Author: Yorke Prough

Gary L. Watson, 64, formerly of Lockridge, passed away Friday, September 20, 2024 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 4^th at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to the family for Gary’s grandchildren or to Lockridge Fire Department.

Gary was born February 25, 1960 in Keosauqua, the son of Jerry and Dolores “Dee” (McClaran) Watson. He married Melissa Barr. She preceded in him in death July 1, 2004.

Gary served in the National Guard and was a member of the Lockridge Fire Department. He worked in carpentry for most of his life, and later worked for Harper Brush Works in Fairfield. Gary enjoyed going to air shows, hunting, and sprint car races. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Amanda (James) Tedrow of Libertyville and Josh (Stephanie Regan) Watson of Fairfield; significant-other, Stacey Moeller of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren, Daphne, Taylor, Kevin, and Trevor; father, Jerry Watson; sisters, Robin (Jeff) Hoaglin, Sandra (Mike) Skirvin, and Kim McClaran; and brothers, Butch (Stephanie) Watson and Shawn (Suzy) Nelson.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his mother, Dee; and brother, Chris Watson.

Online condolences may be made to Gary’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Elwood Stevens McDaniel, 79, of rural Mt. Pleasant passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

No services are planned at this time and cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Paula J. Hurley, 77, of Mt. Pleasant passed away at her home on Friday, September 20, 2024.

Paula was born on August 17, 1947, in Flint, Minnesota, the daughter of Loren and Mary Dodge.  Paula was united in marriage to Jerry Dunn; they later divorced.  She then married the love of her life, Jim Hurley, on December 26, 1987, at Mt. Sterling.  He preceded her in death on February 27, 2011.  She enjoyed doing needlepoint, coloring puzzles, visiting friends and family.  Paula loved life and would dress up for Halloween.  Paula had a passion for collecting owls, porcelain dolls and anything of Elvis.

Paula is survived by her children, Brenda Hurley, Jimmy (Tammy) Hurley, Kim (Karen) Hurley, Phillip (Minnie) Dunn, Mike (Jamie) Hurley and Tammy (Dan) Austin, and her loving grandchildren, Ashley, Rawley, Brittney, Stephanie, Henery, Brandon, Dwight, Tayler, Tyler, Sara, Sean, Scottie and Jenna and several great grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, a son, Russell Dunn, a daughter, Julie Dunn and her brother, Edward Dodge.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Matt Hunt officiating.  Burial will follow in the Salem East Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until time of service at the Murphy Funeral Home.  Memorials may be directed to St Jude Children’s Hospital in her memory.  Following the services at the cemetery there will be a time of fellowship at the Mapleleaf Apartments in the community room.  

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.

Dale Johnson, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, September 19, 2024.

According to his wishes his body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements.