Messenger-Inquirer

Joseph Wayne Coleman, 43, of Lexington, KY, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023 in Horse Cave, KY. Born May 12, 1979 in Owensboro, KY to the late Jerry Coleman and Diane Wright Coleman. He was a 1997 graduate of Daviess County High School, a 2001 graduate of Georgetown College, a 2002 graduate of the University of Kentucky, and was pursuing his Ph.D. from Valdosta State University. Joseph was a proud, longtime board member of the Living Arts and Science Center, and was currently serving on the LexArts board. At the Kentucky League of Cities, Joseph worked as Research and Federal Relations Manager for nearly 22 years, serving as an expert in parliamentary procedures and expertly helping...

James M. Gilbert, 74, of Indian Lake Estates passed away Thursday, December 22, 2022 at AdventHealth Lake Wales. He was born November 16, 1948 in Fordsville, Kentucky to the late Elmer and Vena Gilbert; he moved to Indian Lake Estates from Okeechobee in 2019. James was a retired control room supervisor for Commonwealth Aluminum in Lewisport, Kentucky. He was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed traveling and motorcycles. He was a member of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge and loved to cook, he was known for his BBQ. James was proceeded in death by his brother, Leroy; and sisters, Doris, and Sue. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Edna M. Gilbert; sons, Douglas "Doug" Gilbert and wife Amy of...

Gerald "Jerry" Paul Birge, 83, of Jasper died Friday, December 2, 2022 at his home. He was born in Jasper on May 6, 1939, to Cyril and Antoinette Kunkel Birge. He was a 1957 graduate of Jasper High School and attended Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana State University) on a basketball scholarship. He married Margaret "Maggie" Blueher in St. Patrick's Church in Terre Haute on August 30, 1958. Jerry began his broadcasting career in the summer of 1956 when he was hired by WITZ as a part time disk jockey and knew he had discovered what he wanted to do with his life. He began his full-time career reporting sports and broadcasting play-by-play for WITZ Radio in Jasper in 1959. After a...

Roy Michael Johnson, Senior, of Suwanee Georgia, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on November 26, 2022, at Antebellum James Burgess in Suwanee surrounded by his loving family. Celebration of Life services for Roy will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel at 2:00 pm with Deacon Bill Boyd officiating. The family will gather with friends prior from 1:00 until 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Roy was born on February 9, 1941 in Owensboro, Kentucky to the late Louis Sylvester Johnson and the late Dorothy Fullenwider Johnson. Roy graduated from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in 1958. He then attended Brescia University before embarking...

BETTE VIRGINIA WATKINS (BARTON) LORENZEN passed away peacefully in Nerinx, Kentucky on Friday, November 4, at the age of 85. Bette was born on April 11, 1937 in Owensboro, Kentucky to Paul S. Watkins and Virginia Smith Watkins, and was a member of the Owensboro High School Class of 1955. She relocated to Somerset, Kentucky in 1959 where she raised three daughters and began her career in Kentucky state government. Later, marriage and career led to stops in Frankfort and Dawson Springs, Kentucky, as well as Augusta, Georgia, where she completed her bachelor's degree at Augusta University (formerly Augusta College) and formed many fond memories at Amen Corner each April. Following a 20-year...

Scott Galloway, 56, passed away in Savannah, GA, on October 12, 2022. Scott was born on November 12, 1965, in Owensboro, KY, to Tommy and Gayle (Knight) Galloway. Scott is survived by his wife, Shelley Galloway (Nicely), his daughter, Emily Galloway, and his mother, Gayle Strehl; his sisters, Susie Fogle and Laurie (Jim) Pugh; his aunt Ginny (Ed) Simon; his nieces, Valerie Kamuf, Katelyn Kamuf, and Molly Pugh; and his nephews, Max Fogle and Ripley Pugh. His fathers, Tommy Galloway and Philip Strehl; grandparents Doris (Knight) Puckett, Henry and Helen Galloway, and Joseph and Nina Strehl preceded him in death. Scott started his journalism career at WFIE in Evansville, IN. He held many...

Joseph Leon Howard, 86, of Greensburg, Indiana passed away on October 2, 2022. He was born on April 21, 1936, in Whitesville, Kentucky to Harold and Rose (Boarman) Howard. Joe served in the U.S. Air Force for four years as a member of the Air Police. He attended the Nashville Diesel School and then Indiana State University Evansville, now the University of Southern Indiana, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business. He worked for 23 years as a Technical Services Manager at D-A Lubricant Company where he retired in 2002. While working at D-A, he was a member of the Maintenance Council for the Motor Transportation Industry. He was very interested in and knowledgeable about...

