Barnett Strother Funeral Home

09/24/2025

Mary Lou Boal, 84, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at her residence in Madisonville, KY.
She was born February 20, 1941, in Virgilina, VA, to the late George Chandler and Lula McWhorter Chandler. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Boal; brother, Ruffin Chandler; and sisters, Carol Jordan and Mary Helen Gravitt.
Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Beverly McLean (Todd Goodhead) of Newport News, VA; sons, Thomas Boal of Madisonville, and Benjamin Boal (Jessica) of Manteo, NC; brother, William Wilkins (Cheryl); grandchildren, Chandler (Kimbrly), Taylor (James), Ashley (Mike), Heather (Cody), Russell, John, and Avery; and great grandchildren Zoe, Aiden, Violet, Christopher, Everly, and Daniel.
She is also survived by dear sisters-in-law Mary Chandler, Vester Ensminger, and Jackie Schrag, along with many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou had travel in her blood. In the late 1950s, as a charming Southern belle, she became a stewardess with Eastern Airlines. Flying out of New York, she met Bob—a handsome ticket agent who quickly became her “Prince” and the love of her life. They shared 62 years of marriage, building a family and a life full of adventure.
As their family grew, Mary Lou and Bob opened their home to teenage international exchange students, ensuring they experienced the richness of America. With family and friends piled into the Winnebago, she turned countless road trips into unforgettable adventures.
Later, Mary Lou blended her passion with her profession. She became an international tour manager and founded Madisonville’s first travel agency, Total Travel Service. For more than forty years, she delighted in sharing her destination knowledge, planning journeys for clients, and leading group tours. She cherished taking family members on unique trips, and she always had at least two of her own future adventures on the horizon.
Her love for people and cultures inspired her to write Wonderful World, Beautiful People, a book chronicling her travels through more than 80 countries. Along the way, she formed lifelong friendships around the globe. And when you were her friend, you could count on an invitation to Lucky Enuff, her happy place, a beach house on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Ever the family’s “social director,” Mary Lou kept spirits high with themed reunions, festive 4th of July traditions, and creative fun for her grandchildren.
Mary Lou also had a heart for service. She organized home goods drives for victims of natural disasters across the South and was honored as one of George Bush’s “1,000 Points of Light” for her impact. She was also commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in recognition of her contributions to the state. Of all her accolades, though, she especially loved telling people about her cameo in the movie 50 to 1.
Mary Lou’s legacy of travel, creativity, and generosity touched thousands of lives. Some never knew the anonymous gifter who helped them, but for those who did, she was a cherished presence who will be deeply missed.
A Visitation will be held from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Friday, September 26, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville. Burial will be in Virgilina, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity (43 S Daves St, Madisonville, KY 42431) or Patrick Rudd Project (P.O. Box 1428, Madisonville, KY 42431).

Mary was born on February 20th, 1941 and passed away on September 24th, 2025 at the age of 84

09/02/2025

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08/26/2025

Ronnie Gene Baldwin, 83, of Hanson, KY passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, surrounded by his family at Baptist Health Deaconess, in Madisonville Kentucky. He was born on June 14, 1942, in Hanson, KY to the late James Deo Baldwin and Helen Lorene Wiley Baldwin. He was a longtime member of the Providence Rural Community Church in Hanson, KY.

He was married to Julia “Judy” Haynie Baldwin for 61 years, and she preceded him in death on March 15, 2025. He was also preceded in death by his son, Brian Kenneth Baldwin, and two brothers, Michael Baldwin and David Baldwin.

Survivors include a daughter, Michele Baldwin of Bowling Green, KY; sons Jeffery (Leigh) Baldwin of Clarksville TN and Bradley (Melanie) Baldwin of Hanson, KY. He is also survived by grandchildren Tyler Baldwin and Hannah Baldwin and by step-grandchildren, Isabella Tapp and Lawson Tapp. Ronnie's four surviving sisters include: Wanda Bryant of Dalton, KY, Margaret Melton of McDonough, GA, Louise (David) Brooks of Slaughters, KY, and Deborah (Larry) Lewis of Hanson. Four surviving brothers include: Harry Thomas (Mary Anna) Baldwin of Slaughters, KY, James “Buck” Baldwin of Hanson, KY, Roy Baldwin of Owensboro, KY, and Danny (Marty) Baldwin of Hanson, KY; and many nieces and nephews.

Ronnie attended Hanson School, was a skilled carpenter in his early career and then retired from Hopkins County Coal after more than 30 years. He could build or fix all things imaginable, including building his own home, where he and Judy resided for 54 years. He also loved restoring classic cars and was a member of the Christian Classic Cruisers Car Club. Additionally, he had a green thumb and grew amazing gardens every year. Ronnie was the most devoted husband and beloved father, granddaddy, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday August 27, 2025 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home and Crematory Madisonville Chapel with Matt Davis officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the service time at the funeral home. Burial to follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Hanson, KY.

