Dan Graham Parker, 84, of Thaxton died Tuesday, April 28, 2020. He was born in Thaxton August 25, 1935 a son of the late William Aubrey Parker and Lala Hopkins Carter Parker. Dan was also preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Sarah Ann Overstreet Parker; daughter-in-law, Connie Bohon Parker; son-in-law, Gary Lee Davidson, sisters, Katherine Parker, Gaynelle Overstreet, Pearl Orange, Ida Orange; and brothers, Harrell Parker, James Parker, Paul Parker. Dan retired from Frank Chervan after 40 years. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, gardening. He is survived by his son, Dennis Parker (Brenda); daughter, Tricia Parker Davidson; grandchildren, Josh Parker (Sarah), Amy Proffitt (Brandon), Jennifer Mixon (Jeremy), seven great-grandchildren whom he adored, Brandon Lewis, Graylee, Parker, Rylea, Madyson, Scarlett and River; sister, Marie Lewis; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Thaxton Baptist Church Cemetery, with Pastors Earl Ragland and Geoff Hubbard officiating and we will be practicing social distancing for the safety of everyone involved. Burch Messier Funeral Home, 317 West Main Street, Bedford (540-586-7360) is assisting the family.  

Glenn Arthur Stitt, 75, of Madison Heights died Saturday, April 25, 2020. He was born in Maitland, West Virginia October 24, 1944 a son of the late James W. Stitt and Josie England Stitt. Glenn was also preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Margaret Warner Stitt; three brothers, Clarence Stitt, James Stitt, Franklin Stitt; three sisters, Aleen Fraley, Jerry McHaffey, and Marcello Shirley.Glenn is survived by his brother Tracy Stitt and wife Carole; and host of nieces and nephews.Burch Messier Funeral Home, 317 West Main Street, Bedford (540-586-7360) is assisting the family.  

Lisa Anne (Williams) Lambert, age 44 of Madison Heights, VA passed away unexpectedly at Lynchburg General Hospital late Friday night on April 24, 2020. Lisa was born in Marysville Ohio, on September 13, 1975, a daughter of Kevin Williams and the late Julia Ballman Williams. In addition to her mother she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, William F. & Betty J. Ballman; and her paternal grandparents, Virgil & Velma Darlene Williams. In addition to her father Kevin of West Virginia, Lisa is survived by her  two daughters, Emily Ames, 26 of Altavista, VA and Haley Lambert, 17 of West Virginia; a brother, Kevin L. Williams “Junior” of Madison Heights, VA, her grandson that she loved so much, Braylen Martin, 5 of Altavista, VA; and several aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. Lisa recently took classes at the Fellowship Christian Academy and obtained her GED; she was so proud of that! She also loved to dance, had a huge heart and loved her family dearly. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Rodney Gus Overstreet, 53, of Roanoke, died Friday, April 24, 2020. He was born in Bedford, VA on May 22, 1966, a son of Linda Rawlings Overstreet and the late James Alton Overstreet. He was an avid musician and a member of Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Brass 5. He enjoyed cycling and photography. In addition to his mother he is survived by his sister, Debbie S. Patterson and husband Buck; nephew, Bryan D. Patterson; special friends, David and Shelby Patterson; and numerous friends from Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. A private family graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers the family ask that you consider a donation in Rodney’s memory to the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, 128 E. Campbell Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24011. All gifts will be used to support the Youth Symphony. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kenneth Robert Hildreth, 80, of Huddleston, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2020 in Hardy, with his wife at his side after a long, courageous battle with Progressive Aphasia. He was born in Estherville, IA on September 13, 1939, a son of the late Wilbur Albert Hildreth and Ardyth Bryan Hildreth. Ken was a genuine gentleman who truly enjoyed life, had a welcoming smile, and loved his family and friends. He served honorably in the United States Air Force, stationed in London and Copenhagen. Following that, he worked at Bolling AFB in Washington, DC and then for thirty years he was an accountant and subsequently, Head of the Internal Review Division at the Naval Research Laboratory in DC where he and Barb met. Ken leaves to cherish his memory his wife of almost forty years, Barbara; son, Scott Hildreth (Carol); daughter, Erin Leishear (Bill); sister, Janice Heller (Rich); grandchildren, Jordan, Nathan, and Julia Leishear; special Iowa cousins, Barbara Christensen and Ruth Matheson; numerous nieces and nephews; his best buddy, John Butterfield; and many friends at Smith Mountain Lake. Special thanks to his care-givers at Runk & Pratt, especially Stephanie, Susie, Pam, and so many others; they were always kind to Ken and gave him amazing care. Final arrangements will be made at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mr. Hildreth’s name, to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3959 Electric Rd, Suite 102, Roanoke, VA 24014 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Jearlene Robertson, 87, of Lynchburg, died Sunday, April 12, 2020. She was born in Buckingham, VA on July 28, 1932, a daughter of the late Walker Samuel Robertson and Julia Dolan Robertson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Maurice L. Robertson and William S. Robertson. She was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church and retired from Haller Clock Company. Those left to cherish her memory are two sisters, her twin Earlene Robertson of Lynchburg, Ann R. Witt and husband, Vince of Forest; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Virginia Memorial Park with Rev. Ricky Ewing officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Ethel Bowman Grant Goad, 97, of Bedford, died Sunday, April 12, 2020. She was born in Wythe County, VA on August 24, 1922, a daughter of the late Ellis B. Bowman and Dossie Iroler Bowman. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Thomas “Tom” Grant; her second husband, Archie Lester Goad; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Steve Passaretti; sister, Freida Bowman; and brothers Burlie and Murphy Bowman. She retired from Murray Boiling Chevrolet as Office Manager and bookkeeper. Her hobbies and business activities were many and included selling Avon and ceramics.  She instructed and held ceramic classes where she made many dear friends over the years. She loved shopping with family and playing cards. She was a member of the Bedford Main Street Methodist Church and enjoyed reading and studying the bible. Ethel is survived by her sons, Randall Thomas Grant and wife, Shirley, Bryant Edwin Grant and wife, Janet; grandchildren, Katie Passaretti and husband, Ryan Sullivan, Chrissy Passaretti, Pat Passaretti, Alex Grant and wife, Laura, Austin Grant, Alisa Strickland and husband, Tyler, Stacey Grant; great-grandchildren, Jack, Declan, Kelton, Judah; sisters-in-law, Wilma Bowman, Jean Bowman; brother-in-law, Freeman Bowman; and many nieces and nephews. A private family graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at Rocky Ford Christian Church Cemetery, Cana, VA with Ethel’s nephew Bronson Bowman conducting the service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

