Daniel Ree Martin-Sesser, IL

Daniel Ree Martin, 77, of Sesser, passed away on Saturday October 30, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on March 16, 1944 in Shawneetown, IL to John and Mary (Seeley) Martin. He married Linda (Schneider) Martin on December 22, 2001.

He is survived by his wife Linda Martin of Sesser; children Darrin Martin of Sesser and Keith Martin of Sesser; grandchildren Kristen Martin and Caitlyn Haynes and several great grandchildren; brothers and sisters Lawrence Martin of Shawneetown, Roberta Thompson of Equality, Norma Jones of Shawneetown, Gary Flahardy of Shawneetown, Clifton Flahardy of The Villages, FL, Mike Flahardy of Thompsonville, Rex Flahardy of Harrisburg and Monty Flahardy and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Nathan Martin and two sisters Birdie Brooks and Becky Christian.

He was Vietnam veteran serving in the United States Army.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Melissa Mae Storey – Ewing, IL

Melissa Mae Storey, age 44, of Ewing, passed away at 2:20 p.m. Friday, October 29, 2021 at her home with her loving family by her side.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Melissa Mae Storey was born on November 25, 1976 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the daughter of Larry Storey and Brenda (Johns) Storey.

She graduated from the Benton Middle School and later Christopher High School.

Missy was always happy and would make those around her smile. She enjoyed watching Professional Wrestling, watching television, loved food and always enjoyed her trips to McDonalds.

Surviving is her mother and step-father: Brenda and Steve Doxsie of Ewing; her father Larry Storey of Benton; a sister Christina Cooper and husband Tony of Ewing; a brother Michael Storey of Benton; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents: James and Dorothy Storey; maternal grandparents: Bill and Loma Johns; and a special aunt Charlotte Leonard.

The family would like to say “Thank You” to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and to family and friends for their care and compassion.

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

Alexander James Barclay Jr. – Christopher

Alexander James Barclay Jr., 64, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday October 30, 2021 at his home.

He was born on April 10, 1957 in Germany to Alexander James and Mary Catherine (Donelson) Barclay Sr.

He is survived by the love of his life for 43 years Gail Barclay of Christopher; his father Alexander James Barclay Sr. of Royalton; two daughters Amanda (Brian) Gant of Christopher and Nichole Thorpe of Christopher; grandchildren Brittni, Dakota, Bianca, Junior, Hunter and Harley; one great grandchild Kahmara; brothers and sisters Starlene Underwood of Oklahoma, Michael Barclay of Nashville, IL, Steve (Cindy) Barclay of DuQuoin and Linda (Michael) Murphy of Johnston City.

He was preceded in death by his mother and one sister Cheryl Lynn Smillie.

He was a diehard Cubs fan.

A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday November 3, 2021 at 6:30 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Donald Schluter officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5:30 PM until the time of the service at 6:30 PM.

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

Bonnie B. Maller – Marion, IL

Bonnie B. Maller, 81, of Marion, passed away on Wednesday October 27, 2021 at her home.

She was born on September 12, 1940 in Ewing, IL to Coy and Frieda (Conner) Harmon. She married Joseph Maller and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children Teresa (Roger) Roberg of Beafort, SC, Tammy (Jim) Sheehan of Benton, Traci Wright of Marion and Michael Todd of Columbus, GA; grandchildren Isaac (Jenny) Roberg, Lindsay (Jim) Roberg, Tysen (Jennifer) Yates, Amanda (Brandon) Yates, Bethani (David) Shultz and Zackary Moore; 9 great grandchildren; one sister Violet Mandrell of Valier and one brother Tom (Jane) Harmon of Ewing and several nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson Eric Roberg, two sisters Delena Kniffen and Mary Lou Kniffen and two brothers Max Harmon and Ted Harmon.

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

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

David Keith Marvel – Hudson, NC

David Keith Marvel, 54, of Hudson, NC., passed away at 6:17 p.m., on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the Caldwell UNC Heath Care in Lenoir, NC.

He was born on May 5, 1967, to Robert and Linda (Gettings) Marvel in Franklin County, IL. He married the former Kathryn Burris, and she survives.

David was a member of Reflection of Christ Ministries.