Pallbearers will be Kent Baldwin, Scott Baldwin, Jeffery Baldwin, Tyler Baldwin, Bradley Baldwin, and Cary Baldwin. Honorary Pallbearers will be Paul Haynie, John Baldwin, Jason Baldwin and Lawson Tapp.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New East Lawn Cemetery fund.
We would like to thank all members of Ronnie’s healthcare team: including Baptist Health ICU and 4th Floor Continue Care staff. We are comforted knowing that he is now in the arms of Jesus and reunited with his beloved wife.

Ronnie was born on June 14th, 1942 and passed away on August 22nd, 2025 at the age of 83

08/26/2025

The beloved Drucilla Bowling Eaves, 83, of Providence, KY, peacefully transitioned from her Earthly dwelling on Friday evening, Aug. 22, 2025, at Baptist Health Deaconess Hospital in Madisonville, KY. Her sun rose on April 13, 1942, in Providence, KY, to the late R.T. Bowling and Dorothy Mullins Bowling. After graduating from high school in Muncie, Indiana, she thrived in the “Windy City” of Chicago as a fashionista and a modern working woman. Later, she moved back to Providence to get married to her childhood sweetheart, the late Calvin Eugene Eaves, and to be closer to family.
Mrs. Eaves was a multifaceted Renaissance woman who could do it all. She had an eye for fashion, often making unique, custom-tailored clothes for herself and her family. Her love for traveling led her to frequent places such as the cozy Smoky Mountains, the thrilling Las Vegas, and the beautiful Panama City Beach. Also, she displayed impressive skills as an accomplished bowler at Melody Lanes, her home base, and several traveling leagues. Additionally, her passion for beauty shined through her dedication to hair care and skincare, even attending school to become a beautician. She possessed an impressively varied work history that included GE Aerospace (from which she retired in 2003), Home Instead Healthcare Services, Hoover Plastics, IGA, Montgomery Ward, Sears Tower, and Spiegel Luxury Department Store. Her love of Jesus Christ led her to serve with the congregations of Henderson First Missionary Baptist Church, Eastview Missionary Baptist Church, Christian Dominion Center, and Marable Temple COGIC, in diverse roles such as usher, Sunday school teacher, and soprano choralist. Additionally, she applied her love for people to acts of service with organizations such as the Women’s Relief Corps and the Order of the Eastern Star.
In addition to her parents and her sisters, Clara Bowling and Phyllis Gott, she was preceded in death by her adored husband of 38 years. She is survived by her son, Joshua Eaves; ten siblings: Lula (Robert) Collins, John Bowling, Mose (Gwen) Bowling, Mary Frances Webb, Steve Bowling, Linda D***s, R.T. Bowling, Jr., Jerry Bowling, Sandra Bowling, and Anthony (Shelia) Wesby; five stepchildren; numerous cousins; a host of nieces and nephews who affectionately call her “Aunt Dru”; and a multitude of friends who cherish her as “Dru.”
A funeral service for Mrs. Eaves will take place on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Marable Temple COGIC, with Elder Ira Hathaway to officiate. Visitation will take place from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. directly before the service. Interment will be at the Cumberland Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Barnett-Strother Funeral Home.

Drucilla was born on April 13th, 1942 and passed away on August 22nd, 2025 at the age of 83

08/13/2025

Leonard Oris Thurston, Jr., 94, of Madisonville passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Ridgewood Health & Rehab. He was born in Corbin, Kentucky to the late Leonard Thurston, Sr. and Naomi Thurston.
He was an amazing and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved his family and being together with all of them. He was loved by so many and will be so very missed. He was in the U.S. Army and afterwards in the Armoy National Guard. He was a lineman for Kentucky Utilities for many years. He was a hard worker his whole life. He loved to fish and was a master gardener. He could grow a vegetable garden out of this world…especially his prized tomatoes! He faced many challenges in his life and was a strong fighter through them all. He loved to talk about his Jesus to everyone he knew.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Dottie Thurston, his mother and father; his step-father, Dexter Williams, and his sister, June Conyers.
Survivors include his children, Vicki Gratzke and Vanessa Thurston, Kenny (Nancy) Long, Rick (Lydia) Long and Kim Long; his grandchildren, Kim (Joe) Babich, Don Gratzke; Amber Long, Brad (Laura) Long, Kyle (Kara) Long and Kacey Long; his great grandchildren, Cora Babich; Tenlee Long, Grayson Long, and Henry Long; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Thomas and his brother-in-law, Roger (Sandy) Hunter; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M. Thursday, August 14 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home conducted by Bro. Michael Knight and his grandsons, Kyle Long and Brad Long officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until service time Thursday at Barnett Strother Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Brad Long, Kyle Long, Jaxen Thomas, Roger Hunter, Scott Hunter, and Joe Babich.
The family would like to thank Ridgewood Health & Rehab for all they did for him and all of the family.

