OBITUARIES

Local obituaries for the Harlan, Kentucky area.

Melinda Gail Johnson Smith

Melinda Gail Johnson Smith

April 15, 2026

Melinda Gail Johnson Smith, 66, of Stanfill, Kentucky passed away at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital on April 15, 2026. She was born on January 24th, 1960. A devoted homemaker, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and special friend, she was an avid Tennessee Vols fan.

Melinda is preceded in death by her parents, David Johnson, Sr. and Lydia Johnson, father-in-law, and...

Bobby Boggs

Bobby Boggs

April 13, 2026

Bobby was born in Harlan County at the Pine Mountain Settlement School hospital. He graduated from Redbird Mission in 1961 as the valedictorian of his class. He served in the Air Force from 1961-1964. Bobby then made a career as a surface miner.

He married Pauline Boggs, the woman he cherished for 58 years. Together, they raised their family in Big...

Susan Nolan

Susan Nolan

April 6, 2026

Susan Nolan, a longtime member of the Bledsoe community, born on October 17, 1954, in Leslie County, Kentucky, passed away on April 6, 2026, at the UK Medical Center in Lexington, KY. A devoted homemaker, Susan was the heart and soul of her family, known for her unwavering dedication, hard work, and boundless love.

Susan’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven...

Betty Ann Smith

Betty Ann Smith

April 5, 2026

Betty Ann Smith, age 66, of the Baxter community, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026. She was born on September 8, 1959. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a faithful member of the Harlan Church of the Nazarene. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her with strength, kindness, and love. She was a...

Larry Patton "LP" Eldridge

Larry Patton "LP" Eldridge

April 4, 2026

Larry Patton “LP” Eldridge, 76, passed away April 4, 2026, at his home at Smith, Kentucky. He was born March 3, 1950 in Harlan, Kentucky, to the late Carl and America Eldridge. LP was a coal miner and enjoyed fishing, four-wheeling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by sons, Allen Eldridge and wife, Paula, William Eldridge...

Lindsey Bowman

Lindsey Bowman

March 28, 2026

Lindsey Marie Bowman, 48 of Evarts, passed away on March 28, 2026 with her loving family by her side. She was born to Earnest Bowman and the Late Carla Sue King Bowman on December 30, 1977.

Ms. Bowman is preceded in death by her Mother, Carla Sue Bowman and Her Brother, Jeremy Bowman.

Lindsey is survived by her Father, Earnest Bowman and...

Velma Williams

Velma Williams

March 18, 2026

Velma Lee Williams, age 72, of Baxter, KY, passed away March 18, 2026, at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital. She was born on August 28, 1953, in Harlan, KY, to the late Elbert Williams and Frances Kelly Williams.

She is survived by her brother, Earl Williams, and sister, Annette Williams. Her niece, nephew, and a host of friends also mourn her...

Tracy Lynn Mitchell-Little

Tracy Lynn Mitchell-Little

March 10, 2026

Tracy Lynn Mitchell-Little, 53 of Harlan, passed away on March 10, 2026 at the Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset. She was born on January 22, 1973 in Harlan.

Ms. Little is preceded in death by her Father, Edwin Litle; Mother, Marguerite Dugger Bonham; Sister, Tammy Cleaver.

Tracy is survived by her Children, Brittany Mitchell, Kimberly Mitchell and Michael Mitchell; Grandchildren, Brayden...

Shirley Noe Swiesz

Shirley Noe Swiesz

March 7, 2026

Shirley Joyce Noe Swiesz, 82 of Harlan, passed away in her beloved church house, surrounded by her family and loved ones on March 7, 2026. She was born to the late Jacob Lloyd Noe II and Sarah Elizabeth Halcomb Noe on February 20, 1944. She was a well-established author, who has authored and co-authored many books and enjoyed writing Quilt...

Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper

March 7, 2026

Gary Cooper, known to many as "Mountain Man" of Harlan, Kentucky, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on July 2, 1942, Gary was not just a local figure; he was a tapestry woven from the threads of laughter, kindness, and generosity. From his earliest days, Gary was rooted in the rich tapestry of Harlan,...

