Harold “Dean” Loucks, 82, of Sesser passed away at his home on Monday, November 2nd at 11:30PM with his beloved wife and children by his side.

Dean was born on September 25th, 1938 to Emro and Clara Helen (Mowbray) Loucks and was the tenth of eleven siblings—Helen, Ruth, Mary, Dorothy, Velma, Carson, Carl, James, Howard, and Clifford—all of whom preceded him in death. Dean married Barbara Huffstutler on August 31st, 1956 and together they raised four children Gary (Sandy) Loucks of Murphysboro, Kathy Crocker of Scheller, Danny (Carolyn) Loucks of Waltonville, and Kelley (Alan) Hicks of Scheller, all of whom survive.

Dean was a welder at GS Metals for 30 years before retiring in 1995. He was an avid and skilled gardener that always had a surplus of produce that he was more than willing to share with friends, family, and even the occasional stranger. He enjoyed his and Barb’s frequent excursions to Sportsman Resort South, owned by dear friends, Bill and Candy Curlin, at Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee where they ventured to fish every year for 38 years.

In addition to the aforementioned, he is survived by his twenty grandchildren—Tim Loucks, Vincent Loucks, Sonnia (Justin) Stone, Amber (Kelly) Thompkins, Garrett Worthington, Kira (John) Tiernery, Caleb Crocker, Jason Dudley, Dani-Lyn (Travis) Hill, Jonathan Loucks, Adrieanne (Brody) Mitchell, Isaiah (Autumn) Loucks, Crystal Bentley, Alyn (Tim) Newbury, Tiffany (Eric) Powell, Sarah Alexander, Ethan Hicks, Dustin (Chelsi) Hicks, Mahaylah (Tim) Mabrey, Alayna Hicks; twenty-two great grandchildren—Madisyn, Daltyn, and Trityn Dudley, Talan Alexander, Layla and Alba Newbury, Brooklyn and Ashlee Hicks, Naomi Stone, London and Nash Powell, Draven, Graham, and Grant Tierney, Tobias Hill, Coraline Hicks, Adeline and Izaiah Loucks, Holland Mitchell, Bentley Worthington, and Wyatt and Grainger Thompkins; his mother-in-law, Margaret Dorsey, sisters-in-law Anna Mae Loucks, Nancy Loucks, Pat Zeilinski, and Peggy (Kenny) Galczyck. He was preceded in death by an infant son—Harold Sean; his parents—Emro and Clara Helen Loucks; five sisters—Ruth Zettler, Mary Panzier, Dorothy Panzier, Velma Robinson, and Helen Loucks; five brothers—Carson, Carl, James, Howard, and Clifford Loucks; fathers-in-law, Paul Huffstuttler and Dale Dorsey; brothers-in-law Ernest Panzier, Harold Zettler, Ronald Zeinlinski; sisters-in-law, Nellie Loucks and Jackie Loucks; son-in-law Carl Crocker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for the immediate family will be held on Friday at 5PM and open to the public from 6:00-8:00PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Saturday morning from 10:00-10:45AM. Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday November 7, 2020 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Mr. Angel Zito, age 87, “a servant of God,” passed away at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2020 at the SSM Healthcare Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Angel’s wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

He was born on December 16, 1932 in Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina; the son of Mariano Zito and Concepcion Zito. He married the former Wanda Fay Hamlin on April 29, 1967 and she survives.

As required for all males in Argentina, Angel served two years in the Army.

Mr. Zito was retired as foreman of Capital Products Tredegar Corporation. He also was the former owner and operator of Angelo’s Pizza in Sheldon, Illinois.

Angel enjoyed cooking for his family, friends and anyone who enjoyed his food. He loved mowing the grass, he was a handyman that could fix just about anything. His family said he could do electrical, plumbing, and concrete work. Monica said her papa was the best papa in the world, a great man that she was proud of, like his name, he was an angel. She also said he liked soccer; his favorite team was Boca Juniors de Argentina. Judy said he also enjoyed International Soccer and enjoyed rooting for the FC Barcelona. He was a friendly man and very sociable, she also said he was loved by everyone.

