Don C. Wilkerson, 93, of Benton passed away on Saturday Evening, February 26, 2022 at the Franklin Hospital in Benton.

Don was born in Benton, IL on August 2, 1928, the son of Lorenzo Dowell & Mary (Lehr) Wilkerson.
He married Pat Glenn in March of 1947, and she preceded him in death on June 3, 1987.

Mr. WIlkerson was a member of the North Benton Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. He enlisted in October of 1946. He went overseas in the spring of 1947 serving as a Paratrooper & Glider Trooper serving 33 months straight with no furlough. Mr. Wilkerson went to welding school at SIU. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for 17 years, he then worked for Old Ben Coal #21 as a repairman for 21 years, retiring as an Examiner.

Mr. Wilkerson is survived by his 4 children:
Donald Ray Wilkerson of Jacksonville, IL
Gary Wilkerson & wife Cheryl Ann of Ocala, FL
Cathy Stewart & husband Steve of Benton, IL
Christy Swigonski of Fenton, MO
11 grandchildren:
Trish (Aaron) Cleghorn
John (Tammy) Hines
Annette (Amos) Anderson
Jeff (Kandi) Wilkerson
Dustin (Amber) Schierbaum
Kyle (Ashley) Alexander
Greg (Lorrie) Stewart
Sean (Chasity) Stewart
Kaitlyn Swigonski
Samantha (Mike) Swigonski
Nicholas Swigonski
17 great-grandchildren
Special Friend: Wilma Kanik of McLeansboro
Mr. Wilkerson was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter-Treva Harding, by a grandson-Robert Hines, by 4 sisters & 1 brother.

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 2nd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. A Graveside service will follw the Visitation at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery with Rev. Gary West officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by Benton American Legion Post 2671 & VFW Post 280 & the National Guard Honor Team.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Joyce F. Cox of Sesser, Illinois, departed this Earth on February 25, 2022, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She was born in Franklin County on November 26, 1943, to Willis and Mary Olive Rhine and they proceeded her in death. Siblings include Everett Rhine and Barbara Crain.

In 1959, she married George D. Merkel and in 1968 she married James E. Cox. Both proceeded her in death.

Her greatest legacy is her children; George Merkel (Natalie) of Portland, Tennessee, Robert Merkel (Cynthia) of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Christopher Cox (Jennifer) of Carlyle, Illinois, and Paula Merkel who proceeded her in death. Joyce was a loving and dedicated mother. She was proud to be a grandmother to eleven and great grandmother to three. She was the biggest cheerleader for all of them.

Joyce was fiercely independent and private. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and quilting. She was most comfortable at home in the kitchen cooking meals for her loved ones and spoiling her pets. She was a believer of the Baptist faith and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Eastern Star.

The family will hold a graveside service at 11:00am, Friday, March 4, 2022, at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held at Joyce’s home.

“The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you, shall never pass away.”

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

Denzil Lee “Bud” Franklin, 88, of Benton passed away on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at St. Louis University Hospital.

He was born in Franklin County, IL on October 19, 1933 the son of John & Goldia (Rhine) Franklin.

He married Loretta A. (Hutchcraft) on May 5, 1956 in Benton, and she survives.

Mr. Franklin was an Army Veteran, he served in Korea. He taught for 30-plus years at several schools, including Cahokia, Flatts, Lincoln and Webster Junior High and at Benton Middle School. He was a member of the American Legion & VFW Post. Mr. Franklin attended Benton First Free WIll Baptist Church.

Mr. Franklin is survived by his:
Wife: Loretta Franklin of Benton
Sons:
Denny Franklin & wife Cathy of Mulkeytown
Mark Franklin & wife Melody of Benton
Grandchildren:
Brice Franklin
Sammi & Selina Franklin
Donald Bailes (Sammi’s fiancé)
Brother: Mike Franklin of Ewing
Sister-in-law: Betty (Allen) Miles of Benton
Several Nieces & Nephews

Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Johnny Franklin, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otha and Geraldine Hutchcraft, a niece, Juliana Franklin, by two sisters-in-law, Lynn Franklin and Peggy Franklin and a sister, Freda May.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 26th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Bro. Kent Dunford officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion Post 2671 & VFW Post 280 & Army Honors Team will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Betty Louise Isenhour, 86, of Benton, passed away at 1:21 p.m., on Monday, February 21, 2022, at StoneBridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Benton, IL.

She was born on July 31, 1935, to William and Clara (Boswell) Marsh in Barnhill, IL. On April 17, 1954, she married Roger “Ike” Dean Isenhour at Whidbey Island, WA. After 61 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on January 10, 2016.

Betty was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in West Frankfort.

She loved spending time with her family. Betty liked listening to music and enjoyed flowers, needle point and crafts. She was a former Sunday school teacher.

Betty is survived by her loving daughter, Linda Cosner and husband, Matthew of Benton, IL; granddaughter, Amber Csizmadia and husband, Jeffrey and a great-grandson, Jefferson Csizmadia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Clara Marsh and her husband, Roger “Ike” Isenhour.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation for Betty will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 1:00 p.m., with the Reverend Dr. Alan W. Janneke, officiating. Burial will follow services at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mr. Ralph Edward Smith, age 86, of Whittington; went home, from the Marion VA Medical Center, to be with his Lord and Savior in Heaven at 10:15 p.m. Friday, February 18, 2022.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon Monday, February 21, 2022, at the First Christian Church of Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Thompsonville American Legion Post #1194 and the U.S. Army Honor Squad from the Marion National Guard Armory. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Monday, at the First Christian Church, 302 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812. Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Ralph was born on August 25, 1935, in Franklin County, Illinois, the son of Ralph M. Smith and Pearl (Carlton) Smith. He married the former Virginia Ethel Jones on March 9, 1958; and they were just shy of sharing 64 years of marriage together.

