Wilson Funeral Home

09/02/2025

Colonel (Retired) Jerry Joe Kean, United States Air Force, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the age of 90.

The Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, at First Baptist Church of Waco with Rev William Love officiating. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery.

Jerry was born and raised in Karnak, Illinois, where he developed his love of hunting and fishing. He attended Karnak High School, and upon graduation from Southern Illinois University, Jerry was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. As a young officer, Jerry was stationed at Lufkin Air Force Station, where he met and married Marilyn Sue Nisbet in June of 1960. His military career took them to various parts of the world, including New Mexico, Japan, California, Washington, D.C., and Alabama. He also served a tour in Vietnam. In his last assignment, he served as the Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force ROTC at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. After retiring from the Air Force, Jerry became the Director of Public Works for the City of Temple, Texas, until his retirement in 2000.

Throughout his career, Jerry continued his education, receiving his Master of Business Administration and Doctorate in Education, both from Auburn University. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Waco, where he served as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and a member of several church committees. In addition to these activities, he was involved in his community in various ways. He especially enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts of America and Meals on Wheels.

Jerry was a man of incredible faith, and his legacy of kindness, love, and generosity was evident to all who knew him. Even with all his achievements, Jerry was most proud of the unique talents and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy was being with them.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Sadie Kean; his brother, Tom Kean; and his sister, Bonnie Kean Ward.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Marilyn; his sons, Steve Kean of Tyler, Texas, and Richard Kean and wife, Kelly, of Montgomery, Alabama; and his daughter, Robyn Kean Hargett, and husband, Leslie, of San Antonio, Texas. Other survivors include his two granddaughters, Elizabeth Kean Groark and husband, Chris, and Sarah Kean Griffin and husband, Marshall; his two grandsons, Wesley Hargett and wife, Sophia, and Hunter Hargett and wife, Aynslee; and his great-granddaughter, Sarah Grace Groark. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Nisbet and wife, Jill; his sister-in-law, Brenda Kean; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

For those desiring, the family suggests that memorials be given to the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, First Baptist Church of Waco, or any veteran organization of choice.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Jerry in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Colonel (Retired) Jerry Joe Kean, please visit our flower store.
In memory of Colonel (Retired) Jerry Joe Kean, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:
Salvation Army - National Headquarters
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

This is a courtesy obit by Wilson Funeral Home, Karnak, Illinois.

08/25/2025

Sharon (Duckworth) Altenberger, 82, of Metropolis, formerly of Karnak, IL, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025 at 3:09 am at The Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, KY.

Sharon was born January 14, 1943 on a farm near Perks, Illinois.

She attended and graduated from Karnak High School. In 1964, she graduated from the Missouri Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri. During her nursing career, she served in various health care positions in Long-term Care facilities as a Charge Nurse, Inservice Director, Assistant Director of Nursing and Director of Nursing.

Sharon accepted a position as Director of Nursing at the Americana Healthcare Center in Naperville, IL., She was promoted to Nurse Consultant at the Corporate office for five years in Monticello, IL., Then she accepted the position as a Surveyor at the Indiana State Board of Health for the Skilled Division in Indianapolis, IN. After which time, she served five years as a Corporate Health Service Coordinator for The Southern Region for Miller’s Merry Manor, INC. in LaGrange, IN. Sharon spent the last ten years as a Healthcare Consultant for Courtney and Associates Healthcare Consultants in Indianapolis, IN., a Division of Lucas Health Group.
Her last fifteen years as an Associate for Courtney and Associates Healthcare Consultant in Indianapolis, IN., a Division of Lucas Health Group.

Sharon retired in 2001 to assist her sister (Judy), brother (Jim), and her sister-in-law (Vurtis) with the care of their mother at her sister’s home in Karnak until their mother’s death.

Sharon was a Christian. She loved God and her Savior, Jesus Christ. She faithfully prayed and read the Bible (The Holy Word) every day.
Sharon loved her husband, Wes, and always called him her soul mate. During her husband’s lifetime, Wes has penned several Christian songs which inspired Shaon in 2015 to write her published book entitled, “Have the Apocalyptic Horses Started to Gallop? If so, why?” Wes is a gifted singer and guitar player, and Sharon loved hearing him sing and play the old Gospel songs. Sharon enjoyed traveling with Wes in his music ministry for ten years. She loved her family and called her niece, Terri Kotter, her Biblical soul mate. She and Terri texted almost every day in the early morning hours. Sharon enjoyed living on the farm with Wes and spending time outdoors tending her numerous flowers. One of her great joys was watching Wes mow the back pasture land while she sat in the porch swing. Until her health began to fail, Sharon enjoyed helping her brother on his very large farm garden early in the mornings in the Spring and Summer where he so generously shared with others. It was also a treat when their sister, Judy, joined them.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Wes Altenberger; one brother, Jim (Vurtis) Duckworth of Perks, IL; three stepsons, John (Missy) Tennant of Greenfield, IL, Marty (Angie) Altenberger and Greg Altenberger of Edwardsville, IL; five nieces, Tina (Mark) Canada of Monmouth, IL, Toni Adams of Hampton, GA, Terri Kotter of Desoto, MO, Teresa Althoff of Cape Girardeau, MO, Taylor Altenberger, PhD of Tampa, FL; one nephew, Brad (Gayla) Duckworth of Youngsville, LA.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Annelle Cooper Duckworth, her first husband, James Tennant (2002), her sister, Judy Altenberger (2025), and her daughter-in-law, Cyndie Altenberger.

