Barnett Strother Funeral Home

09/09/2026

Gary Dixon Tapp, 69, passed away peacefully on September 5th, 2026, in Madisonville, KY.

He was born on March 23, 1957, to Thomas Dixon Tapp and Norma Chappell Tapp Howard. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Keith Adcock, in December of 2025.

He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Bowles; granddaughters MaCallister Gray and Mallory Bowles of Madisonville, KY; his brother, Ricky (Debbie Brown) Tapp of Madisonville, KY; sister, Teresa Tapp Adcock of Eddyville, KY; and his beloved cat, Pork Chop.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date with Barnett-Strother Funeral Home providing services to the family.

Gary was born on March 23rd, 1957 and passed away on September 5th, 2026 at the age of 69

09/09/2026

Michael Wayne Masoncup, 64, of Madisonville, KY passed away, September 5, 2026, at Madisonville Health and Rehab.
He was born May 24, 1962, in Madisonville to the late Elvis Ray Masoncup and Dorothy Mae Shaw Masoncup. He is also preceded in death by his loving wife, Sue Masoncup.
Michael was an employee for Masoncup Excavating. He loved spending his free time watching westerns, and adored Gunsmoke. Above all, he loved taking care of and doting on his beloved, Sue.
He is survived by his son, Michael Wayne Masoncup; brothers, Jody (Amanda) Masoncup, Richard (Pat) Masoncup, and Danny “Big Sexy” Masoncup; his stepdaughter; and his uncle, Glen Shaw.
Private burial will be held at Olive Branch Cemetery at a later date.

Michael passed away on September 5th, 2026

09/09/2026

Wesley Don Phelps, 61, of Slaughters, KY, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at his residence. He was born on January 12, 1965, in Madisonville, KY, to Wesley Leroy Phelps and the late Carolyn Faye Croft Phelps. He was also preceded in death by his grandmothers, Lillie Warner and Reba Irene Phelps; and grandfathers, Alger Croft and John Wesley Phelps.

Having spent his younger years racing motocross in Western Kentucky, Don spent most of his life in Central Florida and had owned a roof cleaning business prior to retiring. Recently, he had fulfilled his dream of moving to the country.

Don had an unforgettable personality much like his grandmother, Lillie, who raised him and his unparalleled sense of humor was matched only by his love for animals; deer, turtles, he even helped some gators cross the road, but above all else, his dogs.

If you'd like to honor Don with a donation to a charity of your choice, either financial or by volunteering a bit of your time, causes close to his heart were animals, the environment, and the disadvantaged.

He is survived by his father, Wesley Leroy (Carol) Phelps of Madisonville; sisters, Dale (Wellford) Reed of Crozier, VA, and Scheri (Todd) Fox of Dickson, TN as well as two stepbrothers, Allan (Renee) Witkowski and Tony (Lisa) Witkowski; and his three dogs, Jaeda, Tater, and Brody.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Don was born on January 12th, 1965 and passed away on September 1st, 2026 at the age of 61

09/08/2026

Lucy Jane Todd, 47, of Madisonville, KY passed away Monday, September 7, 2026 at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville, IN.
She was born October 8, 1978, in Hopkins County, KY to the late Ellis Whitmer and Nancy Brunson Bourland. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Sawyer.
Lucy made her living as a homemaker. She enjoyed going shopping, canning, and being around people. She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids.
She is survived by her daughters, Amy (JD) Rose, Faith (David) Todd, Lisa (Allen) Shoemaker; son, Donald “Brutus” (Kayley Stone) Todd Jr.; sisters, Angie (Eddie) Scott, Lisa (Brian) Faughender; Trish (William) Knight, Rose (Chris) Rich, Peggy Boyette, Cheryl Washburn, and Brittany (Kristopher Adkins) Brunson; brother, William (Samantha) Brunson; grandchildren, Damion, Greyson, Ayden, Hunter, Abby, Silas, Bella, Savannah, Makayla, Amyah, Lilly, and Teggy; her first husband, Donald Todd; and life partner, AJ Jenkins.
Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, September 11, 2026 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home – Madisonville Chapel with Bro. Bobby Todd officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Madisonville.
Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until service time Friday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be JD Rose, Allen Shoemaker, David Stevens, Eddie Scott, Brutus Todd, Damion Rose, and William Brunson.

Lucy was born on October 8th, 1978 and passed away on September 7th, 2026 at the age of 47

09/07/2026

William “Barry” Groves, 75, of Eddyville, KY passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Baptist Health Paducah in Paducah, KY.
Mr. Groves was born December 23, 1950, in Madisonville, KY to the late William R.L. Groves and Mary Elizabeth Ferrell Groves.
Barry was a driver for Linn Gas. He was an avid fisherman. He loved to hunt, collect arrowheads, and was an expert DIY-er.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer McGee Groves of 42 years; his daughters, Amber (Michael) Crook of Madisonville, Brittany Lynne Groves of Kenai, Alaska, and Tiffany Elizabeth Groves of Cadiz, KY; two sisters, Teresa Duncan of Madisonville and Trena (Terry) Johnson of Elizabethtown, KY; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Barnett Strother Funeral Home with Pastor Warren Hopper officiating. Burial will follow at Grapevine Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the service hour on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Shane Taylor, Michael Crook, Koty Crook, Andy Winiger, Mark Gifford, and Aaron Cox. Honorary pallbearers will be Anthony Gifford and Aaron Gifford.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society/ Breast Cancer Awareness at P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD, 21741. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barnettstrother.com.

