Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Steven Davis Downen, 73, of Sesser, passed away on Thursday September 12, 2024 at his home.
He was born on January 8, 1951 in Scheller, IL to Charles and Leida (Bates) Downen.
He is survived by his siblings Jimmy (Glenda) Downen of Ina, Ernie Downen of Scheller and Susie Miller of Sesser.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Steven’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Terry D. Hall, 83, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Wednesday September 11, 2024 at DuQuoin Nursing and Rehab.
He was born on October 2, 1940 in Burtram, MO to John and Helen (Adkesson) Hall. He married Carol (Treadwell) Hall on April 9, 1960 and she survives of Mulkeytown.
He is also survived by his daughters Terry Dawn (Randy) Redding of Mulkeytown and Cindy Hall of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Nick Redding and Becca Redding; one great granddaughter Arylnn; one sister Kathy (Danny) Ketton and one brother John Hall.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He was a member of the UMWA and was a proud coalminer. He enjoyed a casual lifestyle.
Funeral services will be on Saturday September 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Dennis Ward officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
David Duane Phillips, age 48, of Cookeville, TN; passed away at 8:47 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Cookeville Regional Medical Center of Cookeville, TN.
David’s wishes were to be cremated.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the Phillips Cemetery of Ewing, IL. Family and friends should go directly to the Cemetery.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the local arrangements.
David was born on March 8, 1976, in Benton, IL, the son of Robert C. Phillips and Shirley Jean (Connor) Phillips. He married the former Debra Lee Snyder on July 2, 2024.
He was an over the road truck driver PTG Logistics.
David enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley motorcycle, spending time with his family, and his three dogs Cheerio, Scarlet and Bella.
He is survived by his loving wife Debra Lee Phillips of Cookeville, TN; two children Kyle Phillips and Kaylee Phillips; a granddaughter; two sisters: Marie Jackson of Eldorado, IL, Gail Poole and husband Larry of Benton, IL; three brothers: Jeffrey Phillips and wife Alicia of West Frankfort, IL, Bryan Phillips of Eldorado, IL, Michael Phillips and wife Jennifer of Sesser, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Robert D. “Sonny” Phillips. Also, since David’s passing, Bryan’s wife Jessica passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of David, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
Noble Farrell Galloway, 68, of Buckner, passed away on Saturday September 7, 2024 at his home.
He was born on February 21, 1956 in Sesser, IL to Noble Farrell and Mary Lou (Lukehart) Galloway.
He is survived by his children Crystal (Jacob) Pfeiler of Christopher and Nichlos Galloway of Missouri; grandchildren Riley, Camden and Alex; one sister Becky Loucks and three brothers Jimmy Galloway, Terry Galloway and Tony Galloway.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Shanen Galloway and one brother David Galloway.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 14, 2024 from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Ivy Terrace in Sesser, IL.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Margo Elaine Nellis (Hock), 71 of West Frankfort, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:00 a.m. September 9, 2024, at home with loved ones beside her.
Margo was born January 5, 1953, in Cambria, IL. The youngest daughter of Robert and Lillian Hock. She married Robert Nellis Sr. of Carbondale, IL on March 27, 1976, in Cambria, IL.
While Margo had several jobs during her life- being an OB nurse at Herrin Hospital and a stay-at-home mom and grandma were her favorites.
Margo is survived by her husband of 48 years, Robert Nellis Sr. of West Frankfort, IL, and her children: daughter Mandy Mize and son-in-law John Mize of West Frankfort, IL, son Robert Nellis II and daughter-in-law Charity Nellis of Oklahoma City, OK, daughter Jadrian Greathouse and son-in-law Kevin Greathouse of West Frankfort, IL, and her sister Susie Hubbard (Hock) and brother-in-law Harold Hubbard of Royalton, IL.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Garrett Green of West Frankfort, IL, Korrena Smith (Green) and Luke Smith of Paducah, KY, Alexander Greathouse of West Frankfort, IL, Alyssa Greathouse of West Frankfort, IL, Johnny Mize of West Frankfort, IL, Chloe Mize of West Frankfort, IL, Autumn Nellis of Oklahoma City, OK, and one great-granddaughter Opal Lee Smith of Paducah, KY.
To these special children she was known as MooMoo. This moniker came from her grand-niece and nephew whom she lovingly referred to as her practice grandchildren, since she cared for them before her own grandchildren were born. Margo collected cow figurines which her husband, Robert, bought for her on his travels. At the time she had about a 250-cow herd. One day her grand-niece, about 4 or 5 at the time, said to Margo, “MooMoo, you have a lot of cows. Do you love cows?” She replied, “Almost as much as I love you.” With that, her grandma nickname was born, and she was called such by all the grand and great-grandchildren, thanks to her wonderful grand-niece Lindsey Arvai (Eastwood) and grand-nephew Jared Eastwood. They helped to teach her how to be a grandparent.
Margo was preceded in death by her mother Lillian Jackson (Worthern) and father Robert Hock, sisters: Pearl (Fifi) Pierson, Diane Crawford (Hock), and her brother Robert L. Hock Jr.
Margo was a loving, caring soul and a loyal friend. She and Robert were together from their first meeting in 1972, till her death- 52 years, 5 months, and 13 days.
Robert- “My soulmate, even with all the life ‘stickers,’ will always be the greatest part of my life. I miss her dearly already.”
