Robert Barham Family Funeral Home

10/19/2026

Michael Curtis "Mike" Bateman

Memorial services celebrating the life of Mr. Michael Bateman will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Midway Baptist Church, with Rev. Michael Pogue officiating. The family will receive guests from 10:30 until 11:15 prior to the services at the church. A graveside service with military honors will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Mississippi Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Newton. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Bateman, 80, of Meridian died on October 17, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born in Meridian, Mississippi to the late Curtis A. and Gertie Bea Hemphill Bateman. He graduated from Meridian High School in 1964 and attended Meridian Community College. While attending Meridian Community College, he passed a United States Marine Corps sign that asked the question: "What are you doing here?" This question caused him to feel a desire to join the United States Marine Corps - despite his mother's disdain. After he was discharged from the United States Marine Corps, he joined the Mississippi Air National Guard, retiring after 36 years of faithful service. If one was to ask Mike's friends and family about him, they would tell you that he was a man of honesty, integrity, and courage who was always willing to stand up for what was right - even if it hurt your feelings.

All of his life, he was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, especially fishing for sharks. He also enjoyed boating and canoeing and vacationing with his family. Mike could always be found with a cup of coffee in his hands. He was a member of Midway Baptist Church and served on the church's security team for 22 years.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faye Elizabeth Grace Bateman; their children, Stacy Bateman Leininger (Robert) and C. Hunter Bateman; grandchildren, Sean Bittick, Joseph Bittick, Michael Bittick (Ayla), and James Bateman (Summer); great-grandchildren, Addison and Charlie Bittick and Alfred and Wesley Leininger; and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Joan Wansley; parents-in-law, Pauline and Marzine "Mutt" Grace; and his brother-in-law, Paul Grace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Mr. Bateman's memory be made to the Baptist Children's Village and/or to Midway Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.

View Michael Curtis "Mike" Bateman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/19/2026

Larry Malcolm Pate

Graveside services for Mr. Larry Pate will be Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, with Dr. Scott Crenshaw officiating. Visitation will be at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home from 11:00 - 11:45 AM prior to departure for the cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Larry Malcolm Pate, 85, of Meridian, MS, passed away at Baptist Anderson Medical Center, Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Larry served in the Army National Guard of Mississippi before joining Southern Natural Gas in 1970, where he served as an electrical technician until 1999. He faithfully attended Midway Baptist Church for more than 25 years and was a devoted husband and father – plus the world’s greatest Papa. He loved talking with his grandsons about bugs, dinosaurs and trains, and reading to them was one of his greatest pleasures. He also took great pride in serving in the Suqualena Volunteer Fire Department for several years. Larry was known as an honest man, and you could not find anyone who would say one negative thing about him.

Larry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy Pate, children; Michelle Clark (Robert) and Michael Pate (Mary), grandchildren; Jamie Clark and Malcolm Pate, brother, Murray Pate (Eunice), and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clearsie and Winona Pate, siblings, Russell Pate and Nora Duggar.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/ and/or the Alzheimer's Association https://donorservices.alz.org/.

View Larry Malcolm Pate's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/16/2026

Lonnie Walter Alexander Jr.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Lonnie Walter Alexander Jr. will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the chapel of Robert Baraham Family Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Gressett officiating. Mr. Alexander's family will receive guest from 9:00 to 10:45 AM at the funeral home prior to services. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangments.

Lonnie Walter Alexander Jr., 84, of Chunky, MS, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Ochsner Rush Medical Center.

Lonnie Alexander, affectionately known as "Lonnie" to many, "Paw Paw Lonnie" to his grandchildren, and "Daddy" and "Pops" to those who loved him most, was a kind and caring man whose greatest joy in life was his family.

Lonnie enjoyed many hobbies and interests throughout his life. He loved reading, fishing, and creating treasures from wood and other materials he could find. Whether crafting something with his hands or sharing stories with those around him, Lonnie found joy in simple pleasures. Above all else, however, his favorite pastime was spending time with his family, whom he loved deeply.

