Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home, 106 NE 4th Street, Fairfield, IL (2025)

11/13/2025

Clifford “Gary” Templeman of rural Fairfield passed away at 3 PM, Wednesday, November 12th, 2025, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital’s Skilled Care Unit. Gary was born June 29, 1941, to William Clifford “Chick” and Velda (Atkinson) Templeman in Joliet, IL. The family soon returned to Wayne County where Gary attended King’s School and Jasper School when it was first consolidated. Gary graduated from FCHS in 1959. He served his country in the US Army from 1966-1968 stationed first at Fort Benning, GA, then overseas in Germany before an injury sent him to Walter Reed Hospital.

Starting at age 16, Gary worked in the oil fields with his father. After his military service, he began working at Airtex where he worked for over 30 years. While there, he met and married the former Gayla Taylor on November 27, 1981. Their lives were made complete with the birth of their daughter, Jessica Ann, on August 25, 1986. After Airtex, Gary worked for Classic Transport, a trailer hauling company from Elkhart, IN.

Gary is survived by his wife Gayla (Taylor) Templeman, daughter Jessica (Chad) Barbre, and grandchildren Paisley, Emersyn, and Nash Barbre. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Boyd of Beardstown, niece Staci (Bob) Young and family, and nephew Corey (Ginny) Cunningham and family, and several in-laws, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services for Gary Templeman will be held on Wednesday, November 19th at 1 PM at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 AM until the time of service on Wednesday. Memorials in his honor may be made to Wayne County Humane Society or to Feeding Kids of Wayne County and will be accepted at the funeral home.

11/12/2025

Carolyn Louise Brown, 86, of Fairfield passed away at 6:15PM on Tuesday November 11, 2025, at Cisne Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She was a housekeeper at Way-Fair nursing home for 25 years and a member of the Ellen Moore United Methodist Church. Carolyn was born in Wayne County on July 14, 1939, to Elmer and Gladys (Sutton) Bland. She married Charles Brown on November 15, 1958.

Carolyn is survived by her husband- Charles Brown of Fairfield; son- Richard (Valerie) Brown of Geff; six grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, daughter- Diana Steury, two brothers, and a son in law- Edgar Steury.

Funeral services will be held at 1PM on Monday November 17, 2025, at Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11AM until the time of service at the funeral home.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Ministries and will be accepted at the Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home.

11/12/2025

Diana F. West, 70, of Fairfield, passed away at 9:40am on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL. She had been a homemaker.

Diana was born on February 16, 1955, in Fairfield, IL, to Bernard and Ruth (Corder) Simpson.

Survivors include her children Jason (Jessica) Hollett of Leland, NC, James (Heather) West of Bay St. Louis, MS, and Keara West of Fairfield, three grandchildren, a special nephew Aaron Buchanan, two brothers K.D. (Shirley) Simpson of Fairfield and Lester Simpson of Geff, IL, four sisters Eleanor Venable and Mary Ruth (Larry) Smith both of Fairfield, Karen Singleterry of Mt. Vernon, IL, and Trudy (Victor) Simpson of Burnt Prairie, IL, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Bill Simpson and Ervin Simpson, and one sister Evelyn Byrge.

Per Diana’s request, her body is being cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Friday, November 14th, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield. Visitation will be from 10am until the time of service at the funeral home. There will be no burial at this time. Memorial donations can be made to help with cremation expenses and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

11/11/2025

Honoring all those you have served our country!! Thank you!! ❤️🇺🇸

11/07/2025

Lonnie L. “Zeke” Windland, 71, of Fairfield, passed away at 7:25pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN. Zeke had worked at Champion Labs for 17 years and had also worked at his family-owned business, Windland Processing.

Zeke was born on April 19, 1954, in Fairfield, IL, to Nelson and Doris (Ash) Windland.

Survivors include his daughters Leslie (James) Conover of Wayne City and Kelly (Clinton) Lane of Aden, IL, eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, his brother Ronnie (Linda) Windland of Surprise, AZ, his sister Connie (Jerry) Clark of Keenes, IL, along with his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for Zeke Windland will be at 1pm on Thursday, November 13th, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield, with burial to follow in Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service at the funeral home. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

11/06/2025

Shirley J. Caldwell, 91, formerly of Sims, IL, passed away at 3:27pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Newburgh Health Care in Newburgh, IN.