Leonard was born on December 14th, 1930 and passed away on August 12th, 2025 at the age of 94

08/07/2025

Sammy Ray West, 70, of Providence, KY, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.

He was born on August 5, 1954 in Madisonville, KY to the late Sam West, Jr and Kommie Guess West. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Keith Allen West.

Sammy had worked at Island Creek Coal and was a US Army Veteran. He was attending Wellspring Community Church in Sebree. He loved being in that church with his kids and grandkids and never missed his son preaching. He loved watching Emma play softball and shoot archery. He also loved his dogs and going fishing.

He is survived by his son, Brian (Kelly) West of Dixon, KY; daughter, Estee (Josh) Hendrickson of Sebree, KY; grandchildren, Zach West and Emma Harmon; and his special friend, Joni Bourland.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Second Baptist Church in Providence with his son, Brian West, officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery in Providence.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the service time Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wellspring Community Church General Fund at 4469 HWY 56 Sebree, KY 42455.

Sammy was born on August 5th, 1954 and passed away on July 25th, 2025 at the age of 70

08/06/2025

Sue Jones, 78, of Nebo, KY passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at her residence in Nebo.
She was born on September 28, 1946, in Nebo to the late Rector Kirkwood and Bonnie Schmetzer Kirkwood. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Jon Thomas Russell.
Sue was a lifelong member of Silent Run Baptist Church where she also played the organ. She had previously worked as a nurse at RMC, most lately working on the recovery unit. She enjoyed being outdoors and keeping a close eye on her grandkids.
She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, James Jones, of Nebo; daughter, Debbie (Bobby) Hobgood of Nebo; son, Jeffrey Jones of Nebo; grandchildren, Derrick Nesmith, Cody (Melissa) Nesmith, Joel Jones, Annabelle Jones, Mattie McMurtry, and Taylor McMurtry; great grandchild, and Elaine McMurtry; and cousin, Mary Harris of Terre Haute, IN.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, August 8, 2025, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home Madisonville Chapel with Bro. Jamey Daugherty officiating. Burial will follow in Silent Run Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the service time Friday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Derrick Nesmith, Cody Nesmith, Joel Jones, Bobby Hobgood, Jeremiah Jones, and Taylor McMurtry.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations be made to the Jon Thomas Russell Scholarship Fund at jonthomasrussellscholarshipfund.com/give or First United Bank c/o Jon Thomas Russell Scholarship Fund or Silent Run Baptist Church at 600 Silent Run Church Road, Nebo, KY 42441.

https://barnettstrother.com/obituaries/sue-jones-2025

Sue passed away on August 5th, 2025

07/28/2025

Sammy Ray West, 70, of Providence, KY, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.

He was born on August 5, 1954 in Madisonville, KY to the late Sam West, Jr and Kommie Guess West. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Keith Allen West.

Sammy had worked at Island Creek Coal and was a US Army Veteran. He was attending Wellspring Community Church in Sebree. He loved being in that church with his kids and grandkids and never missed his son preaching. He loved watching Emma play softball and shoot archery. He also loved his dogs and going fishing.

He is survived by his son, Brian (Kelly) West of Dixon, KY; daughter, Estee (Josh) Hendrickson of Sebree, KY; grandchildren, Zach West and Emma Harmon; and his special friend, Joni Bourland.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Second Baptist Church in Providence with his son, Brian West, officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery in Providence.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the service time Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wellspring Community Church General Fund at 4469 HWY 56 Sebree, KY 42455.

Sammy passed away on July 25th, 2025

07/18/2025

LaMar Nickelson, age 77, of Madisonville, KY, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton, Florida. He was born on May 4, 1948, in Evansville, Indiana, to the late Clay and Sarah Nickelson.
LaMar is survived by his loving wife, Marty Nickelson of Bradenton, FL; two daughters, Jennifer Campbell (Chris) of Madisonville, KY, and Jannette Luttrell (Chris) of Somerset, KY; and four grandchildren: Whitney Campbell of Louisville, KY, Allison Weddle (Jared) of Hodgenville, KY, Emily Luttrell (Josh Gangluff) of St. Vincent, AR, and Nate Luttrell of Somerset, KY. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Logan and Parker Weddle.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Ron Nickelson; his sister, Jean Nickelson; and his granddaughter, Sarah Luttrell.
A graduate of Madisonville High School, Class of 1968, LaMar went on to co-found Nick’s Termite and Pest Control in 1973 alongside his father, Clay, and brother, Ron. He dedicated many years to the business before retiring in 2001. LaMar was also actively involved in the Masonic Lodge and the Lions Club, contributing to his community with enthusiasm and heart.
Known for his adventurous spirit, LaMar loved boating and exploring in his motor home. In 2020, he and Marty settled in Bradenton, FL, where he continued enjoying his favorite pastimes—watching NASCAR and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers with his friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville, KY, on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. central time – 3:00 P.M. eastern time.

