Mrs. Shirley Toms, age 87, of Benton, passed away from this life on earth into the arms of her Lord and Savior, at 5:44 a.m. Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Shawnee Rose Care Center of Harrisburg, Illinois.

Shirley was born on March 8, 1937, in Benton, IL; the daughter of Mike Elieff and Florence (Price) Elieff. On December 1, 1956, she married Thomas Cannon, together they would share 40 years of marriage until his passing on September 12, 1997. A few years would pass by, and God put together a lonely widow and widower. On June 2, 2001, she would marry Mr. Lamont Toms, and they were married for almost 22 years, until Lamont was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, on March 2, 2023.

In her working career, she was a laborer with the Budd Company, an auto parts manufacturer in Michigan City, Indiana. Through her employment, she was a member of Teamsters Local 298 in Michigan City, Indiana.

Together with her late husband Lamont, they were faithful members of the West City Church of God. Someone shared that each, and every time they attended church, they entered the church holding hands. Shirley loved worshipping with her church family, and especially enjoyed Bible Study.

She also enjoyed her time spent with Lamont and Alyssa at McDonalds.

Shirley is survived by a daughter Rhonda Milcarek of Benton; a granddaughter Janelle Canon of Benton; three great-grandchildren: Alyssa Sailliez, Barry Oliver and Brandon Oliver, all three of Benton; a special nephew Charles Wiggs and wife Catherine of Benton.

Mrs. Tom’s was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, and two sisters: Betty Jean Stevens, and Mildred Wiggs.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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

Robert Dale “Robbie” Smith, age 20, of West Frankfort, IL; passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Four Fountains Nursing Home, of Belleville, IL.

Robbie was born on December 8, 2003, in Marion, IL; the son of Michael Dewayne Smith and Patricia Joy (Malec) Smith.

He enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball, playing video games with his sister Paisley, watching wrestling especially John Cena and Cody Rhodes. He also loved watching his favorite NFL team, the Tennessee Titans, and his favorite NBA team, the Los Angeles Lakers. His favorite player with the Lakers was Lebron James. Robbie also enjoyed listening to Country music and Christmas music.

Robbie is survived by his parents, Michael Dewayne Smith and Patricia Joy Smith of West Frankfort, IL, siblings: Paisley Kay Malec, Peyton Marie Malec, and Nick Dewayne Smith, all of West Frankfort, IL; maternal grandparents Rhonda Kay Dunford and husband Steve of Benton, IL; paternal grandmother Starla Smith of West Frankfort, IL; great-grandmother Joyce Duchene of Mulkeytown, IL; an aunt and uncle Sylvia and Nathan Malec of West Frankfort, IL, a cousin Ethan Malec, two uncles Raymond and David Baker of Marion, IL, and several other family members and his many friends at Four Fountains in Belleville, IL.
He was preceded in death by his grandma Wanda Baker, his grandpa Kevin Bush, and
an uncle Kirt Smith.

Funeral services to Celebrate the Life of Robbie Smith will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating, with burial to follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812, to assist with expenses.

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

Pastor Burton Byron Wills, 83, of Benton, passed away on Monday evening, August 26, 2024, at his home.
He was born on October 31, 1940, to Byron and Wilma (Burton) Wills in Benton, IL.

He married Roberta J. Summers on August 8, 1959 and they built a beautiful life together for 65 years.

Burton was a well-respected teacher and coach, eventually going into the real estate and appraisal business until his retirement. He was also the pastor of Grace Bible Church for 27 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta; 3 children: Julle (Ron) Whaley, Tim (Kelly) Wills, and Brad (Sandra) Wills, all of Benton. 6 grandchildren: Megan (Ian) Marlow of Benton; Molly (Mark) Uhles of Benton; Dr. Jordan Wills of Chesterfield, MO; Austin Wills of Nashville, TN; Mason Wills of Effingham, IL; and Mia Wills of Benton. 4 great-grandchildren: Brett Merkel, Lucas Marlow, Sophia Marlow, and Ellie Mae Uhles. And his loyal caregivers: Dawn Vandom and Whitney Whaley.
Burton was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tim Wills, and sister-in-law Joyce Wills.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 beginning at 10:00am, followed by funeral service at 1:30pm at Grace Bible Church, 107 N Court St. in Benton. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s hospital.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Janie Rowland, 61, arrived at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, the 5th of 7 children born to Albert and Marguerite (Bedar) Matyi on December 5, 1962 and left this world on August 24, 2024, with her husband and family members by her side. Janie attended Christopher Elementary School and graduated from Christopher High School in 1981. Janie was a Bearcat cheerleader through Jr. High and High School. She was also a Bearcat softball player under Coach Tom Wheeler. Janie was a lifelong Bearcat supporter and Chicago Cubs fan. She was a member of St Andrew Catholic Church in Christopher. Janie received Last Rites at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St Louis.

