PAGE 2B THE MEADE COUNTY MESSENGER, BRANDENBURG, KENTUCKY THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

OBITUARIESGERRY DEAN BARNES

Gerry Dean Barnes, 51, Radcliff, Ky., died Jan. 1, 2016

at Hardin Memorial Hospital.He was owner of K/S Automotive, Radcliff.He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Barnes;

and twin brother, Gary Lee Barnes.He is survived by his wife, Karren Sue Barnes; step

daughter, Melissa (Michael) Bishoff; four grandchildren, Desirae, Joseph, William and Nathaniel; his mother, Ruby Barnes; three brothers, George Barnes; Oscar Barnes and Glen Barnes; and his sister, Glenda Barnes.

The funeral service was held Jan. 6 at Nelson-Edelen-Bennett Funeral Home, Radcliff. Pastor Jay Boyd offici-ated. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Louisville, Ky.

Condolences may be expressed at www.nebfh.com.

JEAN GREER BENTON

Jean Greer Benton, 65, Brandenburg, Ky., died Dec. 26, 2015, at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown, Ky.

She is survived by her husband, Bob Benton, Branden-burg, Ky.; four children, Lance (Cindy) Miller, Robert Benton, Nick (Melissa) Benton and Angela Denise Benton; two grandchildren, Skylar J. Courtney and Nick Miller; 14 other grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Martha Saunders and Libby Powers; one niece, Robin (Wayne) Hafling; six nephews, Rick (Malou) Patton, Kenneth Patton, Mark (Sharon) Patton, David Thomas-son, Ron (Melissa) Powers and Randy (Andrea) Powers; and several great-nieces, nephews and cousins who she was very close to.

She was a member of Rock Haven Baptist Church; and retired as an operator from AT&T.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2016, at the Rock Haven Baptist Church, with Rev. Wil-liam Chandler officiating. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contribu-tions to: American Diabetes Association, 161 S. Matthews Avenue, Suite 3, Louisville, KY 40207.

Condolences may be expressed at www.hagerfuneral-home.com.

PEGGY JEAN CARPENTER CENTERS

Peggy Jean Carpenter Centers, 80, Brandenburg, Ky., died Jan. 1, 2016, at her residence.

She was born Dec. 13, 1935, in Morgan County, Ky., the daughter of John Breckenridge and Nannie Myrtle Wheeler Carpenter.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Arnold “Buddy” Centers in 1996; her parents; two half-brothers; and a half-sister.

She is survived by her daughter, Pam (Danny) Lee, Wolf Creek, Ky.; two grandsons, Jonathan Lee, Jason (Brandy) Lee; four great-grandchildren, Jebediah Blain Lee, Savan-nah Jane Lee, Mason Andrew Lee and Owen Mathew Lee; four nieces; a nephew; eight brothers and sisters-in-law.

She was a homemaker and worked as a caregiver after her husband passed away. She was a member of Branden-burg Church of God, where she taught Sunday school, was church secretary and Vice-President of the women’s ministry; she was an avid card sender; loved to sing; and was dispatch for Wolf Creek Fire Department for 25 years.

Funeral services were held Jan. 5 from the chapel of the Hager Funeral Home. Rev. Randy Johnson officiated. Burial followed in Parr-Frans Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.hagerfuneral-home.com.

FRANKIE WEST-DAVIS

Frankie West-Davis died on Nov. 7, 2015. He was born on March 18, 1926.

A celebration of life service will be held at the McAdams Family Cemetery near Huntsville, Texas on Jan. 9 at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments will be provided after the service.

JOANN GREER

JoAnn Greer, 77, Brandenburg, Ky., died, Jan. 3, 2016, at the Brandenburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Greer; a son, Kenny (Debbie) Greer, Friendswood, Texas; three grandchildren, Brittney Greer, Louisville, Ky., Cory Love and Kendal Greer, both of Friendswood, Texas; four sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.

She was an avid fisherwoman, and loved to go boating and do yard work.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 7, at the chapel of the Hager Funeral Home, with Rev. Cameron Deb-ity officiating. Burial will follow in Cap Anderson Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contribu-tions to: Kosair Charities, P.O. Box 37370, Louisville, KY 40223-7370.

Condolences may be expressed at www.hagerfuneralhome.com.

ROBERT JAMES HAMBLY

Robert James Hambly, 92, of Radcliff, KY, died Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at his home.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace M. Hambly and a daughter, Carol L. Lantis.

He is survived by a son, Robert Hambly Jr. (Priscilla, Fay-etteville, N.C.; four daughters, Barbara A. Hambly, Radcliff, Jo Ann Hambly, Guyton, Ga., Deborah L. Berthold (Dudley), Suffolk, Va., Sue Ann Devine (Thomas), Owensboro, Ky.; a son-in-law, James Robert Lantis, Atlanta, Ga.; four grand-children, Bryant Berthold, Bridgette Berthold, Jamie Bitting, Jessica Bitting; two great-grandchildren Dylan Berthold, Brooklyn Berthold and his cat, G.K..