William “Red” Edison Howell, 66, of Bedford, died Saturday, April 11, 2020. He was born in Bedford, VA on September 16, 1953, a son of the late Mamie Arrington Howell Overstreet and step-father Roy Howell. He is survived by his wife, Cora Pullen Howell; step-daughters, Angela (Alphonzo), Lisa; grandchildren, Tracy, Crystal, Felicia, Jasmine, Stephen, Gabby; great-grandchildren, Luis, Alexis, Keonna, Carey, Martavious; great-great-grandchildren, Akyli, Serenity; sister, Carolyn (Jim); brother, Joseph; and a host of nieces and nephews and family and friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced in the paper. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360. 

Ricky “Pee Wee” Butler, 61, of Bedford, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020, at his residence in Huddleston. He was born on June 28, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, a son of the late Lewis Alexander Butler and Mary Elizabeth Sutton Butler. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Cecil “Redd” Butler. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Karen Sue Butler; three brothers, William Schiable, Walter Butler, and Charles Butler; a sister, Dianna Hall and significant other, Roy Blackwell; daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Joshua Crowell; son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Kelly Butler; son and daughter-in-law, Justin Butler and Ruth Barbour; grandchildren, Julian Spence, Whitney Crowell, Elijah Crowell, Braylon Butler, Ryan Dempsey, Sofiea Butler, Trinity Butler, Lilly Butler, Stella Butler, Sheyenne Butler, and Adrianna Butler. The family would like to say thank you to all of the Centra Hospice team and to F.L. Showalter for all the kindness and generosity extended to Ricky and his family. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Frank “Edgar” Mitchell, 79, of Bedford, died Friday, April 10, 2020. He was born in Bedford, VA on April 4, 1941, a son of the late Frank Smith Mitchell and Lucy Witt Mitchell. He was a well-known electrician in Bedford and the surrounding area. Edgar is survived by his two sons, Sandy Ross Mitchell and wife, Debra, Gregory Alan Mitchell and wife, Jennifer; brother, Ronnie Mitchell and wife, Shirley; sisters, Anne Bond and husband Hugh, Dorinda Hopkins and husband, Bill; granddaughter, Tiffany Mitchell; great-grandson, Kyler Meadows; special friend, Katherine Taylor; and a host of good friends throughout the Bedford community. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.