GLORIA COKER THORNTON
Gloria Coker Thornton, 85, of Auburn went to be with the Lord on June 13, 2025.
Gloria was born in Tallassee on May 28, 1940, to E.C. and Mary Coker. She was a devoted wife of 58 years and loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling and following the Auburn Tigers football and basketball teams.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Barry C. Coker.
She is survived by her husband, Henry W. Thornton; sister, Catherine Goodwin (Bill); brother, Jackson Coker (Catherine); sister-in-law, Gayle Brantley; children, Terrie Thornton, Roy Thornton (Anna), Cathy Thornton, Jeff Thornton (Becky) and Woody Thornton (Holly); grandchildren, Jay Berry (Alyson), Amanda Dixon (Bill), Candace Gazda (Charles), Payton Carter (Josh), Shayla Thornton, Madison Thornton, Noah Thornton, Tori Thornton, Ryan Thornton, Matthew Thornton, Katie Thornton and Jackson Thornton; great-grandchildren, Benny, Rollie, Kane, Rankin, Abel and Lakyn; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends that she dearly loved.
Visitation will be held at Parkway Baptist Church in Auburn on Friday, June 20, at 10 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. Graveside will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tallassee at 3 p.m. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Parkinson’s Foundation in memory of Gloria.
The family would like to thank all the personal caregivers that have been there for her throughout the past years.
FRANCIS “FRAN” CLARK SR.
Francis Clark Sr., affectionately known as “Fran,” went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 30, 2025, at the age of 75. A resident of Prattville, Alabama, Fran leaves behind a legacy of innovation, adventure and deep devotion to his family.
Born on May 26, 1950, in Orchard Park, New York, Fran was the son of the late William J. Clark and Jessie M. (Romanowski) Clark. Fran loved hunting and fishing with his brothers. A gifted student, he earned admission to Yale University, where he studied metallurgical engineering.
After graduating from Yale, Fran married, started a family and settled in Montgomery. He began his professional career with Thermal Components, where he dedicated over 20 years. His work took him around the globe, designing and building factories that produced cutting-edge heat exchange equipment. Rising to the position of executive vice president, Fran became a respected innovator and leader in his field. His impact on the industry was significant, and even after leaving Thermal Components, he went on to found two more companies based on his expertise.
Fran’s passions extended far beyond engineering. He was a talented bass guitarist, loved car racing, fishing and hunting. An avid outdoorsman, Fran so enjoyed preparing the land and hunting with his close friends at The Annex Hunting Club.
Among Fran’s greatest joys was being a devoted father and grandfather. He never missed a baseball game played by his grandson, Chance, who he loved more than the world and so enjoyed their bowling outings. He was so proud of his son Frannie and frequently spoke of his accomplishments.
Fran attended Centerpoint Fellowship Church in Prattville.
Fran was preceded in death by his brother, Nelson Clark. He is survived by his children, Francis “Frannie” Clark Jr. and Jason “JW” William Clark; grandson, Chance William Clark; siblings, William (Margaret) Clark, Thomas (Norma) Clark Sr., Lawrence (Lori) Clark, Joseph (Jean) Clark, Mary (Barry) Pfohl and Margaret (James) Salgot; sister-in-law, Bonnie Clark; former wife and friend, Pauhla Clark; nephew, Thomas (Lisa) Clark Jr. and numerous other nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Cain’s Chapel, 96 Lightwood Drive, Deatsville, AL 36022. Following the service, friends and family are invited to join us at Fran’s favorite Mexican restaurant, El Cerrito Mexican Grill in Prattville, for a meal in his honor.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
ERNESTINE VICKERS COOKSEY
Mrs. Ernestine Vickers Cooksey passed away on June 15, 2025, at the age of 98. She was born on March 20, 1927, in Amsterdam, Georgia, to Harmon Wilson Vickers and Mattie Martha Collins Vickers.
