Sunday, March 6, 2016

Billy Howard, 87

    Billy Howard, age 87, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the Irvine Nursing and Rehab.
    He was a painter and a veteran of the United States Army.
    Mr. Howard is survived by a son, Kenny Howard of Texas; five stepsons: Donald Freeman, Pryse Lee Freeman, Frank Estes, Elisha John "Bo Bo" Freeman (Linda), all of Irvine; and David Lewis Freeman (Whitney) of Winchester; two daughters: Sherry Howard of Sydney, Ohio; and Linda Schag of Germany; five stepdaughters: Genevia Ballou of Clay City, Lillie Freeman of Richmond, Virginia Horn (Tom) of Irvine, Tina Freeman of Clay City, and Crystal McKenzie (Mark) of Winchester; 15 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Kanauwha and Bertha Howard; and one brother, John Henry Howard.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 9th at the Grayson Funeral Home Chapel, 201 7th Avenue, Clay City, with Bro. Delvin Reece officiating. Burial was in the Donnie G. Randall Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Grayson Funeral Home

  Friday, March 4, 2016

Floyd Henry Burton Jr., 58

    Floyd Henry Burton Jr., age 58, of Canewood Drive in Winchester, Kentucky, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016, at the St. Joseph Hospital in Mt. Sterling, following a long illness.
    He was born October 3, 1957 in Estill County and was the son of Nancy Townsend Pasley and the late Floyd Henry Burton, Sr. He was an employee of Big Lots and attended the Baptist Church. He had lived in Clark County most of his life.
    Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Hattie Chism Burton; two sons: Floyd Henry Burton, III, Clark County; and James Burton, Montgomery County; three sisters: Donna Burton, Scott County; JoAnn Callis, Clark County; and Carolyn Parido, Washington County; one brother, Tracy Burton, Clark County; and six grandchildren.
    He was preceded in death by one brother, Leon Burton.
    Funeral services were conducted Monday, March 7, 1 p.m., at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Joe Price. Burial was at the Cobb Hill Cemetery.
    Friends called after 11 a.m., Monday, at the funeral home. Pallbearers were Tracy Burton, II, Justin Crawford, Shawn Crowe, Josh Crowe, Anthony Crawford, Adrian Garcia and Eric Burton.
    Honorary pallbearer was Jeff Couch.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, March 4, 2016

Warren Edward "Ed" Chaney, age 36

    Warren Edward "Ed" Chaney, age 36, of Jeffersonville, Kentucky, passed away on March 4, 2016 at St. Joseph Mt. Sterling Hospital.
    Born in Irvine, Kentucky, he was the son of Larry Gene Chaney and Dorothy Ruth Dunaway Stull. Ed loved hunting and being in the outdoors.
    He is survived by his wife, Crystal Bates Chaney of Mt. Sterling; a daughter, Taylor Brooke Chaney of Jeffersonville; his father, Larry Gene Chaney (Wavalene) of Mt. Sterling; his mother, Dorothy Ruth Stull of Jeffersonville; a brother, Billy Gene Chaney (Misty) of Winchester; a special uncle, Joe Chaney of Ravenna; a special nephew, Tanner Chaney of Winchester; along with numerous stepbrothers and stepsisters.
    Mr. Chaney was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Warren and Minnie Chaney; and by his maternal grandparents, Ollie and Dorothy Dunaway.
    Funeral services officiated by Bro. Harold Kelly were held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 8th at Hearne Funeral Home, Inc., 125 West College Avenue, Stanton. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 7th at the funeral home.
    Interment was in Mt. Canaan Cemetery with Chris Smith, Tanner Chaney, Lindsey Allen Roberts, Shawn Barnett, Wayland Sherbert, Aaron Barnett and Mike Johnson serving as pallbearers.

Hearne Funeral Home

  Friday, March 4, 2016

Lohris R. Newton, 82

    Lohris R. Newton, age 82, of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016, at the Baptist Health Richmond Hospital following a long illness.
    He was born September 3, 1933, in Estill County, a son of the late Floyd A. Newton Sr. and Della Rogers Newton. He retired from General Motors where he worked on the Assembly Line and had lived in Dayton, Ohio, most of his life. He was a member of the Crooked Creek Christian Church.
    Mr. Newton is survived by his wife, Thelma Shiflet Newton; one daughter, Sheri Neely (Mike), Georgia; two sons: Mitchell Newton (Peggy) and Kenneth Newton (Linda), both of Ohio; one brother, Floyd Newton Jr. (Burma), Irvine; and five grandchildren: Jennifer Valk, Ross Newton, William Michael “Joe” Neely, Nicholas Newton, and Olivia Neely.
    He was preceded in death by three siblings: Modena McKinney, Glendon Newton, and Hargus Newton.
    Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, March 9th, 1 p.m., at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Beverly Arvin. Friends called after 11 a.m., Wednesday, until service time, at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, March 4, 2016

