Francesca M. Hart, 84, of Valier, passed away on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on August 31, 1940 in St Louis, MO to George and Loretta (Farkas) Shovan Jr. She married Lamon Deon Hart on August 31, 1958 and he preceded her in death on September 13, 2018.

She is survived by her daughter Lori (Chris) Dillman of Lake of Egypt; daughter-in-law Mary Hart of Chicago; grandchildren Andrew Hart, Sidney (Abbie) Hart, John Ryan (Tina) Beighley, Tyler (Kristi) Dillman and Cortney Panzo; great grandchildren Cooper, Vincent, Max Taylor, Sage Paul, Madison, Trey, Emerson, Evann, Aura and Arin; sister-in-law Phyllis Shovan of Valier.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Lonnie Hart, one brother George Paul Shovan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Damon and Charlotte Hart

She was a member of the Eastern Star and was a General Manager of The Hang Up clothing store in Christopher for many years. She was also a member of the Valier First Baptist Church.

Funeral services for Francesca will be on Saturday February 1, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Dale Burzynski officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Private family burial will be at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier immediately following the service.

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

Mr. Charles Edward Wiggs, age 84, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 8:35 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Charles was born on January 19, 1941, in Franklin County, IL; the son of Charles Fred Wiggs and Mildred O. (Waldrum) Wiggs. He married the former Catherine J. White, on October 2, 1984, and together they shared 40 years of marriage.

He formerly worked for Bracy’s Store of Benton. He would later work 27 ½ years in the coal mines with Freeman United Mine #6 of Waltonville, IL. After retiring from the coal mine, he owned and operated Wiggs Bicycle shop of Benton.

He and his wife Catherine attended the Logan Church of God.

Charlie enjoyed working and helping people. He loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a people person and was a member of the UMWA.
Surviving is his wife Catherine Wiggs of Whittington, IL; a daughter Pat Cantrell of Benton, IL; three grandchildren: Charity Clark and husband Jeff of West Frankfort, IL, John Odle and wife Rosa of Clermont, FL, Matthew Odle of Benton, IL; six great-grandchildren: Hannah Grace Clark, Makaela Joy Clark, Micah Jentzen Clark, Josiah Jahaziel Clark, Rowan Chase Odle. Finley Renee Odle; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Bill Wiggs.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Mike Mayberry officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.

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

Rosalind Alice Brandon age 79 of Royalton passed away at 10:05 P.M. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Herrin Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Rosalind was born July 25, 1945 in Mulkeytown, IL to Henry D. and Rose E. (Hicks) Meadows. She married Charles R. Brandon on April 19, 1962 and they shared more than 62 years of marriage and wonderful memories.

Rosalind a model of love, compassion, and a beacon of light; leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth and kindness. She walked through life with a gentle strength. Her generosity touched everyone she encountered with an unforgettable grace, while always encouraging a positive attitude no matter the circumstances. Her kindness, warmth and guidance will be missed by all who knew her.

Rosalind enjoyed singing at church in her younger years. She enjoyed doing crafts, gardening, an avid reader of the Bible. Rosalind spent her life nurturing her loved ones. Rosalind’s family was her greatest joy. She cherished every moment spent with them.

She is survived by her loving husband Charles R. Brandon of Royalton, IL, son Calvin R. Brandon of Christopher, IL, daughter Hydie (John) Brower of Carterville, IL, daughter Kelly (Luis) Brandon-Lopez of Benton, IL, 2 brothers Randy Meadows of Benton, IL, Charles (Deborah) Meadows of Cleburn, IL, sister-in-law Janet Meadows of Cleburn, IL, granddaughter Charly (Dalton) Williford of Thompsonville, IL, granddaughter Sammy Brandon of Carterville, IL, granddaughter Jesse (Max) Summers of Mulkeytown, IL, granddaughter Racheal Lukens of Royalton, IL and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Charles D. Brandon and 2 brothers Henry D. Meadows, Jr. & Sam J. Meadows.

A special thank you to all of her caregivers including Fern Perruquet and Peggy Walker.

Visitation will be from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Friday, January 24th and after 10:00 A.M. on Saturday January 25th at the First Baptist Church of Royalton. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 25th at the church with Pastor Ralph Brandon & Pastor Mario Ramos officiating. Graveside Entombment will follow at the Miners Cemetery in Royalton.

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

Patricia Ann (Braun) Bauman, 91, of Valier, passed away on Monday January 20, 2025 at 12:45 PM at Manor Court Nursing Home in Carbondale, IL.

Mrs. Bauman was born on July 24, 1933 in Petoskey, Michigan the daughter of Edwin G. Braun and Ruth Katherine (McKernon) Braun.

She was married to Carel L. Bauman on April 27, 1957 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he preceded her in death on May 4, 2016.

She retired from the Bank of Sesser, where she was a bank teller at the drive-up window.

She was of the Catholic Faith.