Janie continued her education at SIU for one year as she worked for the Womak Law Firm. She later worked as an Executive Secretary for Murphy Hart of Hart & Hart in Benton. She was then employed by Banterra Bank in West Frankfort where she met Steve Lindsey. In 1998, Steve Lindsey asked Janie to join him in a new venture, the Small Business Growth Corporation, and they worked together in the West Frankfort office for many years.

Janie and Randy Rowland shared a life of love for 39 years beginning in the summer of 1985. She and Randy were joined in holy matrimony at St Andrew Catholic Church on July 18, 1992.

Janie was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Barbara Matyi and Henry and Carmen Bedar, her parents, Albert and Marguerite Matyi; one sister, Cheryl “Sis” Matyi House, and her in-laws, Roy and Betty Rowland. She is survived by her husband Randy Rowland; siblings Mike (Jenni) Matyi, Steve (Sara) Matyi, Mary Beth (Kevin) Davie, Francie (Rodney) Fourez and David Matyi; sister-in-law Barbara Minor,; brother-in-law Rick Rowland; nieces and nephews Lindsi (Josh) Downs, Katie (Eric) Peradotto, Tom (Erin) House, Joe House, Bill (Jacque) Matyi, Kevin Davie Jr., Nick (Molly) Davie, Meghan (Chad) Dirler, Rodney (Katie) Fourez, Jared Fourez and Mattie Noel, Loghan Matyi and Christian Lee, Ricky (Kim) Rowland, Kristin (Matt) Yosanovich, Jeff (Molly) Minor, and Cameron (Taylor) Yosanovich; great nieces and nephews Jackson and Addi Downs, Fisher and Lainey Perradota, Matyison and Mallory House, Londyn Jo and Saylor Rose Dirler, Jase and Owen Fourez, Athena Fourez and Janie’s namesake, Vayda Jane, Drake and Will Matyi, Max and Kiley Davie, Knox Davie, Briar Rowland, Sydney Yosanovich and Knox and Tate Minor and several cousins and many friends.

Funeral services will be on Saturday August 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Monsignor Tom Flach officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at St Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Christopher. A dinner will be provided by the Knight of Columbus Altar Society following the burial at the Knights of Columbus in Christopher.

Janie loved flowers and her wish was to be surrounded by flowers at the Gilbert Funeral Home. Donations may also be made in her memory to the CAYA, an organization her father helped form, C/O CAYA President Tom House, 403 North Ward Street, Christopher, IL 62822 and envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

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

Brent Duvall Reno, 56, of Benton, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 22, 2024, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. Brent died at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born on January 30, 1968, to Charles “Chuck” and Pam (Wycoff) Reno in Carbondale, IL.

Brent grew up in Carbondale, Illinois and after a successful baseball career at Carbondale Community High School, went on to play baseball at Broward Community College in Ft Lauderdale, FL. He transferred from there to John A Logan and played for two years there before being drafted by the Kansas City Royals. He had one successful season as a relief pitcher before an arm injury ended his baseball career. Brent continued to enjoy the game as a coach for several years before learning the game of softball in order to coach his daughters.

He married Ginger Head on October 4, 1997, and they have two daughters: Courtney and Morgan. Brent coached his daughter’s softball teams for many years and was known to have a passion for the game. He also loved deer and turkey hunting with his daughters and extended family.

Brent was employed at Aisin Manufacturing, in Marion, IL, for eight years as a Quality Engineer. His Aisin family supported his battle with cancer by hosting a recent fundraiser. Although unable to attend the fundraiser, Brent was amazed and touched by the many people who attended.

