Kenneth Gottlob Klein, affectionately known as Ken to his friends and loved ones, passed away on December 20, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on July 22, 1944, in San Diego, California, Ken’s journey through life was marked by his unwavering kindness, courage, and gentle spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will forever be cherished by those who knew him.
Ken is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carolyn Klein; his son, Ray Willett (Ann Marie); his daughter, Tiffany Swope (Chris); and his grandchildren, Cassie Faulkner, Cody Faulkner, Anna Grace Willett, and Graham Willett.
Ken graduated with an Associate’s degree in Fire Science while serving in the Air Force. Furthering his education, he received a Bachelor of Art degree from the University of South Carolina. His commitment to his country was evident through his service in the United States Air Force, a period of his life that molded his values of discipline and dedication. Following his military service, Ken continued to serve his community in various capacities, including as treasurer for the Houston County Republican Committee and as a civil servant for Fort Rucker.
Ken’s professional life was a testament to his leadership and passion for public service. He served as Fort Rucker Fire Chief, a role in which he demonstrated his remarkable ability to inspire and guide those around him. He had 300 employees and was the Army’s largest fire department. He later worked for the Alabama Fire College. His contributions to public safety and community well-being were deeply appreciated by all who worked alongside him.
A man of faith, Ken was an active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, where he lifted his voice in song as a member of the choir. His devotion to God was evident in his everyday actions and his commitment to living a life of integrity and generosity. He was also a member of the Gideons.
Known for his good humor and his talent for storytelling, Ken was a joy to be around. He had a particular passion for golf, a sport he grew to love while playing on Torrey Pines Golf Course in California. The fairways and greens were a place of solace and enjoyment for him throughout his life, and he cherished every moment spent on the course.
Ken will be remembered as a pillar of the community, a man who was instrumental in the lives of many, and who always lent a helping hand to those in need. His compassion was boundless, his presence reassuring, and his laughter infectious. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, and a true friend to many.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Chuck Locke officiating. Military honors to follow the service in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1pm until 2pm on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers in Ken’s honor. https://dogood.t2t.org/give
ABBEVILLE…Mrs. Lynn Gibson Mize, a resident of Abbeville, died late Sunday evening, December 21, 2025, at the home of her son in Abbeville. She was 76.
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
DOTHAN…Mr. Jerry Lee Kelley, a resident of Dothan, died late Saturday afternoon, December 20, 2025, at his home. He was 57.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jason Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Midland City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Kelley, the son of the late James Kelley and Annie Louise Morrell Peterman, was a proud native and lifelong resident of Dothan. He spent his working years as a small engine repair mechanic, a job he took seriously and one he was truly good at. Folks who knew him would often say he had a natural gift for fixing things, and he was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed help.
In his quiet moments, he found joy in the simple things—listening to music that spoke to him and spending time with his beloved dogs, Rusty and Smokey. They were his constant companions, and he cared for them deeply.
Mr. Kelley’s life was touched by loss, and he was preceded in death by many he loved: his grandmother, Lillie Mae Morrell; his brother, James Ray Kelley; his aunt and uncle, who were like his second parents, Jack and Margie Morrell, and two other uncles, Billy Davis and Ray Morrell; his nephew, Anthony Mims; his brother‑in‑law, Kenny Mims; and his great‑nieces, Alayna and Aliya Adams. Each of them held a special place in his heart.
Surviving relatives include his sister, Sue Mims, Dothan; brother, Scotty Kelley, Dothan; half-brother, Johnny Kelley, Taylor; niece, Kesha Mims; great-nephew, Isaiah Adams (Malika), and great-niece, Krystina Peters; his aunts, Betty Davis, Emma Lou Woods, both of Dothan, and Sandra Henderson, Newton; special friend, Christina Tice; several cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Jeremy Martin, Braxton Martin, Charles Davis, Preston Davis, Daniel Henley, and Isaiah Adams.
Mr. Bryant Keith Myers, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama. He was 67 years old.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel in Eufaula, with Rev. Ricky Sowell officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The burial will follow in the Sardis Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 1:00-1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted.
