Honoring the Authors Who Shaped Our Story

We honor the writers whose creativity, passion, and voices helped shape our publishing family. Though they are gone, their stories continue to inspire readers for generations to come.

 

 

Dr. Thomas G. Barnes (1957~2014)

The Gift of Creation: Images from Scripture and Earth

How to Find and Photograph Kentucky Wildflowers

Tom Barnes passed away on October 12 after a long battle with illness. This is a great loss to the KNPS family and the conservation community of Kentucky as well as to his loved ones. Tom was not only a former KNPS president, but also a generous man who gave freely of his time and talents to this and many other conservation organizations. He regularly led field trips and gave presentation on biodiversity issues to groups of all types, from local garden clubs to the KNPS Wildflower Weekends. In many ways, Tom personified the KNPS; he was a respected academic whose invasive species management research influenced land managers in Kentucky and throughout the nation, including the graduate students he mentored, but his real passion was educating the general public about biodiversity issues. He truly loved nature for its beauty, as well as understanding its scientific importance. An accomplished photographer, his photographs appeared in books, websites, calendars, magazines, and other outlets all over the world, including at the Chicago Botanical Garden, the Audubon Aquarium, the Smithsonian and the Bronx Zoo—but he allowed groups like KNPS free access to his photos provided they were used to educate the public on biodiversity issues.

As the wildlife extension professor in the Department of Forestry at the University of Kentucky, Tom authored more than 50 scientific research articles, 60 cooperative extension publications and 100 magazine articles, most of which focused on native plants and natural areas. His research emphasis has been on the restoration of native grasslands and his extension programs focus on the conservation of biodiversity and wildlife management. Tom may be best known for his natural history books, many of which were co-­‐sponsored by the KNPS. His book, Kentucky’s Last Great Places, was nominated for the Kentucky Literary Award in non-­‐fiction. Other published books include Gardening for the Birds, The Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky with Dr. Wilson Francis, The Rare Wildflowers of Kentucky with Deborah White and Marc Evans, The Gift of Creation––Images from Scripture and Earth with Norman Wirzba, and How to Find and Photograph Kentucky Wildflowers. His most recent book, Kentucky, Naturally: the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund at Work, was just published in July 2014. In 2003 Kentucky’s Last Great Places also inspired the Kentucky Educational Television production of the same name, the most popular program in the network’s history. Tom created and hosted another popular KET program focusing on native plants in 2007, A Walk Through Kentucky’s Wildflowers.

“I don’t think people realize what we have here, how precious it is and how it’s not a given it will stay that way,” Dr. Barnes said in a 2002 Herald-Leader article about Ken­tucky’s Last Great Places, a coffee table book for which he drove 20,000 miles, crisscrossing the state to photograph hidden destinations. Other works included Gardening for the Birds, How to Find and Photograph Kentucky Wildflowers, and Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky, a field guide he co-authored with S. Wilson Francis. His latest book was published this past summer: Kentucky, Naturally: The Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund at Work, and he had been working on a book about waterfalls that has not yet been released.

Of all the sights he had seen, Dr. Barnes said in 2011 that the trilliums covering Black Mountain in May were among his favorites. “When I am up there, I find it hard not to believe in a God who would make such a wonderful place for us to enjoy, because you know, we all think we should please God, but we never seem to consider that God is also trying to please us,” he said. “It really is a beautiful gift, and we should not destroy it for some short-term gain.” Dr. Barnes described himself as an optimist, but he lamented the destructive nature of practices such as surface mining and development.

In 2009, he contributed an essay and photographs to The Gift of Creation: Images from Scripture and Earth, a collection to which his brother, Loyola University biologist Paul W. Barnes, also contributed. The book sought to highlight the connection between faith and concern for the environment. Dr. Barnes, who grew up in Conde, S.D., earned a bachelor’s degree from Huron College in South Dakota, a master’s from South Dakota State University and a doctorate from Texas A&M. He came to the University of Kentucky fresh from graduate school. As an extension professor, he conducted research on using herbicides to restore native grasslands, developed wildlife programs for the extension service and gave frequent educational talks. He published scores of research papers, extension publications and magazine articles.

He is survived by his wife, Jamie; his son, Jeremiah; his daughter, Michaela; and stepchildren Ayman, Zak, and Jehan Abuzour.