LaMar passed away on July 15th, 2025

07/18/2025

Grady Thomas “Tommy” Weaver, Jr., 82, of Hanson, KY passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville, KY.
He was born on September 11, 1942, to the late Grady Thomas Weaver and Pearl Brown Weaver. He was also preceded in death by his sons, Brian Weaver and Brad Ryan Weaver.
Tommy was a US Army veteran, serving a tour in Vietnam while getting several medals, including three Bronze Stars and Air Medal. Tommy loved coaching youth sports, especially baseball, having coached over 25 years at the YAA and Hanson, also coaching basketball for a few years. He loved watching his grandkids and great grandkids play sports, keeping number 16 going. Tommy worked 39 years in the surface mines, including Peabody, Sinclair, Charlaois Coal, Cardinal River, Phoenix, and Oxford.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon Jones Weaver; grandchildren, Blayde Weaver and his children, Brayden, Hadley, and Paisley Weaver, Kaitlynn (Jordan) Baker and their daughter, Rylee Baker, Jayce Weaver, Dalton Weaver, and Corey Curtis.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, July 21, 2025, at Covenant Community Church in Madisonville with Dr. Michael Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the service time Monday at the church.
Pallbearers will be Blayde Weaver, Brayden Weaver, Jayce Weaver, Dalton Weaver, Chuck Pennington, and Chris Mattingly.

Tommy was born on September 11th, 1947 and passed away on July 17th, 2025 at the age of 77

07/15/2025

Connie Jean Carter, 65, of Madisonville, KY passed away Tuesday July 15, 2025, at Baptist Health Deaconess Hospital in Madisonville, KY.
She was born on January 9, 1960, in Chicago, IL to the late James Courtland Carter, and Margaret Helen Gibson Carter. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, James Ronald Carter, Glen Allen Carter, Jerry Thomas Carter, and Larry Wayne Carter, sisters; Ruby Nell Lindsey, Lena Jane Lindsey, Joann Lindsey, and Mary Helen Carter; and two grandsons, Dylan Wayne Pentecost and Ismael Gene Alvarado.
Ms. Carter is survived by two daughters, Michelle Lee Hernandez-Manning of Madisonville, and Brenda Sue (Humberto Alvarado Jarquin) of Nortonville, KY; a brother, Bobby Ray Carter of Madisonville; grandchildren, Helen Nichole Pentecost, Tyler Jay Mathis, Antonio Wayne Ayala, Gary Allen Coble III, Maria Leeann Alvarado, and Juan Alberto Earl Alvarado; great grandchildren, Alexzander Orellana, Rafael Orellana, Bentley Mathis, and Dallas Blythe; several nieces and nephews, including her special niece, Vickie Lynn (Troy) Hurt of Hermitage, TN; and great grandson on the way, Colsen Wayne Eugene Ayala.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home Madisonville Chapel with Bro. Butch McKnight and Bro. Steve Terry officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery in Madisonville.
Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Friday and after 11:00 A.M. Saturday until the service time at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Jay Mathis, Gary Allen Coble III, Antonio Wayne Ayala, Juan Alvarado, Gary Coble Jr., Humberto Alvarado, Judas Dukes, and Arturo Orellana. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Lindsey and Michael Carter.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations in her name to Barnett-Strother Funeral Home, 2285 N. Main Street Madisonville KY 42431.

Connie passed away on July 15th, 2025

07/11/2025

Jerry Allen Hughes, 62, of Hanson, KY passed away on Sunday July 6, 2025, in Todd County, KY.
He was born on March 24, 1963, in Madisonville, KY to the late Jerimiah Thomas Hughes. He is also preceded in death by stepdad, Jack Harrah.
Jerry loved hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing, sports, was a sports enthusiast and a huge UK basketball fan.
He is survived by his mother, Judy Hammonds Harrah of Hanson; one daughter, Feonia Haynes of Hanson; two brothers, Danny Wayne Hughes, and Jack (Shelly) Willyard of Greenbrier, TN.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday July 12, 2025, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville with Bro. Chris Cummings officiating. Burial will follow at Hanson Cemetery
Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friday July 11, 2025, and from 9:00 A.M. until the service time Saturday at the funeral home.

Jerry was born on March 24th, 1963 and passed away on July 6th, 2025 at the age of 62