Freddie Gene Seiler, 88, of Sesser, Illinois, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 2, 2025.

Born on May 8, 1936, to Clarence and Mary (Cantrell) Seiler of Sesser, Freddie was the embodiment of faith, family, and hard work. On July 17, 1955, he married the love of his life, Carol Eubanks. Their 69 years of marriage served as a beautiful testimony of devotion and love to all who knew them. Together, they were blessed with one daughter, Cheryl (Lonnie) Garner of Sesser.

Freddie’s career reflected his dedication and strong work ethic. He was employed at Blue Bell Packing in DuQuoin and later worked as a coal miner at Inland Steel. A long-time member of Sesser First Baptist Church, Freddie lived his faith daily, inspiring those around him with his kindness and humility.

He was a loving husband, proud father, devoted grandfather, and cherished uncle. His family brought him immense joy and they all spent many wonderful times together. Freddie is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Cheryl, and grandsons Craig (Melodee) Garner and Shane (Bethany) Garner. His legacy also lives on through his great-grandchildren Maty (Derek) Parvin, Jaycee (Logan) Giles, Caleb Lewis, Cru Garner, Ellie Garner, Cala Garner, Croix Garner, and his great-great-grandson Waylen Giles. He will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law, Lonnie Garner, and his beloved brother, Deon Seiler.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, officiated by Pastor Chris Hottensen. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser First Baptist Church Youth Department or to Sprouts, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Bill Barnfield, 93, of Benton passed away Tuesday evening, December 31, 2024.

Bill was born in Benton, IL on October 24, 1931 the son of Clyde & Pearl (Hobbs) Barnfield.
He married Phyllis Jane Wallace on July 9, 1955 and she preceded him in death on January 20, 2022.
Mr. Barnfield was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church. He proudly served in the US Army and was a Korean War Veteran. Mr. Barnfield retired from Rice Foods. His family and his faith were the most important things in his life. Even though Mr. & Mrs. Barnfield may have had only one year of schooling beyond high school, they knew an education would provide one with limitless opportunities. They were so proud that all of their children graduated college.

Mr. Barnfield is survived by his:
4 Children:
Deidre Rea & husband Richard of Signal Mountain, TN
Dr. Terry Barnfield & wife Glynis of Salem
Clydette Barnfield of Benton
Dr. Marda Voss & husband Travis of Weldon Spring, MO

7 Grandchildren:
Jesse Rea & wife Caroline
Dr. Libby Ownby & husband Kirby
Dr. Rayla Bolton & husband Major Aaron Bolton
Ford Barnfield
Jennings Barnfield & wife McKenna
Eva Voss
Elise Voss

5 Great-Grandchildren:
Jacob & Emily Claire Rea
Ethan & Kaden Ownby
Niam Bolton

Mr. Barnfield was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, 2 Brothers-James & Richard Barnfield and Sister-Bette Carlton.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Immanuel Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Rea officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to: Residential Hospice, 4215 State Route 159, Glen Carbon, IL 62034.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

James Michael Webb, 60, of Benton passed away on Tuesday afternoon December 31, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon with his family by his side.

He was born in St. Louis, MO on March 17, 1964 the son of James Raymond & Charlene Hope (Baumgarte) Webb.

He married Cynthia Ann Clark on November 21, 1987.

Mr. Webb owned his own Semi and loved driving. He was passionate about his family, he was very family oriented, the epitomy of a family man. He loved to joke and kid around.

Mr. Webb is survived by his:
Wife: Cynthia Ann Webb of Benton
James & Cynthia had 2 children together:
Ashley Marie Webb & Carle Todd of Marion
Amberley Nicole Webb & Daniel Melton of Benton
Brother-in-law: Rick Clark Jr. & wife Nancy of Ashley
Sister-in-law: Amy Marie Brachear & husband Donald of Ewing
3 Nephews:
Austin Erthall & wife Briana and thier son Marshall
Logen Erthall
Cameron Brachear

Mr. Webb was preceded in death by his Parents, and his Father-in-law & Mother-in-law: Richard Clark & Wanda Hammers.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, January 3rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Bill Uhles officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the Webb Family.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Wanda Lou Spotanski, 91, of Scheller, passed away on Monday December 30, 2024 at Crossroads Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.

