Donna Marie (Basso) Harrison – Sesser, IL

July 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Donna Marie (Basso) Harrison, 88, of Sesser, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 12, 2021 at the Herrin Hospital. She was surrounded by her family. Donna was born July 12, 1933 in Sesser, Illinois to Domenico Basso Jr. and Allene (Lance) Basso.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Robert Harrison. They were married on December 30, 1950.

In addition to her husband Bob, she is survived by her children, David (Karen) Harrison of Sesser, Cheryl (David) Mishler of Bonnie and LeAnn (Russell) Miller of Sesser; grandchildren, Alyssa Lewis, Douglas Harrison, Amy Willis, Chad Mishler, Kyle Miller and Kaleb Miller and 8 greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Donald (Beverly) Basso of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Gloma Harrison.

Donna was a faithful member of the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church. She loved teaching the “Little Followers” Sunday School class for over 50 years. Donna took great joy in caring for others. She will be remembered by those who knew her best for her generous spirit, “matching” outfits, and above all, her boundless love.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Cutis Smith, Rev. David Mishler, and Rev. Harl Ray Lewis. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Friday at the funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Starr Anne Alexander – Sesser, IL

July 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Starr Anne Alexander, 50, of Sesser, passed away on July 13, 2021 at 6:50 A.M. at her residence.

She was born September 20, 1970 in Benton, Illinois to Randall Gobtop and Mary Denise (Alexander) Gobtop. She married Darrin Martin in Benton, Illinois and he survives.

Besides her husband Darrin, she is also survived by her parents, Randall and Mary Denise Gobtop of McLeansboro, children, Charlie Wehens of Sesser, James Gobtop of Sesser, Caitlen Haynes of Sesser and Kristen Martin of Boston, MA; grandaughter, Olivia Leber; brother, Doug (Stephanie) Suhr of Roscoe, Illinois, and by sisters, Jawn (Dewayne) Warren of Chaffee, Mo; Laura (Carlos) Fuarez of McLeansboro and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Pete and Laura Gobtop and Frances and James Alexander. Starr was of the Baptist Faith.

She was an artist and painter and loved to draw. She loved spending time with her family and was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter and sister. She had worked for many years as an LPN having worked at various nursing homes in Southern Illinois.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev. Larry Cook officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 12:00 noon on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Donald Lee McNeal – Benton, IL

July 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Donald Lee McNeal Sr, of Benton, passed away on July 13, 2021 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

He was born February 11, 1935 in Zeigler, Illinois to Archie McNeal and Marie (Nena) McNeal.

He is survived by daughters, Bonnie Clark of Christopher and Allie Cosma of Alliance, Ohio; step sons, Rodney Metzger of Benton, Pat Metzger of Missouri and John Gunn of West Frankfort; step daughters, Karen Sprague of Carbondale and Sara Pedigo of Sesser. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Serena Abbott, RyAnn Clark, Railan Clark, Vivian Carlton, Adalyn Heiman, Donald Lee McNeal III, Shyan McNeal, Michael Martinez, Mason Cosma and Maggie Cosma and 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Patricia (Roger) Potocki of Goreville, Carole (Jim) Book of Crossville, TN; and Ophelia (Jerry) Barnes of Marion. As well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Donald Lee McNeal Jr; a step daughter, Diana Gunn, by two brothers, Charles McNeal and Carl McNeal and by his first wife, Mildred McNeal.

Donald was of the Baptist Faith, he was a member of the Eagles of Zeigler, United Mine Workers of America and a big supporter of the NRA. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed his food and loved to watch FOX News.

He was a retired coal miner having formerly worked at Inland Steel which is now known as Consol Energy. He served his country in the United States Navy. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Roger Potocki officiating.

Burial will be in the Horse Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Sunday at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Leona B. Durham – Benton, IL

July 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Leona B. Durham, 80, of Benton, passed away at 5:10 p.m., on Monday, July 12, 2021, at Heartland Regional Hospital in Marion, IL.

She was born on December 24, 1940, in New Iberia, LA. She was one of 14 children born to Clifton and Vernice (Fitch) Bailey. Leona married Lawrence Sons in 1961, at a small Catholic Church in Patterson, LA. Leona and Lawrence were blessed with two children. Travis Sons and Kristal Sons Overturf and both reside in Benton IL with their families. Lawrence preceded Leona in death in 1979.

In 1986, Leona relocated her family to Illinois after marrying Larry Durham, who also preceded her in death in 2008.

Leona’s passion in life was her family. She loved being with her kids and grandkids, and they brought so much joy to her life. Leona could always be found supporting them at ballgames, sporting events, swimming lessons and anywhere else the kids were.

Leona was a blessing to her family and her family was the greatest blessing to her.