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hambly received the French government’s highest decoration, the French Legion of Honour.

He was a World War II, Korea and Vietnam War veteran serving in the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, 3rd Army under General George S. Patton Jr. and participated in five of the six campaigns during the liberation of France.

LTC. Hambly also received the French Croix de Guerre and the French Fourragere for his actions in France.

The Mass of Christian burial was held Jan. 1 at St. Chris-topher Catholic Church, Radcliff. Rev. Dennis L. Cousens officiated. Burial followed in North Hardin Memorial Gar-dens, Radcliff, with Military honors.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hosparus of Central Kentucky, 105 Diecks Dr, Elizabethtown, KY 42701 or to the Combat Veterans Association P.O. Box 2862, Laguna Hills, CA 912654.

Condolences may be expressed at www.nebfh.com.

THOMAS D. HEWLETT

Thomas D. Hewlett Jr., 89, Shelbyville, Ky., formerly of Corbin, Ky. and Madi-sonville, Ky., died on Jan. 1, 2016, at the Masonic Home of Shelbyville. 

He was born in Madisonville, and was the son of the late Thomas D. Hewlett Sr., and Vera Crowley Hewlett.  

In addition to his parents, he was pre-ceded in death by his granddaughter, Laura

Michelle Hewlett; his brother, Lemuel E. Hewlett, and his sister, Gladys Kelley.

He is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Mary D. Hewlett, Shelbyville; his sons, Thomas D. (Valerie) Hewlett III, Brandenburg, Ky., Dr. Mark E. (Nancy) Hewlett, Shelbyville, and Robert M. (Cathy) Hewlett, Louisville; his brother, Roger M. (Betty) Hewlett, Madi-sonville; and his six grandchildren, Allison (Drew) Stifel, Stephen Hewlett, Paul Hewlett, Matthew Hewlett, Nathan Hewlett, and Michael Hewlett.

A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served in Central Europe and assisted in the liberation of concentra-tion camps, receiving a bronze star. He attended Western Kentucky University and pursued his career as the regional manager for General Motors Acceptance Corporation, re-tiring after thirty-three years of service. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Corbin, where he formerly served as head usher. He served on the Corbin City Council and was past president of the Red Cross in Corbin, past president of the Corbin Optimist Club, and his memberships also included the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

Memorial services will be conducted Jan. 9, at the Hall-Taylor Funeral Home, Shelbyville, with Reverend Jesse Baxter officiating. Visitation will follow the service, until 1 p.m., Jan. 9 at the Hall-Taylor Funeral Home, Shelbyville, and afterward at the home of Dr. Mark Hewlett, Shelbyville. Graveside services will be conducted at noon CST, Jan. 16 at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contribu-tions to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.halltaylorfu-neralhomes.com.

BETTY CHRISTINE ROGERS

Betty Christine Rogers, 79, Louisville, Ky., died Dec. 30, 2015 at Baptist Health.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Price Rogers and Nellie Catherine Ditto Long.

She is survived by a sister, Jane Ditto, Brandenburg, Ky.; a niece, Betty Ruff; four nephews, George Anthony Sims, Jerry Ditto, Kevin Ditto and David Ditto; a cousin, Shirlee Ditto; and her caregivers, Diana Jones and Deborah Ditto.

Funeral services were held Jan. 2, at the Zion Grove Baptist Church. Rev. Glen Gordon officiated.

Condolences may be expressed at www.hagerfuneral-home.com.

JAMES THOMAS “TOM” STEARMAN

James Thomas “Tom” Stearman, 94, Irvington, Ky., died Dec. 30, 2015 at the Jefferson Manor, Louisville, Ky.

He was born Sept. 11, 1921 to the James Irvin and Leva Horsley Stearman.

He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Helen Bruner Stearman, and a brother Robert B. Stearman.

He is survived by his children Ricky T. (Terri) Stearman, Eden, Utah, and Robert “Bob” A. (Kathi) Stearman; six grandchildren Cory B. (Stephanie) Stearman Cheryl A. (Jeff) Mead, Timothy A. (Sarah) Stearman, Scott, Shaun, and Taylor Stearman and six great-grandchildren.

He retired from the Air Force, and Civil Service. He was a Mason, a member of the Irvington Masonic Lodge # 868. He was a member of Irvington United Methodist Church. He served in U.S. Army during World War II (1942-45), in the European Theater. He received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He served 20 years in the Air Force.

Funeral service will be held Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. EST at Alexander Funeral Home, Irvington. Burial will follow in Hensley Cemetery.

Visitation will be Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy maybe given in the form of donations to the Neighborhood House 201 N. 25th Street Louisville, KY. 40212.

TED L. SWYERS

Ted L. Swyers, 83, Radcliff, Ky., died Jan. 2, 2016 at the Helmwood Healthcare Center, Elizabethtown, Ky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira (Faye) Swyers; a brother, John Swyers; two sisters, Charlotte Swyers, Annie Doverspike; and a grandson, Dale Powers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ruby Swyers, Radcliff; two daughters, Nancy (Mark) Casey, Radcliff, Lisa (Bryan) Eldredge, Ekron, Ky.; four grand-children, Michael Powers, Cody Powers, Chelsey (Kiel) Bragg, Olivia Casey; four great-grandchildren, Ashley Powers, Bailee Bragg, Liam Bragg, Maisie Bragg; two sisters, Ruth Miller, Patsy Miller both of Pennsylvania; several nieces, nephews, friends, and special friends at Helmwood Healthcare.