Earl M. Rhodus, 82

    Earl M. Rhodus, 82, of Waco, Kentucky, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016 at his home.
    He was born on Saturday, February 10, 1934 in Madison County, Kentucky, the son of Burnam and Ida Rhodus. He served in the United States Air Force and was a retired employee of IBM. He was a member of the Kirksville Christian Church.
    Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Georgia “Bunny” Rhodus; one son, Doug Rhodus (Margaret); two daughters: Rebecca Worrell (Mark) and Peggy Riddell (Billy); one sister, Virginia Clark (Gilbert); seven grandchildren: Kevin Riddell, Andrea Northern (Brandon), Ryan Rhodus, Logan Worrell (Morgan), Amanda Starnes (Brandon), Jessica Riddell and Nicholas Worrell; and two great grandchildren: Hayden Riddell and Hannah Eversole.
    He was preceded in death by two brothers: Carl & Price Rhodus; and three sisters: Christine Gilliam, Molly King and Agnes Purcell.
    Funeral Services were conducted at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 9th at Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, 328 West Main Street, Richmond, with Bro. Mark Pearson officiating. Burial followed in the Madison Memorial Gardens. Visitation was from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 8th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Hayden Riddell, Kevin Riddell, Ryan Rhodus, Logan Worrell, Brandon Northern, Brandon Starnes and Kenny Glover.
    Honorary pallbearers were Jack Harrison, Billy Ray Murphy, J. B. Burgin, Russell Thomas, Bobby Elkins, Wayne Powell and Joe Allen.

Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home

  Thursday, March 3, 2016

Paulene Chaney, 56

    Paulene Chaney, age 56, of Irvine, Kentucky, formerly of Pike County, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2016 at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington.
    Ms. Chaney was a native of Estill County, born March 15, 1959, a daughter of Kenneth Ray and Arlene Flynn Chaney. She was a former employee of the Trane Company of Lexington. She was an accomplished artist and former business owner.
    Survivors, other than her parents, include her daughter, Lisa Trimble Craft (David Lee)of Lexington; her son, Timothy Mark Trimble of Irvine; her grandchildren: Isabella Marie Short and Gabriel Isaiah Craft; and three siblings: Kenneth Ray Chaney Jr. of Irvine, Eulane Gardner of Hodgenville, and James Chaney of Irvine.
    The family of Paulene Chaney hosted a gathering of friends at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 6th, at Lewis Funeral Home, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m. with Sam Miller officiating.

Lewis Funeral Home

  Thursday, March 3, 2016

Brett McIntosh, 47

    Brett McIntosh, age 47, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away at his residence Thursday, March 3, 2016.
    He was a self-employed painter.
    Mr. McIntosh is survived by his parents, Jerry and Patsy McIntosh of Irvine, two sisters Timiri Bingham (James) of Irvine, and Cherish Conner (Jeff) of Crossville, Tennessee.
    The family has chosen cremation.
    Grayson Funeral Home of Clay City is in charge of arrangements.

Grayson Funeral Home

  Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Agnes J. Means, 77

    Agnes J. Means, age 77, of Pea Ridge Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, following a sudden illness.
    She was born May 3, 1938 in Estill County and was the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Mattie B. Gross Gray. She was a homemaker and had lived in Estill County most of her life.
    Mrs. Means was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Means.
    She is survived by four daughters: Connie Lou Ferguson, Huber Heights, Ohio; Melissa Riddell, Estill County; Rebecca Willis, Richmond; and Tina Kelly, Estill County; three sons: Ernest Brinegar, Herman Brinegar, and Timothy Brinegar, all of Estill County; four sisters: Minnie Riddell, Maggie Brinegar, Lilly Hoover, all of Estill County; and Barbara Gray, Frankfort; 23 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren; her companion, Leslie E. Flynn; and one who was loved as a son, Terry Lee Flynn.
    She was preceded in death by four sisters: Bertha Hoover, Katherine Henry, Gracie Gilbert and Nancy Rose; and three brothers: Columbus, Hershell and Buford Gray.
    Funeral services were conducted Saturday, March 5, at 1 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Jeff Ferguson. Friends called after 11 a.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Thursday, February 25, 2016

