Rev. Samuel Edgar Condon
December 30, 2025
Rev. Samuel Edgar Condon, 92, was called to his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 30, 2025.
He was born Dec. 7, 1933, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the middle of five childrenwith four sisters, as he grew up in Indiana. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1951 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954.
After his honorable discharge, Samuel dedicated his life to Christ and answered a call to ministry. He enrolled in Frankfort Pilgrim College and earned a ministerial degree in 1961. While attending college, he met the love of his life, Pauline Reed. The two were married Aug. 31, 1957.
Upon graduating, the Condons accepted a pastoral calling at the Clinton First Pilgrim Holiness Church. This church merged in 1968 to become the current Clinton Wesleyan Church. The Reverend Samuel and Pauline Condon served as pastor for this congregation for 38 consecutive years. He also held numerous leadership roles in the Wesleyan Church, including first district youth president, first district youth camp director, district treasurer, and assistant district superintendent of the Tennessee District for 23 years. He also served on the Tennessee District Board and Executive Board.
Throughout his ministry, Pastor Samuel Condon was a dedicated servant to fulfill his calling to help build the kingdom of God. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who served with humility, kindness and compassion. Along with his devoted wife of 68 years, Samuel and Pauline committed their marriage and life to God and service to others. Samuel retired from his pastoral service in 1999.
After his retirement from ministry, he worked for Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton for 19 years.
He enjoyed golf, watching the Tennessee Volunteers, yard work, doing handiwork around his home and spending time with his family.
Samuel Condon was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Ellsworth Condon and Emily Dodd Condon, and his four sisters, Catherine, Mary, Ruth and Esther.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pauline (Reed) Condon; daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Jerry Sparks, Darla and Russ Turner, Charla and Mike Holbrook, and Mary Sue and Jeff Hamilton; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
The family received friends from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Clinton Wesleyan Church, 821 Fowler St. A Celebration of Life service followed at 11 a.m. The graveside service was held at 12:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley Road.
Dr. Marlin Hotle, the Rev. David Speas and Dr. Mike Holbrook officiated. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Margaret Rose Kesterson Fritts
December 30, 2025
Margaret Rose Kesterson Fritts, 94, went to her heavenly home on Dec. 30, 2025. She was born Nov. 6, 1931, in Briceville.
She lived in Rocky Top with her beloved husband, Dorcy Lee Fritts, for 70 years until his passing in 2020.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary (Foust) and Lewis Kesterson, and her sister, Betty Jo Kesterson Abner.
Margaret retired from the Anderson County School System, where she worked as a Title I aide at Medford and Lake City elementary schools for more than 20 years. Many children benefited from her patient help in reading and spelling.
She was a member of Clinch River Baptist Church for 75 years, where she taught Sunday School and supported mission work through the Women’s Missionary Union. She was also a member of the Coal Creek Order of the Eastern Star No. 226.
Throughout her later years and declining health, Margaret remained faithful in calling friends and praying for them.
She is survived by her daughter, Kippy Fritts Todd; a grandson, Benjamin Todd (Hayley Moller); a granddaughter, Alison Todd; a great-granddaughter, Ripley Todd Moller; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family extends special thanks to the hospice professionals at Caris.
Visitation and services were held Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Larry Webster officiating. Burial was Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Leach Cemetery in Rocky Top, with the Rev. Darryl Arrender officiating.
Karla J. Baumgartner
December 30, 2025
Karla J. Baumgartner passed away on Dec. 30, 2025, at age 60.
She was a beloved friend, a chosen family member, and someone whose presence mattered more than she may have known. Those who knew her will remember her with love, gratitude, and a deep sense of loss.
Born on Feb. 24, 1965, Karla began building her life early with strength, independence and determination. She worked in property management for nearly 30 years and was known for her loyalty, strong work ethic and unwavering confidence. She was never afraid to be honest and dependable, and always went above and beyond in everything she did.
Karla was someone who consistently looked out for others. She found joy in working in the yard, feeding the deer, and spending time with her dogs. She touched more lives than she ever realized and leaves behind a void that cannot be filled.
Remembrance: Karla’s life touched many, and her memory will continue to live on through the love, laughter, and stories shared by those who knew her. Even after she passed, she is still saving lives as an organ donor. May she rest in peace.
She was taken far too soon.
Fly high, sweet friend.
Marvin Duane Yarber
December 29, 2025
Marvin Duane Yarber, 75, of Clinton passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, and went to his Heavenly home.
He was a member of Bells Campground Baptist Church and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served eight years as a staff sergeant during the Vietnam War.
He retired from the K-25 Plant/USEC in Oak Ridge after 48 years of employment. He was a master Mason with Alpha Masonic Lodge in Clinton since March 1984 and an active member of the Kerbela Shriners of Knoxville. He was also known for his enthusiasm for Mopar cars.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Rufus Yarber and Leo Elsie Kelly; he was the 13th child, with all siblings but one now deceased; and his father- and mother-in-law, Racha Hugh and Fannie Estel Nix.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rachel Nix Yarber; daughters and sons-in-law, Melanie and William Dake, and Jennifer and Lynn Whited; precious grandsons, Jon Ross Whited, Brandon Dake and Logan Whited; sister, Betty Jo Carter; and several nieces and nephews.
The family received friends Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. The funeral followed.
