bryant of Franklin, IN

2 half-brothers: Holland Rooks and Alvin Rooks both of Louisville, KY

3 half -sisters: Bonnie Shelton and Judy Wilkerson both of Louisville, KY and Dottie Levin of Missouri

Several nieces, nephews, friends & other relatives

Funeral Service: Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 1:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with Bro. Raymond Atwood officiating

Burial: Columbia Cemetery

Visitation: Saturday from 4:00-8:00pmCT and Sunday until time for the service

Pallbearers: Jackie Cravens, John Rooks, Allen Rooks, Jeff Pyles, Sam Janes, Caden Pyles, and Shane Coffey.

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Vanessa Laureen Burton, 52, of Columbia, KY passed away from this life on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Russell County Hospital. She was born April 18, 1971 in Columbia, KY, the daughter of Phyllis Sullivan Abrell DeHart and the late Elder Ray “Joe” Abrell. 

Vanessa was a Special Education Teacher at Salem Elementary School and a former Assistant Curriculum Coordinator at Adair County Board of Education. She enjoyed working with youth in the Lake Cumberland Area Chrysalis Community and the Kids for Christ Program. Vanessa attended Melson Ridge Separate Baptist Community Church where she was always willing to serve the Lord. She will be missed by her family, friends, and the many others whose lives she touched with her kindness.

SURVIVORS:

Her husband: Joe David Burton of Columbia

1 son: Justin (Kristen) Burton of Russell Springs

1 daughter: Heather (Keith) Brown of Russell Springs

Her mother: Phyllis DeHart of Columbia

5 grandchildren: Grady Burton, Bayley Burton, Leah Brown, Dayne Burton, and Hannah Brown

In addition to her father, Vanessa was preceded in death by a sister, Tracey Pierce.

Funeral Service: Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00amCT at Bernard Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Helm officiating

Burial: Brockman-Kerr Cemetery

Visitation: Friday, September 29, 2023 from 5:00pm-8:00pmCT and Saturday after 8:00amCT at the funeral home

Pallbearers: Ross Morgan, Mitchell Morgan, Danny Abrell, Robert Coppage, Stacy Huff, and Donald Galito 

The Burton family truly appreciates the outpouring of love and sympathy that has been expressed during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Vanessa’s memory be made to the "Kids For Christ", 204 North Potter Street, Freeburg, IL 62243, or at www.KidsForChristKCBS.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.

Larry Ray Godsey, 74, of Columbia, KY passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at his residence. He was born in Ohio County, KY on August 4, 1949 to the late Ray and Bertha Goode Godsey.

Mr. Godsey was a member of the Columbia Christian Church since 1969 and was retired from IMO Industries since 2012. Larry loved spending time with family and friends, around the pool with the grandchildren and around the card table with his friends playing Rook, always making sure everyone had something to eat and drink. He also enjoyed fixing wrecked cars in his spare time.

SURVIVORS:

His wife of 55 years: Marsha Montgomery Godsey of Columbia, KY

2 sons: Michael Godsey (Lisa) of Columbia, KY and Brent Godsey (Twila) of Danville, KY

7 grandchildren: Alan Godsey (Beka), Alex Godsey, Jocelyn Godsey, Cailyn Godsey, Andrew Godsey, Hayden Godsey, and Grayson Godsey

2 great-grandchildren: Merlin and Christina Godsey

3 siblings: Douglas Godsey (Gail) of Campbellsville, KY, Patricia Thompson (George) of Columbia, KY, and Norma Laverne Russell of Campbellsville, KY

Brother-in-law: Kenneth Montgomery (Pam) of Columbia, KY

Several nieces & nephews

Funeral Service: Friday, September 29, 2023 at 11:00amCT at Columbia Christian Church with Bro. John Davis and Bro. Terry White officiating

Burial: Haven Hill Cemetery

Visitation: Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 4:00-8:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home and on Friday from 9:00am-11:00amCT at Columbia Christian Church

Pallbearers: Alan Godsey, Alex Godsey, Andrew Godsey, Doug Godsey, Kyle Godsey, and Sammy Blair.

Honorary Pallbearers: Steve McKinney, Phillip Akin, Jimmy Woody, Jimmy Long, John Ballou, Danny Propes, Rudy Higginbotham, and Billy Helm.

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in Charge of the arrangements.

Dakota “Coda” Tarter, 62, formerly of Columbia, KY died Monday, September 25, 2023 at her residence in Somerset. She was born April 28, 1961 in Adair County to the late Edwin “Tootie” and Fannie Taylor Tarter. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, David Tarter and one sister, Linda Ford.