Archie Kendrick, 92

    Archie Kendrick, age 92, a resident of the Thompson Hood Veterans’ Center in Wilmore and long-time resident of Estill County, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2016, at the VA Hospital in Lexington.
    He was born September 3, 1923 in Lee County and was the son of the late James and Mollie Flannery Kendrick. He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II and a Pearl Harbor survivor. He was a member of the DAV and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Club.
    Mr. Kendrick was preceded in death by his wife, Nannie Jean Miller Kendrick.
    He is survived by five daughters: Barbara Geier, Loveland, Ohio; Shelby Horn, Nicholasville; Pat Graham, McDonough, Georgia; Sandra Newman and Terri Combs, both of Lexington; two sons: Larry Kendrick, Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Lee Kendrick, Lincoln County; 24 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
    Mr. Kendrick was preceded in death by one daughter, Donna Sparks; three sisters: Madge Mays, Myrtle Evans and Goldie Brandenburg; and three brothers: Herman, Elmer and Chester Kendrick.
    Funeral services were conducted Sunday, February 28, 2 p.m., at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Robin Geier. Burial was at the West Irvine Cemetery. Friends called after 12 Noon, Sunday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Tim Tipton, Tony Sizemore, Jesse Reece, Henry Sparks, Shawn Kendrick and Jason Kendrick.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Ronald Lee Abernathy, 72

    Ronald Lee Abernathy, age 72, of White Oak Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at his home following a long illness.
    He was born October 26, 1943 in Alexandria, Virginia, and was the son of the late Wilbur Joseph and Hazel Berry Abernathy. He was a retired engineer with the L&N Railroad and after retirement worked as a courier for the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital. He also volunteered with the reading programs at the local schools. He attended the Ravenna Nazarene Church and was a member of the Stafford Masonic Lodge and the Fellowship Lodge 265.
    Mr. Abernathy is survived by his wife, Deborah Haldeman Abernathy; four sons: Darrin Abernathy (Janet), Alabama; Dean Abernathy (Erin), Lexington; Matthew Abernathy and Andrew Abernathy, both of Richmond; and four grandchildren: Emily, Amelia, Isaac and Eli Abernathy.
    He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Abernathy.
    Memorial services were conducted Saturday, February 27, 2 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Rob Steinbrook.
    In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Joe Anna Beckelhymer Robertson, 91

    Joe Anna Beckelhymer Robertson, age 91, of Dug Hill Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at the Berea Health and Rehabilitation Center following a long illness.
    She was born January 14, 1925, in Hamilton, OH, a daughter of the late Ansel and Parriet Logsdon Beckelhymer. She was a former teacher with the Estill County School System and had lived in Estill County most of her life. She was a member of the Thomas Baptist Church.
    Mrs. Robertson was preceded in death by her husband, James Herbert Robertson.
    She is survived by two daughters: Belinda Hunt and Brenda Kirby, both of Irvine; a sister, Lenora Shockley, Florida; two brothers: Oscar Beckelhymer and Sterlin Beckelhymer, both of Hamilton, Ohio; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
    Mrs. Robertson was preceded in death by a daughter, Jo Etta Ash.
    Funeral services were held Friday, February 26th at 1 p.m. at the Thomas Baptist Church by Bro. Ricky Kirby with burial following in the Walton Cemetery. Friends called between 6 and 9 p.m., Thursday, February 25th at the Warren F. Toler Funeral home and after 12 Noon, Friday, at the church.
    Pallbearers were John Kirby, Eric Kirby, Robby Jackson, Jimmy Winkler, Larry Beckelhymer, David Beckelhymer and Steve Winkler.
    Honorary pallbearers were Adam Harkins, Kaleb Harkins and Abram Kirby.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Saturday, February 20, 2016