A devout Catholic, he contributed to The EcoTheo Review, a nonprofit effort to unite the environmental and religious communities. A memorial Mass was conducted at the Holy Spirit Parish Newman Center in Lexington. 

James Duane Bolin, Ph.D. –December 12, 1955~August 27, 2022

Home and Away: A Professor’s Journal

Dr. James Duane Bolin, a beloved husband, father, and professor of history, died at home in Murray, Kentucky, on Saturday, August 27, 2022.
Dr. Bolin was born to the late James Wesley Bolin and Cammie Louise (Mann) Bolin on December 12, 1955 in Clinton, Kentucky.
He grew up in Webster County as the son of a pharmacist and Baptist preacher. He was an excellent basketball player at Webster County High School and later for Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. His time on the court was honored in 2021 with his induction into the Webster County High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

Dr. Bolin attended Belmont University for his undergraduate degree and received his PhD in history from the University of Kentucky, specializing in Kentucky and Gilded Age History.

Dr. Bolin served on multiple boards and commissions throughout his professional career, including years of service with Kentucky Humanities, the Kentucky Oral History Commission, and the University Press of Kentucky. He was a member of the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2016 and served in all roles as a passionate advocate for the history and culture of his home state.

He taught thousands of students the value of history and, more importantly, shared his deep kindness and compassion with those same students, family, friends, and strangers. He began his teaching career in secondary schools and later served as a professor at Madisonville Community College, Williams Baptist University, and Murray State University. Dr. Bolin shared his humor and passion for history, music, and poetry in every class.
Dr. Bolin was a published author and columnist, writing stories about his life, faith, and the history of Kentucky in newspapers throughout the region and in multiple published books. He was a member of both St. John’s Episcopal Church and First Baptist Church of Murray and led several Sunday school classes and Bible studies throughout his life.

Dr. Bolin shared his kind, soft spoken words with those he met, encouraging many to love others unconditionally and follow their own passions. He was deeply dedicated to his family, which shone throughout his “Home and Away” columns and conversations with friends.

Dr. Bolin is survived by his wife Evelyn (Seaton) Bolin of Murray, Kentucky; son Wesley Bolin and wife Whitney Bolin of Murray, Kentucky; daughter Cammie Jo Bolin and husband Matthew Baker of Albany, New York; and his brother Stephen Bolin and Sharon Bolin of Arcadia, Florida; sister-in-law Rebecca Wilson and husband Lynn; sister-in-law Marilyn Thompson and husband Ken; sister-in-law June Fortner and husband Tim; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father James Wesley Bolin and mother Cammie Louise (Mann) Bolin.

To continue Dr. Bolin’s legacy of education, the Bolin family has established the Bolin Family Fund with the Murray Independent School District Foundation for Excellence, MISD Foundation for Excellence, PO Box 1417, Murray, Kentucky 42071 and asks for donations in lieu of flowers for a college scholarship for future educators and historians from Murray High School.

Mildred Reeves Burnett -April 27, 1932 ~ November 28, 2019

Charleston Had it All

Mildred Irene Reeves Burnett, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, November 28, 2019, at her home in Charleston, Missouri.

Mildred Reeves Burnett was the daughter of the late Oda Augusta and Mittie Lee Parker Reeves who preceded her in death. She was born Wednesday, April 27, 1932 in the home of her grandparents Allie Fair and David M. Reeves in Charleston. She was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Charleston.

Mildred was united in marriage to Al Stotts Burnett October 11, 1952. They had life together for sixty-three years.

Surviving are: one son; Gary Stuart Burnett of Charleston, two daughters; Julie Ann (Charles) Wheland, Jr. of Chattanooga, TN., and Helen Lee Hicks of Charleston, three grandsons; Charles Windsor (Leland) Wheland, III, Gary Stotts (Amanda) Burnett, Stephen Marshall (Sarah) Hicks, Jr. and three great grandchildren; Stephen Marshall Hicks, III, Finley Allen Hicks, and Kimbriel Elizabeth Wheland; one sister; Donna Lois Reeves Morgan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mildred was preceded in death by her beloved son Al Stotts Burnett, Jr., her husband Al Stotts Burnett, five brothers; Odie Scott Reeves, James Marshall Reeves, Charles Franklin Reeves, Joseph Marvin Reeves, Byron Lee Reeves, and one sister; Frances Evelyn Reeves,

Mildred belonged to Ozarks Writers League, Heartland Writers Guild, Missouri Writers Guild, Mississippi County Historical Society, and ITA Club, that consisted of life-long friends. She was previously a member of Junior Study Club and Katherine Boone Music Club. In earlier years, Mildred worked with Cub Scouts, Brownie Scouts, and Girl Scouts.