Shirley was born on November 11, 1933, in Geff, IL, to Henry and Gula (Reams) Hilliard. On November 26, 1950, she married the love of her life, Hosa Vice Caldwell, who preceded her in death in 2015.

Shirley had been a caregiver most of her life, both professionally and for family and friends. She was a member of the Mt. Olive General Baptist Church in Bluford. Shirley loved to refinish furniture as a hobby and also loved horses and her favorite animated character, Winnie the Pooh.

Survivors include her five children David Caldwell and Arminda “Mindy” (Earl) Mark both of Sims, IL, Hosa Caldwell, Jr of Wayne City, IL, Cynthia Wells of Newburgh, IN, and Timothy (Tanya) Caldwell of Evansville, IN, 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, a special niece Kay Dudley, along with several other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hosa, an infant son Henry Thomas Caldwell, a granddaughter Typhanie Wells, two brothers Aaron Hilliard and Merle Tucker, and 5 sisters Eleanor Tucker, Mary Helen Shaw, Henrietta Dalton, and infant sisters Marilda and Doris June Tucker.

Funeral services for Shirley Caldwell will be at 1pm on Monday, November 10th, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

11/01/2025

Kenneth Scott, 55 of Golden Gate, IL, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Born on September 15, 1970, in Fairfield to Dellos and Carolyn (Newton) Scott, Kenny began working in construction right out of high school and spent the next three years honing his carpentry skills on roofing homes.

After a lot of hard work spent mastering his craft and chosen trade, he made the decision to start up his own construction company, Scott Construction, which he went on to run successfully for the next 25 years. Kenneth eventually made the decision to step away from the construction business and later found new employment as Maintenance Director at Cisne Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Cisne, IL, where he remained employed up until his untimely passing.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 35 years Kimberly Scott of Golden Gate, sons Tyler Scott, Cory Scott, and Nathan (fiancé Makaylee) Scott all of Golden Gate, mother Carolyn (Alan) Bland of Fairfield, sister Betty (Robert) Harrelson of Fairfield, nieces Jennifer (Jay) Wood and Ember (Daniel) Bergman, nephew Ryan (Jamie) Wood, 2 special uncles Ken (Lisa) Newton and Jack (Stacy) Newton, beloved dog Pablo Escobark, father and mother-in-law George and Dorothy Tomlinson of Fairfield, sister-in-law Tracy Thompson of Fairfield, brothers-in-law Rob Tomlinson and Colin Tomlinson of Fairfield, several nieces and nephews, and many, many, close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Dellos Scott and brother Rick Scott.

Funeral services for Kenneth Scott will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, November 5th at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield, with burial to follow in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials in his honor may be made to help with funeral expenses and will be accepted at the funeral home.

10/31/2025

The National Funeral Directors Association had their annual International Convention and Expo from Oct. 26-29th at McCormick Place, downtown Chicago. One of our funeral directors, Staci Morse, was able to attend this event.

It is a time when funeral directors from in and out of the country come to learn valuable information from seminars, inspirational sessions, and on the expo floor. Many new ideas are brought to life through companies that work with funeral homes, reconnections are made with old friends, and new friends are made.

10/29/2025

Elma Joan Holmes 90, known to all as Joan, passed away October 26, 2025, at her home. Joan entered this life on October 25, 1935, in Wayne County, to Elmer and Wilma (Williams) Legg and was the eldest of five children. She married Seth Holmes on June 14, 1964, in Fairfield, IL. Joan grew up with a strong foundation of faith that guided her throughout her journey.

Joan was a homemaker, loving wife, devoted mother, and prayer warrior. She taught Sunday school for many years and was dedicated to serving others. In her early years, Joan trained as a nurse via apprenticeship, caring for patients in critical need with skill and compassion. Later in life, she found deep joy in serving the elderly, offering comfort and kindness in their final chapters. Her life’s work reflected her calling to serve others through both professional care and personal devotion.

She is survived by her husband and their four children: Shawn Holmes (Linda) of Opdyke, IL; Shanon Holmes of Redford, MI; Shari Graves (Colin) of Mt. Zion, IL; and Shana Linder (Johnny) of Princeton, IN. Joan loved her grandchildren: Peyton Graves, Connor Graves, J’ne Clark-Shelton (Brandon), and Breanna Holmes-Linder, as well as four great-grandchildren, Ryker, Ripley, Ridge, and Rhett, each of whom brought her delight and joy.