Albert Loren Rhoton Jr., M.D., 83

    Albert Loren Rhoton, Jr. M.D. age 83, of Gainesville, Florida; passed away Sunday, February 21, 2016 at his home.
    He was born November 8, 1932 in Parvin, Estill County, Kentucky, to Albert Loren and Hazel Van Cleve Rhoton. He began his life in the poverty stricken Kentucky Appalachians and went on to a lifetime of influential achievements in his field that gained him respect of his peers worldwide He was the R.D. Keene Family Professor of Neurosurgery; Dr. Albert had the honor of meeting two presidents, President Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter. His passion was Micro Neuro Surgical education, mentoring young Neuro Surgeons, exercise and family time.
    Dr. Albert L. Rhoton, Jr. attended Washington University School of Medicine, graduating with the highest academic standing in the class of 1959. He completed his neurosurgical training at Washington University and joined the staff of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in 1965. He became Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Florida in 1972. Dr. Rhoton has served as President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Society of Neurological Surgeons, the North American Skull Base Society, the International Interdisciplinary Congress on Craniofacial and Skull Base Surgery, the Florida Neurosurgical Society, and the International Society for Neurosurgical Technology and Instrument Invention. He served as the Honored Guest of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 1993 and was awarded the Cushing Medal of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in 1998, the highest honor given by the two largest neurosurgical societies in the United States. In 2001, he was awarded the Medal of Honor of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. He has served as the Honored Guest or been elected to Honorary Membership in neurosurgical societies in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. He has published more than 300 scientific papers. He recently completed the Millennium Issue of NEUROSURGERY on the posterior cranial fossa and the 25th Anniversary Issue on the supratentorial area. He has received an Alumni Achievement Award from Washington University School of Medicine and both a Distinguished Faculty Award and a lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Florida. In 1998, the University of Florida completed a Brain Institute which houses the activities of the neurosurgical group and the microsurgical laboratory.
    He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce L Rhoton; four children: Dr. Eric Rhoton (Diane) of Asheville, North Carolina; Dr. Albert Rhoton (Marya) of High Point, North Carolina; Dr. Alice Rhoton–Vlasak (Richard) and Laurel Rhoton-Selner (Jim), both of Gainesville, Florida; grandchildren, Shauna, Leah, Alayna, Eric Jr., Alexandra, Albert John, Madeline, Henry, Alexander, Abigail, Ashlynn, William; great grandchildren, Kalie, Braydon and Amelia; a brother, Dr. Richard Rhoton (Lois) of Findlay, Ohio; and a sister, Sue Johnson (Herb), Tustin, California.
    A celebration of the incredible life of Dr. Rhoton was held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church with Rev. John Glover officiating. Burial was private. The family received friends Friday, February 26, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home West Area, 823 NW 143rd Street.
    He was an awesome, kind, gentle man who changed neuro-surgery and his family and friends.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Lutheran Church, 1801 NW 5th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32603 or Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation @ www.nref.org.

Williams-Thomas Funeral Home

Monday, February 29, 2016

Current Information and Public Safety
Blue Ridge Landfill Radioactive Waste
Estill County Schools

    On Thursday afternoon, February 25, the Estill County Schools were notified by news media about the possible dumping of radioactive waste at the Blue Ridge Landfill across from Estill County High School and Estill County Middle School. Since that time it has become evident that there has been naturally occurring radioactive waste deposited at the landfill during the second half of 2015. We were assured on Thursday by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services Radiation Health Branch that there was no public health threat to our students or staff at either school. We have worked very closely with the Estill County Judge Executive, Wallace Taylor and the Director of Emergency Management, Ronnie Riddell to assure that our students are attending school in a safe environment.
    On Saturday, February 27, a team of inspectors from various state agencies, including the Energy and Environment Cabinet, Radiation Health, and the state HAZMAT Team inspected the buildings and grounds of both Estill County High School and Middle School. Their findings confirm that there is no evidence that any activity at the landfill has caused unsafe conditions on our campuses. On Sunday, February 28, a team from ECO-TECH, a private company that has no ties to the state agencies or the landfill, was contracted by our Judge Executive and Emergency Management Director. This group also tested the schools and grounds, along with the landfill. Their preliminary reports shows no evidence that the schools have been contaminated or made unsafe by activities at the landfill. Both of these inspections were done to assure our students, parents, staff, and community that everyone is safe and our schools are safe as well. It has been and will always be our main objective to provide a safe learning and working environment for everyone in our district.
    The Estill County School district would like to thank the following people for their dedication and quick responses: County Judge Executive, Wallace Taylor; Director of Emergency Management, Ronnie Riddell and Director of Buildings & Maintenance, Arthur Ballard. These individuals have worked long hours during the past few days to make sure our students and staff are safe.
    If any citizen has additional concerns and wants more information concerning this issue, there will be a public forum held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the Estill County High School beginning at 6:00pm.

                        Sincerely,
                        Jeff Saylor, Superintendent
                        Estill County Schools