Ralph Wayne Hall, 64, of Norris City passed away on January 5, 2026 in Evansville, Ind. He was born on May 12, 1961 in Odessa, Tex., the son of Ralph Morene Hall and Sara Ann (McNeal) Hall. Ralph married Christy Dawn Rhein on October 9, 1981 and they shared over 32 years of marriage together until her passing on February 14, 2014. He graduated from NCOE High School in 1979. Ralph was a Deputy Coroner for White Co. with Carl McVey, Elk’s member, corrections officer, lifetime member of the Coal Belt Fire Protective Association of Southern Illinois, 40 years with Norris City Fire Protection District which he served as the fire chief and board of trustee’s secretary. His hobbies were watching YouTube, anything fire-related, riding four-wheelers, spending time with family, and making jokes.

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   Lynn Smith, 73, of Norris City passed away on September 22, 2025, at his residence in Norris City surrounded by his family. He was born on December 28, 1951, in Norris City at his family home, the son of Charles and Norma (Martin) Smith. Lynn married Mary Ann Walters on August 28, 1971, and they shared over 54 years of marriage together. Lynn was a member of the Norris City Church of God and served for many years as the Sunday School Superintendent. From an early age Lynn developed the love of agriculture and continued that throughout his adult life with retiring from Wabash Valley after 43 years of service. He also loved to fish, go to tractor and farm shows, farm auctions, tractor pulls, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren.

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David F. Nelson, 79, of Norris City, IL., passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown in Evansville, IN. He was born on February 19, 1946, in Eldorado, IL., the son of Doyle and Norinne (Beaty) Nelson. David married Brenda (York) Nelson on March 31, 1967, and together they shared over 58 years of marriage. David proudly joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War. Following his time in the service, he worked at Hayden's Mill and drove semi-trucks for Roark Trucking. He was a lifetime member of the Norris City American Legion and National Rifle Association.

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     Mildred Elizabeth (Foley) Medlin passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on December 27th,1934 in Barton, Arkansas to George “Wib” and Mary Foley. Mildred's life was a testament of dedication to her family & her church. On August 28,1955 Mildred married Lawrence Medlin where they built a life together for 68 years.

     Mildred was a talented seamstress and a passionate quilter, creating beautiful pieces that reflected her skill and artistry. Many will remember her from her time working at the Enfield Sewing Factory, where she retired after over 40 years. A delightful piece of her personal history includes her childhood, where she walked to school alongside the legendary Johnny Cash.

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     On June 10, 2025, Derek Lenn Smith left this Earth to, in his words, “go live with Jesus and his mom.” Following a long battle with complications from diabetes, Derek passed with those he loved surrounding him. Derek never met a stranger and would talk to people he just met like they had been friends forever; he would often invite himself to the table of someone sitting by themselves just so that person wouldn’t feel lonely. He loved to make people laugh and to take care of the ones he loved, even resorting to calling his family members multiple times a day just to check on them. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, listening to Bruce Springsteen, eating fried chicken and cherry pie, and playing with his grandchildren.

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