She is also survived by her sisters and cherished a special bond with each of them: Joyce Day of Mt. Carmel, IL; Kay (Larry) White of Sims, IL; and Rhonda Vanway (Charles) of Sims, IL, as well as her many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved brother Gerald Legg. Also, her mother and father in-law, and several of her brothers and sister’s in-law.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Joan’s many caregivers who provided her with years of support: The teams at Deaconess, Gateway Cardiology, Dr. Tatinini and Dr. Kumbar; Primary Care Providers of Fairfield, Dr. Carter and Dr. Mitchell; Retina Eye Institute, Dr. Blinder; WashU Medical Glaucoma specialist Dr. Siek, and Dr. Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic, whose skills and compassion have meant so much over the years. Also, her personal care providers Becky Scott and Kathy Milner, who made her remaining time at home so very special.

Funeral services will be held at Johnson and Vaughn, Fairfield, IL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Funeral service at 11:00. Visitation will be from 10:00am until time of service, with burial to follow at Baltimore Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Sims Missionary Baptist Church, Sims, IL and will be accepted at the Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home.

10/27/2025

Flora Louise Randolph, 94, formerly of Fairfield, passed away peacefully at 12:22AM on Sunday October 26, 2025, at Haven on the River Nursing and Rehab in Grayville. She was born in Wayne County on October 3, 1931, to the late Frank and Myrtle (Hiley) Bailey. Flora shared a life filled with love, family, and community. She was united in marriage to James Lockinbar Griswold, with whom she had eight children. She later married Ed Randolph who preceded her. Flora retired from Champion Labs after many years of dedicated service, where she was admired for her strong work ethic, kind spirit, and unwavering dedication.

Flora is survived by her children- Earl (Mary) Griswold of Princeton IN, Leann York of Fairfield, Gary Griswold of Mill Shoals, Jackie (Bruce) Castro of St. Peters MO, Sherman (Chandra) Griswold of Washington IN, Dorothy (Steve) Stone of West Frankfort, Eva (John) Farler of Cave-in-Rock, and Tina (Todd) Perrott of Bridgeport; brother-in-law- Gary Velie of Perry GA; stepdaughters- Shelia Woodrome and Judy (Gary) Baxter; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren who brought joy to her life.

Flora was preceded in death by her parents, brothers- James Bailey and Frankie Bailey, sisters- Dorothy Randolph and Edna Velie, brother-in-law- Tom Randolph, sister-in-law- Eva Bailey, and one great grandson.

Graveside services will be held at 1PM on Thursday October 30, 2025, at Shrewsbury Cemetery in Mill Shoals. There will be no visitation, family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Memorials may be made to Feeding Kids of Wayne County and will be accepted at the service and at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.

10/23/2025

Donald R. Beeson, 84 of Fairfield, passed away at 11:20 PM, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.

Born on August 30, 1941, in Wayne County, IL to James and Juanita (Milner) Beeson, he had been a lifelong livestock and grain farmer. He married Sandra Kearnes on November 21, 1964, and as Sandy says, “Poor Donnie, bless his heart he had to put up with me for 30 days shy of 61 years.”

Donald had served as Berry Township Road Commissioner and on the Berry Township Cemetery Board. He was also a veteran of the US Army Reserves, and an avid hunter and fisherman. Family was very important to him and one of his favorite things was spending time with his grandkids. Donnie always made time to visit with and help his neighbors, never expecting anything in return.

Donald is survived by his wife Sandra Beeson of Fairfield, son Russell Beeson of Fairfield, daughters Sheila Beeson of Fairfield, Janet Billington of Cisne, and JoAnne (Mike) Greathouse of West Salem, 5 grandchildren- Charlton (Michaela) Greathouse, Ethan (JJ) Greathouse, Matthew (Alexis Atwood) Billington, Jaclyn (Caleb) Caldwell, and Johnathan W. Beeson, 9 great grandchildren- Micah Greathouse, James Greathouse, Zedidiah Greathouse, Emma Greathouse, Martha Anne Greathouse, Abram Greathouse, Thomas Greathouse, Joseph Greathouse, and Gunner Caldwell, brother James Beeson of Geff, sisters Rosalee Pearce of Rinard, Katy Auvil of Flora, and Nina Stanford of Newton, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Cassie Billington, and brothers Jerry and Phillip Beeson.

Funeral services for Donald Beeson will be held on Tuesday, October 28th at 10 AM at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Lappin Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and the Wayne County Post #4535 VFW. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Memorials in his honor may be made to Cisne FFA and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home

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