He was also a member of Grace Awakening Church.

Brent is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Ginger; his daughters, Courtney and Morgan, all of Benton, IL; his parents, Chuck and Pam Reno of Carbondale, IL; his brother, Charles “Chuckie” (Melanie) V. Reno, of Arlington Heights, IL.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ron and Judy Head, of Benton, IL; his brother-in-law, Chris (Tammy) Head of Dahlgren, IL; five nieces and nephews, Justin (Kelsey) Head, Abbey Reno, Dakota (Kenise) Head, Dylan Reno and Peyton Reno; three great-nephews, Maverick Head, Bodhi Head and Wesley Head and three great-nieces, Karsyn Head, Kollyns Head and Kinsley Head.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lee and Bertha (Johns) Reno and maternal grandparents Herb and Jane (Orr) Wycoff.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Per Brent’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. & Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Ken Petty, officiating.

Memorials may be made to the family of Brent Reno to assist them with medical expenses and will be accepted at Pate Funeral Home.

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

Don Terry Wyant, Sr., age 82, of Benton, passed away at 10:55 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at his home.

Don was born on May 22, 1942, in Franklin County, IL; the son of Uel “Punch” Wyant and Edna Mae (Callahan) Wyant. He was married to Linda Sue (Blair), and she preceded him in death on February 25, 1997.

He worked for the City of Benton Street Department for 25 years. He would later run for city commissioner and was elected and would be the City of Benton Street Commissioner from 2003 to 2020. He was also a member of the Operating Engineers Local # 318 out of Marion, Illinois.

Don loved the outdoors, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He loved working, especially tinkering with air conditioners and working on anything he had in his garage that needed repaired.

Don loved his family, and cherished his time spent with each of them.

He is survived by his four children: Don Terry Wyant, Jr. and wife Kim of Benton, Robin Michelle Mitchell and husband Mark of Du Quoin, IL, Daniel Eugene Wyant of Clinton, KY, Amanda Dawn Wyant of Benton, IL; six grandchildren: Devin Charles Wyant, Joshua Dennis Rathbun, Aaron Tyler Wyant, Dylan Allen Tiberend, Kaitlin Elane Mitchell, Blake Wyant; eight great-grandchildren: Kennedy Don Wyant, Evie Wyant, Lily Mae Wyant, Colton Tiberend, Grayson Tiberend, Oliver Tiberend, Cheyanne Lampley, Weston Lampley; four siblings: Gary Wyant and wife Billie of Benton, IL, Lyn Woods and wife Sammi of Orlando, FL, Janet Border and companion Joe Boldrey of Benton, IL, Debbie Pinkston of Benton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Wyant was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers: Randy Wyant, David Wyant, Alan Wyant; a sister Elsie Spain; a grandson Skylar Rathbun; and a brother-in-law Roy Pinkston.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Tim Escue officiating, with burial to follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Our dear mother, Donna Lou Cockrum (Spencer), 83 years old, born on May 16th, 1941, to Norman A. Spencer and Georgia G. Spencer (Joiner), passed away in her home in Sesser, IL on August 14th, 2024, from Acute Myeloid Leukemia, surrounded by her family.

She was a wonderful mother whose greatest love was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She found the most enjoyment from her family, gardening, crafts, crocheting, working puzzles, and many adventures with her best friend, Mary Jane Summers, of Benton, IL. Her home was her haven which was often filled with the delicious aroma of chicken and dumplings, warmth of a wood burning stove and love.
She enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. She was the first one there and their biggest “little” fan.

Donna went to Coello Elementary School then to East Center, a one room schoolhouse. She graduated from the Goode-Barren Tswp HS. She also took several continuing education courses at SIU-C.
She was the district bookkeeper for Sesser-Valier School District #196 and the secretary for the superintendent for many years. She finished out her career with 30 plus years at ARDL in Mt. Vernon, IL before retiring at the age of 80.

She leaves behind to celebrate her life, her children: Deanie Markle Cockrum of Richmond, TX, Debi (Rick) Sims of Sesser, IL, Farrell Cockrum of Albuquerque, NM, Jenny (Randy) Lay of Belleville, IL, and Matthew W. (Andrea) Cockrum of Sesser, IL.

