Marcus Thomas Cunningham, Sr., died on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 4:25 p.m. in Benton, IL.

Marcus was born in Littleton, CO, on December 12, 1931. He attended Sacred Heart Grade and High School, Waterloo, IA. He then attended Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa, Class of 1953) where he studied History and Business and earned a minor in Mathematics.

He married Elizabeth Ann Libner on January 23, 1959 at West Pullman, IL. They raised three children and were together until her death in 1995. Marcus had a long and successful career in the grocery business at Kroger Company; Vescio, Inc. in Michigan; Glosser Brothers and U-Save Warehouse, Johnstown, PA. After retirement, Marcus and Liz moved to Benton, IL.

Marcus is survived by his children and grandchildren:
Thomas F. II (Lynn) Lisle, IL – Benjamin Pointer, Kathryn
Janine (Chris Kane) Iowa City, IA – Hannah, Neil, Ellen
(Anne-Marie) Oshkosh, WI – Anastasia, Naomi, Michael, Christi, and Nicole,
as well as nieces and nephews and the many friends he made from all the places he lived, especially his community at Saint Joseph’s and neighbors, including most recently Memorial Care Center in Belleville, IL and Helia Heathcare of Benton.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas H. Cunningham; mother, Ellen A. (Davin); siblings Thomas F. Cunningham, Alice Linden, Helene V. Cunningham, and Margaret I. Cunningham; wife Elizabeth Ann (Libner); his younger son, Marcus T. Cunningham, Jr.; grandsons Sean Cunningham Kane and Matthew Patrick Cunningham.

Marcus was an active member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, including founding organizer of the Flea Market and member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for approximately 68 years, most recently of Benton Lodge #1234; Marcus originally joined Chicago South lodge #1596.
Marcus has been described as a gentleman; mentor; and stubborn, lovable Irishman. His many hobbies included attending auctions and flea markets, collecting antiques, and worldwide travel with Liz prior to her death in 1995 and solo adventures to other far off destinations including Ireland and Scotland, Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, Macchu Piccu, Italy, France, Greece, and Malta, his favorite.

Visitation will be held at Saint Joseph’s Church, Benton, IL on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. with a Mass at 11 a.m. The Church will provide a lunch to follow Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Waterloo, IA, on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11 a.m..

In lieu of flowers, Marcus’ family requests that donations be directed to Camp HOPE, Stevens Point, WI (www.camphopeforkids.org), with which the Kane family has volunteered over the years since Sean’s death, or St. Joseph’s Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

David Dean Flowers, 82, went to be with the Lord at 4:18 AM on April 30, 2023, surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice of Southern Illinois.

David was born on April 16, 1941 in Christopher, IL to James and Eloise Flowers.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol Ann Flowers, who he joined in Heaven. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jack, Donnie, and Sammy Flowers, one sister Betty Flowers, his grandmother Derrington and a granddaughter Jamie Flowers.

David leaves behind six children, daughters Tammy and Brad Lindsey of Royalton, Terri and Randy Loucks of Sesser, Beverly Miller of Zeigler and Karen McIntosh (Hank Bostedt) of Christopher; sons David and Mary Flowers of Christopher and Danny and Kelly Flowers of Christopher; 17 grandchildren Carol and Shawn Ratley of Christopher, Cheryl and Ron Baker of Goreville, Beverly and JJ Mintz of Herrin, Daniel and Robin Prather of Christopher, April Loucks of Centralia, Crystal and John Uraski of Sesser, Matthew Loucks of Sesser, Amanda Miller of Buckner, Melinda Miller (David Howe) of Florida, Sara and Mike Glenn of Arizona, Tamara McIntosh of Christopher, Wesley McIntosh of Zeigler, Daniel McIntosh of Coder, Bethany Flowers, Jericho Flowers and Hannah Flowers of Christopher, Michael Flowers of Christopher and Daniel Flowers of Christopher.

David enjoyed spending time with his family, attending church, singing and praising the Lord. David also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, gardening, driving his golf cart around town, as well as organizing and being outdoors, especially at sunrise.

His family would like to thank all of those involved in his care during his last days, especially his granddaughters Cheryl and Carol, who cared for him with great love and tenderness, during his difficult time.

Funeral services will be on Thursday May 4, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Doug Burkhamer officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Bob L. Johnston, 86, of Whittington passed away Sunday morning, April 30, 2023 at the Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.

He was born in Whittington, IL on May 25, 1936, the son of Harley Oral & Bertha (Britton) Johnston.
He married Deanna Arnold on October 24, 1964.

Bob enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching various types of sporting events. He was a 1954 graduate of Benton High School, where he was part of a regional championship team in basketball. He went on an athletic scholarship to Erskine College in South Carolina to attain his teaching degree. He was a four-year starter in both baseball and basketball along with being selected as team captain in both sports his senior year. In 1994 Erskine College inducted him into their athletic Hall of Fame.

Bob’s teaching and coaching career included stops at Whittington, Royalton, Valier, and Galatia. The majority of his teaching years were with the Benton Grade School District, where he retired from in 1993. There are many who remember him as a member of the Whittington fastpitch softball team. Several of his years in the summer were spent at the Benton Park where he served as Park Superintendent.

Bob was at his best while teaching. This included not only the classroom but also in helping others learn to do things like water skiing or even flying radio controlled model airplanes. He loved going to Benton athletic events and worked on the scorebench for basketball games during the heyday of Benton basketball. He rarely missed watching the St. Louis Cardinals games.
During his retirement years he loved following his grandkids, Jared and Jenna, in all their sporting events and activities. Bob and Deanna attended Whittington Baptist Church where Bob enjoyed Sunday School classes.