Family and friends met at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, and went in procession to Bells Campground Cemetery in Powell for an 11 a.m. graveside service.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and is honored to serve the Yarber family.
holleygamble.com
Shilda Roberta Sands
December 28, 2025
Shilda Roberta Sands, 77, of Maynardville passed away Dec. 28, 2025, at Tennova North Medical Center in Powell.
She was born Sept. 10, 1948, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Ruba and Dortha Hill. Shilda was a loving grandmother and loved spending time with her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, gardening and caring for others.
She also frequently attended Heavenly View Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her daughters, Sherry Chesney and Mellissa Sands; and grandchildren, Roberta Chesney and Jackson Boggs.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Johnny Sands; daughters, Althea Tragesser (Mark), April Leach (Brandon), Jessica Robinson (Keith), Kaley Chesney and Haley “Grace” Chesney; son, William Sands (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Cleo Sands, Zachary Sands, Kerigan Sands, Jordin Boggs, Alec Sexton, Casey Leach and Dylan Leach; and great-grandchildren, Eva, Dean, Jayce and Wyatt.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Shilda Roberta Sands.
Micheal David “Bud” Davis
December 27, 2025
Micheal David “Bud” Davis, 68, of Clinton passed away surrounded by loved ones on Dec. 27, 2025.
He was born Dec. 7, 1957, in Clinton to James Bart Davis and Sally Ann (Edberg) Davis.
Bud began his career as a brick mason, working alongside his father and developing a strong appreciation for craftsmanship. He later found his calling as a master machinist in the tool and die industry. He started at Acraloc in Oak Ridge and became a journeyman tool and die craftsman. He retired in 2014 as head of the Automation and Tool and Die Departments at Illinois Tool Works (ITW) in Litchfield, Illinois.
In 2021, Bud returned to Tennessee, where he enjoyed spending time with his family and living on his sister’s farm.
He is survived by his daughters, Crystal Davis (Wiguens Elois) of Powell; Tiffany Davis Mehlhorn (Matt) of Wartburg; and Adriane Wilson-Davis of Litchfield, Illinois; son, James Parks of Rockwood; stepsons, Paul Wood (Piper) of Johnstown County, Colorado, and Christopher Wood (Teri) of Litchfield, Illinois; brother, Randy “Peanut” Davis (Linda) of Crossville; sister, Shannon Star Davis Morgan (Timothy) of Kingston; sister-in-law, Sandy Davis of Caryville; brother-in-law, David Schroeder of Nicholasville, Kentucky; and longtime childhood friend, Karen Barker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved siblings, James Jr. Davis, John Davis and Kathy Schroeder; stepson, Rob Wood; and daughter-in-law, Nicole Wilson-Davis.
Bud will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Brittany, Sebastian, Cameron, Emily, Davis, Morgan, Arryk, Alaska and Austin; great-grandchildren, Waylon, Ayden, Chase and Aspen; and nieces and nephews, Jacquelyn, Cody, Jeff, Alicia, Amber, Angie, Miriah and Conrad.
He will be laid to rest at Grand View Memorial Garden in Clinton. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation at alpha1.org in his honor.
Glenith “Chubby” Seiber Bratcher
December 23, 2025
Glenith “Chubby” Seiber Bratcher, 79, of Lake City passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
Born June 22, 1946, in Anderson County, she was the daughter of the late Alonzo and Gertie Bray Seiber. Glenith was of the Baptist faith and worked in manufacturing until an accident led her to become a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Frank Bratcher; brothers, Harley Seiber, Carlis Ray Seiber, Orlie Seiber, Leon Seiber and Carvin Seiber; sisters, Carrie Seiber Lowe, Annette Seiber Morrison and Wanda Seiber; and brother-in-law, Mark Morrison.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, Ralf Lowe of Oliver Springs, William Bratcher of Andersonville, and Wayne Bratcher of Clinton; sister-in-law, Shirley Henegar of Ohio; and a special cousin who was like a sister, Omer Bunch. She is also survived by many close friends who helped her over the years: Aleen Phillips, Tom Saunders, Lori Asher, George and Fannie Horton, Benny and Karen Auston, and Linda Hammer.
The family received friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation. The funeral followed. The Rev. Wayne Phillips and Dan Spurlock officiated. A graveside service followed at Oak Grove Cemetery.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Lorene Daniels
December 22, 2025
Lorene Daniels, 83, of Clinton passed away Dec. 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Lorene brought sparkle and joy wherever she went, living up to her reputation as a true “firecracker.” Her zest for life was infectious, making every gathering brighter with her spirited presence.
A passionate traveler, she especially enjoyed the lights and excitement of Las Vegas, where her adventurous spirit felt right at home.
But her greatest treasures weren’t found in distant places — they were her beloved grandchildren, who held the most precious place in her heart.
Those who knew Lorene will remember her vibrant personality, quick wit, and the way she could light up any room.
Her love for life, family and adventure created countless cherished memories that will continue to bring smiles to those she leaves behind.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Daniels; daughter, Bobbie Gray; and parents, Sherman and Virgie Thornton.
She is survived by her daughters, Louann Lawrence (Jason) and Sue Thais (John); sister, Ann Fagan; grandchildren, Jackie (Miranda), Casie (Tim), Elliott, Adam (Lauren) and Emily (Coley); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Lorene’s honor.
