Beech Tree News Network

James Willis Baxter, age 91 of Louisville, KY,  a steadfast beacon of love, intelligence, and gentleness, went to his heavenly home on July 3, 2025, in Louisville, KY. Born in Reeds Station in Owensboro, KY, on April 21, 1934, he cherished a life filled with devotion towards his family, faith, and country.

Michael W. Cox, 79, of Beaver Dam, Kentucky passed away Friday, July 4, 2025, surrounded by his family at Ohio County Healthcare. He was born January 29, 1946, in McHenry, Kentucky to the late Troy Cox and Sibyl Langford Cox. Mike retired from Tennessee Valley Authority as a gas and diesel mechanic in preventive maintenance. He also worked for Rand McNally as a printing press operator and was a member of Cromwell Community Methodist Church. Mike was a 1964 graduate of Hartford High School with National Honors Society recognition.

Mrs. Faye Wilson Beckner, 81, of Adel, Georgia, passed away on June 11, 2025 at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta.  She was born in Morgantown, Kentucky on October 29, 1943, to the late Carl Taylor Wilson and the late Della Elizabeth Proctor Wilson.  Mrs. Beckner lived most of her life in Cook County and was a retired beautician.  She was a member of Westside Baptist Church.

Carolyn Jean Evans, age 80, of Caneyville, KY was called home by the Lord on July 3, 2025. She passed away at Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center in Leitchfield, KY.

She was born the youngest of three daughters on January 30, 1945 in Big Reedy, KY to the late Ray Evans and Imogene Huff Evans. She cherished her time reading and studying her Bible, playing Bingo, working on her Crossword and Word Search Puzzles and playing Solitaire. 

Gracie M. Johnson, age 74 of Morgantown, KY, passed away at her residence in Morgantown, Kentucky, on Monday, June 30, 2025. Born on Wednesday, October 18, 1950, in Butler County, Kentucky, Gracie's life was a testament to the power of selflessness and the joy of simple pleasures.

Jacob Mackenzie Courtenay, known affectionately as Jake to his friends and family, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Butler County, Kentucky. Born on November 12, 1997, in Redmond, Oregon, Jake's vibrant spirit and boundless energy were evident from the very beginning. Jake's loving spirit will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.

 Sheila Dean Grise Kessler, age 78, of Scottsburg, Indiana, a cherished mentor and devoted family member, left this earth on June 21, 2025, at the Creekwood Nursing and Rehab in Russellville, Kentucky. Born on March 1, 1947, in Butler County, Kentucky, Sheila was a radiant beacon of love and encouragement, lighting the path for countless students over her remarkable 30-year career as a Guidance Counselor at Scottsburg Middle School. With an unwavering commitment to education, she poured her heart into her students, embodying the spirit of compassion and care that defined her very being.

CENTERTOWN- David Allen Johnson “Coonhunter”, 66 years old, of Centertown passed away at his home on June 26th, 2025, peacefully in his home. David was born August 24th, 1958, to the late Lelan Ray and the late Evia Irene Johnson. He was a cherished husband, father, papaw, brother, son in law, friend, and member of the Walton’s Creek Baptist Church. David was a retired coal miner of over 40 years, an avid outdoorsman that loved hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. He enjoyed westerns, The Andy Griffith Show, and spending time with his beloved family and friends. 

Everett “Wayne” Phelps, age 61, of Morgantown, KY, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025 at his mother’s house, surrounded by his loved ones.  He was born in Warren Co., KY on April 24, 1964.  He was a Deacon at Temple View General Baptist Church, a member of Masonic Lodge #438, a Rizpah Shriner, firefighter and first responder at 4th District Volunteer Fire Dept. Wayne enjoyed riding motorcycles, church activities, farming with his parents, camping and boating.

Eric N. Martin, age 68 of Morgantown, KY, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Medical Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Born on Tuesday, October 9, 1956, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Eric's life was a testament to the joy and love he brought to those around him.

Eric was the loving son of the late Milton Webster and Judith Marlene Skeen Martin, and he was also preceded in death by his sister, Kimberly Cantrell.