Keith was born on October 25, 1958, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late Burlon Ralph Hardin and Mary Helen Parrish Suggs. He was a 1977 graduate of Warren High School in Downey, California. He retired from Tractor and Equipment Company in Panama City, Florida and worked for Hummingbird for 12 years and for Alabama Interforest. Keith loved Nascar, fishing, deer hunting, woodworking, photography, and was an avid Alabama football fan. But most of all he loved his family and spending time with them.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Left to cherish his loving memories are his wife of 46 years, Cathy Denise Jones Myers; three daughters, Khristina Dees (William) of Eufaula, Monica Charpie (Wes) of Eufaula, and Elizabeth Sellers (Anthony) of Abbeville; brother, Earl Hardin (Brenda), two sisters, Sandy Mathis and Judy Smith (Billy); five grandchildren, Katlyn Hubbard (Will), Bryan Dees (Kalee), Lane Medley, Bennett Sellers, and Mason Bradford; two great-grandchildren, Remi Dees and Stetson Dees. Ten nieces and nephews, Alan Carpenter, Chris Carpenter, Kristy Arnold (David), Andrew Mathis, Mandy Smith, Missy Smith, Timothy Strickland, Nick Jones, Josh English, and Stephanie Smith.
Asked to serve as pallbearers are Nick Jones, Josh English, Lane Medley, Timothy Strickland, Josh Bradford, and Alan Carpenter.
Glover Funeral Home of Eufaula was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 687-5725. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
SHORTERVILLE. . .Carolyn McPherson Starling, a resident of Shorterville, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 20, 2025, at the age of 78. She passed peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Old Zion Baptist Church with Brother Matthew Quincey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday in the church sanctuary. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Old Zion Baptist Church c/o Shana Woods, 1548 County Road 119, Abbeville, AL 36310
Carolyn Starling was a woman of a quiet smile, a big heart, and a warm spirit. She faithfully served a risen Savior, Jesus Christ, and devoted her life to serving Him to the best of her ability. From her teenage years, she used her gift as a pianist to worship and serve in the church, offering her music with humility and devotion.
Carolyn took her roles as wife, homemaker, mother, and grandmother seriously, finding her greatest joy in loving her family well and serving others with quiet strength. Nothing brought her more happiness than having her family gathered around the table for a meal, playing cards, or working together on a jigsaw puzzle. Her home was always filled with laughter, and those who knew her well, also knew she had a strong stubborn streak once her mind was made up. A meticulous record keeper, she enjoyed a long and faithful career as a bookkeeper, a claims analyst with WestPoint Stevens, and a payroll clerk before retiring from the Henry County Board of Education.
Through her life, she taught her family the value of hard work, the importance of keeping commitments, and above all, the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While our hearts are broken and a piece of us will forever be missing, we rejoice in her homegoing and take comfort in knowing she is at peace.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Joel Levi McPherson and Nannie Jo Trawick McPherson, a sister, Thelma Hawsey and a brother, William Daniel McPherson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 59 years, John R. Starling; her daughter, Lisa Sanders (Todd); her son, John Ashley Starling (Sheila); three beautiful grandchildren, Joshua Starling (Elizabeth), Savannah Sablan (Connor), and Jessica Sanders; and her beloved great-grandson, John Thomas Starling. She is also survived by her sisters, Mabel Till and Sandra Shirley; brothers, Wayne Hall and Joel McPherson (Dell Marie); sisters-in-law, June Starling, Joyce Cline, Linda Money-Mease (Harry), and Terry Thompson (Robert); brothers-in-law, Harvey Lux and Wayne Starling (Karen); and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Her fur babies, Prissy and Patches will miss her snuggles.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Josh Starling, Connor Sablan, Jesse Blackmon, Robert Edward “Pete” Johnson, Allen Lux, Jeff Lux, Michael Starling, Clint Money, Brian Money, Matt Culpepper, and Lee McPherson.
The family extends a special thank you to SouthernCare Hospice, sitter Tywanna McLeod, and dear friend Jesse Blackmon for the their compassionate and loving care.
.HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This firm does not own a crematory.
Mr. Bryant Keith Myers, a resident of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama. He was 67 years old.
