Cardinal Cremation Society, 927 Old Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY (2026)

01/13/2026

Billy Lee McMeans, 50, of Owensboro, passed away on January 11, 2026, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Billy was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, and was the beloved son of the late Clarence and Janet McMeans. Billy enjoyed staying in the sanctuary of his home playing video games and calling up all his favorite people.

Those left to cherish his memory include his siblings, Kim Long, Steven McMeans (Shirley Fuqua), Tonya McMeans, and Larry McMeans; nephews, Jacob McMeans, Jeremy McMeans, Brent Long, Jr., and Clarence Sexton; as well as newly introduced great niece, Brielle McMeans.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

01/08/2026

Susan Nicole Smith, 40, of Livermore, passed away on December 20, 2025. She was born on December 5, 1985, and was the beloved daughter of the late Richard Johnson and Anita Smith. Susan loved her cat, Callie, and playing video games.

In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her dear angel baby; brother, David Shawn Brown; Mamaw, Cleta Camplin; and uncle, David Wayne Smith.

Those left to cherish her memory include her brother, Michael (Beth) Smith, aunt, Kathy Smith, and cousins, Hannah Smith and Amy Garrett.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/31/2025

Sherry Pruden Benson battled Alzheimer's Disease for the past six years with grace and love at her residence here on Earth. Recently, she began telling her loved ones that she wanted to go to her eternal home. Like all battles with that terrible disease, there were no winners. But, on Christmas Day, she finally got her last wish, passing comfortably with dignity and aplomb at the Heartford House in Owensboro, KY.

Sherry was born on August 25, 1947, in Henderson, to the late Morris “Buck” Pruden and Virginia (Heppler) Pruden. This was an indisputable fact for over 50 years until an eagle-eyed customs agent in the Bahamas noticed that her birth certificate actually had her birthdate as August 23rd. Luckily, the snafu was forgiven and she was allowed to come back into the country. It became another story to tell and laugh at in a lifetime that was filled with laughs and smiles.

Her birth certificate aside, she was born with a preternatural instinct and ability to take care of others. She changed people’s lives for the better her entire life as a loving daughter, sister, roommate, wife, mother, aunt, friend and boss. Sherry spent the first year of her career as a Home Economics teacher. A year later she transitioned into the position of School Food Service Director in the Owensboro Public Schools, making sure that every child felt special and had a nutritious and delicious meal in their belly. After she retired, she found that there was still work to be done and more children to help. She became the nutrition director of Hager Preschool, volunteered in special needs classrooms around Owensboro and was a consultant with the National Food Service Management Institute serving another generation of young children, both locally and nationally.

Sherry and her husband Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles when they were first married, but when children entered her world, she stopped riding. Once the kids were grown up and off on their own, Jim convinced her to start riding again slowly. Eventually, they traveled to the lower 48 states of America on a 2004 Harley Davidson Road Glide, no doubt a little above the speed limit.

She enjoyed cooking, spending time with her many friends and scouring the classifieds for estate and garage sales. She collected antiques, oddities and sometimes good old-fashioned junk, but she always found it at a bargain price.

If you are reading this, Sherry probably cared, cooked or fought for you. It is what she did. Even when Alzheimer’s affected her brain and memory, her body still innately tried to help out and make sure everything was ok. She still began most sentences with “How is…” even when words and thoughts became hard and few.

Sherry is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Jim Benson, who took pain-staking care of her during her battle with Alzheimer’s. She is also survived by her son, Lafe Benson, her daughter, Brittany Cobb and her sister, Jodi Pruden. She was a loving grandmother and aunt to Giles Cobb, Maya Benson, Everett Benson, Knox Benson and Reed Pruden.

A celebration of life will be held on January 19th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Acacia Room at 2803 W. Parrish Ave. Owensboro, KY. This celebration will include wonderful memories in a semi-casual environment. A short service will begin at 3:45 pm to be followed by a meal.

Expression of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the OPS Student Nutrition Program in care of The Foundation for Excellence, Owensboro Independent Schools. 450 Griffith Avenue, Owensboro KY, 42301 or Hospice of Western Ky. 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/29/2025

Allen “Gene” Sipes, 72, of Maceo, passed away on December 24, 2025, at his home with family by his side. He was born on February 9, 1953, in Owensboro and was the beloved son of the late Alonzo and Margaret Sipes.