Mildred enjoyed gardening, raising chickens, singing, being a mime, music, painting, and writing. She wrote children stories, which she read at the library and Arts In The Park. She also exhibited her paintings in Arts In The Park, as well as other local galleries. Mildred wrote poetry, and numerous songs, which she sang in churches, and other public gatherings. She also wrote the book “Charleston Had It All” a history of Charleston, Missouri.

“I send you roses long stemmed and red.
Enough to cover a flower bed.
I send you daisies and forget-me-nots too.
I send them sprinkled with sweet morning dew.
I send you love.”

Lucille Carloftis -February 14, 1928 ~ March 5, 2020

A Beautiful Journey

Lucille Bowling Carloftis was born on Feb. 14, 1928 in Clay County, Ky. She was the daughter of the late Robert Franklin Bowling and Verda Mae Marcum.  She was united in marriage to Carlos Carloftis who preceded her in death.  She was the mother of Carcille Carloftis Burchette and husband Clyde of Corbin; George Carlos “Buzz” Carloftis of Livingston; Koula Carloftis Shivel and husband David of London; Betsy Carloftis Overbey and her late husband, Freddie of Livingston;  Robert Dustan “Dusty” Carlotis and wife Toni of Corbin; and Jon Carloftis of Lexington; the grandmother of Laura Whitney, Koula Verda (Chris) Carly Rae (Lyle), John Zachary (Sallee Beth) , Betsy Lucille (Gary), Carlo David, Emma Kate, and Ellie Jane; the great grandmother of Charlie Anna, Gatlin Jude, and Bennie Belle.

Lucille was the co-owner of Fort Sequoyah Indian Village and Rockcastle River Trading Company and a member of Livingston Baptist Church.

Lucille Bowling Carloftis departed this life on Thurs. March 5, 2020 , being 92 years and 20 days of age.

Visitation for Mrs. Lucille Carloftis will be Monday , March 9, 2020 from 12Noon until Funeral time at 4PM at Bowling Funeral Home, London, Ky.  with Carlo David Shivel officiating.  Burial will follow in Craft Cemetery at Little Goose in Clay County.

Shirley Coleman -December 7, 1949 ~ January 10, 2021

You Can’t Go Back

Jesus called her by name and then He came and took her by her hand and took her to the promise land called Heaven.

Shirley Coleman, age 71, went home to be with The Lord on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO.

She was born on December 7, 1949 in Sikeston, MO. to the late Clyde and Geraldine Salyer Ford.

Shirley was a member of First Baptist Church of Canalou. She was a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and she worked as an elementary school counselor at Kelly Public School for twenty years before retiring. One of her passions in life was writing, she was a published author of the book “You Can’t Go Back”.

On April 12, 1965 in Sikeston, MO. she married Dewayne Coleman, who survives of the home in Sikeston, MO.

In addition to her husband she is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, Tony (Penny) Coleman of Millersville, MO. and Michael (Tammy) Coleman of Vanduser, MO.; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Amy (Tony) Blaylock of Sikeston, MO. and Charity (Matt) Van Amburg of Farmington, MO.; one brother, Dan Ford of Sikeston, MO.; three sisters, Wanda Dirickson, Linda Dover and Carolyn Bourcier; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one grandson; six brothers and one sister.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, MO. where funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Bro. Dewayne Coleman and Bro. Mike Cartwright, officiating.

Burial will follow at Blodgett City Cemetery in Blodgett, MO.

Doral Glen Conner  –March 30, 1930 ~ January 6, 2020

Til Freedom Came: Slaves in Allen County 

Frontiersmen in the War of 1812

Our Sense of Place: A History of Allen County, Kentucky Communities

The Burial Ground: Civil War Soldiers who died on Dumont Hill or Scottsville, Kentucky

Doral Glen Conner, age 89, died Monday January 6, 2020 at his home.