In addition to her parents, Ernestine was preceded in death by her first husband, Lamar Augustus McKinnon; brothers, Jesse Wilson Vickers (Frances), Herman Willard Vicker (Montine), William Walter Vickers (Betty), Gerald Wesley Vickers (Erma), James Wendell Vickers and Hershel Clyde Vickers; sister, Wyelene Elizabeth Frazier (Curtis); and granddaughter, Wendy Ann Shelby Miller.
Ernestine is survived by her husband, Leon Kenneth Cooksey; daughter, Marlene McKinnon Cruze (Glen); sons, Marshall Eugene Cooksey (Patty) and Leslie Kenneth Cooksey (Christie); grandchildren, Patricia Cooksey Smith (Charles), Michelle Cooksey King (Chris), Morgan Cooksey, Haydan Cooksey Brown (Brandon), Cindy Webber (Scott) and James Scott Shelby (Amy); and great-grandchildren, Autumn Smith, Cole Smith, Nolan Smith, Charlotte King, Mason King, Amalie Brown (Cray), James Shelby (Lauren), Savannah Cooksey-Murphy, Aubrie Brown, Remington Brown, Lakelyn Brown and one on the way.
Ernestine was a licensed photographer who won many awards. She owned Studio and Color Lab, worked for a newspaper in Thomasville, Georgia and worked in the theater for several years. She then worked for the Opelika Daily News for many years, where her love of history led the editor to ask her to do the history of the old homes in Opelika, Auburn and surrounding counties. Several of the homes were registered in the Alabama Archives and History in Montgomery.
She was a member of the BPW (Business and Professional Women’s Club), Chamber of Commerce, Pilot Club and Opelika Garden Club. She served as president of the Federation of Garden Clubs, served on the board of Meals on Wheels, received an award from Kris Douglas for her work with the Leukemia Society and did photographic work for three governors of Alabama.
Ernestine was a member of Trinity Methodist Church, where she taught in the children’s department for several years, sang in the choir for over 50 years and was the church historian, then continued to keep a log of church’s events and activities at her home.
She will be laid to rest in Garden Hills Cemetery in a private burial. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Trintiy Methodist Church, with those dates and times to be announced.
COLLEEN M. HALVERSON
Colleen M Halverson, or more affectionately known as Gma, to her five grandchildren, died Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery. She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on Oct. 3, 1949. She was the daughter of Junius and Elizabeth McCabe.
After graduating from Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia, Colleen met and then married James Robert Halverson, Jr. in June 1968. They later settled in Manassas, Virginia, where they raised their sons, Jim and Eric, until they moved to Marietta, Georgia, in 1990. After Jim’s death in 2021, Colleen relocated to Opelika and quickly assimilated to her new community. She became involved in Trinity Church and neighborhood book clubs. She enjoyed reading and traveling with friends and family. She was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren and sisters.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Brooke Halverson and Eric and Jennifer Halverson; grandchildren, Bowen and Jack Gibney, Lily Halverson, Grant Halverson, Ann Marie Halverson and Hadley Halverson; sister and brother-in-law, Richard and Judy Lillis; sister, Peggie Carroll; in-law sisters and brothers, Ann and Sean Kelly and Mike and Jane McDonald; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held June 18 at Trinity Church in Opelika. The family will gather for a graveside service at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Feeding God’s Children program at Trinity Church in Opelika.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
AMBERS E. HANSON
Ambers E. Hanson, age 101, died peacefully in his home in Auburn on Monday, June 9, 2025. His home was the place he loved most dearly. He was fortunate to remain there with the help of a host of caregivers that included loving family, friends, neighbors and professional staff who were all led by his devoted wife, Jean.