A faithful servant of the Lord, Lonnie also served as a Deacon at the church on Buckley Road. He took great pride in serving his church family and living out his faith through service, kindness, and dedication to others.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Francis Ponds Alexander; his father, Lonnie Walter Alexander Sr.; his brother, Dennis Alexander; and his beloved grandson, Hayden Seth Joiner.

Lonnie leaves behind his devoted wife of 64 years, Mamie Sue Alexander. He is also survived by his three children: Susan September Alexander and her life partner Tommy Wayne Williamson; Gregory Lynn Alexander and daughter-in-law Samantha Gail Alexander; and Sharon Rachelle Joiner and son-in-law Joshua Seth Joiner all from Chunky.

Mr. Lonnie always dreamed of having a large family, and he was blessed to see that dream become a reality. He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Cameron, Elijah, Mary, Noah, Krickett, KC, Lexi, Owen, and Bella. He also leaves behind three cherished great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Anslee, and Paxton.

Lonnie's legacy of love, kindness, creativity, strong faith, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His memory will be treasured, his example will be remembered, and his presence will be deeply missed.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23.

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10/09/2026

Elwin "Slim" Pickens

Funeral services for Mr. Elwin "Slim" Pickens will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Dr. Wade Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens with honors provided by the United States Air Force. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Born October 9, 1939, in Dumas, Mississippi, Mr. Pickens, age 86, of Collinsville, Mississippi, passed away on October 8, 2026, at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, Mississippi.

A retired professional truck driver with Roadway Express, Mr. Pickens achieved an extraordinary career on the road. During his years with REA Express and Roadway, he earned numerous awards and citations, becoming one of an elite group of drivers to log more than five million miles of safe driving—one million with REA and over four million with Roadway. This remarkable accomplishment stood as a lasting testament to his dedication, vigilance, and lifelong commitment to safety.

After completing high school in Memphis, Tennessee, Elwin honorably served as an aircraft mechanic in the United States Air Force Reserve. Through the years, he was a member of several fraternal organizations, including the Masons, Scottish Rite, and Shriners. A dedicated rail enthusiast, he was also a founding member of the Meridian Railroad Museum. Elwin was a lifelong Christian and a faithful member of Northcrest Baptist Church.

After retiring, Elwin continued to serve others. He frequently drove the church van and volunteered at the Riley Center, as well as at various model railroad meets and veterans’ events. At home, he enjoyed tending his yard, cultivating beautiful flower gardens, and, above all else, spending quality time with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Boren Pickens; his children, Wesley Pickens; Robert Pickens and wife, Leslie, and their children, Hannah and Tyler; and Karen Lewis and husband, Michael, and their children, Alanna (Kyle) Boyken and Mallory Lewis; his brother, Kenny Pickens and wife, Sandra; and many dear friends and church members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Amos Pickens, his mother, Geneva Todd Franklin, and an infant sister.

Pallbearers:

Tyler Pickens, Kyle Boyken, Wayne Roberts, Tim Harris, JD Neal, and Jack Sanders.

Honorary Pallbearers:

Danny Davis, Danny Palmer, Jesse Williams, Johnny Jimerson, Lee Cornett, Ted Gambill, Dan Moore, Curt Pouncey, Jimmy Johnson, and Tony McMahon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the East Mississippi Veterans Foundation or the Meridian Railroad Museum.

View Elwin "Slim" Pickens's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/07/2026

John Lance Farr

John Lance Farr, 57, of Biloxi died Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Mr. Farr was born in Meridian, MS and had been a resident of the Coast for about 20 years. He was an irrigation specialist with the Walmart Corporation.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Derek Farr.

Survivors include his wife, Tina Farr; a daughter, Taylor Jordan; a son, Michael Cameron Farr; a brother, Robert Paul Cummings; his mother, Sharon Hamrick Burt and husband Frank; and two grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, in the Hamrick Cemetery in Lauderdale County, MS.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of John Lance Farr.