Jesse James Cornett

Jesse James Cornett

March 6, 2026

Jesse James Cornett, passed away on March 7, 2026 in Baxter, Kentucky. Born on September 18, 1946, in Letcher County, Kentucky, Jesse lived a life characterized by hard work, dedication, and a deep love for his family.

Jesse was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), reflecting his commitment to his work as a coal miner. He...

Joe Greene

Joe Greene

March 5, 2026

Joe Tom Greene, 79, of Harlan, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 after a brief illness. Born on June 27, 1946, in Harlan, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Isom Greene and Martha Leona Woodyard Greene.

Joe was a welder and machinist by trade, a man who worked hard and took pride in providing for his family....

Frances Bennett

Frances Bennett

February 26, 2026

Frances Bennett, 65 of Evarts, passed away on February 26, 2026, at UK Hospital with her family by her side. She was born to the late Shirl and Martha Ledford Hughes on November 3, 1960.

Ms. Bennett is preceded in death by her Parents and Siblings, Jerry Hughes, Donnie Hughes, Glenn Hughes, Edna Caudill, Patsy Bennett, Mary Elizabeth Hughes and Adrienne...

Anthony "Tony" Bledsoe

Anthony "Tony" Bledsoe

February 18, 2026

Anthony Bledsoe, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on February 18, 2026, at the UK Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born on October 11, 1975, in Harlan, Kentucky, Anthony was known for his warmth, kindness, and infectious spirit, making him well-liked in both his community and workplace.

An avid outdoorsman, Anthony had a...

Luther E. Blanton

Luther E. Blanton

February 17, 2026

Luther E. Blanton, 82 of Wallins, passed away on February 17, 2026. He was born October 20, 1943 and was the Son of the Late Jess Blanton and Lucille Blanton Childers.

He was a Military Policeman in the US Army and served in the Panama Canal. He worked at the Harlan County Community Action Agency, Inc from 1978 until his retirement...

Carl E. Stewart

Carl E. Stewart

February 16, 2026

Carl had a familiar face around town; he enjoyed walking in the evening. Carl was a partial owner of the downtown "Pool Hall" in its heyday. He never passed up a chance for a great card or playing pool on his favorite - the snooker table. Whether playing cards or pool, he was where he wanted to be.

Carl was also...

Reverend James Coldiron

Reverend James Coldiron

February 12, 2026

Reverend James Coldiron, 63 of Harlan, passed away on February 12, 2026 at his home with his family by his side. He was born to Toni Slusher Coldiron and the Late James Coldiron on January 15, 1963. James loved the Lord and devoted his life to be a Minister of The Gospel. He believed in the Church of God faith.

Mr....

Randall "Randy" Rowe Jr.

Randall "Randy" Rowe Jr.

February 12, 2026

Randall W. Rowe Jr., 47 of Harlan, passed away on February 12, 2026 at Turkey Creek Medical Center in Knoxville. He was born to Randall Rowe Sr and Sue Gross on May 16, 1978. He was a coal miner.

He is preceded in death by his Uncle, Carl Madon.

Randy is survived by his Mother, Sue Gross and Husband Rick; Father, Randy...

James "Matt" Boggs

James "Matt" Boggs

February 10, 2026

James Matthew Boggs, 75, of Bledsoe, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Matt spent much of his adult life using his faith to spread comfort to all who knew him. He touched many lives through his calling to pray for the sick and all those in need. He was well known for visiting patients at Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital and praying...

James Garfield Grubbs

James Garfield Grubbs

February 5, 2026

James "Garfield" Grubbs, born on March 15, 1955, in Harlan, Kentucky. He steadfastly built a life by hard work and dedication most notably as a coal miner, a profession that underscored his relentless spirit and commitment to providing for his loved ones.

Garfield was preceded in death by his Parents, Henry and Ellen Grubbs, whom he admired deeply and who laid...

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Mount Pleasant Funeral Home remembers and is a collection of obituaries for Harlan and surrounding areas. With services throughout Harlan, KY that are updated regularly. Find local Harlan, Kentucky obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.