Leona is survived by her children, Travis (Melissa) Sons, Kristal Sons Overturf, Michael (Judy Williams) Durham and Wade (Angie) Durham; seven grandchildren, Tyler Sons, Trevin Sons, Ashlee Summers Neal, Max Summers, Cassie Durham, Grayson Durham and Camden Overturf; two great-grandchildren, Max Summers and Carter Neal; five brothers and three sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Vernice Bailey, first husband, Lawrence Sons, husband, Larry Durham, four brothers and one sister.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 12:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Freda L. Crider-Broadway – Benton, IL

July 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Freda L. Crider-Broadway, 80, of Benton, passed away at 11:44 a.m., on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 23, 1941, to Grover and Thelma (Smith) Fowler in Thompsonville, IL, and was a 1958 graduate of Thompsonville High School. On January 25, 1961, Freda married Buddy Ray Crider, and Bud passed away on May 11, 1977. She married James (Jim) Broadway on July 19, 1988, and he preceded her in death on December 14, 2016. In 1986, Freda was awarded custody of Chuck Garbo.

In 1988, Freda was elected Benton Working Woman of the Year. She retired from Western Auto, UFCW Local 881, after almost 30 years with the company and recently retired from O’Reilly Auto Parts of Benton. She was a Life Member of the VFW Auxiliary 2671 and Life Member of the American Legion Auxiliary 280. Freda was President of the American Legion Auxiliary from 2007 to 2021. She received recognition from the City of Benton Mayor Fred Kondritz, former Illinois State Senator Gary Forby, Congressman Mike Bost and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Freda initiated the Veterans Flag Project in 2011 for the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, which she was passionate about.

Freda is survived by her children, Bill Crider of Springfield, MO, Gary (Becky) Crider of Woodlawn, IL, Brad Reynolds of Springfield, MO and Linda Crider-Sanders of Benton, IL; three granddaughters, April (Bart) Echols, Elecia (Michael) Bodine and Kalyn Crider and her fiance, Lane Bond; five great-grandchildren; four brothers, Norman Fowler of Mt. Vernon, IL, Dennis (Donna) Fowler of Benton, IL, Jack (Nancy) Fowler of Benton, IL and Albert (Susan) Fowler of Benton, IL; three sisters, Virginia (Jim) Smith, Marilyn Planz of Benton, IL and Debra (Herb) Krumery of Buckner, IL; she had many other relatives and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by parents, Grover and Thelma Fowler, husband, Jim Broadway, first husband, Buddy Ray Crider, her son, Mike Crider, who passed on February 27, 2012, great-nephew, Chuck Garbo, who passed on November 18, 2002; two brothers, Robert Fowler and Jimmy Fowler, who died in the Orient 2 Mine Explosion in 1951 and one sister, Pauline Swensen.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at the Pate Funeral Home with Pastor Howard Johnson, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 280 Flag Project and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Rend Lake College trustees accepts bid for construction of new Event Center

July 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. — Rend Lake College took its first step toward an all-inclusive textbook program Tuesday night at its monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees. Members unanimously passed the first reading of a change to RLC’s textbook policy that will take effect next Summer.

Since 1998, the college has used a textbook rental program that saved students millions over two decades. RLC’s board and administration believes the new, fee-based program will save students and families even more at a time when accessibility and affordability are imperative to higher education. Following a review of potential proposals by outside vendors — and careful consideration and analysis of options — administration believes students will be able to better budget and plan for textbook costs through a fee-based program. The college will continue to own and operate the campus bookstore, which will administer the new program. Students will be able to order their books online after registering for classes. More details, including the new fee structure, are expected to be presented and acted on at the August board meeting.

Unterbrink awarded Event Center construction bid

A bid of $1,562,708 from Bruce Unterbrink Construction Inc, of Greenville, was accepted for construction of the new RLC Event Center. The bid includes four alternates for sanding, cleaning and staining existing roof deck beams; replacing tile and painting walls in the lobby; installing wood wainscot on columns in the conference room and lobby; and removing clerestory windows and insulated metal panels, and installing new insulated metal panels. The funding for this project will come from bonding sources already available resulting in no additional cost to the taxpayers of the district.

Baseball Coach Bullington hired as new Academic Advisor
Warriors Head Baseball Coach Walker Bullington was appointed to a full-time, tenure-track Academic Advisor position, effective August 16. Bullington’s appointment to the Academic Advisor with Baseball position comes after former advisor Tonya Odum’s recent transfer to Coordinator of Industry Training & Apprenticeships. Coach Bullington took over the baseball program last August. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Carson Newman University (Tenn.) where he played first base for the Eagles.

