Laura Ann Cole, 83, of Benton, passed away on Sunday July 9, 2023 at her home.

She was born on September 18, 1939 to Walter and Josephine (Smid) Elder. She married John R. Cole on November 21, 1962,

She is survived by her husband John R. Cole of Benton, two daughters Gayla A. (Rick) Kent of Benton and Donna K. (Darryl) Jones of Mt Vernon, as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Josephine Elder, one son Ronnie L. Cole, two brothers Charles Elder and Walter Elder II.

Graveside services will be on Friday July 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Dennis Jones officiating.

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

John Walter Hughes, 76, of Sesser, passed away on Friday June 30, 2023 at his home.

He was born on January 22, 1947 in Herrin, IL to Walter and Dorothy (Barrass) Hughes. He married Tina (Hampton) Hughes on October 18, 2010 and she preceded him in death on September 14, 2021.

John is survived by his children William David Hughes of Maryland, John Michael Hughes of Maryland, Susan Lynn Hughes of Maryland, Gina (Bryan) Hiller of Christopher, Donna (Javier) Limones of Robstown, TX and Zachary Baker of Harrisburg; 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Funeral services for John will be on Wednesday July 5, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother George Marshall officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday 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

Jacob “Jake” R. Kramer, 42, of Denver, CO., passed away on June 25, 2023 in Thompsonville, IL.

He was born on August 17, 1980, to John Kramer and Valerie (Mason) Vicari in Benton, IL. Jacob graduated from Eastern Illinois University, receiving his Bachelors Degree. He would then receive his Master from DePaul University.

Jake was a loving son and father. His two values in life was helping others and being a proud father. He was a highly intelligent individual, who always lead with his heart. Jacob taught English for many years. He loved music and performing, reading and was a life long learner.

Jacob “Jake” is survived by his daughter, Elena Kramer; son, Declan Kramer; father, John Kramer; mother, Valerie (Victor) Vicari; two brothers, Hunter Rone and Adrien DeMartini; two sisters, Athens DeMartini and Tessa Leech.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Alan Newman, officiating.

Memorials may be made to Jennifer Law, in care Jacob’s children, Elena and Declan, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

George Orshak, 77, of Buckner, passed away at 6:25 a.m., on Monday, June 19, 2023, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

He was born on November 27, 1945, to George and Anna (Tyrpak) Orshak in West Frankfort, IL.
George was a United State Air Force veteran.

He was a member of the Protection of the Holy Mary Orthodox Church in Royalton, IL. George loved visiting with family and friends and enjoyed watching television.
George is survived by his sister, Phyllis A Petty of Benton and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George, Sr. and Anna L. Orshak,and his sister, Elizabeth H. Browning.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home. 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Per George’s wishes, cremation will take place, a private graveside service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Melvin D. Dixon, 74, of Benton, passed away at 6:47 p.m., on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 21, 1948, to William and Florence (Watson) Dixon in Christopher, IL. He graduated from Benton Community High School, Class of 1966. When he was in high school, he worked for Davis Feed Store.

Melvin is a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. In 1967, he entered the Army serving three years and was discharged as an E5 Specialist receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He returned to his family in Benton, working at Roses Gas Station.

On June 5th, 1971, he married the former Barbara Learned. Shortly after their marriage, he was hired by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department as a Jailer. After 4 months, he was promoted to Deputy. On October 11, 1973, he was hired as a full-time police officer at the Benton Police Department, serving 28 years. During his tenure at the police department he served in many positions, from Drug Task Force to Police Chief. He retired on October 19, 2001. He was also a member of the Police Pension Board. Melvin then joined Brinks Armored Car Service for 13 years, until he finally retired in 2014.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather. He enjoyed going to the gun range, watching his grandkids sporting events and attending every event they participated in. He also enjoyed traveling and classic cars. He loved being actively involved in the Benton Community and seeing it evolve.

