Obituaries

Mr. Richard Claude Howell, age 60 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2021.

Mr. Howell was a lifelong resident of Winn Parish and was retired from the construction industry.

Born Wednesday, June 28, 1961 in Winnfield, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Jean O’Neal Howell and M. L. Howell; stepfather, John Howell; sisters, Mary Ellen Howell and Phyllis Rodgers; grandparents, Claude and Laura O’Neal and Morgan Lee and Sadie Howell and his uncle, Bobby O’Neal.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sisters, Laura Bacle (David) and Helen McGee, both of Jonesboro, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be announced by the family at a later time.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.southernfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Bobby Everett Vestal of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at his residence. Graveside services will bewere held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 24, 2021 in Old Union Cemetery of Joyce, Louisiana with Rev. Bruce Cardin officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Mr. Vestal was a US Army veteran and was a retired pipeline union teamster worker.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rhonda Gray.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Bookout Vestal; children, Tracy Fortner, Bobby Vestal, Jr., Buddy Vestal and Stephanie Vestal; grandchildren, Kenny Gray (Brooke) and Kacey Lawler (Brian); great-grandchildren, Chloe Louise Gray, Kaylee McKissack and Bentley, Riggin and Harper Lawler.

Serving as pallbearers were Josh Shell, John Jones, Dakoda Morse, Tyler Hill, Brian Lowery, Bentley Lawler and Tracy Fortner.

Ms. Ruthora Hawkins Coburn of Georgetown, Louisiana passed away on Friday, September 24, 2021 in Winnfield, Louisiana. She was born June 10, 1926 in East Prairie, Missouri to the union of Benjamin Franklin Hawkins and Orbie Grayson Hawkins. She is preceded in death by her parents, as well as her husband J.B. Coburn, Sr.; daughter Sharron Blake siblings Rosie Jones, Buford Hawkins, Irene Barbee, Wreathia Jolly, and Velma Dick.

Those left to cherish her memory are children Paulette Baxley, Bryant Coburn (Wanda), Vicki Spikes (Louis), grandchildren Johnnie, Stephanie, Randy, Casey, Cindy, Bryant III, Benjamin, Richard, and Tammy; 25 Great-Grandchildren; and 15 Great-Great-Grandchildren. She is also survived by a son-in-law Bruce Blake, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Barry Louis Phelps, age 63, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away August 20, 2021. Mr Phelps was a U.S. Army Veteran and worked in the pipeline and equestrian industries. More recently, he worked with the Kentucky Derby. He will be remembered as an outgoing person who enjoyed meeting new friends and traveling. He had a loving, gypsy soul that we will all miss.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bennie Louis Phelps and Eloyce Daily Phelps as well as his sister Suzonne Phelps. Survivors include his two daughters Crystal Phelps (Anthony), and Nicky Williams (David); grandchildren Chasten, Kaidyn, Ashley, and Dannon; brother James Monty Phelps; nephew Monty Lynn Phelps; and niece Jessica Taylor.

Mr. Glen D. Rowell of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on September, 3, 2021 at home with his wife and loved ones by their side. Mr. Rowell was born on April 19, 1938 in Winnfield, Louisiana to the union of Theodore and Martha Powell.

He was an avid bass fisherman, duck and whitetail deer hunter in his favorite area, Saline Lake. So much so, he created his own line of fishing lures named Saline Lake Lures. He once asked his mother where he came from and she stated jokingly, when you was a little boy I found you walking down the road with a fishing pole in one hand and a shotgun in the other. He was loved and admired by friends and family for his wonderful experiences and stories of fishing and hunting told around the old hunting camps after an exciting day.

James Earl “Buddy” Corbitt, age 72, of Calvin, LA., entered his eternal home Sunday, September 12, 2021, in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his family and friends.

Buddy was born September 10, 1949 in Winnfield, LA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Francis Corbitt; and one sister Wanda Faye Davis.

Buddy served in the Army (1969-1971) serving in the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, from active service, he served in the Louisiana National Guard for 25 years. He worked as a butcher for many years prior to his illness. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping but his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Mrs. LaWanda Hollinghead Bedgood, age 79 of Goldonna, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.

Born Saturday, September 12, 1942 in Healing Springs, Alabama, she was preceded in death by her parents, Ed Hollinghead and Irene McKinney; husband, John T. Bedgood.

Mrs. Bedgood enjoyed growing and tending her potted plants and was an avid deer and hummingbird watcher and especially enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Bruce Bedgood (Boogie), Scott Bedgood (Nikki) and Kami Dobson (David); grandchildren, Michelle, Danielle, Racquel, Eric, Mallory, Statton, Cole and John Michael; great-grandchildren, Alli, Aiden, Colie, Piper, Trevor, Grant, Aniston and Porter; sister, Jimmie English; several nieces and nephews and her fourlegged child, Tucker.

Mr. James E. Sandifer, Sr., age 82 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed on to his heavenly home on August 23, 2021.

Born Saturday, October 22, 1938, in Colfax, Louisiana, he was a member of Laurel Heights Baptist Church. Along with his Savior, his family was his heart. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family dearly. Not only was he dedicated to his family, but his work was a part of his heart as well. Before working, he served in the US National Guard. He was a dedicated employee with the Winn Parish School Board from 1969-1999 and came back to work within months after retirement to continue working part-time until July 2021. His hobbies throughout the years included hunting, fishing, doing chores and working in the garden alongside his “honey”, and taking pride in his work. He loved driving a school bus, as well as driving a log truck, and above all, he appreciated the blessing of family, and gave God the glory for all.

Bobby Joe Poisso, age 61 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away September 7, 2021 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Mrs. Shirley Ann James Tolbert, age 79 of Sikes, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

Born Monday, November 17, 1941 in Crowville, Louisiana, she was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Willard and Maudie Lee Mixon James.

Mrs. Tolbert attended Friendship Baptist Church where she was pianist. She worked for many years as a paraprofessional with the Winn Parish School Board and also for a number of years as a telephone operator. Mrs. Tolbert will be remembered as a strong Christian, loving wife, mother and grandmother who led her family by example. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and sewing and sitting on her porch while drinking coffee.