Mr. Smith served his country in the U.S. Army from January 25, 1955, to January 25, 1957.

He was a self-employed owner & operator of Smith Farms of Whittington. Ralph was ready to serve and lend a helping hand through his volunteering to numerous organizations, including: Director of the Farm Services Board, Farm Bureau Director, Past-President of the Benton Kiwanis, BCHS District 103 School Board Member, past Ewing Township Supervisor, Volunteer Fireman with the Ewing-Northern Fire Protection District, Thompsonville American Legion Post #1194, CASA Advocate, 4H Leader and Supporter, Hospice Volunteer, past Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, Parade Marshal for Farm City Days 2018. He and his wife Virginia together for 23 years were foster parents to numerous children.

He was a devoted Christian, and this was proven through his dedication and membership of 60 plus years with the First Christian Church of Benton. Over the years he served his church in various capacities including Elder, Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, and was known as “King Apple Butter.”

Ralph enjoyed attending Sulky Harness Races. He had a love for horses. Ralph enjoyed cooking and use to cook the chickens at the Whittington Gun Creek Days, also he could be found cooking at the Kiwanis Pancake Days and Spring BBQs, and Men’s Breakfasts at the First Christian Church. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving is his loving wife Virginia Smith of Whittington; his three children: Ralph Duane Smith and wife Debbie of Whittington, Darla Kay Brachear and husband Mike of Benton, Darrell Eugene Smith and wife Cindy of Whittington; six grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; siblings: Norma Page of Ewing, Robert Smith and wife Lorene of Royalton, Linda Ackerman and husband Lou of Tucson, AZ, Joyce Thomas and husband Bob of West Frankfort, Jack Smith and wife Frances of Benton; several loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters: Mary Schwind, Fay Krapf, Martha VanDyke.

Memorial contributions In Memory of Ralph Smith, may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund or to St. Jude’s; and will be accepted at the services on Monday.

The family would like to say a special “Thank You,” for all of the support shown to them from friends and family during these last few weeks of Ralph’s life. Also, a special heartfelt Thank You to the staff at the VA Medical Center of Marion, for their compassion and care.

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

Robert “Bobby” Allen Jr., 73, of Sesser, passed away on Friday February 18, 2022.

He was born on January 29, 1949 in DuQuoin, IL to Robert and Billie (Bowlin) Allen Sr.

He is survived by his mother Billie Allen of DuQuoin; daughter Kacie (Mike) Gaffney of Ballwin, MO; grandsons Graham Gaffney and George Gaffney and one sister Kandace (David) Porter, of DuQuoin.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother Dale Allen.

He loved car racing, his daughter, his grandsons and Fox News. He was a truck driver and you could tell him what mile marker you were at in the United States and he could tell you the next truck stop or a landmark that was coming up, so much so his daughter nicknamed him Rand McNally.

Funeral services for Bobby will be on Saturday February 26, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

David S. Bozovich, 75, of Whittington passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at his home.

He was born in West Frankfort, IL on Feb 17, 1946, the son of Nick & Dollie Faye (Overturf) Bozovich.
David married Diana (Arview) on June 8, 2002, and she survives.

David was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the Navy. He served 4 years active duty, and 2 years in the Reserves.
He was of the Christian faith, and was a life member of the VFW. He was a member of the UMWA, retiring from Freeman #6.

Mr. Bozovich is survived by his wife, Diana Bozovich, of Whittington; children, Stephen Bozovich, and wife Jacqueline, of Benton, IL, Terri Bozovich Harmon, of Thompsonville, Il, Tresa Bozovich Reigart, of Antioch, TN, Dale Gordon, and wife Jolynn, of Ewing, IL, Tara Fox, and husband Eric, of Thompsonville, IL and Mandi Harris, and husband Jeff, of Lone Oak, KY; 19 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; father-in-law and mother-in-law Bud and Shirley Arview, of West Frankfort, Il.

Mr. Bozovich was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings, Kenneth Bozovich, Betty Braden, Donetia Laur, Mary Bozovich, Ruth Baluk, Ann Mason, Mildred Jacobs, Virginia Benns and Howard Bozovich, by his son-in-law, Pete Reigart and by a brother-in-law, Jeff Arview.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 20th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Joe Arview and Sister Laura Reynolds officiating.

Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion Post 2671, VFW Post 280 and the United States Navy Honor Team will be in the Overturf Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be from 5:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. on Saturday, February 19th at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Norman Ward Swisher, 91, of Coello, passed away on Monday February 14, 2022 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on October 27, 1930 to Ira and Florence Swisher.

He was preceded in death by his wife Roberta (Waller) Swisher, his parents, one son Greg Swisher and one brother and sister-in-law Harold Dean and Marie Swisher.

He is survived by his nephew Bob (Melody) Swisher; niece Bonnie Hanks; nephew Gary Swisher; grandchildren Eric, Tara, Jerrid and Mary Kaye; several great nieces and nephews; cousin Norma Gulley and one special friend Phyllis Grubbs and her children Patrick, Susan and Jane.

He was a Mason and was a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked in the Electronics Field all of his working career. He also enjoyed Ham Radios and loved to fish.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday February 19, 2022 at 2:30 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Mulkeytown with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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