Sharon is now at Home with her Lord. She said, “I’ll meet you in Heaven when your time on Earth ends.”

Per Sharon’s request, there will be no services.

Interment will be in Anderson Cemetery in Boaz.

Arrangements are entrusted to Wilson’s Funeral Home in Karnak, IL.

To leave an online message for the family or share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com

08/04/2025

07/16/2025

Carolyn Elliott, age 69, of Karnak, Illinois passed away at 2:55 P.M. Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky.

Carolyn was born November 23, 1955 in Anna Illinois.

She attended Century High School in Ullin. Carolyn attended the First Baptist Church in Karnak. She had retired from the Southgate Nursing Home in Metropolis.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Tom Elliott of Karnak: one son, Donnie Rentfro of Joppa; one sister, Lisa Dunn of Karnak; elevan grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rose Roper; her parents. Alvia and Dolly Carter Dunn; her brother, Larry Dunn.

Per the family's request cremation was accorded with private inurnment to be held at the Cypress Cemetery in Cypress, Illinois at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.

06/25/2025

Donald Louis Baker Sr., age 77, of Karnak, Illinois passed away at 1:47 P.M. Tuesday, June 24 at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky.

Donald was born April 30, 1948 in Springfield, Illinois.

He grew up in Springfield as the oldest of five children and worked for the United States Postal Service before retiring to Karnak.

Donald is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nora Baker; two sons, Tony L Baker and Donald L Baker Jr. of Springfield; three step children, Tammy Houston James Roberts and John Roberts; two brothers, Clarence Baker of Lakeland, Florida, Millard Baker (wife, Debbie) of Appleton City, Missouri; a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents. George D. and Mellzoe J Baker of Springfield; one brother, George H. Baker of Springfield and one sister, Mellzoe Belasaurius of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Graveside funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Donald Louis Baker Sr. will be held at 1 P.M. Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Pastor Millard Baker will be officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the Sangamon County Enter Veteran Burial Detail Team.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.

06/12/2025

Gary P. Little, age 75, of Grand Chain, Illinois passed away at 5 A.M. Thursday, June 12, 2025 at his home.

Gary accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was a member of the Karnak Baptist Church.

Gary retired as a Lieutenant from the Shawnee Correctional Center, Vienna, Illinois with thirty years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Joann Yewell Little. They were united in marriage for 36 years, and she was his best friend and love of his life.

He is also survived by his daughter, Rachel Cobb, of Anna, Illinois, sister, Cara Little (Kenny) of Murray, Kentucky, stepson, Kelvin (Susan) Kunath of Golconda, Illinois. Grandchildren, Kelvin Ray Kunath (Patricia), Kyle Kunath (Paxton), Trevor Williams (Dusty) Amber Orr (Bryce), Amanda Davis (Justin) and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mary Stubblefield Little and stepdaughter Jo Ellen Kunath Jackson.

Graveside memorial services honoring the life of Mr. Gary P. Little will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Anderson Cemetery in the Boaz Community of Massac County. Brother Jeff Wright will be speaking. Everyone is asked to gather at the ce.etery

Donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 South Illinois Street, Belleville, Illinois 62220 or Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 - 9959.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.

05/21/2025

Faulkville- Dionna Geraldine Corzine, age 81, passed away at Candler Hospital on Monday, May 19, 2025. Ms. Corzine was born in Karnak, IL to the late Garvin Corzine and Ethel Waltman Corzine. She was a sales representative for 15 years with Fries Poultry and was an ordained evangelist for 13 years. Ms. Corzine was a member of First Pentecostal Church in Karnak, IL, loved to read and study her Bible, and was an excellent guitarist. In her younger years, Ms. Geraldine recorded with and traveled with both The Tonnetts and The Harmony Singers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William Corzine and Ted Corzine and three sisters, Eilene Corzine Alfter, Lorene Corzine Barham and Louise Corzine Owens.

Survivors include one brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Geneva Corzine of Belknap, IL; her closest friend, Laura Sikes of Faulkville and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 10 A.M.- 11:45 A.M Friday, May 23, 2025 at the funeral home.