Doyle Allen Hobgood, 70, beloved husband of Debra Ann Nesbitt Hobgood, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, August 25, 2022, at his residence. Mr. Hobgood was born the son of Everette Hobgood and Elsie Lyons Hobgood on September 17, 1952 in Sacramento, KY. He was born the youngest of three children, Darrol and Maryln. He was a member of the Andrews VFW Post and a member of Victory Free Will Baptist Church. He enjoyed singing and hunting. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, caring brother, and a loyal friend. He is survived by: his wife, Debra; two children, James "Jamie" Lambert (Craig Augrom) and Lisa Lambert Gaskins (Randall); four grandchildren, Bobby...

Bobby Joe Terry, age 76, husband of Teresa Fowler Terry, passed away on August 5, 2022, at his residence. He was born on February 24, 1946, in Oceana, West Virginia to the late Walter and Edna Earle Burke Terry. Bobby started his working career at Van-Slyke Volkswagen in Owensboro, Ky, and was a long-time manager of Conrad Chevrolet in Lexington, Ky. Besides his wife, Bobby is survived by two sons Christopher and Jacob "Jake" Terry, one daughter Stephanie Terry, two grandchildren Jayden and Myah Terry, two sisters Sharon (Darrell) Connor, and Donna Stroble, and his first wife Cynthia Terry, and a special niece Lisa Terry whose life-saving gift of a kidney gave Bobby four more years with his...

Mary "Ellen" Quick Hayden, 80, of Louisville, formerly of Bowling Green, passed away Friday, July 29, 2022 at Belmont Village Senior Living Residence. She was born in Louisville, KY July 3, 1942 to the late James Samuel Quick and Margaret Guetig Quick. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Agnes Quick Schlich and brothers-in-law Robert Young, William Schlich, and Martin Schoenbachler, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband Delbert "Del" J. Hayden and three children: daughters Jennifer M. DeLozier (Drew) of Louisville; Beth M. Bowlds (Steven) of Franklin, TN; son John M. Hayden (Lyndsay Younkin) of Brentwood, TN; sisters Mary Margaret Young of Louisville, KY, Martha M. Schoenbacher...

Verniece D. McGuffin, 84 of Whitesville, KY, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Heartford House in Owensboro. She was a native of Hardin County, a 53-year member of Smith Chapel United Methodist Church and retired after 28 years from Etown Sportswear. She was an excellent seamstress and loved UK basketball, quilting and crocheting afghans. She was an avid gardener and loved her flowers and her church family. Vernice was preceded in death by her parents, Carlos and Elva Cundiff Dupin and her siblings, Charles Dupin, Elizabeth Logsdon, Pauline Coogle, Paul Dupin, McKinley Dupin, Mary Coogle, Ronald Dupin and Ray Dupin. Survivors include her husband of almost 67 years, June McGuffin; two...

Thomas Ignatius Coomes, 75, of Wilmore, passed away Friday, July 8, 2022, at Wesley Village. He was born in Philpot, Kentucky, on July 26, 1946, to the late Joseph Bernard Coomes and Amanda Josetta Knott Coomes. Thomas worked as a mechanic for Big Rivers Electric, and he also enjoyed hunting and riding motorcycles. He is survived by his daughter, Diana Howard (Joel), and her children, Madeline Renee Howard and Gavin Reece Howard; ex-wife, Regina Coomes; brothers, Robert Coomes, William E. Coomes, and David Coomes; and sisters, Sr. Marie Joseph Coomes, Mildred Casebier, and Margaret Jackson. He is preceded by sisters, Marie Duke, and Therese Roby; and two children, Francis Wayne Coomes and...

Samuel "Sam" Chestley Smith, It is with great sadness that the Smith family announces the death of Samuel "Sam" Smith (age 79). He passed away on May 18, 2022 with his loving wife and devoted son by his side. He was born in Welch, West Virginia and later moved to Hazard, Kentucky. He attended Hazard High School and went on to pursue a college career in basketball with University of Louisville. He then went on to play professional basketball with the ABA. He married his wife of 56 years, Helen Ruth Smith and raised 2 beautiful children, Samuel Smith, Jr, and Nikki Fountain. Sam is survived by his wife, Helen Smith; son Samuel Smith, Jr; grandsons, Josiah Mayes (JJ), Shon Smith, Quinn Matthew...

Mark Myers, 58, of Owensboro, KY passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022 at Rockcastle Regional Hospital in Mt. Vernon, KY. Born on August 30, 1963 in Owensboro, KY to Jack and Judith Rogers Myers. Mark graduated from Apollo High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy and later retired from the Navy Reserves. He followed his military career by working for the State of Kentucky as a Network Analyst. Mark enjoyed tinkering with electronics and computers. He was passionate about his dogs, enjoyed life and always found good in the worst situations. Mark was a devoted husband and UK Wildcats Basketball fan. Survivors include his wife, Talea Parker-Myers of Owensboro; father, Jack Myers of...