She is survived by one son Craig M. Bauman of Valier, one daughter Wendy D. Humerickhouse and fiancé Jody Ruehling of Royalton, two grandchildren Kyle Andrew Humerickhouse and Clay Matthew (Victoria) Humerickhouse, one bonus grandson Wyatt Ruehling and two great grandchildren Cole Andrew Humerickhouse and Heidi Blake Humerickhouse.

Mrs. Bauman was preceded in death by her husband Carel, Father, Mother and one brother Eugene Braun.

Her wishes were for her body to be cremated with no services.

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

Jerry “Jay” Edward Seibert Jr., 60, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday January 19, 2025.

He was born on April 14, 1964 in Aurora, IL to Jerry Edward Seibert Sr. and Celina Josephine (Bowlin) Pool.

He is survived by his siblings Jami (Tim) Ramsey of Sesser, Dewayne (Ashley) Seibert of Elkville, Drew (Jeri Lynn) Seibert of Murphysboro and Stephanie Hawk of Elkville; step-mother Rosemary Seibert of Elkville; one aunt Helen Edmonds and several nieces and nephews and his cat Willow that was like a child to him.

He was a Veteran of the United States Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents

His wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

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

Larry Gene Flatt, born January 16, 1948, purportedly fighting with his mother, passed January 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Elaine (Taylor) Flatt. His brother, Rick (Sharron) Flatt, survives him.

But life is not about the beginning, nor the end – it’s about the dash. And Larry’s dash is definitely worth talking about.

He spent his youth wild as a young hare. School wasn’t a great fit for him, so he answered Uncle Sam’s call and enlisted in the Navy, first becoming a diver and later a Seabee. After his service and a few trials and errors, Larry married the love of his life (and the only woman who could ever keep him in check), Alice Faye (Van Hoorebeke) Flatt on September 18, 1988. Her children – Wendy (JP) Kelly, Brett (Bridget) Nickens, and Keith (Jerri) Nickens – survive. They enjoyed a wonderful life together, living in Mulkeytown, IL, travelling, hunting and fishing, riding motorcycles, etc., until she passed on July 8, 2002.

Larry retired from the Venegoni Anheuser-Busch distributorship in Christopher, IL after Alice’s passing. He spent the remainder of his life doing as he pleased, helping his neighbors, getting into mischief, tinkering with things, and keeping me in line. While my biological father wasn’t all that great at parenthood, Larry stepped up and filled those shoes. He taught me so much, but more than anything, he taught me that hard work – “man’s work” – doesn’t require a Y-chromosome, and that I could learn to do anything. My mom taught me how to drive a stick, but Larry taught me how to change my oil, rotate my tires, and lift vehicles to ridiculous heights. (He also taught me that one ought not forget to check one’s fluids, lest one is willing to face a stern lecture.) He could do anything, from fixing a watch to finishing drywall or wiring a house, and he was always quick to lend a hand or offer a lesson.

When Jimmy and I decided to open the shop, Larry offered his full support, and was instrumental not only in the initial opening, but in the years to come. He often referred to himself as a fixture around the place, but he was so much more than that. From helping “the pink Jeep Lady” try to balance her Jeep on the teeter-totter and climb over smashed cars, to teaching the girls in the front more than they ever wanted to know about 4x4s, Larry was a constant source of both knowledge and entertainment. Often mischievous and caught with that funny little smile he’d get when he was up to something, Larry was a sort of adopted grandfather to many.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “the man, the myth, the legend,” and I can’t think of a better way of describing Larry. He truly was a legend. While you knew quite quickly if you were in the wrong about anything (including whether or not tomatoes are edible), Larry was a kind man and he loved deeply. Always humble, he had made his own arrangements and did not want the pomp and circumstance of services, nor our tears. Instead, he wanted a simple cremation. While we were unable to “take him out back and shoot him” as we were all often instructed, and while we’re sure he’ll haunt us regardless, we are unwilling to not respect his final wishes. That being said, he never told us we couldn’t do anything in his memory down the road, so we will be hosting a Dash Bash on May 3, 2025, in his honor. Expect good food, a moment of silence, probably some gun shots or exploding Tannerite, off-roading, and a celebration Larry would be proud of.

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

Debra G. Eubanks, age 69, of Benton, passed away at 7:15 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2025, at her home.

Her wishes are to be cremated, with a private family Celebration of Life, to be held at a future date.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Debbie was born on July 4, 1955, in Waipahu, Hawaii; the daughter of Billy Joe Gilland and Josephine (Cabulagan) Gilland. She married David Eubanks on April 5, 2010, and together they shared 14 years of marriage.

Her working career included working as a card dealer with Harrah’s Casino in Metropolis, IL; and as a bank teller with Banterra Bank.

She was of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) A Buddhist organization that practices Nichiren Buddhism.

Her husband said that she enjoyed spending time with him in their home, playing computer games and shopping online.