She was born on August 6, 1933 in Bonnie, IL to Lester Dial and Margueritte (Hayes) Keller. She married George L. Spotanski on June 12, 1950 and he survives of Scheller.

She is also survived by her children Karen Miller of McLeansboro, Wayne Spotanski of Scheller and Laura (Leroy McDuffie) Page of Scheller; grandchildren Stacy (David) Webb, Kassie (Adam) Magsig, Jeremy Spotanski, Adreanna Harvey, Vanessa Leek, Mandi (Robert) Whitlow and Cody (Kyle) Levanti; great grandchildren Dalton, Dacey, Andrew, Hazel, Ransom, Presleigh, Hendrix, Lennox, M.J., Mavrick, Kayla, Lane and Bronx and one brother Ken (Mary) Keller of Carbondale.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one infant daughter Mary Susan Spotanski and two brothers Don Keller and Miek Keller.

Wanda was a school teacher and loved teaching, going to church and she especially loved her family.

Funeral services will be on Saturday January 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Sesser with Pastor Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the Church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Robert Greenwood Marrs, 82, of Clarksville, TN, passed away on Sunday December 29, 2024.

He was born on June 4, 1942 in Pesotum, IL to M.F. and Josephine (Greenwood) Marrs. He married Barbara (Arndt) Marrs on June 11, 1966 and she survives of Clarksville, TN.

He is also survived by his children Tamie (David) Green of LaFayette, KY, Tracey Smith of Oliver Springs, TN, Steven (Christy) Marrs of Springfield, TN and Tara Marrs of Clarksville, TN; grandchildren Haley (Blake) Joiner, Lance Green and Sarah Channell and one great granddaughter Blakely Joiner.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Richard Kent Marrs.

Graveside services will be held on Friday January 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Herrin City Cemetery with Al Jewell officiating. Burial will be at Herrin City Cemetery. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Everett Lee Tabor, 86, of Benton, Illinois passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Saturday December 28, 2024 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale at 2:26p.m.

Everett was born July 17, 1938 in West Frankfort, Illinois to Harry and Blanche (Edwards) Tabor. Everett was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a very giving person. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church – Benton, Illinois. Everett was a faithful servant of the Lord and had a heart for missions. He was a previous member of First Baptist Church of Milford, Ohio. Everett served in the Bearing Precious Ministry and First Bible International. Everett pastored East Fork Cemetery in West Frankfort in the early 1970’s .

He was preceded in death by his son, Keith Tabor; parents; sisters: Joyce Tabor, Marcella Felton, and Jenita Punchard; brothers, Harry Joe and Charlie Tabor.

Everett is survived by his wife, Betty Tabor who he married in 1985; son, Kent Tabor; daughters: Melanie (Tim) Norman and Kathy (Mark) Miller; nine grandchildren: Reggie (Alyssa) Norman, Leah Bailey, Jake Tabor, Chelsea (Gunner) Bailey, Natasha (Mike) Dolan, Nathan Shurtz, Nick (Lindsey) Tabor, Mitchell Bahr, and Nick Carter; fourteen great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00a.m. Thursday January 2, 2025 in the Immanuel Baptist Church – Benton, Illinois with Minister Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial will be in Denning Cemetery on the Orient Road. Visitation will be held in the church from 9:00-11:00a.m. prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Bearing Precious Seed Ministry in Milford, Ohio. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the church or funeral home.

Mr. Marion Frank Powenski, age 93, of Benton, passed away at 12:05 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Benton Healthcare and Rehabilitation of Benton, IL.

His wishes are to be cremated, with no public services.

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

Mr. Powenski was born on June 12, 1931, in Benton, IL; the son of Mike Powenski and Helen (Shibovich) Powenski. On May 12, 1956, he married the former Merlene Eickleman, together they shared 67 years of marriage, until her passing on February 2, 2024.
Marion worked as a meter reader with CIPS Electric (now Ameren). He enjoyed attending Benton Ranger sporting events, especially basketball. He loved visiting with people, his son Mike said, “he was a people person that enjoyed helping others”.

