Stephen Patrick Wilson, February 11, 1960 – September 16, 2024

Stephen “Steve” Patrick Wilson, 64, of Harco, IL, passed away on September 16, 2024, after a brief battle with liver cancer. He was born on February 11, 1960, in Benton, IL. Steve proudly served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in 1979, having been stationed in Germany during a time of peace.

Steve was one of seven siblings and is survived by all but one. His surviving siblings include Mike (Michelle) Wilson, Tammy (Jim) Bonner, Tim (Lori) Wilson, Kendra (Troy) Hafford, Rick (Debra) Wilson of Broughton, IL and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Smothers, and his brother, Kevin Wilson.

A devoted father, Steve’s greatest pride and joy were his four daughters, whom he shared with his former wife, Amy Wilson of Makanda, IL: Amanda (Jason) Tinsley of Dauphin Island, AL; Angela Wilson of Charleston, SC; Kelsey Wilson of St. Charles, MO; and Chloe (David) Harding of Blue Springs, MO. He was also a loving grandfather to Jack and Claudia Tinsley. When asked at a recent appointment what his reason for living was, he simply said, “my girls.”

Steve had a deep passion for technology and computers, which led him to complete a degree in computer science. He was also a lover of animals and always had many pets throughout his life. His beloved dog, Muttley, whom he adopted from a Rural King parking lot, remained faithfully by his side until the end, passing just 12 hours after Steve.

Steve’s daughters are grateful that his suffering was brief. A burial service will be held in his honor at Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, IL, on February 11, 2025, which would have been his 65th birthday. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating his life and legacy.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Alice Jean Scroggins, 82, of Christopher, IL passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Silver Foxes in McLeansboro, IL.

She was born on August 8, 1942, in Benton, IL, to James Willis and Florence (Hutchens) Gilbert. She married Bennie Scroggins on April 7, 1963, and he preceded her in death on April 24, 2008.

Alice was a 1962 graduate of Benton High School. After working many years as a sales associate at Bowlins Foodland and Dollar General, she retired in 2002. She enjoyed her family and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. She was a special person with a huge heart.

Alice is survived by her children, Linda (Eldon) Scott of Christopher, IL and Roger (Barbara) Scroggins of McLeansboro, IL; four grandchildren, Caleb Scott, Michael Scroggins, Jamie (Jimmy) Thomas and Brian (Amanda) Sanders; seven great-grandchildren, Christopher Scroggins, Rustyn T. Scott, Brianna Sanders, Gavin Sanders, Holden Sanders, Anthony Thomas and Andrew Thomas; two brothers, Jim (Marti) Willis of Benton, IL and Richard (Mary Jane) Neunlist of Thompsonville, IL and sister, Brenda (Mike) Buntin of Thompsonville, IL. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Willis and Florence (Hutchens) Gilbert; husband, Bennie Roger Scroggins and infant brother, Charles Edwin Willis.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend George Marshall, officiating.
Following the funeral service. burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Charles Miller, Jr., age 73, of Benton, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. Miller’s wishes are to be cremated. Private family services will be held with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Charles was born on May 15, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Charles Miller, Sr. and Helen (Carlson) Miller. He married the former Patricia Ann Dover on October 10, 1975, they shared just shy of 49 years of marriage.

Mr. Miller retired from Timberline Fisheries of Marion, Illinois.

He enjoyed raising pigeons and waterfowl. His greatest enjoyment was time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving is his loving wife Patricia of Benton, Illinois; children including: Valerie West and husband Joshua of West Frankfort, Illinois, Jamie Miller and wife Heather of Carterville, Illinois, Patty Miller and husband James of Benton, Illinois, Chris Miller and wife Angie of Christopher, Illinois, Charlie Miller of St. Louis, Missouri, Missy Younger and husband Brad of West Frankfort, Illinois; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and a sister Alice Deboard of Marissa, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Charlotte May.

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

Eddie Dean Keeling, age 76, of Christopher, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Select Specialty Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Eddie was born on May 9, 1948, in Herrin, Illinois, the son of George Keeling and Mary (Foley) Keeling. He married Karin L. (Kane) Engel on September 10, 1983, and she survives.

Mr. Keeling was a former over the road truck driver with E.B. Brown Trucking. He also formerly worked as a metal decorator.

Eddie was a U.S. Army veteran, having served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Benton American Legion Post #280 where he served with the Honor Guard.

He enjoyed television, especially watching Westerns and War Movies. One of his all-time favorite Westerns was Gun Smoke.

Surviving is his loving wife of 41 years Karin L. Keeling of Christopher, Illinois; three children: Victoria Daniels and husband Jacob of Goose Lake, Illinois, Daniel Engel of Chicago, Illinois, Anthony Engel and wife Megan of Plainfield, Illinois; granddaughters Lennox and Spencer Daniels, Stephanie Chaidez and husband Johann; a grandson Gavin Engel; a great-grandchild Adrian Chaidez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother George Keeling and a sister Alice Keeling.

His wishes were to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Services will be held starting at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Benton American Legion Post #280, 311 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, with Chaplain Liam Mungovan officiating. Military Honors will be observed, and provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280 and the V.F.W. Post #2671.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post#280

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

Steven Davis Downen, 73, of Sesser, passed away on Thursday September 12, 2024 at his home.

He was born on January 8, 1951 in Scheller, IL to Charles and Leida (Bates) Downen.

He is survived by his siblings Jimmy (Glenda) Downen of Ina, Ernie Downen of Scheller and Susie Miller of Sesser.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Steven’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Terry D. Hall, 83, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Wednesday September 11, 2024 at DuQuoin Nursing and Rehab.

He was born on October 2, 1940 in Burtram, MO to John and Helen (Adkesson) Hall. He married Carol (Treadwell) Hall on April 9, 1960 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his daughters Terry Dawn (Randy) Redding of Mulkeytown and Cindy Hall of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Nick Redding and Becca Redding; one great granddaughter Arylnn; one sister Kathy (Danny) Ketton and one brother John Hall.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a member of the UMWA and was a proud coalminer. He enjoyed a casual lifestyle.

Funeral services will be on Saturday September 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Dennis Ward officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com