She is survived by her loving husband David Eubanks of Benton, Illinois; her children Tiana Williams and husband Tayton of Kauai, Hawaii, Brant Hale and significant other Chelsea of Paducah, Kentucky, Kelley Hale and significant other Shawn of Murray, Kentucky; step-children: Michelle Odam and husband Dan, David Eubanks, Jr. and wife Brittany, William Eubanks and wife Kim; grandchildren including: Taelyn Hale-Ajimine, Kili Williams, Mehana Williams, Kailea Mason, Keira Hale, Tehya Haumea-Oliver, Liam Eubanks, Delilah Eubanks, Makayla Odam, Ethan Odam, Katie Van Poucke, Rhianna Moss and Danta Moss; sisters: Bernadine Sarano and husband Eric of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Glenda Pinheiro of Henderson, Nevada, Lisa Jo Dossett and husband Brad of Marion, Kentucky, Vicky Eubanks of Benton, Illinois; a brother Mike Eubanks of Buckner, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions in memory of Debbie may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org)
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Debbie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Donald “Dave” Niana, 83, of Christopher, passed away on Friday January 17, 2025 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on July 9, 1941 in West Frankfort, IL to Dominic and Anna (Ferrori) Niana.

He is survived by his sister Linda Burkitt of Christopher, two brothers Richard “Peanuts” Niana of Buckner and John Niana of Christopher; nephews David (Brenda) Burkitt, Scott (Julie) Burkitt, John Matthew (Donna) Niana, Brad (Kelly) Niana; great nieces and nephews Nathan Burkitt, Leanna (Shane) Bennett, Luke (fiancé Marlee Russell) Burkitt, Emily (Adam) Becker, Dominic Niana and Samantha Niana; great great nieces and nephew Isabella Niana, Ava Bennett and Brooks Bennett.

Dave served in the United States Navy stationed in Bermuda doing surveillance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was employed by E & E Mine Tool Service and then the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling but especially trips to Golconda and Reel Foot with his brothers and buddies. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion and served on the honor guard for many years.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday January 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Andrews Catholic Cemetery Fund or to CASA, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

In Loving Memory of Janet Elaine Shadowen
March 14, 1953 – January 16, 2025

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Janet Elaine Shadowen, known to all as Jan. She left this world on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, at 6:35 p.m., surrounded by her loving husband and devoted family and the love they carried for her. She was 71 years young.

Born on March 14, 1953, in Christopher, Illinois, Jan was the cherished daughter of Gladys Moore and James Travelstead and grew up in West Frankfort, Illinois. Jan’s life was a tapestry of love, faith, and kindness. She possessed an unmatched strength, a compassionate heart, and an enduring faith that guided her every step.

Jan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who found joy in the simplest things—cooking, photography, and the laughter of her loved ones. Her cookbooks overflow with recipes seasoned with love, and her photo albums, filled with memories of family and friends, tell the story of a life lived fully and beautifully.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Marty Shadowen; her daughter, Tracey Shadowen-Fryar, Tracey’s husband Terry and her son, Jason Shadowen and his wife Shayna; and her adoring grandchildren, Lexi, Austin, Isaiah, and Noni. She also leaves behind her brother Edwin Travelstead and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her mother Gladys, stepfather Carl, father James, her sisters Velma Bellee, Geraldine Shriver, and Carole Evrard, and two infant brothers David Travelstead and Ronnie Travelstead.

Jan’s family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with loved ones who passed before her and is now at peace, resting in Heaven. Her unwavering faith and her favorite scripture, Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” were constant sources of comfort and strength, even in her hardest days.
In her final moments, Jan’s family played the music of her favorite artist, Neal McCoy, bringing her joy and serenity. Her journey was one of courage and grace, teaching everyone who knew her what it means to live a life filled with love and gratitude.

A celebration of Jan’s life will be held at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, 410 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois on Sunday, January 19th, 2025. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Funeral services starting at 2 p.m. and cemetery services immediately following at Denning Cemetery in West Frankfort IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fires of Revival Ministry in Benton Illinois in her memory.

Jan will forever be remembered for her laughter, her enduring faith, and the light she brought into every room. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Rest easy, Jan. You were deeply loved and will be missed beyond words. Your love and light will remain with us always.

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

Shirley Elaine Calloni, 82, of Benton, passed away on Sunday January 12, 2025 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin.

She was born on June 8, 1942 in Christopher to Walter and Ellen (Humphrey) Overturf. She married Thomas Calloni SR. on October 22, 1962 and he survives of Benton.

She is also survived by her children Thomas Calloni Jr. of Benton, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Calloni of Lafayette, IN and Steve (Cara) Calloni of Zeigler; grandchildren Austin Calloni, Addison Calloni, Blaine Calloni, Brianna Calloni, Bethaney Calloni, Riley Gress and Caleb Hall, six great grandchildren and two brothers Harold and Kevin Overturf.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister LaDonna Calloni.

Shirley loved to go fishing, camping and working in her garden, but mostly she loved her family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Terry Lybarger officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.

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