Harlan “Lynn” Caruthers

Harlan “Lynn” Caruthers of Festus, was born on March 8, 1955 in St. Louis, a son of the late Basil Caruthers and Lucille (Bishop) Caruthers. Lynn passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022, having reached the age of sixty-seven years, one month, and six days.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his brothers, Donald Caruthers (wife, Jeanette), and Wayne Caruthers; sister-in-law, Linda Evancic; special nieces and nephews, Guy Caruthers, Jimmy Caruthers, Cissy “Renee” Hinson-Caruthers, Donnie Caruthers, Missy Coppedge, Karen Caruthers, and Denise Tidwell.

In addition to his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Caruthers; half-brothers, Billy Ray Caruthers, Carlos Caruthers; and many special aunts and uncles.

Lynn, who had a lovable personality, enjoyed all kinds of music and was very talented in the past with playing guitar. He also loved keeping his car cleaned and waxed. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A visitation for Lynn was held on Wednesday, April 20th from 2 to 4 p.m. at DeClue Funeral Home. A funeral service immediately followed at 4 p.m. with Elder Leonard Compton officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Potosi.

DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have served and ministered to the family and friends of Lynn.

Wayne Noel Gibson of Valles Mines was born on April 2, 1942, a son of the late Noel Gibson and Wilma Louise (Robinson) Gibson. Wayne went to his heavenly home, that he longed for, on Sunday, April 17, 2022, having reached the age of eighty years and fifteen days.

On October 13, 1962, Wayne was united in marriage to Carolyn “Ruth” Richeson by Elder E. Freeman Gibson at Bethel Baptist Church, Potosi. They spent over 59 wonderful years together.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his wife, Ruth Gibson; children, Bradley Gibson, Angie Winschel (husband, Don), Cindy Mickan (husband, Doug); grandchildren, Tony, Cheyenne, Kaelyn (husband, Jeff), Erich, Saigel, and Sennett; great-grandchildren, Averi, Wade, Devin, Paris, and Dillon; siblings, Juanita Blount, Ladonna Baker (husband, Dennis), Lisha Nation (husband, Mark); in-laws, Bob and Arline Richeson, Faye and Paul Eye, Dow Ratliff, and Donna Gibson. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother, Dwight Gibson; father and mother-in-law, George and Mary Belle Richeson; brother-in-law, Dale Blount; and sister-in-law, Laverne Ratliff.

Wayne surrendered to the ministry when he was 19 years of age and was licensed as a minister in 1961 by Bethel Baptist Church, Potosi and ordained January 26, 1963 by Zion Baptist Church, St. Louis. He pastored many churches throughout the years including Valley Park Baptist, Willow Springs Baptist, Bethesda Baptist, Temple Baptist, Wildwood Baptist, and Landmark Baptist. He loved reading and studying his Bible, other faith-based books and wood working. One event he looked forward to attending was the National Quartet Convention with Ruth throughout the years. Wayne also held many offices through the years with the BMA of Missouri, many local associational offices and served as superintendent at Camp Garwood.

Visitation for Wayne was Thursday, April 21st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DeClue Funeral Home. A funeral service followed the visitation at 2 p.m. officiated by Elder Claude Evans. Interment followed at Redbud Memorial Gardens in Potosi.

DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have served and ministered to the family and friends of Wayne.