SURVIVORS:

4 brothers: Terry Tarter of Glasgow, Charles Tarter (Kathy), Andy and Danny Tarter all of Columbia

3 sisters: Peggy Tarter of Somerset, Rosa Tarter and Carolyn Tarter both of Columbia

Several other relatives & friends

Graveside Service: Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Columbia Cemetery with Bro. Bobby Withers officiating.

Burial to follow.

There will be no visitation.

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
 

Loureda A. Wilson Roy, 80, daughter of the late Orvis and Belva (Meece) Wilson, was born on February 11, 1943 in Russell County, KY and departed this life on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at her home in the Gosser Ridge community. 

She had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a life-long member of Union Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend.  She was a dedicated employee of Houchen’s for 30 years where she served many members of the community. She was also an avid sports fan and loved supporting the Russell County Mighty Lakers. 

Loureda was united in marriage to Osburn M. Roy on May 18, 1961 who preceded her in death on May 30, 2015. She was also preceded in death by one brother and three sisters: Lewell Wilson, Maxine Roy, Gladys Cravens, and Mattigene Gaskin. 

SURVIVORS:

1 daughter: Beverly (James) Grimes of Russell Springs

1 son: Reggie (Sarah) Roy of Russell Springs

4 grandchildren: Brandon (Sherry) Selby and Madelyn and Ozzy Roy of Russell Springs; Brittany (Dusty) Stearns of Murfreesboro, Tennessee

3 great-grandchildren: Grider Selby and Emery Kate Robertson of Russell Springs, KY and Ella (Blake) Mann of Jasper, Indiana

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, & close friends

Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 10:00amCT at Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs 

Visitation: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 5:00pm-8:00pmCT at the funeral home

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to  the Union Cemetery Trust  Fund, PO Box 2273, Russell Springs, KY 42642.

Pallbearers: Larry Emerson, Meredith Scales, Greg Redmon, Terry Cochran, Kermit Burton, and Joe Wilson. 

Honorary Pallbearers: Stan Thomas, Ross Russell, Sharon Hill, Don Cooper, Bill Magruder, Michael Ford, and Larry Miller.

Zorah Eudell Johnson Wilson, 96, of Russell Springs, KY passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Jane Todd Crawford Hospital in Greensburg, KY. She was born January 1, 1927 at home in Russell Springs, a daughter of the late Leslie and Sylphia Hopper Johnson.

Eudell was a loving wife to her husband, Louis D. Wilson, whom she married on July 17, 1945 and enjoyed his company until his death on October 14, 2014. She was also a loving mother and grandmother. Eudell was a homemaker and a charter member of Grace Baptist Church. She enjoyed quilting and her love of gardening was evident in her rose garden each year.

SURVIVORS:

2 daughters: Connie Marlene Selby of Russell Springs and Donna Sharlene (Douglas) Flatt of Murfreesboro, Tennessee

1 brother: Argust Johnson of Somerset

2 sisters: Meridith Hopper and Arbodella Clifford of Russell Springs

4 grandchildren: Trent Dale Selby of Raymond, Mississippi, Dawn Renee (Jerry) Willoughby of Russell Springs, Ryan (Amy) Flatt of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Amber (Travis) Dolan of Murfreesboro, Tennessee 

6 great-grandchildren: Taylor Shae Willoughby of Russell Springs, Cohen Flatt, Caleb Flatt and Hanna Flatt of Knoxville, Tennessee and Ryland Dolan and Bryson Dolan of Murfreesboro, Tennessee

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers: Cleveland Johnson and Alden Johnson; and a son-in-law, Dale Selby.

Funeral Service: Monday, September 25, 2023 at 2:00pmCT at Bernard Funeral Home with Bro. Caleb Shirley officiating

Burial: Beside her husband in Salem Cemetery

Visitation: After 11:00amCT on Monday

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Grace Baptist Church, PO Box 98 Russell Springs, KY 42642.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.

Joyce Carol Morgan Brockman, 77, of Columbia, KY passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at T.J. Health Columbia. She was born in Ann Arbor, MI on September 19, 1946 to the late John Anderson and Lucille Richards Morgan.

Mrs. Brockman was a member of the Pollard’s Chapel Church and enjoyed sewing and crafts. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and spoiling her son and grandchildren.