To honor Margo, friends and family are encouraged to make donations to the American Cancer Society.
Family and friends memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Suzanne Roule, 80, of Christopher, passed away on Monday September 9, 2024 at Herrin Hospital.
She was born on March 21, 1944 in DuQuoin to Frank Anderton and Pauline (McDonald) Faytok. She married Rudy Roule on December 31, 1963 and he survives of Christopher.
She is also survived by her children Rudy (Janette) Roule, Cheryl (Shane) McKenzie, Steven (Rhonda) Roule and Michele (Barry) Swenson; grandchildren Justin (Jenny) Roule, Jared Roule, Ryanne McKenzie, Wesley McKenzie, Sidney (Jacob) Worley, Ian Swenson and Anya Swenson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers James Anderton and Brent Anderton.
Funeral Mass will be on Friday September 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benton, IL with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
George Albert Butz,II, 72, of Marion, IL, passed away at 11:03 a.m., on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Herrin Hospital, in Herrin, IL, surrounded by his family.
He was born on April 4, 1952, to George Butz, I and Wavie (Whitesell) Butz at Barksdale AFB , LA. Before retiring, George was a driver for Brinks Security. On August 3, 2019, he married Amy Groves, nee Draper, and she survives.
George was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a big Ranger Football fan. He loved watching his granddaughters play golf, volleyball and basketball. He had a life long love for motorcycles. He enjoyed refurbishing antique pocket watches, gardening and especially watching all the wildlife at Lake Egypt.
George is survived by his loving wife, Amy, one son, Ben Maclaurin; one step-son, Justin (Bryann) Groves; one step-daughter, Sarah Halley; one sister, Margo Butz; seven grandchildren and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Albert Butz I and Wavie M. Butz and his brother, Greg Butz.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Per George’s wishes, cremation will take place.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Linda Sue Eurgil (Stamm) of Mulkeytown, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, surrounded by her family. Linda was born on March 20, 1958, in Sparta, Illinois, to the late Omar and Rosalie Stamm.
Linda graduated from Red Bud High School in 1976. She dedicated over 30 years working for GS Metals (US Gypsum) in Pinckneyville, Illinois, and she spent the last 10 years at Prysmian in DuQuion, Illinois where she was known for her compassionate heart, tireless dedication, and exceptional skills in customer service and shipping.
Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, niece, aunt, and friend. She married her husband, David Eurgil, in 1979, and together they shared 45 years of marriage. Linda is survived by her husband David; her three children, Matthew Eurgil, David (Amber) Eurgil II, and Alison (Marcus) Baria; and her 7 grandchildren, Donovan, Alexandria, Lily, Isabella, Cole, David III, and Canon. She also leaves behind her sister, Deb (Mark) Germann, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Linda will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A private funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on September 5, 2024, at St John’s Lutheran Church, 8446 1st Road, Evansville, Illinois. Burial will follow immediately at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.
Mary Ann A. Mulpas, 81, of Buckner, IL, passed away at 8:00 a.m., on Monday, September 2, 2024, at her home with her husband by her side.
She was born on October 21, 1942, to Leo and Clara (Otto) Berhorst in Osage County, Missouri. Mary Ann worked for 42 years as a teacher in the education system. On January 4, 2007, she married Charles Edward Mulpas, and he survives.
Mary Ann is survived by her loving spouse of 17 years, Charles Mulpas, four brothers and three sisters.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo Stephen and Clara Odelia Berhorst.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Per Mary Ann’s wishes, cremation will take place.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Bonita “Bonnie” Helen Wininger, left us peacefully on the evening of August 31, 2024, surrounded by her family in the home she loved for nearly sixty years. She was born on January 22, 1945, in California to Bonnie Snider and Allen Christopher.
She found her soulmate in Don Wininger, marrying him on April 20, 1981, in Benton, Illinois. Together, they shared nearly forty wonderful years before his death in 2020.
Bonnie graduated from Benton Consolidated High School and Southern Illinois University. During her 30-year career with Head Start she touched the lives of countless children, leaving a lasting impact.
Bonnie was a member of Benton’s Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Traveling as a family was a joy for Bonnie. Branson was a favorite destination for both Bonnie and Don that held a special place in their hearts. Above all, Mom’s greatest pride was her family. She often said her seven children were her greatest achievement, and her love extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In her final years, Mom showed incredible strength and devotion, caring for Don and her son Ryan during their illnesses. Her selfless love and unwavering support were a testament to her character, even as she faced profound loss when they preceded her in death in 2020 and 2023. Mom’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, dedication, and service. Her warm smile, gentle spirit, and nurturing nature will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all who knew her.
Mom is survived by her loving family: her children Kimberly (Dale Houseworth) Livesay, Robin Culbreth, Stephen Livesay, Beth Livesay, Kevin Livesay, and Kristen Garner; her grandchildren Nicholas (Emily) Culbreth, Emily Culbreth, Ashlynn Heavrin, Ainsley Mueller, Molly (Chris) Baker, Josh Houseworth, and Zach Houseworth; and her great-grandchildren Calvin Culbreth, Archer Culbreth, RayAnne Baker, Allyson Winemiller, Sydney Baker, and Ava Baker.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Per Bonnie’s wishes cremation has taken place.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m, at Pate Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Public Library and Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed at www.patefh.com