Born in Allen County, Kentucky, Glen was the son of the late Payton Ham Conner and Nellie Helen Weaver Conner, also preceding him in death was his wife June Parrish Conner, his son John Conner and brother Elmer Neal Conner.

Glen lived each day to the fullest.  A U. S. Air Force retired Colonel serving our country from 1952 until 1974 he had numerous life accomplishments, devoted husband and father, a great historian and author with countless publications released, Professor at the Department of Geography and Geology at Western Kentucky University from 1976 until 2004, and State Climatologist for 23 years to name a few. He was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church and regular attender of Holland Baptist Church, The Allen County Historical Society and Scottsville Rotary Club.

He is survived by his daughters, Teresa Hoefler of Richmond Hill, GA and Janet Conner of Eureka, Montana, two grandchildren, Jamie Hoff and Glen Hoefler and two great grandchildren, Rosalie and Lukas Hoff.

Visitation will be Thursday January 9, 2020 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM and Friday 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the T. W. Crow & Son Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be Friday January 10, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the T. W. Crow & Son Funeral Home with burial in the Holland Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Allen County Historical Society.

General Raymond Davis  -January 13, 1915 ~ September 3, 2003

D-Day Japan

GENERAL RAYMOND G. DAVIS, USMCRetired, 88, of Rockdale County, died September 3, 2003. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Knox Heafner Davis, sons, Raymond G. Davis Jr. of Covington and G. Miles Davis of Seminole, Ala; daughter, Willa Kay Kerr of Rockdale County; grandchildren, Jeff Davis, Beth Clark, Spencer Davis, Adam Davis, Shana Kerr, Erin Kerr, Hailey Kerr and great-grandchildren, Matthew Clark and Nathan Davis.

Born in Fitzgerald, Ga. in 1915, General Davis graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1937 with a degree in chemical engineering. He spent his life serving America through the U.S. Marine Corps, earning four stars and serving as Assistant Commandant of the Corps during his 34-year career. The General fought in the Pacific theatre in World War II, earned the Medal of Honor at the Battle for Chosin Reservoir in Korea, and led the Marines into Viet Nam. One of the most decorated of all veterans, General Davis also earned the Navy Cross, two Distinguished Service Medals, two Silver Stars, two Legion of Merit Awards, a Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, five Presidential Unit Citations, and three Naval Unit Citations. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps in 1973, he served as the Executive Vice President for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

His passion throughout the last two decades of his life, however, was working on behalf of veterans and speaking out across America on the importance of keeping our nation strong and free. It was his privilege to chair the committee which labored eight years to establish, build, and (in 1995) dedicate the spectacular Korean Veterans Memorial (adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial) in Washington, D.C. In addition to enjoying time with his family, the General served his community in many capacities, and cherished his years as a Sunday school teacher for the Conyers First United Methodist Church on Main Street.Funeral services for General Davis will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 8, 2003 at Conyers First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Forestlawn Memorial Gardens in College Park.

Visitation will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00-8:00 p.m. with family present on Saturday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to the Gen. Raymond G. Davis Endowment Fund, Georgia Tech Foundation and sent to Ms. Pat C. Barton, Office of Development, Georgia Tech, 177 North Avenue, N.W., Atlanta, GA. 30332-0220. Horis A. Ward Funeral Home, Rockdale Chapel, 770-918-8851.

Ken Fiebelman -December 19,1941 ~ January 3, 2017

Dent County Missouri

Kenneth Franklin Fiebelman was born Dec. 19, 1941 in St. Louis, the son of Lawrence and Cynthia Warfel Fiebelman. Originally from Howes Mill, Fiebelman earned his high school diploma from Salem High School in 1959. From there, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1963. He taught business, typing and Missouri history at Salem High School for 18 years

In 1984, Fiebelman was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, where he served six consecutive terms through 1996. He represented Dent County, part of Phelps County and Reynolds County, and most of Crawford County. Fiebelman’s most storied political achievements include his authoring of the bills which made the fiddle the official instrument of Missouri and Highway 19 the first Missouri scenic and historical state route. He was instrumental in campaigning for renovation of Highway 72 from Salem to Rolla. A portion of the highway bears his name.

Fiebelman operated a visitor information center and antique store in the middle of Salem on Highway 19, for about 30 years – starting in the mid-1980s.