Grandchildren: James (Keira) Markle of Richmond, TX, Ricky (Natasha) Sims of Johnson City, IL, Jared (Jennifer) Markle of Clayton, CA, Jade Clark of DuQuoin, IL, Shaun (Alexis) King of Belleville, IL, Claire Sabolay of Lawrence, KS, Lilly Sabolay of Chicago, IL, and Aerin Cockrum of Sesser, IL.
Great-Grandchildren: David Sims, Thomas Overton, Debra Overton, Caleb Chapman, Miranda Chapman, Dalton DeVore, Hunter Martin, Charlotte Markle, Hunter Markle, Kane Clark, Thorsen Markle, Aayla King, and Lyanna King.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert (Ray-Bob) Cockrum, sisters Norma Jean and Betty Ann, her sons Robbie Lee Cockrum and Spencer Layne Gilbert and grandchildren Justin E. Markle and April (Niki) Sims.

As per mom’s request, there will be no formal services. There will be a celebration of life in the near future and will be announced on social media.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donna Lou Cockrum please visit our Sympathy Store.

Dianne Crisp, 69, of Benton passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Dianne was born July 7, 1955, to Paul “Toots” and Frankie Lou (Sneed) Howard.

She gave her heart to Jesus Christ at an early age and loved being a part of the youth group. GA’s and Acteens at North Benton Baptist Church. Although she enjoyed life as a child, becoming a teenager and receiving her driver’s license was such a fun time. During her 16th year she was one of the last lifeguards at the Benton City Swimming Pool at Lake Benton. Her boss was Gene Alexander, “Mr. A.”
After graduating Benton Consolidated High School in 1973, she took classes at Rend Lake College and continuing education classes with ICLE and the US Bankruptcy Court. In 1975, she married Mark S. Crisp, the love of her life and they had two precious boys: Dustin “Dusty” Mark Crisp, (Chelsea), Rylee, Raygan and Parker and David Joshua “Bubba” Crisp, (Bethany), Tinley, Lexi, Grace, and Silas and two Brothers David Paul Howard, Jr (Jo) and Douglas T. Howard (Kara).

She enjoyed being a homemaker and mother. After her children were in school she worked a number of years with various attorneys at law: Joseph Hickman, David B. Garavalia, and Pamela S. Lacey. Following many years in the legal circuit, she began working for the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of IL, Benton office. She spent 20 years at the US Bankruptcy Court and retired as a Deputy Clerk.
During the time she was working, she took many and various mission trips abroad to Ivanova, Russia; Playa Del Carmen, Mexico; Santiago, Dominican Republic; and stateside to St. Louis, MO; and Chicago, IL. She and Mark traveled together with trips to the Bahamas, Vancouver, BC, Puerto Rico, Chicago, Hawaii (2), New York (5), Boston (2), all of the New England States, and many times to Washington, DC. But their favorite getaway was St. Louis, MO. One of her most memorable trips with Mark was to Paris, France for their 25th anniversary.

She enjoyed reading about the actors and actresses of the golden age of Hollywood and watched the TCM Movie Channel. She also loved the musicials of the 40’s and 50’s, and made numerous trips to the Fox and Muny Theaters in St. Louis, MO. Eventually, she got to see several of her favorite musicals on Broadway in New York City.

After retiring she worked for the Franklin Baptist Association as the Women’s Director. It was important to her that people knew how much she loved Jesus Christ. She wanted others to know Her Savior in a personal relationship. She was the Women’s Missions Leader and a Bible Study Teacher while serving at Steel City Church. Reading and studying the Bible was a priority in her life. She loved anything to do with theology, doctrine and studying the “Jewish-ness” of Jesus, her Savior. One of her most exciting and favored trips was to the Holy Land in Israel.

She was obsessed about Heaven, and read many books and listened to CD’s and pastors on this subject; because she knew she would spend eternity there with Jesus Christ!

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 24th at the Steel City Baptist Church 9241 Crawford St. Benton, IL 62812. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the church on Saturday.

The family requests No flowers. Instead they ask that Memorials be made to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, North American Mission Board or Zbinden Ministries.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com