Marion was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

He is survived by a daughter Linda Powenski of Benton, IL; a son Mike Powenski and wife Cindy of Johnston City, IL; three grandchildren: John Gouge, Jr. and wife Rebecca of Kalamazoo, MI, Adam Gouge of Iowa, Natosha Plumlee and husband Bryan of Valier, IL; seven great-grandchildren: Ava, Aiden, Deacon, Michael, Faith, Castiel, and Nyla.

Mr. Powenski was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two sisters Rose and Ann, five brothers: John, Stanley, Mike, Louis and Leo.
Memorial contributions in memory of Marion may be made to the Benton Healthcare Resident Activity Fund, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Raymond Leland Flannigan, 92, formerly of Christopher, IL, passed away on December 27, 2024 at The Anchor in Marion, IL.

He was born on October 1, 1932 in Benton, IL to Harry and Mary Smith Flannigan. Due to the declining health of his parents, at the age of ten years old, he was placed in the home of Bill and Margaret Haynes Mitchell of Christopher, IL. Bill and Margaret raised him as their own child to adulthood.

He married Linda Swisher, of Mulkeytown, IL, on April 6, 1957 in the First Christian Church in Mulkeytown, Illinois. She preceded him in death on January 6, 2015. He is survived by one son, Tracy Flannigan, of Thibodeaux, Louisiana, granddaughter Shana Hall, great granddaughters, Dixie Hall and Avanna Hall of White Bluff, Tennessee, sisters-in-law, Judy Swisher, Mulkeytown, IL, Janice Tilley, DuQuoin, IL and Debbie (Jerry) Stanley, Mulkeytown, IL. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and one special nephew, Donald Mason of Elkview, West Virginia who was faithful in keeping in touch with Raymond. Also surviving him are cousins from the Bill Mitchell family. He was preceded in death by sons David Flannigan, Mark Flannigan, foster parents, Bill and Margaret Mitchell, brothers Harry and John Flannigan and sisters, Hazel Mazurek and Nora Mae Mason, mother and father-in-law, Emmett “Dobber” and Verble Swisher, brothers-in-law, Charles “Dobber” Swisher, Bob Swisher, Norman Tilley and sister-in-law, Evelyn Pinkham Swisher.

Raymond enlisted in the Air Force on November 18, 1952 and completed his basic training at Parks Air Force Base, Pleasanton, California. From there he went to Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas for jet mechanic training. After completing four years in the Air Force, he returned home where he met and married his wife, Linda. He reenlisted after their marriage and subsequently was stationed at numerous bases in the states, as well as in France and England. He also served three tours in Viet Nam. He was a jet mechanic and after more than 22 years, he retired as an E7 Master Sergeant. He and Linda loved the Air Force and they met and remained friends with people from every place they were stationed. They especially loved their stay in England. After retiring from the Air Force, Raymond spent close to 15 years as a mug engineer in the oil fields in Louisiana. At the close of that job, he attended shoe repair school and he and Linda bought a shoe repair shop in Nashville, Tennessee. He spent 15 years with his sons repairing shoes for numerous country stars. Raymond led a full life and retirement was never in his vocabulary. He never met a stranger and truly loved everything he did.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at the Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, IL with Brother Donald Wright officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery, Mulkeytown, IL with full military rites. In lieu of flowers, it was Raymond’s express wishes that any memorials be made to Veteran’s Honor Flight of Southern Illinois, 10400 Terminal Drive, Suite 200, Marion, IL 62959.

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

Kenneth E. Bloom, 83, of Sesser, passed away at 1:48 p.m., on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, IL, surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 5, 1941, to Kenneth and Helen (Plouck) Bloom in Bowling Green, OH. Kenneth was a retired coal miner. On July 6, 1960, he married Mary Tucker, and she survives.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Kenneth loved gardening, hunting and fishing, in his pasttime.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary, three daughters, Peggy (Kenneth) Puckett, Patty (Mike) Galloway and Carolyn (Dean) Knight; three sisters, Hazel Jones, Helen Ann Bennett and Joan Marie Galloway; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Noal and Helen Frances Bloom, his son, Michael Eugene Bloom, two brothers, Isaac Bloom and Delmar William Bloom and his sister, Mary Rose Clark.

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

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Bryant Harris, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Paradise Prairie Cemetery in Tamaroa, IL.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com