Mr. Fiebelman attended the Howes Mill Union Church and Boss Assembly of God Church during his lifetime. He was a member of the Salem Masonic and Odd Fellow Lodges and also a member of the Shriners and the Scottish Rites of St. Louis. For many years he was on the Home Care Advisory Board of the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He was a long time member of the Missouri State Teachers Association. He was the founder and the first president of the Dent County Historical Society and remained an active member and was a life-long member of the Dent County Museum board. He also helped organize the ABC Memorial Foundation, which helps fund about 120 cemeteries in the area. Fiebelman was a prolific author. He wrote 10 books, two of which he helped write while still teaching at Salem. Just last year Fiebelman received a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Deloris Gray Wood.

Survivors include Gary and Barbara Fiebelman; Laura Fiebelman Parker; Victoria Fiebelman Lowe and husband, David; Lauren Spicer; Braxton Parker; Jacob Kennison Parker; Slayton Parker; caregiver, Eunice Williams; and a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral service for Kenneth Franklin Fiebelman was January 6, 2017 at James & Gahr Mortuary Chapel, Salem, with Paul Davis and JJ Tune officiating. Music was provided by Pam Davis, Jim Pryor, James Burrus and Johnny Setzer. Pallbearers were Bill Kaczmarek, Sandy Ball, Roger Gott, Jim Nelson, Mike Mansfield, Max Butler, Braxton Parker, Jacob Kennison Parker and Slayton Parker.  Interment was in the Boss Cemetery.

Matthew Max Fiscus –March 19, 1973 ~  March 27, 2019

Miles Per Gallon

Matthew Max Fiscus, 46, from Lexington, KY, died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm, March 27th 2019 while on his honeymoon with his wife, Stephanie Lynn Chandler Fiscus.

Matt was a graduate of Tates Creek High School and Eastern Kentucky University. He had a positive outlook and lifted up the spirits of those around him with his magnetic personality, infectious smiles and loving hugs. He was a friend to all and, always saw the best in everyone. His presence could light up the room. Matt was a great father, son, brother, husband, uncle, animal lover and UK sports fan. His ability to connect to people was an asset to his sales career. He was an award winning leader in building Energy Star homes and retrofitting existing homes for energy efficiency. He also wrote two books on the subject.

Matt’s generosity lives on as his donated organs will let others live!

Survivors include spouse Stephanie, parents Jackie Fiscus, Max Fiscus, daughter Morgan and son Will, their mother Renee Schmitz Bergner, sister Laura (Allen) Finfrock, and brother Fred (Crissy) Fiscus, nieces and nephews Maggie and Clay Fiscus, Sarah and Joseph Finfrock and step children Gage, Jayde and Johnathan. He was preceded in death by a sister, Julie Fiscus.

Memorial Services will be Saturday at 4:00 P.M. at Central Christian Church. Visitation with the family will be Saturday 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Memorials are suggested to Central Christian Church, 205 E. Short Street, Lexington, KY.

Ottie Garrett -January 19, 1949 ~  March 13, 2016

Ottie A. Garrett, Jr. 67 of Glasgow died Sunday, March 13, 2016 at T. J. Samson Community Hospital. Born in Glasgow, he was the son of the late Ottie A. Garrett and Ersie Jewell Bunch Wilson.

Mr. Garrett served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War and was an architectural engineer for the U. S. Dept. of Labor/Veterans Administration. He was a graduate of Indiana State University, an Army/Navy Certified Welder, a freelance photographer and author and was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Bowling Green.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Irene Garrett; 6 children Julia Meyers of Wisconsin, Chad Yorke (Jennifer) of Ohio, Monte Garrett (Patti) of Indiana, Joshua Garrett of Illinois, Matthew Garrett of Glasgow and Samantha Garrett of Indiana; 7 grandchildren Carmen and Sean Meyers, Ethan and Adam Yorke, and Joseph, Sara Rose and Alexandria Garrett; sister Alice Faye Talbott of Glasgow; brother Ben Garrett (Sharon) of Frankfort, KY; and step-mother Pat Garrett of Glasgow. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son Phillip Elwin Garrett and a grandson Zachari Garrett.

