Obituaries
Owensboro Memorial Gardens
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Aliene Fortner Manley
Jan 29, 1940 - Oct 21, 2026
Aliene Fortner Manley, 86, of Owensboro, passed away October 21, 2026. She was born to the late Alfred and Eve Kirk Fortner in Hardin, KY on January 29, 1940. Aliene worked for the Daviess County Schools prepping and serving lunches for thousands of children over the years until she retired. She enjoyed gardening, loved her…
Shirley "Nanny" Taylor
Sep 14, 1944 - Oct 24, 2026
Shirley “Nanny” Taylor, 82, of Masonville passed away Saturday, October 24, 2026, under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of W. Kentucky. The Daviess County native was born September 14, 1944, as one of six children to the late Edward Manaway and Louise Rowan Manaway. Shirley was a hairdresser earlier in life and then…
Helen P. Miller
Apr 29, 1934 - Oct 25, 2026
It is with deep sorrow—and profound gratitude for a life well lived—that we announce the passing of Helen Elizabeth Patrick Miller on October 25, 2026, at Owensboro Health Hospital. She died peacefully with her family by her side. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and loyal friend, Helen was a devout Christian who deeply…
Joan Marie Payne
Jan 5, 1941 - Oct 25, 2026
Joan Marie Payne, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, lived a life filled with kindness, generosity, and love for her family. Born January 5, 1941, in Owensboro, Kentucky, Joan was the daughter of Robert Hamilton Payne and Ruth Gomer Payne. She grew up with her sisters, Patsy Payne Graf and Marilyn Payne Rose. She…
Barry "Buddy" Cawthorn
Sep 30, 1953 - Oct 26, 2026
Barry “Buddy” Cawthorn, 73, of Caneyville, Kentucky, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born September 30, 1953, in Louisville, to the late Otis Kyle and Lucille Cox Cawthorn. Buddy spent most of his career in sales and customer service, working in the plywood and oil industry.Buddy was a…
Steven Earl "Bubby" Shown
Dec 2, 1959 - Oct 24, 2026
Steven Earl “Bubby” Shown, 66, of Owensboro, passed away Saturday, October 24, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Born December 2, 1959, Steve will be remembered as a kind and caring man whose memory will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.Steve was a proud father of his son, Travis Shown.…
Austin Raymond Ward, Sr.
Sep 18, 1941 - Oct 22, 2026
Austin Raymond Ward Sr., born in Daviess County, Kentucky on September 18, 1941, passed away peacefully at his Alvaton home in the care of Hospice on Thursday, October 22, 2026.Austin retired after years of dedicated work in maintenance services at Owensboro Grain Company. A man with a heart for others, he loved helping people and truly…
Jack Simpson Witter
Oct 5, 1928 - Oct 22, 2026
Jack Simpson Witter, 98, of Owensboro passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. The Alton, Illinois native was born October 5, 1928, to the late Loren and Leona Witter. Jack studied geology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale before serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to…
Sharon Carol Smith
Nov 11, 1958 - Oct 21, 2026
Sharon Carol Smith, 67, of Philpot, passed October 21, 2026, under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. She was born November 11, 1958, in Owensboro, to Doris and the late C.L. “Cyclone” Smith. She was a member of Third Baptist Church. Sharon worked for UPS for 15 years and loved playing golf. One of…
Michael Thomas Hardesty
Jul 12, 1950 - Oct 20, 2026
Michael Thomas Hardesty, 76, of Owensboro, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at his home. He was born in Owensboro to the late Thomas Dennis and Margaret Sue Greenwell Hardesty.Michael was a 1968 graduate of Owensboro Catholic High. He served with the Military Police in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era before returning to…
