Rev. John David Elko, Jr. – Benton, Illinois

Rev. John David Elko, Jr, age 77 of Benton, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Bill Hottensen officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and the U.S. Marine Corps will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. (Currently CDC Guidelines recommend that funeral directors adhere to limit public events to 50 or fewer people. And if you are sick, please stay at home.)

John was born on April 9, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of John and Betty (Tindall) Elko; and raised by his stepmother Mary Elko. He married the former Lucille Roberts on November 21, 1973, and she survives.
John was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged on February 22, 1967.

John was ordained as a Southern Baptist Preacher on August 26, 1979. He pastored several churches and led many to the Lord. He attended New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Benton, Illinois.

Surviving is his loving wife of 43 years, Lucille Elko of Benton; his son Kevin Elko and wife Casey of West Frankfort; his daughter Amanda and husband Ben Mikutis of Benton.

John was the proud papa/grandpa to 3 grandchildren that meant the world to him, Logan Elko, Tyson Elko and Fallyn Bradley.

He is also survived by one brother, Dave and wife Lynn Elko; sisters-in-law Jane Stowers and Carolyn McLearin and husband Lonnie; brother-in-law Vernon Roberts; several nieces and nephews; and three close cousins: Tom Swigonski, Don Swigonski and Judy Evans.

Mr. Elko was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother; a grandchild; an infant sister; and Uncle Max and Aunt Sophia Swigonski; brothers-in-law: Larry Stowers, William Roberts, and Eddie Frost; sisters-in-law: Linda Roberts and Wanda Frost.

The family would prefer Memorial contributions be made to the family of Rev. John David Elko, Jr; to assist with funeral expenses. Memorials may be sent to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Rev. Elko; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com