The family chose cremation and a Memorial service to be held 2:00 PM Thursday, March 17th at A. F. Crow & Son Funeral Home. His cremains will be buried at Union #2 Cemetery with military honors provided by D.A.V. Chapter 20 of Glasgow. Visitation will be Thursday from 12-2pm at the funeral home.

Carlton Jackson -January 15, 1933 ~ February 10, 2014

Freedom’s Way: From Slavery to Liberty

Joseph Gavi: Young Hero of the Minsk Ghetto

Bittersweet Journey: Andrew Jackson’s 1829 Inaugural Trip

Mose Rager: Kentucky’s Incomparable Guitar Master

Carlton Jackson’s life began Jan. 15, 1933, in Blount County, Ala., on Sand Mountain. He passed away at his home in Butler County on Feb. 10, 2014. 

The youngest of nine siblings, he was the son of Luther Harrison Jackson and Winnie Lee Forester Jackson. A high school dropout at the age of 18, he had never left Alabama. He longed for travel and adventure, whether it was the world or within the U.S. His journey began Feb. 10, 1951, after enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. His service took him from New Mexico to New Jersey to England to California. He had been to every state in the Union, for which he was very proud. “I owe everything I have to the U.S. Air Force,” he would say. His adventurous spirit and love of travel enriched the lives of his entire family. His children benefited from experiencing different cultures and seeing many wondrous places while in the process receiving an education second to none.

Carlton Jackson was always interested in talking to people. “Everyone has a story, and I want to know what it is,” he would say. This love of stories started early on as a reporter for the Birmingham Post-Herald in Alabama and ultimately led to him earning baccalaureate and master’s degrees at Birmingham Southern College on the GI Bill and a Ph.D. in history at the University of Georgia. Having been awarded four senior Fulbright grants, he and his family traveled to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Finland, among other places. He lectured extensively throughout Europe, Asia and South America. Dr. Jackson wrote well over 30 books on topics as diverse as a World War II song, “The Great Lili,” and the Greyhound bus company, “Hounds of the Road.”  He also wrote textbooks and a few novels. He was a prolific biographer as well, writing of J.I. Rodale, Hattie McDaniel and Joseph Gavi, amongst others. Everyone has a story, “You see?”

Education was paramount in Dr. Jackson’s life despite him being a high school dropout. He would say that he dropped out of school because he didn’t like math, and the first thing the Air Force did for him was send him to math class. He would brag, “Almost no one graduates high school in one day.” He did just that, earning his GED diploma whilst in the U.S. Air Force. He was a lifelong learner and expected the same from his children. Much to their dismay at the time, and gratitude later, all of his children “were going to get a bachelor’s degree.” He was the first in his family to graduate college and went on to enjoy more than a half-century as a professor at Western Kentucky University. He was the first professor at WKU to be selected as the Honorable Mace, was a Western Kentucky University Emeritus Distinguished Professor of History, a Kentucky Colonel and an honorary U.S. Marine.

Even though he treasured education and travel, there was nothing more important to him than his wife, Pat, and his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Dow Jackson; daughters, Beverly Ann Jackson Berry (Steve) and Hilary Lea Jackson Mosley (Arthur); sons, Daniel Dow Jackson (Ling) and Matthew Forester Jackson (Elaine); grandchildren, Travis Luther Jackson, Colleen Rose Berry Becker (Chris), Dr. Megan Grace Jackson (Chase James), Stephen Patrick Berry (fiancée Beth Milograno), Austin Cooper Jackson, Katharine Ann Berry, Liam Horatio Arthur Bleys Jackson, Rowan Patrick Harrison Karol Jackson, Carlton Oliver Li Ding Jackson, Henry Aaron Jackson Mosley, Gwennyn Brigid Mindora Nicole Jackson, Isaac Jacob Alexander Mosley, Cranley Dow Ding He Jackson, Ciara Katarina Amaris Vernell Jackson and Alec Jaks; and great-grandchildren, David Daniel Jackson, Finley Patrick Becker, Kellan Michael Becker, Cora Katherine James and her upcoming brother or sister. He is also survived by his loving sister, Vernell Payne, several cousins, nephews and numerous “favorite” nieces.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at J.C. Kirby & Son, Lovers Lane chapel. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Christ Episcopal Church. 

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider donating to the Carlton Jackson Memorial Award through the WKU Foundation.