He is survived by his loving spouse of six years, Kathryn Marvel; mother, Linda Marvel; daughter, Brittany Marvel; son, Phillip Marvel; and sister, Lori Hopkins.

David was preceded in death by his father, Robert Marvel; and brother, Jeffrey L. Marvel.

Funeral Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at the Union Freewill Baptist Church, 1403 New Lake Road, Thompsonville, IL, with Brother Ivan Ryan, officiating.

Burial will follow services at the Union-McCann Cemetery, Thompsonville, IL., with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the Marines Honors Team.

Memorials contributions may be made to the family.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

“Chalk Benton: Halloween Edition” coming to the Benton Public Square Saturday, Oct. 30

By Jim Muir

A Halloween-themed event coming to Benton this weekend might best be “chalked up” to an overload of talent, enthusiasm and ambition by a pair of gifted Franklin County artists.

Triston Bigham, of Benton, and Jillian Grace Prudent, of Valier, have combined forces to create “Chalk Benton” – an event where a group of people get together and draw on sidewalks with bright-colored chalk. Previous events in Benton, including one at beautiful Benton Community Park, have drawn large crowds and chalk artists ranging from small children to senior citizens.

The latest event will take place Saturday, Oct. 30 on the Benton Public Square where the sidewalks around the historic square will provide the canvas for chalk artists to create temporary masterpieces. “Chalk Benton: Halloween Edition” is scheduled to begin at 12 noon.

“Our goal is just to get people to come out and show off their art skill with chalk,” said Triston, a 2020 graduate of Benton High School. “We have younger people, older people and all ages in between and it doesn’t matter about your talent level. It’s all about having a good time.”

Triston Bigham and Jillian Grace Prudent, creators of Chalk Benton.

The chalk event on Saturday will take on a heavy Halloween theme with several businesses providing “Trunk-Or-Treat” goodies for children and there will be several other family-oriented activities.

Triston Bigham preparing for a Chalk Benton event at Benton Community Park.

“Chalk art is very colorful, so my goal is to just add some life and color to the Benton Square,” said Jillian, who is a 2021 graduate of Sesser-Valier High School. “People who want to participate don’t even have to bring chalk, we’ll provide the chalk. So, all you have to do is show up.”

Triston and Jillian both emphasized that clean up from the chalk drawings is easy – just wait for rain.

Grant will help RLC students pay for childcare

Rend Lake College receives grant to help students pay for childcare

Rend Lake College has been awarded a competitive grant to help low-income parents pay for childcare expenses while they attend college.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Robert Elie Valette – Mulkeytown, IL

Robert Elie Valette, 86, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday October 24, 2021 at his home.

He was born on September 18, 1935 in St. Ambroix, France to Henri and Albertine (Soustelle) Valette. He married Doris (Giacomo) Valette on January 26, 1957.

He is survived by his wife Doris Valette of Mulkeytown; children Elaine (Keith) Polbinski of Christopher, Mark (Linda) Valette of Mulkeytown and David (Tammy) Valette of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Erin (Tom) House, Lauren (Justin) Williams, Susan (Keith) Jones, Ben Valette, Tony Valette, Hope (Bradford) Hargraves, Holly (Kolten) Pedigo and Halle Valette; great grandchildren Matyi and Mallory House, Olivia and Margot Williams, Brock, Piper and Maren Jones and Townes Hargraves.

In July of 1948 Robert immigrated to the United States from France with his parents at the age of 12.

He was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher, Knights of Columbus and UMWA. He worked at Old Ben #26 as a Hoisting Engineer.

Funeral Mass for Robert will be on Wednesday October 27, 2021 at Noon at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday October 27, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Andrews Chapel Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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

Archie Lee Williams Sr. – Mulkeytown, IL

Archie Lee Williams Sr., 77, of Mulkeytown, passed away on October 23, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on June 20, 1944 to Owin Lee Williams and Carman (Capps) Mann. He married Marlene (Meadows) Williams on August 19, 1972.

He is survived by his wife Marlene Williams of Mulkeytown; one son Junior Williams of Herrin; two sisters Carol O’Brien of Anna and Brenda Hoppers of Herrin and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two children and one brother Owin Williams.

Graveside services will be on Friday October 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown, IL. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News