Melvin was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton, IL, and a former member of the choir.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his loving spouse of 52 years, Barbara, two daughters, Amanda Miller and husband, Troy, of Benton and Sarah Stowers and husband, Derek, of Benton; five grandchildren, Matthew Miller, Logan Stowers, Isabella Miller, Lenox Stowers and Lance Stowers; brother, James Dixon of Benton; sister-in-law, Melissa Learned; three nephews, Ryan Dixon, Travis Dixon and Corky Miller and two nieces, Debbie VanWinkle and Jill Blythe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William B. and Florence Dixon, a brother, William C. Jackson, a sister, Charlotte Miller and sister-in-law, Kay Dixon.

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

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Jesse Hinds, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United State Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Donald J. Hardin, 80, of Zeigler, passed away on June 10, 2023 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on November 29, 1942 to Claude and Willie Mae (Simmons) Hardin. He married Cindy Sue (Duenos) Hardin on January 5, 2005.

He is survived by his wife Cindy Hardin of Zeigler; children Theresa (Dean) Dubois of Kenosha, WI, Tammy Hardin of Kenosha, WI, Donald (Kyndrea) Hardin of Crane, MO, Deborah Hardin of Kenosha, WI and Joshua (Kaleigh) Duenos of Marion, IL and several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Linda Hardin, one sister Barbara Jones and two brothers Billy Hardin and Jimmy Hardin.

He was a man who fiercely loved God, his wife, family and friends. He was a wonderful father and example for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a respected businessman, who was known for his honesty. Often referred to by friends and church family as the kindest gentle giant with the biggest heart. Don had the gift of hospitality. If you came to his home, you were not leaving without him preparing you a meal or sending one with you. He loved to cook, grill, serve at church, help others, garden, flowers, antiques, camping and being outdoors and old cars, especially his 46 Ford lovingly known as “Tater”. Don touched the lives of so many with his giving, kindness and love for God. He often said “God and Me Love You”. He will be forever missed and loved by his wife and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Christian Life Center, 1901 North Park Avenue Herrin, IL 62948.

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

Judith (Judy) L. Espy, 83, died at home Saturday from complications related to Parkinson’s.

Judy was born to the late E. D. and Treza Trogolo. Judy graduated from the Villa Duchesne high school and Maryville University in 1961. She married James R. Espy in 1961 and they lived together in Lawrence, KS. before relocating to Christopher, IL in 1963.

Judy was a homemaker, and after raising her children worked as an educator and actor. She was a proud member of the local school board for many years, and an active member of St. Andrews Catholic Church. She enjoyed bicycling and was an avid swimmer. Judy was best known as a loving and supportive mother and grandmother to her family.

She is survived by three children, James Trogolo Espy of St. Louis; Treza L. Espy (Tim) of Warrenton, MO; and Mary Ellen McCoy (Tim) of Clarksville TN. She is also survived by brothers Conrad Trogolo (Donna) of Paducah, KY, Ramon Trogolo (Barbara) of Owensboro, KY; grandson Charlie James McCoy of Clarksville, TN; 11 nieces and nephews; best friends Leslie Dolan of St. Louis, Linda Burkitt of Christopher, IL and ‘chosen’ family member Shari Arondelli of Christopher, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Andrews Altar Society, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, or the Children’s charity of your choice.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 30th at 10:00 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, with a Funeral Mass following at 11:00. Dinner will follow in Parish Center

A private burial will occur at a later date and a Celebration of Life will be planned in the future for family and friends.

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

Cynthia Sue Bowlin Stover, 51, of Brookwood, AL, formerly of Elkville, IL, passed away May 24, 2023. Cynthia loved her Harley, cooking home cooked meals, and making memories with her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Lyle and Mandy; granddaughter Oakley Renee “Nag Nag”; Grandpa and Grandma Lucas; and sidekick Petey. She is survived by her husband Chris Stover; children Branden Lewis (Sadie), Felicia Trott (Brian), Seth Bowlin, Selina Bowlin, and Taylor Stover (Alexa); grandchildren Wyatt, Percy, Asher, Jasper, Wynter, and Declan; brother Rick Bowlin.

The visitation will be on Tuesday May 30, 2023, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home.

A Funeral service will be held on Friday June 2, 2023, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home at Christopher, IL. The Funeral service will be at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL.

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