Dorothea Fant McCollum -November 27, 1922  ~ February 21, 2014 

Remembering…A World War II Love Story

MCCOLLUM, Dorothea E. Age 91, of Hamilton died Friday, February 21, 2014 in Fort Hamilton Hospital. She was born in Millville on November 27, 1922 the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Graf) Fant. She was a graduate of Fairfield High School and graduated from Miami University in 1944 with a BA in Education. She was the wife of Coach Marvin F. “Bud” McCollum. They were married on July 5, 1946 in Hamilton and he preceded her in death on June 18, 1991.

She was a business education and typing teacher at Ross, Fairfield and Hamilton City schools. She was a member of Faith Church and the Ohio Retired Teachers Association.

She is survived by her daughters, Pam (Bill) Klaber and Melanie (Larry) Allen; her son, Marvin, Jr. “Buddy” (Peggy) McCollum; all of Hamilton, ten grandchildren, James and Michael McCollum, Heather (Peter) Farnham, Holly (Joe) Crosley, Billy Bud (Cait) Allen, Natalie (Kelly) Holbert, Andy (Iris) Klaber, Liesl (Dan) Higgins, Matthew Klaber and Lucy (Adam) Rau; 19 great grandchildren and her loving neighbor, Betty Becker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Robert Fant and two sisters, Ruth Sizelove and JoAnn Burns.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Entombment will be in Rose Hill Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to a favorite charity however, the family would request her friends do random acts of kindness in her memory.

Thelma S. McManus -January 7, 1926 ~ August 30, 2009

 That’s the Way it Was: Interviews of Ozark Folk born in the 1800s

Thelma S. McManus, 83, of Doniphan, Missouri, died Sunday, August 30, 2009, at Current River Nursing Center in Doniphan. Mrs. McManus, daughter of the late Abraham and Pearl (Berg) Goldsmith, was born January 7, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York. A genealogist, she was well-respected for her knowledge in Ripley County history, families and cemeteries.

A New Yorker by birth but a Missourian by choice, Mrs. McManus held degrees from New York University and the University of Missouri. After WWII, she lived and worked in Great Britain as a librarian before returning to this country during the Korean conflict to accept a commission as First Lieutenant in the Women’s Army Corps.

She was married to Orville McManus in May, 1959, at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. Mr. McManus was a native of Ripley County and a career Army officer. When he retired in 1960, they came home on a visit and decided to stay. Mr. McManus preceded her in death on December 25, 2003.

In Doniphan, Mrs. McManus became a school librarian until their youngest son, who was handicapped, could not attend public school. She then turned her interests in history and genealogy into a vocation and called the enterprise “Kissin’ Kin.” She enjoyed a wide reputation for her research as a genealogist and local history writer. Mrs. McManus had written and compiled several books on Ripley County and Ripley County cemeteries. Recently, she had collaborated with Ray and Ruth Burson, editors of Ripley County, Missouri: History and Heritage, published by Acclaim Press in 2007. She was a member of the Ripley County Historical Society, Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis Genealogical Society, Missouri Genealogical Association, National Genealogical Society and the Ripley County Library Board. As a member of the Doniphan United Methodist Church, Mrs. McManus exemplified decades of faithful work to our Lord Jesus Christ, serving in many positions, especially that as a member of the choir.

Mrs. McManus is survived by three sons, Richard McManus of San Antonio, Texas, David McManus of Bartlett, Illinois, and Jeremy McManus of Tyler, Texas; five grandchildren, Phillip McManus of Tyler, Texas, Brian McManus and Kathryn Mitchell both of Nashville, Tennessee, Kimberly Williams of Fort Dix, New Jersey, and Kristin McManus of Chicago, Illinois; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Harold Goldsmith, and one son, Paul McManus.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening, September 1, 2009, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. The funeral service will begin Wednesday morning, September 2, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home chapel with Brother Kent Wilfong officiating. Burial will be in the Doniphan City Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to a hospice of your choice.

Don Rankin -September 23, 1951 ~ November 9, 2019

Back Roads & Memories: The Art of Don Rankin

MCCALLA – Donald Wayne Rankin, age 68, of McCalla, Ala., passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019, at his residence.