Ambers was born on July 31, 1923, to James Madison Hanson and Lora Butler Hanson in Pine Hill, Alabama (Randolph County). He grew up on a farm, which, with the family’s labor and know-how, provided much of the food that sustained them during the Depression. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1942 and served in World War II for three years as an Air Force radio operator and gunner on B-17s and B-24s. He was assigned to the 8th Air Force, 34th Bomb Group, 391st Division. He survived a place crash during training before he was deployed to Mendlesham, England. From this air base, he flew 25 bombing missions over Germany, France and Czechoslovakia. At the end of the war, he participated in food drops over Holland.
His military awards include the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the World War II Victory Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars.
During the Korean War in 1950, while Ambers was attending Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University), he was recalled to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Once again, he served as a radio operator on B-29s as well as practiced loading the atomic bomb. Although his education was interrupted twice by military service, Ambers graduated from API in March 1952 and married his sweetheart in October 1952.
He then began a long career as an agricultural economist with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), focusing on river basin studies. In 1964-65 he was awarded a Kellogg Fellowship to attend North Carolina State for additional graduate courses.
Ambers was a faithful and loving husband to Jean Lowery Hanson throughout their 72 years of marriage. Together they were charter members of Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn. After retirement from SCS, the Hansons also owned and operated a horse boarding business with two of their lifelong friends, Dorothy and Walter Grimes.
In addition to his wife, Ambers is survived by his children, Scott (Sarah) and Lynn (Mary Lou); grandchildren, Lora Lynn (Andrew) and Daniel (Anna); and great-grandchildren, Sam, Ian, Adam, Ellen, Willa, Mira and Finn. The family is especially grateful to Annie Ruth Epps for the love and tender care she offered Mr. Hanson in his final years, as well as to the Compassus staff for oversight of his hospice care services.
Ambers lived an extraordinary life. He chose kindness and gentleness in all seasons. The very core of his character inspired respect. A kind and wise man, Ambers loved well and was well loved.
A Celebration of Life was held June 14 at Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, followed by a graveside service and burial at Ranburne First Baptist Church.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisted the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Benevolence Fund at Lakeview Baptist Church or to the Ranburne First Baptist Church.
MARSHALL LEWIS BURNS JR.
Dr. Marshall Lewis Burns Jr., 79, passed away peacefully June 1, 2025, at Dadeville Healthcare Center.
Born Sept. 8, 1945, in Crab Orchard, West Virginia, he spent his childhood running and playing in the West Virginia mountains. His family moved to Indiana when he was a teenager, and he graduated from Warren Central High School in 1963. He attended Franklin College in Indiana on a President’s Science Scholarship where he was named a Hoosier All-Conference athlete in track. His favorite races were the 800-meter relay and the 1,600-meter relay, still holding school records in both. Marshall graduated from Franklin College with a B.A. in physics in 1967. It was while at Franklin College that he met and married the love of his life, June Anne Doub.
Awarded a National Defense Education Act Fellowship to Kent State University in Ohio, Marshall earned his Ph.D. in physics (accelerated) in 1972. He was an assistant professor at William Patterson College in New Jersey before moving to Auburn with his wife and 4 children in 1976. Marshall spent the remainder of his teaching career (46 years) at Tuskegee University, where he was promoted to full professor and developed the university’s first physics major program. He also served for two years as a summer Faculty Research Associate to the Air Force Office of Scientific Research for spaceflight study (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base). Additionally, he solely authored the textbook, “Modern Physics for Science and Engineering.”
Marshall’s greatest joy outside of his family was teaching, interacting with and inspiring his many students. He was known for lecturing with only a cup of coffee and a piece of chalk, never using any notes. In addition, he obtained a builder’s license and built three houses in Ohio and one in Auburn, which was the family home for 27 years. He was an honorary lifetime member of the Village Conservation Club and a former member of the Auburn Elks Lodge. After retiring, he spent his days boating, fishing and enjoying life at Lake Martin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Marsha Burns Burney.