Graveside service will be held Noon, Friday, May 23, 2025 at Northside Cemetery with Rev. Gene Garrison and Pastor Stan Tyson officiating.

To sign the online register, please visit www.flanderspowellfuneralhome.com.

Flanders Powell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Dionna Geraldine Corzine.

This is a courtesy obituary by Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.

05/16/2025

Janet Hankins, age 57, of Metropolis, Illinois passed away at 11:32 A.M. Friday, May 16, 2025 at her home.

Janet was born June 1, 1967 in Granite City, Illinois.

She was a 1986 graduate of Century High School in Ullin, Illinois and a graduate of Shawnee Community College. Janet was employed at the Massac County Mental Health Department in Metropolis. She enjoyed crafting and crocheting. Janet loved her pets.

She is survived by one sister, Tina and Jon O'Nan of Salem, Kentucky and one brother, Danny Hankins of Nashville, Tennessee.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Cecilia Schnaare Hankins, grandparents, Howard and Dorothy Schnaare; her uncle, Steve Schnaare.

Per the families request, cremation was accorded with services to be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.

05/11/2025

William "Edd" Meyer, age 87, of Anna, Illinois formerly of Karnak, passed away at 12:10 A.M. Sunday, May 11, 2025 at the Deaconess Regional Hospital in Marion, Illinois surrounded by his loving family.

He was a proud veteran, a dedicated worker, and a devoted father and grandfather.

Edd was born on October 10, 1937, and raised in Southern Illinois. He graduated from Karnak High School and Draughn’s Business College, where he majored in accounting. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a Personnel Administration Specialist. His military service instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, patriotism, and resilience that remained with him throughout his life.
Following his military service, Edd held a variety of roles including work at the Stone Quarry in Buncombe and EEI in Joppa. He co-owned and operated a family farming business and fertilizer plant before spending over 20 years with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance. After retiring, he continued working with the U.S. Postal Service, a job he truly enjoyed.

Edd married Pamela Womick on May 17, 1971, in El Paso, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela; his parents, Jesse Meyer and Florence Cain; his stepfather, Earl L. Cain; and his brothers, Jesse Dean Meyer and stepbrother John Cain.

He is survived by his son, Brian (Ginger) Meyer of Anna; two bonus daughters, Laurie Ward of Collinsville, Illinois, and Tina (Brian) Wright of Mahaffey, PN; five grandchildren, Stephanie (Jason) Mingle of Mahaffey, PN, J.C. of Boonville, IN and Gabriel Ward of Collinsville, IL, and Brooke and Brianna Meyer of Anna; two brothers Dallas Cain (step) and Gerell Cain (1/2), as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

As young man he was a member of the Congregational Church in Boaz and served as Church treasure for a time. In more recent times he enjoyed joining his son Brian and family at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jonesboro.

Edd will be remembered for his friendly nature, strong work ethic, and deep love for his family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a service to follow. Rev. Gerell Cain will be officiating. Interment will be held at Anderson Cemetery in the Boaz community of rural Massac County.

Full military honors will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post #5222 of Vienna, Illinois.

To leave an on-line message for the family or to share a memory, you can also visit our website at www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com

05/09/2025

Phyllis Ann Corzine Pollard, age 78 of Owensboro, Kentucky, formerly of Karnak, Illinois, entered into rest on Wednesday May 7, 2025.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her Parents, James D. and Orphia (Riley) Corzine; Brother, James D. Corzine, Jr.;

She was a member of Helck Ave House of Prayer. Phyllis married the love her life on March 11,1989 to Rev. Donald Pollard and together they began working in the ministry which included Pastoring Harbor Lights Temple Pentecostal Church for 11 years in Batesville, Arkansas. They later began Pastoring Trinity Pentecostal Church for 10 years and 10 months in Owensboro, Ky. She loved telling others about the Lord and living a life being a faithful servant of the Lord.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Rev. Donald Pollard; Daughters, Amber Rudd, and Denea Woods (Eddie); Brother, Ron D. Corzine; Grandchildren, Jasmine Ann, Autumn Nicole, Graceland Hope, Caleb Wayne, Abigail RoseAnn, and Zachariah Ray;

Her visitation will be held at the Helck Ave House of Prayer Church, 1324 Helck Ave Louisville, Ky 40213 on Monday May 12, 2025 from 5 – 8pm est. Her Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday May 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm CST with, Rev. Jimmy Deckard and Rev. Bryan Tinnin at the First Pentecostal Church of Karnak, 304 E 5th Street Karnak, Illinois, With burial following in West Eden Cemetery. Visitation in Karnak will be after 12noon CST until time of service.

Fairdale-McDaniel Funeral Home in Louisville, Kentucky has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak is assisting with local arrangements.