Don was born September 23, 1951 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He graduated from Tuscaloosa High Class of ’69 and joined the Army Reserve as a medic and was honorably discharged in 1976. He started his lifelong career in multi-media advertising with Channel 33/40 in Tuscaloosa, Channel 42 in Birmingham and a consultant for Health Mark, before starting his own advertising firm, Effective Marketing, which he continued until his retirement. Don was a long-time volunteer with West Alabama Rehab, and he loved Alabama Football, golf, and the Gulf Coast Beaches.

He is survived by his sons, Thomas Elliott Rankin, McCalla and Trenton William Rankin, of California; siblings, Judy Montgomery (Harold) and Barbara Boyd (Saxon); and several nieces, grand-nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Marcine and Violet Irene Stephens Rankin.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 16, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel, with Dr. Herb Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. A visitation will be at the funeral home one hour prior to service, with Tuscaloosa Memorial Park and Chapel directing.

William F. Reed – July 12, 1943 ~ February 5, 2022

Last of a Breed

William Ford “Billy” Reed, Jr., renowned Kentucky sportswriter, author, journalist, and beloved family man, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the age of 78 after a long illness. His passing marked the end of an extraordinary era in Kentucky journalism and sports writing, where for decades his words informed, entertained, and inspired generations of readers.

Billy Reed was widely regarded as one of Kentucky’s finest storytellers. Throughout a distinguished career that spanned more than four decades, he became known for his exceptional ability to capture not only the excitement of sports, but also the humanity, emotion, and personalities behind the headlines. Readers across Kentucky and beyond knew him as a masterful writer whose stories possessed warmth, insight, humor, and authenticity.

He wrote for two of the nation’s most respected publications, the Louisville Courier-Journal and Sports Illustrated, where he covered some of the biggest sporting events in America. His reporting included the Kentucky Derby, NCAA basketball championships, baseball, and countless historic moments in sports. He helped readers understand and appreciate legendary athletes and personalities, including Muhammad Ali, while bringing Kentucky’s rich sports culture to a national audience.

Billy’s accomplishments in journalism were numerous and deeply respected. He earned widespread recognition and many professional honors throughout his career. He took tremendous pride in his Hall of Fame memberships, his twelve Sports Illustrated cover stories, and the books he authored. Among all his passions, horse racing held a special place in his heart. His knowledge of the Kentucky Derby was encyclopedic, and few writers chronicled the sport with the same depth, affection, and authority. Derby season was especially meaningful to him, and annual Derby weekend gatherings became treasured traditions among family and friends.

Though his professional achievements were remarkable, Billy’s greatest source of pride and happiness was always his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness, laughter, and wisdom touched everyone around him. He cherished attending his grandchildren’s performances and sporting events, celebrating holidays surrounded by loved ones, and sharing stories, meals, and conversations with family and lifelong friends.

More than a celebrated journalist, Billy Reed was a mentor, collaborator, and loyal friend whose influence extended far beyond the newsroom. He had a rare gift for making people feel valued and heard, and his legacy endures through the stories he told, the writers he inspired, and the countless lives he touched.

William Ford “Billy” Reed will be remembered as one of Kentucky’s greatest sportswriters and one of its finest storytellers. His voice, wisdom, humor, and love for family and community will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Ford Reed Sr. and Lucille “Lucy” Shep Reed, and by his son, Sam Reed. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Billy is survived by two daughters, Amy and Susan, a son-in-law, Rob, and four grandchildren, Caroline, Lucy, Shephard, and Sam, two sisters, Terry and Judy, and beloved cousins. Our dad loved Kentucky, he loved watching the Louisville Bats and the Cincinnati Reds, he loved basketball in this state (all-inclusively), he loved horse racing, and he loved playing golf (although it was eternally frustrating). He loved cheeseburgers and chocolate milkshakes (no whipped cream); Ale-8; Pats Steakhouse; and popsicles. He loved 1950s and 1960s rock-and-roll, and books and movies of all kinds. He also loved attending his grandchildren’s every performance and sporting event, holiday or spring concert, and was a fixture at every Grandparents Day at school. We will forever be thankful that he was able to be a part of our childrens lives because he found a path to recovery in 2006. He was larger than life, and will be missed every day. In lieu of flowers, expressions of condolence may be made to The Healing Place, 1020 W. Market Street, Louisville, KY, 40202 or to The Backside Learning Center, 3131 S. 2nd St., #389, Louisville, KY 40208. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.