Beech Tree News Network

Beatrice Elaine Johnson Cornwell, age 81 of Morgantown, KY, formerly of Draffenville, KY went to her heavenly home on Friday, June 16, 2023 at the Morgantown Care and Rehab. Bea was born Saturday, September 27, 1941 in Butler Co., KY, the oldest of ten children to the union of the late Wallace and Lottie Johnson. She was a member of Briensburg Church of Christ in Benton, KY and enjoyed reading, sewing and supporting the Murray State University Racers. Bea grew up without wealth but had the love of her parents that taught her about the bible and God.

Herman Lee Hunt age 91, of Morristown, IN, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield, IN. He was born in Huntsville, KY on May 11, 1932, to the late Karl Hunt and Amy Hammers Hunt. He was retired from Warren Central School System in Indianapolis, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 54 years, Jewel Odle Hunt; Siblings Delbert Hunt, Hugh Hunt, Max Hunt, Thomas Hunt, John Hunt, Florence Huff, Jewell Hunt and Patty Gravil.

Gerald Paul Rayner, Jr. age 39 of Morgantown, KY passed away Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Hospice of Southern Kentucky, Hospice House in Bowling Green, KY. Paul was born on Sunday, July 31, 1983 in Bowling Green, KY to Gerald Paul Rayner Sr. and Bonnie Marie Rutherford Bratcher who survives. Paul was wild and adventures. He loved working on cars and trucks and hanging out with his friends. Paul would give you the shirt off his back. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Papaw and Mamaw Moose; grandmother Hazel Rayner and his aunt Pam Turner. 

James Reid Neely, age 90 of Horse Cave, Ky, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023. He was a member of Huntsville Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved spending time with his family. He was a Veteran of the United State Military where he served in the Navy during the Korean War

He is preceded in death by his wife, Viola Toni Neely; his parents, Frank Grady Neely and Ella Bell Neely; one brother, Charles Lee Neely.

Helen Dorothy Viditoe Phelps, age 91, of Morgantown, Ky. passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at her residence in Logansport, Ky. She was born in Darr, Ky. on September 11, 1931.  She was of the Baptist faith and retired from Paramount Foods in Louisville, Ky.  Helen enjoyed fishing, hunting and working. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sons; five grandchildren and two sisters.

Homer Combs, age 83, of Beaver Dam, Ky. returned to his heavenly father on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.  He was born in Jackson, Ky. on April 16, 1940 to the late Finley and Ora Ola Watkins Combs.  Homer was a member of the Assemblies of God Church and was a U.S. Army Veteran who served his country for five years.  Homer retired from Paxton and Ball and loved to fish and spend time with his family.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Arlin, D.V. and Virgil Combs; sisters Geneva, Vernita and Juanita.

Jim G. Drake, age 80, of Morgantown, Ky. passed away peacefully on June 13, 2023 at the Hospice House of Southern Ky.  He was born in Butler Co., Ky. on August 27, 1942 to the late  William Edward and Elsie Harper Drake.  He was a retired steel worker and a Veteran firefighter in the Air Force.  Jim loved to collect coins and bird watch. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Ray Drake; sisters Judy Hall and Hazel Dean Baker.

Myra Renee (Woodcock) Dwyer, 67, of Bowling Green passed away peacefully on Monday, June 12, 2023 at her residence. 

She was born June 29, 1955 to the late Shelby Woodcock and Geneva (Wilson) Woodcock. 

Sally Jo Hower Miller, age 83, of Morgantown, Ky. passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Morgantown Care and Rehab Center.  She was born on Dec. 8, 1939 to the late William and Helen Donaghy Hower and was raised in Ossian, In. She was a member of the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church.  She was a U.S. Army Veteran, a former nurse and worked for Dr. Wan.  Sally was preceded in death by her parents; a sister and brother; her mammie Tyra St. Clair and her adopted brother Louie.

Rita Diane Young, age 65 of Morgantown, KY passed away Friday, June 9, 2023 at the Morgantown Care & Rehab. Diane was born on Friday, June 21, 1957 in Butler County, KY to the union of the late C W and Myrlene Cardwell Cox and wife of the late David Young. She was retired and formerly employed at Little Rascals Day Care & Sumitomo Electric. Diane enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.