He was retired from the United States Army, a veteran of the Vietnam War, and a recipient of several awards in-cluding the Bronze Star Medal (10LC) and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was also a member of the Radcliff Presbyterian Church, and also retired from Post Exchange, Fort Knox, Ky.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. on Jan. 6 at Coffey & Chism Funeral Home.

A funeral service was be held at 2 p.m., Jan. 6, 2016 at the chapel of Coffey & Chism Funeral Home, Vine Grove, Ky. with Dr. John Lentz officiating.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m., Jan. 8, at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff.

Condolences may be expressed at www.coffeyandchism.com.

ANNA WATHEN

Anna Wathen, 102, Flaherty, Ky., died Dec. 29, 2015 at her residence.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Dennis “Cotton” Wathen.

She is survived by the late Dot Walker, Rosie and her husband, the late G.D. Medley, Lois (Sam) Hamilton, Patsy and her husband, the late David Crutcher, Mary Jo (Phil) Medley, Beth (Dude) Minter, a late daughter, Janet (Tony) Taylor, Joe (Carol) Wathen; one brother, Adrian Redmon; two sisters, Joann Medley, Mary Agnes Vessels; 42 grandchildren, 104 great grandchildren, and 50 great- great grandchildren.

She was a member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Flaherty.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Jan. 1 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Flaherty. Rev. Kevin Bryan officiated. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.coffeyandchism.com.

As a pastor, I often receive urgent questions from people who face difficult circum-stances. With a deep hunger, these folks are struggling to make sense of life and how it relates to the Bible.

Sadly, one question that was posed to me came from a couple who had lost their unborn child in a miscar-riage. Restless and empty, husband and wife were naturally consumed with thoughts regarding the eter-nal fate of this precious one. Their question was, “Pastor, what is the fate of our baby?” Perhaps you too have suf-fered such a similar grief.

The Bible teaches us a clear doctrine that we call The Age of Accountability. Such an age is not a set numeric age, but rather a variable stage of development, depending on each person’s mental abili-ties. Babies, young children, and those mentally impaired from birth are categorically unable to make clear moral choices. God, in His grace, has a provision for those who are unable to choose between good and evil, or right or wrong.

God does not make this provision because babies and those mentioned are innocent. On the contrary, according to scripture, we are all born in sin. We all have a sin nature. A child does not need to be taught how to sin. As a matter of observation, if you never teach a child right from wrong, inevitably they will choose wrong.

Romans 1:18-20 states; For the wrath of God is

revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrigh-teousness of men, who by their unrighteousness sup-press the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine

Minister’s Corner nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (ESV)

We can determine several points from this passage.

God has wrath against ungodliness.

What can be known about God is plain, and enough is perceived through creation to know there is a God.

Man is without excuse. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 2 Corin-thians 5:10, and Revelation 2-:11-12)

But God makes this Age of Accountability provision, because He is a loving and caring God of redemption. To redeem those who are unable to determine right from wrong does not violate His character of justice. God must punish sin. But in the case of the unborn or those impaired, He justly grants pardon. Other texts which support this would include Deuteronomy 1:39 and 2 Samuel 12: 15-23.

God does not send anyone to Hell. The same general revelation spoken of in this passage is also to lead us to Him. He wishes for no one to perish. But you have a free will to choose if you would follow Him or go your own way. In the case of those who are unable to mentally com-prehend right from wrong, God pardons.

With these words from scripture, the couple found relief. Being Christians, they know that one day they will meet this child in Heaven.

Do you have questions such as these? Each week I lead a Pastor’s Sunday School class at Ekron Bap-tist Church. In this non-traditional class, we discuss culture, life, and newspaper headlines alongside the Bible to find answers, meaning, and hope. I invite you to come and join me.

We are located at 2775 Hayesville Rd., in Ekron, alongside the railroad tracks. More information is on our Facebook page or at ekron-baptistchurch.com.

By WES PINKLEY

Senior PastorEkron BaptistChurch

NOTICEThe Meade County Messenger will

print a picture of your loved one in the obituary column. We need to receive the picture by noon Monday of the week the obituary is in the paper.

Have the Meade County Messenger delivered directly to you

weekly for only $32 a year in Meade, Breckinridge and Hardin counties or $38 a year for all others. Stop by the

Messenger offi ce at 138 Broadway and sign up or fi ll out the form below and mail to:

Meade County MessengerP. O. Box 678, Brandenburg, KY 40108

To purchase by credit card, call 270-422-2155 or 1-877-422-2155.

NAME_______________________________________

_____________________________________________

ADDRESS__________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

PHONE______________________________________________

AMOUNT INCLUDED________________________________

Subscription by Mail