Gene loved anything with two wheels and had a talent for having fun wherever he went. He was a jokester who enjoyed making people laugh, smoking meat for friends, and spending time outdoors. In his younger years, he loved being on river and fishing, and he was always proud of his skill at cutting firewood. Gene was also a dedicated union carpenter, proudly serving with Local Union No. 224.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his son, Sam Porter.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Magan (Chris) Crawford and Branden Porter; brother, Dean (Vickie) Sipes; grandchildren, Haley, Ally, and Ava Porter, as well as one on the way, Elley Crawford; mother of his children, Marianne Sipes; and many other loving family and friends.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/23/2025

Joseph “Eric” Clements, 56, of Curdsville, Kentucky, passed away on December 21, 2025. He was born on January 29, 1969, and was a lifelong active member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Curdsville. Eric was a graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School and attended Owensboro Technical College, after which he became a plumber. He was also a skilled mechanic, known for his ability to fix almost anything with patience and care. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, listening to music, taking long drives through the countryside, and restoring antique tractors. A lifelong learner, Eric loved to read and took great interest in researching new and old farming techniques.

Eric was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Sue (Fulkerson) Clements.

He is survived by his beloved son, Sabastian Clements; father, Don Clements; two brothers, Neil (Becky) Clements and John Paul (Lisa) Clements, of Curdsville; two sisters, Carla (Chris) Winfield of St. Joseph and Leslie (Chris Kincaid) Clements of Louisville; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and many other loved ones. Eric will be remembered for his kindness, his curiosity, and his work ethic.

The Funeral Mass for Eric will be held on December 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 6143 1st St, Curdsville, KY 42334, with visitation from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service. A meal will follow the service at the St. Elizabeth School Parish Hall, and all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 6143 1st St, Curdsville, KY 42334.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/23/2025

Hattie “Cassandra” Henderson-Johnson, 64, of Owensboro, passed away on December 18, 2025. She was born on May 30, 1961, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, and was the beloved daughter of the late Herbert Earl Henderson, Sr. and Helen Hatchett-Henderson.

Cassandra was a free spirit who made friends easily and was truly the life of the party. She studied music, something that remained an important part of her life. She earned her bachelor’s degree and went on to substitute teach at local elementary schools. Cassandra had a wealth of knowledge to share with students and found such joy in connecting with them, especially those in her special education classes. She loved sharing what she knew and cheering kids on in their own unique ways. Creativity came naturally to her, and she poured that talent into building decorations and sets for events at Newton Parrish Elementary School, such as their Fall Fest. Most of all, Cassandra loved her children and her family, creating lasting memories, like serenading you over the phone or making you laugh with her dance moves.

In addition to her parents, Cassandra is preceded in death by her grandparents, Etha and Edwin Hatchett; aunt, Margie Robinson; uncles, Edwin Hatchett and Herman Leach; and cousins, Carla Robinson and L.C. Tucker.

Those left to cherish her memory include her beloved husband of 31 years, David Johnson; children, Christina Johnson-Neeley, Lucas B.W. Johnson, Caslen Johnson, and Caeza Johnson; brothers, Paul Henderson, Herbert Henderson, Jr., and Marques Henderson; grandchildren, Jason, Benjamin, Eliza, Peyton, Rhoswen, and Marlowe; dear friends, Melissa Decker and family, Mark and Karen Stovall and family, Lainee and Joseph Williamson, and D’Juana Hayes and family; as well as many other loving family and friends touched by the joy of Cassandra.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/22/2025

William Thomas Blake II, known best as “Billy”, of Owensboro, passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 2025, at the age of 45. The Daviess County native was born on July 16, 1980, to David Willis Blake and Rebecca Kay Murphy.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Tiffany Blake; sons, Aiden and Hunter Blake; father and mother-in-law, Dale and Tammy Laws; sister-in-law, Amanda Laws; brother-in-law, Nathan Laws; as well as two sisters, two brothers, and several nieces and nephews.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/22/2025

Richard Carl Johnson, known to family and friends as Dick, was born on December 24, 1947, in Moline, Illinois, as Richard Carl Pogatshnik, to Raymond and Lois Pogatshnik. After his parents separated, Lois chose to have both her name and Richard’s changed to her maiden name, Johnson.

Richard’s maternal grandparents welcomed the opportunity to raise him, and he grew up in the farming communities of Prophetstown and Erie, Illinois, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong appreciation for rural life.

After graduating from Augustana College, Dick moved to Indianapolis, where he worked in accounting at Wynona Hospital. Shortly thereafter, he started his own general contracting business. A true jack of all trades, he was known for his versatility, problem-solving skills, and willingness to help wherever he was needed. He also became a co-owner of the 501 Tavern and Deer Creek Angus Farm.

Dick proudly served just over 30 years in the National Guard, with service in both Illinois and Indiana. He deeply valued the brotherhood among guard members and took great pride in his service. The many people he met and the places he went to during those years created countless stories he cherished and retold often, each one reflecting his appreciation for camaraderie, service, and shared experience.