SURVIVORS:

Her husband: George Alfred Brockman of Columbia, KY

1 son: Anthony Brockman (Rebecca) of Columbia, KY

2 granddaughters: Sarah Elizabeth DeWitt (Everett) and Liberty Grace Brockman both of Columbia, KY

2 step-grandchildren: Shelby Ann Reynolds of Maryland and Dakoda Ray Reynolds of Columbia, KY

Nephew: Randy Crawhorn of Columbia, KY

Special aunt: Faye Young (Billy Joe) of Somerset, KY

Several other friends & relatives

Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 2:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home

Burial: Columbia Cemetery

Visitation: Monday from 4:00-8:00pmCT and Tuesday until time for the service

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Joanna Warf Moore, 82, of Campbellsville, KY passed away Friday, September 22, 2023 at the University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville, KY. She was born on August 29, 1941 in Green County, KY to the late Lee Olus and Iva Gertrude Slinker Warf.

Mrs. Moore was a member of the Campbellsville Baptist Church and a retired teacher in the Campbellsville City Schools. She enjoyed her pets and spending time with her family and friends.

SURVIVORS:

Her husband: Nelson Talmadge Moore of Campbellsville, KY

1 son: Jonathan Moore (Karen) of Lomita, CA

1 grandson: Jackson Talmadge Moore of Lomita, CA

Several other friends & relatives

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three siblings: Curtis Haywood Warf, Bronston Warf, and Odellia Curry.

Funeral Service: Friday, September 29, 2023 at 1:00pmET at L.R. Petty Funeral Home in Campbellsville, KY

Burial: Pierce Cemetery
 

Visitation: Friday after 10:00amET at L. R. Petty Funeral Home

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
 

Rev. Earl E. Neat, 97, of Columbia, KY passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023, at his residence. Born in Adair County, KY on September 17, 1926, to the late James Thomas and Susie Holtzclaw Neat.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Justin Bottoms Neat; a daughter, Donna Sue Neat; and thirteen siblings.

Mr. Neat was a member of the Caldwell Ridge Separate Baptist Church and was the pastor of many churches in the area over the years. He was the oldest living Separate Baptist Minister in the association upon his death. He enjoyed serving his Lord and Savior in any capacity he could and enjoyed spending time fishing and flower gardening with his wife Martha until her death in 2004.

SURVIVORS:

3 children: Louise Harmon of Columbia, KY, Larry Neat (Gaylon) of Campbellsville, KY, and Sheila VanBuskirk (Robert Laverne VanBuskirk, Jr.) of Cecilia, KY

10 grandchildren: Angela Ford, Thomas Burton, Richard Burton, Farrah Richie, Leigh Hughes, Erica Grant, Bryne Beck, Melissa Mobley, Steven Lemmon, and Quincie Lemmon

18 great-grandchildren & 6 great-great grandchildren

Funeral Service: Monday, September 25, 2023 at 10:00amCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home

Burial: New Hope Cemetery

Visitation: Sunday from 4:00-8:00pmCT and Monday until time for the service at the funeral home 

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Mildred Grigsby, 94, of Alabama (formerly of Adair County) passed to her Heavenly Home on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 in Alabama (where she lived for 40 years).

After moving to Indiana, Mary Mildred later retired from General Motors in Anderson, IN where she was a faithful church member.

Mary Mildred (named after both of her grandmothers), and her siblings were born in Kentucky. As a teenager, she delivered the mail in Cane Valley on horseback.  She and her husband Elmer were also married in Cane Valley.

SURVIVORS:

Her husband of 70 years: Elmer Grigsby

2 daughters: Sandra Brown and Anita Rich (Mike)

5 grandchildren & 8 great-grandchildren

Graveside Service: Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at Cane Valley Cemetery in Cane Valley, KY with burial to follow.

There will be no visitation.

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pauline Joyce Jones, 88, of Russell Springs, KY passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at the Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset, KY. She was born in Adair County, KY on June 7, 1935 to the late Roy and Annie Conover Huckaby.

Ms. Jones attended the Bethlehem Baptist Church and enjoyed shopping, flower gardening, and spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

SURVIVORS:

4 children: Nick Jones (Rita) of Columbia, KY, Scott Jones (Tonya) of Lexington, KY, Ted Jones of Columbia, KY, and Tony Jones (Betty) of Lexington, KY

2 granddaughters: Katie and Hannah Jones of Columbia, KY

3 nieces: Joy Addison (Kurt) and Debbie Cook (Rick) both of Cincinnati, OH and Sheila Sutton of Columbia, KY

Several other friends & relatives

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings: Jean Sutton (John) and Ron Huckaby (Tiny).