View John Lance Farr's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/06/2026

Sidney C. Bowers

A funeral service for Mr. Sidney Bowers will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Roberson and Dr. John Temple officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM at the church, prior to the service, on Friday, October 9, 2026. Burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Bowers, 78, of Meridian passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at The Preserve of Meridian.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years Lynn Bowers; sons, Chris Bowers (Jennifer) and Steven Bowers (Kim); grandchildren, Simon Bowers, Grace Bowers, Lucy Bowers, Garret Bowers, and Logan Bowers; siblings, Milton Bowers (Faye) and Debbie Cran; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, H. M. "Shorty" and Jean Bowers.

The family ask the memorial donations to be made to Habitat for Humanity in Meridian or Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, in honor of Mr. Sidney.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

View Sidney C. Bowers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/05/2026

Charlet Cox

Mrs. Charlet Cox, age 82, of Epes, Alabama passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Ochsner Rush Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi.

Mrs. Cox is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Joe Cox; her son, Butch Carter and his wife, Margaret Carter; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; as well as multiple nieces, nephews and a host of dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Charlie Loraine Kyle; her father, Benjamin Hollis Kyle; her sisters, Evelyn Suttle, Loma June Emanuel, Ellen Lorraine Poole; and her brother, Charlie Mack Kyle.

Charlet was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She loved sitting on her front porch with a cup of coffee and enjoyed listening to her windchimes (and scrolling Facebook). Charlet was an avid reader and enjoyed a good mystery novel from the back of the boat while Joe was fishing. A friendly lady, she won the support of her community and was elected to the Epes Town Council for several terms. Charlet also helped with the local barbeque club and volunteered on the Epes Fire Department.

Memorial services are being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sharing memorial contributions with the Wounded Warriors Project, the Tuscaloosa Animal Shelter, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

View Charlet Cox's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/05/2026

Walter Leon "W.L." Duncan Jr.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mr. Walter Leon "W.L." Duncan, Jr. will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, with Brother Charles Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive guests from 10:00 until 10:45 prior to the service on Wednesday. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Duncan, 84, of Meridian passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

W.L. was born on October 22, 1941 in Meridian, Mississippi to the late Walter Leon Duncan, Sr. and Evelyn Seward Duncan. W.L. honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corp. He loved his country and the freedom he so courageously fought and served for; he was a strong believer in exercising one's right to vote and was a strong supporter of President Donald Trump. He worked for many years until his retirement as a mechanic. W.L. was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of Carmel Baptist Church.

Mr. Duncan is survived by his children, Randy Lee Breedlove (Theresa), Sandy Stewart (Steve), Diane Stewart, Steve Duncan (Judy), and Scott Duncan (Dawn); 12 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Jo Sullivan; parents, Walter Leon Duncan, Sr. and Evelyn Seward Duncan; one sister, Jeanette; and his son-in-law, Rawlin Stewart.

In addition to floral tributes, the family requests that memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Duncan be made to support Disabled American Veterans.

Pallbearers will be Wade Akins, Jimmy Breedlove, Matthew Duncan, Chris Butler, Connor Etheridge, Justin Anderson, and Austin Anderson.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.

View Walter Leon "W.L." Duncan Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/05/2026

Funeral Service for Mrs. Louvesia Riddell
Monday, October 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

10/05/2026

Alec Gamblin

Graveside services for Alec Gamblin will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, with Dr. Tom Sikes officiating. Inurnment will follow graveside rites at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Meridian, MS. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Gamblin, age 48, of Meridian, MS passed away October 3, 2026.

Alec was born November 3, 1977 in Meridian, MS to Jimmy and Annie Gamblin. He attended Meridian Public Schools. As a youth he was involved in baseball and he loved music and art.

He is survived by his parents; his two sons whom he loved dearly, Ethan Parker Robson and Bryce Willam Gamblin of Collinsville MS; his sister Meg Kapper and husband Craig, and nieces Addison Kapper and Caroline Kapper of Las Vegas, NV. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Gamblin of Meridian, MS.

The family request memorials be made to any addiction recovery program of your choice.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook a robertbarhamffh.com

View Alec Gamblin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.