Brown named Records Specialist

Elissa Brown was hired as a full-time Records Specialist, effective July 12. Brown has an Associate in Arts degree from RLC, and she had worked as an assistant teacher at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Richards appointed Business Office Specialist

Heather Richards was appointed as a Business Office Specialist, effective July 26. She has an Associate in Applied Science in office management from the University of Phoenix and an Associate in Science in early education from Eastern Illinois University. She had worked at Asbury & Associates, H&R Block and Charleston Family Dental.

Donoho hired as Toddler Room Lead Child Care Provider

The board ratified the appointment of Jacey Donoho as lead teacher for the toddler room at the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center, effective July 1. Donoho has worked as an assistant teacher in the room for two years and has demonstrated the needed skills and abilities to be successful in this position. Donoho is also a graduate of the RLC Early Childhood Education program.

In other business, the board …

Approved a second reading raising the hourly rate for some part-time positions, effective July 1;
Approved revisions to the policy and procedure regarding dual credit, effective July 13;
Approved fees for Summer 2022;
Approved a first reading raising the hourly rate for some part-time positions, effective August 10;
Approved the 2021-22 Record Retention Handbook, Student Handbook, Student Worker Handbook and Police Department JCA Compliance Policy Handbook;
Reviewed and accepted the College Mission Statement and mission document;
Updated the college’s definition of co-curricular;
Accepted the resignation of Trio Adviser Faith Matzker, effective July 16;
Accepted the resignation of Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center Director Chrissy Confer, effective July 28.

Mark Your Calendars
Warrior Days Workshop, Wednesday, July 28, Rend Lake College Campus, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Warrior Days Workshop, Wednesday, August 4, Rend Lake College Campus, 9:30 a.m. to noon
RLC Sponsored Back to School Night for High School Students, Wednesday, August 4, Aquatic Zoo 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Warrior Days Workshop, Saturday, August 14, Rend Lake College Campus, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Fall 2021 Semester Begins, Monday, August 16
Annual RLC Foundation Golf Outing, Thursday, September 9, Rend Lake Golf Course, noon shotgun start
Fun Fest, Wednesday, September 15, Rend Lake College Ina Campus, noon to 3 p.m.
Auto Show, Saturday, October 9, Rend Lake College Ina Campus
RLCF Annual Scholarship Dinner, Thursday, October 21, Benton Civic Center, 6 to 8 p.m.

Filed Under: Featured

Award-winning musical coming to Benton Civic Center this week

July 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Do you have your T-I-C-K-E-T-S?
Pyramid Players are proud to present the Tony Award-winning musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” July 15-18 at the Benton Civic Center.
This sweet, charming, outrageously funny, family-friendly show follows a group of socially-awkward adolescents as they find hope, acceptance, purpose, and love at their local spelling bee.
Tickets are on sale now! Click here to reserve your seat (and get early access to tickets for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas): https://bentonciviccenter.ticketleap.com/putnam-co…/dates

Filed Under: Slider

Cheryl Lynn Cali – Benton, IL

July 7, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Cheryl Lynn Cali, 52, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday July 7, 2021 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on January 15, 1969 in West Frankfort, IL to Ralph and Brenda (Bailey) Hale.

She is survived by her parents Ralph and Brenda Hale of Christopher; her children Cerise Shapkoff and Dylan Osteen of Herrin and Shane Shapkoff and Katelyn Robison of Carterville; grandchildren Ava Clark, Jaycee Shapkoff, Ace Shapkoff and Adelyne Shapkoff; sister Christie (Bobby) Arondelli of Mulkeytown; nieces Heather (Jay) Erwin, Brooke (Ben) Jones and Tiff (Jake) Morhet.

There will be a visitation on Friday July 9, 2021 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. There will also be a Celebration on Life at the Italian Club in Coello, IL on Sunday July 11, 2021 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM.

Cheryl was loved by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Cheryl loved being a grandma and working at the Italian Club. She also loved cooking and socializing. Cheryl will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Charles Donald (Donnie) Childers – Christopher, IL

July 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Don was born February, 12, 1933, in Benton Illinois to Charles (Chick) Childers and Bertha Jones Childers. Don passed away on May 12, 2021.

He was very proud to share his birth month and day with Abraham Lincoln. He joined brother Guy Richard Childers who was 5 years older. The family later moved to Christopher Illinois when Don was young. His father was a coal miner and his mother was a housewife. In 1943, Don asked for a “baby sister” for Christmas and on December 6, 1943 his sister Barbara Marianne was born. Don graduated from St Andrew Catholic Elementary School in Christopher and then attended St. James Trade School in Springfield Illinois in the bakery program.