Dick’s greatest devotion was to his husband, Terry Lee Frames, who is left to cherish him after sharing 43 loving years of marriage, during which Dick was deeply loyal and devoted. Over the years, they shared their lives with many dogs, all of whom held a special place in their hearts. Dick is also survived by his beloved dogs, Sassy and Buddy, who brought him great comfort and companionship.

Other beloved survivors include a special niece and nephew, Harley and Dustin Webb, and their son, Jaxson; brothers-in-law, Kenny (Jean) Frames and David (Rita) Frames; lifelong friends, Teri Coleman, the Pitcock family, and Kevin (Libby) Wiens; many other nieces and nephews, along with countless dear friends who became family to him over the years.

Dick valued loyalty, laughter, and shared memories, and those friendships were an essential part of his life. His kindness, generosity, and steady presence will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 9, 2026, at his and Terry’s farm.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/22/2025

Steven Christopher Phelps, 36, of Owensboro, was called home to the Lord on Friday, December 12, 2025. He was born August 19, 1989, in Owensboro, KY, to Steven Bryant Phelps and Christine Withers Phelps.

A 2007 graduate from Owensboro High School, Steven, was involved in the Drama Club and Scouting. He attended Owensboro Community and Technical College and was involved in the Theatre Department, where he performed in multiple productions. Steven was a lifelong aficionado of film and music. He is credited on IMDB for working in the Production Department for the locally produced film “Hallows Eve: Slaughter on Second Street.” (2008)

He worked at Walmart in Owensboro for over a decade, serving in many departments.

Steven was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lonnie Phelps Jr. of Ohio County; maternal grandparents, William and Capitola Withers of Columbia, KY; and maternal aunt, Jeanette Wilson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his grandmother, Joanna Embry Phelps; parents, Steven and Christine Phelps; siblings, April (Andrew) Salois, William Phelps, Miranda Phelps, Daniel Phelps; niece, Miriam Salois; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at 2 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3290 KY-144, Owensboro, KY 42303, with visitation from noon until the time of service. Bishop James Tidwell presiding.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/17/2025

Helen Jane Royster, 72, of Henderson, passed away on December 16, 2025, at the Lucy King Smith Center. The Henderson County native was born on January 24, 1953.

Helen was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth B. Royster, Jr., mother, Sue Tapp, and stepfather, Perry Tapp.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Christopher Luevano; siblings, Kathy (XR) Royster, Kenny Royster (David Gutherie), and Walt (Barbara) Royster; stepsisters, Sara Jane Zinn and Mary Ann Barkerding; beloved cat, Walter; as well as many other loving family and friends.

A private celebration of life will be held to honor Helen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony’s Hospice, 2410 S. Green St., Henderson, KY 42420, in Helen’s name.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/11/2025

Timothy Lee Adkins, 60, of Owensboro passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, in the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky after battling a long illness. He was born January 18, 1965, to the late Robert Lee Adkins of Ohio and Ethel Lois (CD) Moore of Cynthiana. He was also preceded in death by his maternal sister, Brenda Louise Florence and maternal grandmother, Ethel Mae Florence.

Tim is survived by his sister, Dorothy Jo (David) Doyle of Harrison Co; brother, Danny Adkins of Ohio; close friend, Scott Banks; as well as many other loving family and friends.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

12/11/2025

Homer Stanley Barnett, born October 26, 1964, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, departed this world on December 9, 2025.

Homer was a dedicated transmission mechanic following in the footsteps of his father, GySgt. William S. Barnett of the United States Marine Corps. As an Army veteran himself, he took great pride in his work and was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to help others. He had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, and spending time with close friends over a good drink. Above all, Homer treasured his family and the time spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his father, GySgt. William S. Barnett; brother, Benjamin Barnett; and grandsons, Emmanuel Barnett and Dawson Branham.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Janice M. Barnett; children, Jennifer (Ryan) Payne, Alisha (Andrew) Hollis, Jonathan (Marie) Barnett, Jessica (Ricky) Poindexter, and Cristal Branham; mother, Anna D. Campano; brothers, Tim Barnett, Bill Barnett, and Stephen Barnett; sisters, Kathleen Tucker, Mary Thompson, Diana Short, Susan Kunisky, and Danielle James; grandchildren, Raven (Cody) Huff, Kurt (Piper) Henson, Piper (Bryce) Pate, Titus Henson, Mia Barnett, Ava Barnett, Alexandra Barnett, Theo Hollis, and Samuel Barnett; along with 6 more grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many other loving family and friends.

Homer will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, kindness, and the joy he found in family and friendship. His legacy of hard work, fun, and love will live on through all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held for Homer on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Full Gospel Pentecostal Church, 1621 Jackson St., Owensboro, KY, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

The family wishes to extend their gratefulness for the love and support shown during this difficult time. Homer’s kindness, laughter, and strength, touched all our lives. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit and memory will live on forever in our hearts.

Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.

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