Bob is survived by his:
Wife: Deanna Johnston of Whittington
Son: Jeff Johnston & wife Jan of Whittington
Grandson: Jared Johnston & wife MaKennah of Benton and Great-Granddaughter-Jovi
Granddaughter: Jenna Schimpf & husband John of St. Louis, MO
Bob was preceded in death by his Parents and 1 Brother-Bill Johnston.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, May 5th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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

Mary Louise Shaw went to be with her heavenly father on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the age of 85. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her husband and children. Louise was born August 31, 1937 in Vienna, Illinois. She married Donald E. Shaw on June 23, 1956.

Louise was a member of Grace Bible Church in West City, Illinois. She loved spending time with her family and attending church. She blessed many lives through her many years as a childcare provider, foster parent, cafeteria and playground supervisor, and crossing guard.

Louise is survived by her husband, Donald Shaw of Benton, Illinois; children, Karyn Joseph of Marion, Illinois, Cheryl (Jeff) Moore of Maryville, Illinois, Scott (Jodi) Shaw of Smithton, Illinois, Christopher (Jeri) Shaw of Benton, Illinois, and daughter-in-law, Jackie Shaw of Warner Robbins, Georgia; grandchildren, Kelly (Brian) Gagne, Andrew (Melissa) Shaw, Hayley (Jared) Mason, Paden (Crystal) Joseph, Chad (Brenda) Carlson, Chalon (Ashley) Knight, Ryan Shaw, Grace Shaw, Cristen (Derek) Oxford, Jared Shaw; great-grandchildren, Jackson Gagne, James Gagne, Evan Gagne, Zachary Shaw, Allison Shaw, Dottie Mason, Velma Mason, James Joseph, Alex Joseph, Caleb Carlson, Jessica Carlson; foster brother, Jeff Hemminghaus; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents Carl Day and Thelma Holt Day and foster parents George and Dorothy Hemminghaus; son, Alan Shaw; son-in-law, Daren Joseph; brother, William Day; half-sister, Virginia Holt; half-brother Paul Smith; and foster brother, Steve Hemminghaus.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 6th at Grace Bible Church, 107 N. Court St., West City, Illinois from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm with Pastor Jim Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Akin, Illinois.

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

Barbara Ann Lance, 81, of Sesser, passed away on Saturday April 29, 2023 at her home.

She was born on September 11, 1941 in Christopher to Noble and Morlan (Sammons) Boner. She married Lee Lance and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her sons Kenneth (Tina) Lance of Florida, Quint Lance of Sesser, Bryant Lance of Pinckneyville and Michael Lance of Sesser and two sisters Clea Lewis of Tennessee and Nora Irvine of Kentucky.

Barbara’s wishes were to be cremated with a private service at a later date.

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

Frank Meadows, 87, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Saturday April 29, 2023 at his home.

He was born on June 27, 1935 in Royalton to John and Lilly (Sanders) Meadows. He married Shirley (Carpenter) Meadows and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children Brian Meadows of Iola, WI, Atheana Meadows of Mulkeytown and Chris (Julie) Meadows of Steven’s Point, WI; grandchildren Jessica (Ryan) Keenan, Jasper Meadows, Clare Meadows, Nathaniel Meadows and Franklin Meadows; two sisters Marlene Wiliams of Cleburn and Claudie McGhee of Cleburn and two brothers Alan Meadows and John Meadows and several nieces and nephews.

Frank’s wishes were to be cremated. A graveside service will be at a later date.

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

Pauline Kiselewski, 82, of Waltonville, passed away on Saturday April 29, 2023 at her home.

She was born on December 3, 1940 in Marion, IL to Edgar Rex and Eva Juanita (Killman) Price. She married Richard Raymond Kiselewski on June 24, 1966 and he preceded her in death on April 17, 2015.

She is survived by her children Loretta (Chad) Hess of Englewood, TN and Daryl (Lisa) Kiselewski of Waltonville; grandchildren Jami Harland, Cole Hess, Meadow Hess, Kendall Kiselewski and Adam Kiselewski; great grandchildren Beckam Harland and Banks Harland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Cheryl Colgrave; one granddaughter Sierra Hess, siblings Clodell Price, Carol Dailey and Gene Bruyere.

Funeral services will be on Saturday May 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 AM at the Church. Burial will be at the Primative Baptist Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Lloyd Gene Hill, 97, of Benton, Il., passed peacefully to his forever home, April 27, 2023, at Franklin Hospital.

Gene was born in Marion, Il. in 1925, to Gilbert and Amy (Hunter) Hill. He married the love of his life, Virgie McDuffie, in 1944.
In 1951 he moved his wife and daughter to Benton and managed Bracy’s Food Store on the Square for several years, adding a son to his family in 1956. He later joined the Benton Police Force. After his retirement from there, he bought a grocery store, H & S Market on the corner of McLeansboro St and East Main and served the community for a number of years. In the 1980’s, still not ready to stay retired from serving his community, he became the Mayor of Benton, serving one term.

He loved to fish, and was a coin collector, but other than those hobbies, his family was the most important to him. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and always showed his love in every way possible.

Surviving is his daughter, Sherry Franklin, of Benton. Son, Dana (Gayla), of Christopher, Il. Grandson Troy Franklin of Villa Grove, Il. and Granddaughter, Tracee Franklin of Georgetown, Texas. Great Grandsons Michael, Peyton, and Jayse Franklin. Grandson Andy Hill, Granddaughters Amanda, and Cassie Hill of Tennessee…and many nieces and nephews.

Those who proceeded Gene to their forever Home were his parents, his brothers, Gib, James, Lonnie, Bill and his sister, Amy. His wife, Virgie, recently proceeded him in Aug. of 2021. They celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary just a month before her passing.
As per his wishes, he will be cremated, and his family will have a private ceremony at a time to be determined.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

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