His maternal grandparents Bess Boll Jones and Guy V. Jones Sr. ran a 24-hour donut/sandwich shop in Sesser Illinois catering to the swing shifts coming and going to the mines. In late 1940’s, Chick and Bertha purchased a fruit stand on N. Victor St. in Christopher and renamed it Maple Leaf Market. Don later began his first job there in a bakery, sandwich shop and small convenience store open seven days a week. In later years, as the mines began to close and business declined, Don started working at the Coca Cola Bottling Plant in Du Quoin, Illinois. He was forced to retire in his late 40’s due to severe arthritis. Don had many medical problems and a lot of pain throughout his 88 years of life.

Don was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St Andrew Catholic Church. He was a very early member of the Christopher Knights of Columbus and regional 4th Degree K of C. He was a proud American and took part in many civic activities. Many will remember him from K of C Bingo nights and many fish fries. Don had a lot of fun being Santa for the little children. He loved all kids. He was a loyal supporter of the Christopher High School Bearcats teams. Anyone who knew him knew of his life-long passion for and support of the ST. Louis Cardinals. Whenever possible, he watched their games on television. He so enjoyed his trips to St Louis with family and K of C to baseball games and the Southern Illinois Miners games in Marion.

He was known for his friendliness and great smile. Don loved to travel. He went many times to Florida to visit and fish with his dad, brother Richard, and uncle Guy V. (Buster) Jones. He was also able to visit Disney World in summer of 1973 with Chick, sister Barbara’s family, and brother Richard’s family. He took many trips with local senior groups to Branson, Nashville, Memphis (Graceland), Dollywood, Springfield (Lincoln Museum), and riverboats in St Louis. He attended niece Dana’s wedding and nephew Kit’s wedding in California and visited Yosemite, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, John Muir Redwoods, Big Sur, and Monterey while there.

Another very special trip was to niece Karol Childers Turco’s wedding in Florida. One of his most cherished trips was with his sister Barbara to the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in Washington D.C. in January 1961. He loved hearing from family members as they traveled around the world. Don’s death was preceded by the deaths of paternal grandparents Charles E. and Josephine Butts Childers of Benton, maternal grandparents Guy V. and Bess Boll Jones of Christopher, mother Bertha Jones Childers and father Charles E. Childers of Christopher, brother Guy Richard Childers and his spouse Charmaine Van Zandt of Florida, maternal uncle Guy V. (Buster) Jones and spouses June Lamport and Ann Gilbert, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins in his Childers family. He leaves behind his grieving “baby sister” Barbara Childers Wichlan (Dan, his niece Dana Wichlan Wiest (John and their sons Christopher and Michael), nephews Paul and Matthew (Vincentine) in California and Christopher “Kit” (Hilga) Wichlan in Dubai UAE; nieces Kim Childers Orlando, Kris Childers Clark (Dennis and son Dennis Jr.)., Karol Childers Turco (John and son Nicholas and daughter Missy), and Kelly Childers Hunt (sons Anthony, Brandon and daughter Brittany and granddaughter Savannah), nephew Kyle Childers (Kay and son Kyle) of Florida; cousins Charles Vaughn and Carol Vaughn Edmonds and children; Barry Vaughn and family of Benton, Ill., and David Vaughn and family of Florida and Benton, Ill. Uncle Donnie is greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

He is especially missed by his many K of C and St Andrew’s friends and his very special long term devoted and loving “Girl Friday” of many years, Kathi Mezo (Karl and family) whom the family can never thank enough for her love and loyalty. Visitation is on Saturday July 24th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at St Andrew Catholic Church, 412 E. Washington St., Christopher, Illinois 62822. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. His final resting place is St Andrew Cemetery in Christopher. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Christopher K of C Scholarship Fund is suggested –109 N. State Street; Christopher, Ill 62822. to celebrate Don, we invite those who attend to wear St. Louis Cardinals’ attire.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Kenneth L. Erwin, Sr. – Benton, IL

July 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Kenneth Erwin of Benton, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 29th at home in the company of his son and daughter.

Ken spent his final days in Coburg, Oregon after embarking on an all-American road trip following old Route 66 to the West Coast. Ken was born on August 20, 1955 to Kenneth “Dwight” Erwin and Mildred Erwin, formerly Mangrum. Ken was the oldest son of ten children and is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Sharon, Doug, and Audrey. His other siblings are Delores, Joyce, Brenda, Phyllis, Ronnie, and Kurtis. He was fondly known as Uncle Kenny to many nieces and nephews.

Ken is lovingly survived by his son JR and his wife Autumn, five beautiful grandbabies, and daughter Kayla. Ken was a classic car genius and world-class storyteller. He is deeply missed.

A celebration of life will take place in honor of his birthday at South Sandusky Beach on Saturday, August 21st beginning at noon.

Filed Under: Obituaries
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