On Saturday, April 23, 2022, Bryan Allen Roberts passed away unexpectedly at his residence. Born on April 1, 1963, in Hammond, Indiana, Bryan was the son of the late George E. and Becky Daniels Roberts. A Tax Assessor, Bryan worked for Crawford County. He enjoyed hunting, socializing and talking on the phone with friends. Bryan also loved spending time with his family. Bryan is survived by his brothers, Brent Roberts, Jeff Roberts (Karin), and Mark Roberts, all of Owensboro, Kentucky; sister, Machelle Rhinerson (Joseph) of Fort Valley; nephew, Jon Roberts; and nieces, Jeanna Roberts and Jessalyn Vandergriff. At the family's request, all services are private. Learn more about the...

Connie Simpson, 73, of Bowling Green, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, April 20 with her family by her side. The Owensboro native was the daughter of the late Robert "Buzz" Fenwick and Virginia Hodge Fenwick. Mrs. Simpson was a retired teacher and vice principal at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bowling Green, where she taught for 36 years. She obtained her Rank 1 at Western Kentucky University. She was the Owensboro Diocese Teacher of the year in 2002. Mrs. Simpson taught formally for 42 years but was an educator to all. She loved connecting with former students which she did often. Connie was a prolific reader but enjoyed her time with family most of all. Mrs....

Connie Simpson, 73, of Bowling Green, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, April 20 with her family by her side. The Owensboro native was the daughter of the late Robert "Buzz" Fenwick and Virginia Hodge Fenwick. Mrs. Simpson was a retired teacher and vice principal at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bowling Green, where she taught for 36 years. She obtained her Rank 1 at Western Kentucky University. She was the Owensboro Diocese Teacher of the year in 2002. Mrs. Simpson taught formally for 42 years but was an educator to all. She loved connecting with former students which she did often. Connie was a prolific reader but enjoyed her time with family most of all. Mrs....

John "Shorty" Straney, 61, of Corryton TN formally Whitesville Ky, passed away Wednesday February 9, 2022, at his home. He was born December 27, 1960, in Owensboro, KY, to the late Aaron Hugh Straney and Anna Earl Straney. John retired from the City of Owensboro after 18 years. He loved anything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. John was a member of the East TN Bigfoot group and loved getting in his truck and riding around on backroads for hours. Most of all he loved spending time with his family more than anything. John is preceded in death by his daughter, Stacey and former wife, Debbie. He is survived by his wife, Janet; sons, John (Juanita) Straney and Jake (Whitney) Straney;...

Janice Baltzer Johnson, beloved mother to Sabrina Elaine Johnson, Kristin Holly Johnson, Heather Leslie Johnson and Mark Baltzer Johnson, passed away on January 25, 2022. She was 85 years old. Her daughters were at her side on this last journey. Born Janice Elaine Baltzer on June 8, 1936 in Owensboro, Kentucky, Jan?as she preferred to be called--was the only child to parents George and Maxine (Friedman) Baltzer. Her grandfather, John Friedman, was an early business leader of Owensboro, owning a pharmacy and helping to lay the cornerstone of the local bank. Jan's grandmother, nicknamed Muzzie, was a trailblazer in her own right and a strong matriarch, having a lasting and positive influence...

Cynthia G. "Cindy" Rice, 67, of Sellersburg, passed away on January 17, 2022 at Clark Memorial Hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She was born November 5, 1954 in Owensboro, Kentucky to the late Arthur and Laura Calhoun. Cindy was a medical assistant and a member of Silver Street United Methodist Church in New Albany. Her parents, Arthur and Laura Calhoun, and her husband, Rick Rice, preceded her in death. Cindy is survived by her sons, Brad Rice (McKenna), Sam Harp (Lea Anne); brother, Ronnie Calhoun; sister, Sheila Hawthorne (Howard); grandchildren, Samuel Harp, Charles Harp (Brylie), Ryan Harp (Haylee), Christian Harp, Bradley Harp, Emerson Rice, and Myles Rice. Visitation will be...

Roberta Driesler 98, of Lexington, formerly of Owensboro passed away on January 11, 2022. She was born in Woodford County KY to the late Robert and Ruby Collins. Roberta was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Owensboro where she taught Sunday School for over 15 years. She taught 27 years in the Owensboro School system and was past president of Alpha Delta Kappa an altruistic national teacher's sorority. She was an avid reader and enjoyed working in her yard. She also enjoyed UK basketball and professional tennis. She was much loved by her family, friends and her many care givers. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Morris Driesler and two brothers Jack...