https://barnettstrother.com/obituaries/william-groves-sep-2026

William was born on December 30th, 1950 and passed away on September 6th, 2026 at the age of 75

09/04/2026

David Link, born November 20, 1946, in Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at the age of 79.
David was born and raised in Michigan before moving to Kentucky in pursuit of work and a new chapter in his life. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force. Following his military service, David worked for many years as a journeyman electrician, a career that reflected his strong work ethic, determination, and dedication.
David was a man who loved life and enjoyed experiencing everything it had to offer. He especially loved to travel, see new places, and discover new things. He had a friendly and welcoming personality and truly never met a stranger. His ability to make people feel comfortable and his genuine kindness will be remembered by all who knew him.
David was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Donald and Kathleen Link.
He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory, including his sisters, Kimberley Buehler, Robin Simoneau, and Kathy Link; his sons, Mike Link, David Ryan Link, and Allen Goodman; his daughters, Michelle Link Embs and Tonya Ray; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
David will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His stories, his sense of adventure, his welcoming spirit, and the memories he created with his family and friends will live on in their hearts.
Though he has left this world, the love and memories he gave to those around him will never be forgotten.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday September 12, 2026, at Dunn Church in Dawson Springs, KY. A burial will be held at a later date.
Rest peacefully, David. You will be loved and missed always.

David was born on November 20th, 1946 and passed away on September 2nd, 2026 at the age of 79

09/03/2026

Wesley Don Phelps, 61, of Slaughters, KY, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on January 12, 1965, in Madisonville, KY to Wesley Leroy Phelps and the late Carolyn Faye Croft Phelps. He was also preceded in death by his grandmothers, Lillie Warner and Reba Irene Phelps; and grandfathers, Alger Croft and John Wesley Phelps.
Before retiring, Don owned a roof cleaning business in Florida. In his younger years, Don enjoyed racing motocross and had grown into enjoying nature with his dogs.
He is survived by his father, Wesley Phelps of Madisonville; sisters, Scheri (Todd) Fox of Dickson, TN and Dale (Wellford) Reed of Crozier, VA; and his three dogs, Jaeda, Tater, and Brody.
Services for the family were provided by Barnett-Strother Funeral Home.

Wesley was born on January 12th, 1965 and passed away on September 1st, 2026 at the age of 61

09/02/2026

Shannon Oakley, 74, of Madisonville, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026.
Born in Madisonville to Lewis and Lucille Stanley, she was the ninth of ten children. A graduate of South Hopkins High School, Shannon was a cheerleader and played French horn in the band.
She married Jack Whitfield, and together they had four children. In 1994, she married Carlis Oakley, and for 25 years they owned and operated Hanson Country Market. Shannon and Carlis enjoyed Kentucky Wildcats basketball, beach vacations, and time with family.
She is survived by her children Monica (Matthew) Brase, Tandy (Scott) Burr, Heather (Banks) Ray, and Jackie Whitfield Jr. (Emily); step-sons Jason (Lisa) and Jarrod (Lisa) Oakley; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and her brother, Kenny (Debbie) Stanley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlis; parents; siblings Gena, Loretta, Shirley, Louis, Ronnie, Larry, Jimmy, and Billy; and a step-son, Jeff.
Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the exceptional team at The Paragon for their love and care over the past two years, and to the staff at Baptist Health for their compassion in her final days.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. with funeral services at 1 p.m. Friday, September 4, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville.

09/02/2026

James “Mutt” Maddox, 66, was born September 11, 1959, in Thomasville, Georgia. He grew up in Nortonville, Kentucky, and lived a life that took him from Price, Utah, to the hills of West Virginia, before making his home in Henderson, Kentucky.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Maddox; his mother, Ruby Maddox; his brother, Jeff Maddox; Hannah Maddox, mother of his child; and his stepson, Preston Mills.

He leaves behind his daughter, Ashlie (Michael) Maddox Miller; his sister, Nancy Maddox; his brother, Timmy Maddox; and his grandson, Kaleb Reece Mills, along with many other family members, friends, and loved ones who will carry his memory with them.

Mutt was a hardworking man of God. He was known for operating heavy equipment, hauling cattle, his train whistle, two-stepping, riding motorcycles, fishing & loving Ashlie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 P.M. on Friday September 11, 2026, at Rockstile Creek Church in Providence with Pastor Brent Branson officiating.

Visitation will be from 4:30 P.M. until service time Friday at the church.

James was born on September 11th, 1959 and passed away on September 1st, 2026 at the age of 66

09/02/2026

Robert Schwader, Jr., 63, of Providence KY passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2026 at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.

He was born on March 18, 1963, in Hammond, IN, to Robert Schwader, Sr. And the late Carol Wood Schwader. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Christina DeBoe.

Robert made his living as a mechanic. You could always find him working on or riding his motorcycle - which he loved to drive fast, very fast. He had a love for his grandkids who called him a “grumpy marshmallow.” He also had a love for his dogs and all his animals.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian Stout Schwader; son, Robert Paul Schwader; step children, Chad Holland, Jeffrey (Amy) Holland, and Jennifer (Joe) Franklin; adopted children, Mandy Bradley and Jeanette Kells; sisters, Linda Clark, Theresa Holland, and Ginger Rushing; and grandchildren, Landon, Nevaeh, Brody, Justin, Alexis, Jayne Rae, and Joe, Jr., and adopted grandchildren, Emily, Olivia, Crystal, and Bentley.

Services for the family were provided by Barnett-Strother Funeral Home - Providence Chapel.

Memorial Services will be held for the family at a later date.

Robert passed away on August 30th, 2026