Marshall is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, June Anne Doub Burns; children, Kim Burns Cobb, Michelle Tonsmeire (Mac) and Bill Burns (Victoria); grandchildren, Katie Cobb, Kyle Cobb (Natalie), Thomas Tonsmeire, Maggie Tonsmeire, AJ Brenner, Logan Brenner, Brandon Burns, Kerith Brenner Trammell (Dakota), Emmy Burns Vines (Nick) and Maddy Burns; great-grandchildren, Will Brenner and Isabella Trammell; brother, Earle Goode (Yvonne) and sister, Nancy Pat Chapman.
A private graveside service was held on June 5 at Auburn Memorial Park. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
The family respectfully requests donations in Dr. Burns’ name be made to the Marsha Burns Burney Memorial Scholarship Fund at Auburn University.
KENNETH (KENNY) M. CARROLL
Kenneth (Kenny) M. Carroll, born May 21, 1956, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, at the Medical Center Barbour County. He fell ill on Saturday while fishing in his boat in a tournament on Lake Eufaula. Anyone who knew Kenny will know that this was the way he wanted go.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Hershel and Nita Carroll, and his brother, Ricky Carroll. He is survived by his friend, Wynona Driscoll; children, Scottie (Rebecca) Carroll, Lori Carroll and Keith Carroll; brother, Thomas (Alice) Carroll; sister, Fay (Ronnie) Garner; stepmother, Ruby Carroll; six grandchildren, Lance Ostrander, Blake Ostrander, Christopher Ostrander, Luke Carroll, Alissa Hill and Kacee Hill (Feemster); several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Kenny was a retired logger. He loved the outdoors. In his younger years, Kenny enjoyed deer hunting, bow competitions and playing softball. He was a passionate and successful bass fisherman. Kenny loved his family and friends and was always willing to help others. He lived a good life and acknowledged that God was the source of his strength.
A celebration of life was held June 16 at Lakeside Church of God in Opelika, followed by a graveside service at Shady Grove Community Cemetery.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
The family would like to especially thank Kenny’s fellow fisherman who assisted him on the boat, and the staff of the Medical Center Barbour County for the care, respect and compassion they provided him and his loved ones during his illness.
KRISTINA HADAWAY
Kristina Hadaway passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. After a courageous year-long battle with cancer and other illnesses, she is finally at peace, free from pain and reunited with her beloved husband.
Kristina was a lifelong resident of Auburn. She cherished her memories of time spent with friends at the Midway Roller Rink, where she met the love of her life, Samuel “Sammy” Hadaway, fondly known as “Grinch.” From the moment they met, Kristina and Sammy were inseparable. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with horseback riding, trips to Biloxi and, most of all, the joy of being grandparents.
She was preceded in death by her father, Albert “Red” Hagans; sister, Dolores Folds; husband, Sammy Hadaway; childhood best friend, Nancy Marsee; beloved horse, Major; and many other treasured family and friends.
Kristina is survived by her mother, Gerda Hagans; daughter, Heidi Marlin (Kevin); grandsons, Hagan and Austin Marlin; and bonus granddaughter, Berkeley Ragsdale. After the passing of her sister Dolores, Kristina lovingly stepped in as a second mother to her nephew, Cameron Folds (Jamela), and niece, Melanie Hocevar (Jeff). She also embraced the role of grandmother to her great-nephew, Brayden Smith, and great-nieces, Camryn Smith, Irish Folds, Haven Folds and Clover Folds. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, George Folds (Lena), Tommy Hadaway (Kathy), Mark Hadaway (Sam), and Phillip Hadaway (MaryAnne); and her sisters-in-law, Claris Meall, Nancy Elder, Nell Manley (Kenny), Teresa Baker (Brian), and Cheryl Hadaway. Kristina will also be deeply missed by her best friend, Shari White (Avery); her aunt, Barbara Keel Lunsford (Ken); and many other cherished family members and friends.
A funeral service was held June 11 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick Hagans officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Animal Health Center’s rescue program or the Spencer Cancer Center in Kristina’s memory.