Funeral Service: Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 1:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home

Burial: Bethlehem Cemetery

Visitation: Sunday after 10:00amCT at the funeral home 

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Bobby L. Beard, 86, of Columbia, KY died Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10:55 P.M. at The Medical Center in Bowling Green. He was born October 10, 1936 in Adair County, KY to the late Artis “Bud” and Etta Burris Beard. 
 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Larry Hutchison and the following brothers and sisters: Alfred, Davis, Holland, George and JR Beard, Christine Bell Gabbert, Opal Murphy, Doris Romans, Peggy Kean and Lovie Vertrees.

Bobby was a member of Columbia Baptist Church, serving as Deacon, Trustee, Transportation Committee member and in any capacity that he was needed. He was a former truck driver and drove a bus for Lindsey Wilson College.

SURVIVORS:

His wife of 66 years: Wanda Young Beard of Columbia

1 daughter: Cheri Hutchison of Columbia

1 son: Ken Beard (Jami) of Somerset

5 grandchildren: Wes Hutchison (Ashley), Ross Hutchison (Mallory), Paige Nickel (Derek), Austin Beard and Chadd Beard

9 great-grandchildren: Parker Nickel, Amelia Nickel, Henry Hutchison, Noah Hutchison, Oliver Hutchison, Hallie Hutchison, Kinley Popplewell, Ryder Beard and Evelyn Beard

Several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Columbia Baptist Church with Bro. Randy Johnson officiating

Burial: Columbia Cemetery

Visitation: After 4:00 P.M. Tuesday and from 6:00 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home and after 12:00 P.M. Wednesday at Columbia Baptist Church

Casket Bearers: Wes Hutchison, Ross Hutchison, Derek Nickel, Austin Beard, Charles Grimsley, Larry Beard, and David Martin

Honorary:  Deacons of Columbia Baptist Church

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Columbia Baptist Church which can be left at the funeral home or at the church.

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
 

Mary Ann Mueller, 72, of Louisville, KY died Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the Mary & Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville. She was born July 5, 1951 in Louisville, KY to the late Elmer Lee Clemens, Sr. and Mae Elizabeth Brentlinger Clemens.

SURVIVORS:

3 daughters: Tamara (Dale) Budzisz and Lisa Mueller of Columbia, KY and Heather Short of Palmyra, Indiana

1 brother: Elmer Lee Clemens, Jr. of Columbia

4 grandchildren: John (Amanda), Allexis (Chris), Hanna and Gordie

1 great-grandchild: Destany

1 nephew: Stephen Clemens of Florida

Graveside Service: Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at the Roach Cemetery with burial to follow

There will be no visitation.

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Roy Columbus “R.C.” Gabehart, 75, of Knifley, KY passed away peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2023 at his home after a lengthy illness. Born July 14, 1948 in Taylor County, KY, he was the son of the late Wanless Jr. “Bug” and Irene Eastridge Gabehart.

A devout Christian, R.C. attended Purdy Church for 40 years where he enjoyed singing for the Lord. R.C. was a man of many skills and talents. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, pulling mules, and Tennessee Walking Horses. His quick wit and outgoing personality were well known, and he never met a stranger. He was proud to be a life-long farmer, raising tobacco, hay, and beef cattle.

SURVIVORS:

His wife of 55 years: Marilyn Neat Gabehart

4 children: Robin Gabehart, Debbie Cowan (Doug), Teresa Huddleston (Craig) and James Gabehart (Jennifer)

9 grandchildren: Casey Chelf, Ashley Nelson, Leslie Cowan, Levi Huddleston, Gabe Cowan, Quinton Huddleston, Landon McBeath, Hunter Gabehart, and Bailey Gabehart

8 great-grandchildren: Foster Thompson, Addie Jo Nelson, Annie Kate Nelson, Finleigh Chelf, Carson Nelson, Avery Nelson, Ada Caroline Huddleston, and Reed Cowan

5 siblings: June Carney, Vonda Kay Stamm, Kathy Tucker (Bradley), Pete Gabehart, and Randy Gabehart (Sheila)

Several nieces & nephews

Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 11:00amCT at Purdy Separate Baptist Church

Burial: Eastridge Cemetery

Visitation: Monday from 4:00-8:00pmCT and Tuesday morning until 9:00amCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home and from 9:00-11:00amCT on Tuesday at the church 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude Childrens Hospital or Kosair Charities and can be left at the funeral home.

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.