DOTHAN…Mrs. Karla Hyde Toben, a resident of Dothan, died early Thursday morning, November 6, 2025, at her home. She was 71.
A complete obituary with a list of survivors will be announced later by Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
BENNY GLEN KETCHUM
PANSEY… Benny Glen Ketchum, a resident of Pansey, Alabama, passed away Tuesday morning, November 4, 2025. He was 55.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the Chapel of Wright Funeral Home & Crematory in Headland with Dr. Cecil M. Sanders, Jr. officiating and with Police Rites to follow. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday, prior to the service. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alabama Law Enforcement Alliance for Peer Support (ALEAPS Donations); www.alleaps.org, in honor of Glen’s dedicated service in law enforcement.
Mr. Ketchum was born on September 22, 1970, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to the late Benny Joe Ketchum and Dinna Sue Howard Ketchum. He was 1988 graduate of Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Florida. A proud veteran, he served honorably in the United States Air Force before continuing his lifelong calling in public service.
Glen worked as a Police Sergeant, devoting his life to protecting others through law enforcement. One of his favorite positions working with Dothan Police Department was as a Bomb Tech on the Bomb Squad. His calm strength, unwavering professionalism, and compassion for his fellow officers defined his career and earned the respect of those who served alongside him.
Outside of his uniform, Glen was known for his humor, kindness, and devotion to family. He had a soft spot for his beloved dog, Chloe, who was always by his side. To his loved ones, Glen was a source of quiet strength—a man of integrity who faced life with courage and love.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Julia Ketchum.
Leaving to cherish his memory are his daughter, Amanda Ketchum Thweatt (Kenny) his son, Chad Ketchum (Jessica); his sister, Wendy Jay (David); his sister-in-law, Ronda Wood; his nieces, Ashley Magrini and Lindsay Gillian and their families; and his cherished dog, Chloe.
He is also survived by his extended law enforcement family and countless friends who were blessed to have known him.
WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)
www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…
Our establishment DOES OWN AND OPERATE ITS OWN CREMATORY, so your loved one never has to leave our care.
James “Lamar” Bright, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, in his hometown of Newton, Alabama. Born on March 28, 1953, to the late OB and Francis Bright, Lamar grew up with a zest for life that never faded.
Lamar graduated from Dale City High School in 1973, where he discovered his love for music as a talented trumpet player in the school band. After high school, Lamar began a lifelong career as a service technician, specializing in appliance repair. For nearly 45 years, his skill, honesty, and dedication made him a trusted name in the community. Whether it was fixing a broken appliance or lending a helping hand to a neighbor, Lamar approached every task with pride and purpose.
He also believed deeply in serving his community. He once served as Newton City Council, Lamar’s strong voice and unwavering principles helped shape the town he loved so dearly. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind but always did so with a genuine desire to make things better.
Lamar lived life with a contagious enthusiasm. His laughter and quick wit could light up any room. He was known as a “jack of all trades” — the one everyone could count on to fix, build, or improve just about anything. Lamar enjoyed working in his yard.
Above all else, Lamar was a family man. He shared 48 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Shirley, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. He was incredibly proud of their son, Justin, and adored his grandsons, Jackson and Tucker, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his brother, Jerome Bright (Mary), a niece, Ammie Bright, two nephews, Danny Bright and Brandon Bright who will forever cherish the bond they shared.
Lamar’s circle of friendship was as loyal as he was, especially with his dear friends Ronnie Taylor, Lowell Williams, and Allen Cole. The stories, laughter, and memories they shared will live on for years to come.
A celebration of Lamar’s life will be held at 1 pm on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Brandon Bright officiating. Lamar will be laid to rest in Newton City Cemetery. At other times, the family will receive friends at their residence.
Lamar Bright was a man of character hardworking, funny, loyal, and kind. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will continue to inspire everyone who knew him. Though his presence will be deeply missed, the memories he created will forever warm the hearts of those he loved.
NEWTON…Mr. Jake Smith, a resident of Newton, died early Monday morning, November 3, 2025, in the Washington County Health & Rehab in Chipley, Florida. He was 69.
Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at 11:00 A.M. (ET) Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends following the graveside service.
Mr. Smith, the beloved son of the late Peter Monk and Nina Mae Ehrig, was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Dale County, Alabama, where he quickly made a home and built lasting friendships. He attended school locally, and it was there that he discovered his passion for football—a sport that brought him joy, camaraderie, and a sense of pride.
After graduating, Mr. Smith answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. His time in the military took him to many places across the globe, and he embraced each new assignment with courage and dedication.
Following his military career, Mr. Smith settled in Columbus, Georgia, where he lived for many years before moving to Newton in 2011. He worked as a truck driver for Dart Transportation, a job that suited his love for the open road and his independent spirit. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Faircloth Smith.
Surviving relatives include his son, Bart Smith (Katherine), Hamilton, Georgia; sister, Rosie Elmore, Newton; three brothers, Eddie Clyde Smith (Dee), Billy Smith, both of North Carolina and Tony Smith (Pam), Midland City; his companion and friend, Elouise Elmore, Newton; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
NEWTON. . .Mary White Covington, a resident of Newton, Alabama, passed away late Tuesday night, November 4, 2025, in a Dothan hospital. She was 75.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the Newton City Cemetery with Ben Paramore officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside services.
Mrs. Covington was born and raised in Rehobeth, Webb and Columbia and was a graduate of Houston County High School in Columbia. She moved to her home in Dale County, near Newton, in 1985. Mrs. Covington attended Newton Baptist Church. She was formerly employed as Medical Records Director and retired as a Transcriptionist both at Flowers Hospital. Mrs. Covington was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel F. Covington, her father, Charles Ray White, her mother, Foyfette Trimnel White Hix, a sister, Sharon White, and brothers, Charles Lewis White, James Ray White and Danny Jeff White.
Surviving relatives include a son, Jeff Covington; a sister, Wanda Pendley, Newton, AL; a sister-in-law, Kathy White, Dothan; several nieces and nephews including a special niece, Jayme Harrison (George), a special nephew, Brad White (Jodi), and a special great-nephew, Adam White and his family.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