ESTHER W. MARSHALL
Esther W. Marshall of Opelika passed away June 8, 2025, after a brief illness.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Arvle E. Marshall; children, Scott Marshall (Diane) and Mary Margaret Dodd (Terry); sister, Mary Marcus Miltonberger (Ken); grandchildren, Nicholas Marshall, Julia Marshall Hermanas (Christian), William Dodd, David Dodd, Charles Dodd and Elijah Dodd; and a great-grandchild, Christopher Dodd.
Esther was born in Andrews, Texas, and grew up going into the oil fields with her father, spending summers with her grandparents at Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, and fishing on Galveston Island. As a young woman, she worked as a counselor at a Girl Scout Camp. Due to her relationship with Arvle, who was planning to be a veterinarian, she was tasked with de-scenting a skunk. She studied horticulture at Texas Tech and learned to dislike chrysanthemums, because she had to tend a greenhouse full of them.
After marrying Arvle, who was now in vet school at Texas A&M, she worked as a secretary in the anatomy department because she could read Latin. Upon his graduation and the birth of their children, she became a devoted wife and mother, who served her family well as a homemaker, fiber artist and Master Gardener. She taught many people spinning and enjoyed weaving tapestries and small goods. She was a founding member of the East Alabama Fiber Arts Guild and was a weaver with the Lee County Historical Society Museum in Loachapoka. She made many items of clothing, including her signature Hugg.
She passed her love of gardening on to her children and grandchildren, planting everything from azaleas to zinnias. It was said she could plant popsicles and grow pine trees.
When she and Arvle moved out to rural Lee County, she enjoyed working on the property, planting native azaleas, establishing an herb garden and painting the interior of the house bright colors. She loved the beach and collecting sea shells, remembering where each one came from and the story behind finding them. She loved bright colors, flowers of all sorts (except mums. She will be missed by her family and everyone who knew her. She is now perfected, in her new Heavenly home, likely picking up shells on the beach or digging in the soft soil of a beautiful garden.
A memorial celebration was held June 17 at First Methodist Church of Opelika, with Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the two causes she loved: Heifer Project International (www.heifer.org ) or the Alabama Sheriffs Girls Ranch (www.alabamasheriffsyouthranches.org).
MARLIN RICHARD FARMER
Marlin Richard Farmer, 75, passed away on June 7, 2025, in Opelika.
Marlin was born on March 9, 1950, in Niceville, Florida, son of the late Dallas Richard Farmer and Annie Martha Farmer. As a military family, they were stationed in various locations, including Florida, England, Italy and California before retirement brought them to Georgia. Later, he also served in the U.S. Air Force as a communications specialist. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Columbus State University (formerly Columbus College). Marlin spent more than 30 years at Rexnord in Auburn before retiring as supervisor of electrical maintenance.
Marlin was a sweet, loyal, hardworking man who was truly proud to be a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son and brother. He always had a ready smile, infectious grin and big hug for those around him. He enjoyed fishing and riding his motorcycle, but his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Mary Jane Farmer; five children, Anita Knighton (Jon), Emily Kindred (Shalon), Julie Poppo (David), Paul Farmer and Kate Cragg (Tommy); 16 grandchildren, Christian Pike (Christine), Lilian Dixon, Macie Haros (Alfredo), Annabelle Knighton, Daniel Titus, Aleah Henderson, Joel Titus, Nathaniel Henderson, William Knighton, David Farmer, Megan Titus, Jenna Cragg, Weston Farmer, Cole Willey, Hannah Cragg and John Cragg; one great-grandson, Jahseh Haros; and four siblings, Yolanda Farmer, Donnie Farmer, Kenny Farmer and Terri Outler (Jim Ellison). Additionally, he had many nieces and nephews, as well as his Virginia family, who loved and will miss him dearly.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
KEITH A. KESSLER
Keith A. Kessler was born March 25, 1961, and passed away June 7, 2025, at age 64.
A graveside service was held June 13 and Sonflower Cemetery in LaFayette.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