He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of West Frankfort, where he loved worshipping his Lord and Savior.

Angel is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Wanda Fay Zito of Macedonia; two daughters: Judy Zito of Macedonia, Monica Zito of Buenos Aires, Argentina; two brothers: Luis Petto and his family, Norberto Zito and his family all of Buenos Aires, Argentina; several nieces and nephews including: Anna Garoz and family of Miami, FL; Ambrea Angel Watkins and family of Hopkinsville, KY, Patty Hardin and family of Harrisburg, IL, Diane Hamlin and family of Wisconsin, Dale Hamlin and family of Kentucky, Shelley Hamlin and family of Wisconsin, Fernanda Zito and family of Argentina, Omar Zito and family of Argentina; two sisters-in-law Louella Howe and family of Macedonia, Marie Wilhelm and family of Watseka, IL; ; nephews that he considered as sons: Billy Burcham and ReAnna Todd, Wayne Howe, Cecil and Gloria Hamlin and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Placido Zito.

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

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Susan Lee Pinkham, 59, of Valier, passed away on November 3, 2020 at her home.

She was born on July 23, 1962 in Herrin, IL to Lindell and Jean (Gilbreath) Furlow. She married Glenn Pinkham and he survives of Valier.

She is also survived by her son Corey Cavinder of Mulkeytown.

She was preceded in death by her sister Daina Jean Dawson.

She loved to do arts and crafts. She also enjoyed her pool, her dogs, and hanging out in her backyard.

Susan’s wishes were to be cremated with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Michael Halliday, 64, of Benton, passed away at 6:45 p.m., on Friday, October 30, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on December 8, 1955, to Elmer and Zelda (Bell) Halliday in Pontiac, MI. On July 30, 1994, he married Trish Ray and she survives.

Michael was a member of the Jackson Grove Baptist Church in Benton. Michael was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was an avid Detroit Lions fan. He loved watching game shows, fishing, golf and listening to music.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 26 years, Trish, two sons, Shannon Dunmyer and Michael “Micky” Halliday, Jr.; one daughter, Heather (Hasan) Alhosh; four grandchildren, Rhiannon Dunmyer, Nathaniel Dunmyer, Alex Alhosh and Zack Alhosh; one sister, Sharon (Richard) Hodge and one brother, Dan (Loretta) Halliday.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents , Elmer and Zelda Halliday.

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

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020, from 2:00 p.m.to 4:00 p.m. at Jackson Grove Baptist Church, 9002 Bessie Rd., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jackson Grove Baptist Church Benton, with the Rev. Don Bullard, officiating.

Memorials may be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Beatrice B. Wilson, 78, of West Frankfort, passed away at 9:15 a.m., Monday, October 26, 2020, at Integrity Healthcare in Marion.

She was born on October 8, 1942, to Walter and Julia Mitchell in Jefferson City, MO. On May 14, 1972, Beatrice married Charles Wilson and he survives.

Beatrice was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed going shopping and traveling.

Beatrice is survived by her loving spouse of 42 years, Charles, one daughter, Jerri (Eric) Shepard; two sons, Charles Wilson and Wesley Wilson; three grandchildren, Danielle Shepard, Madison Shepard and Landon Shepard; one brother, Jessie Mitchell and one sister, Alice Lumonion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Julia Mitchell and two brothers, Raymond Mitchell and Lindell Mitchell.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home in Benton.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Betty Jean Short, 63, of Christopher, passed away on October 26, 2020 at her home.

She was born on March 29, 1957 in Christopher to James Coy and Mary (Grabarick) Newberry. She married Raymond Short on November 21, 1974 and he preceded her in death on April 19, 2013.

She is survived by her children Marsha (Bruce) Roberts of Sesser, Donny (Amber) Short of Sesser, Darren Short of Christopher and Jonathon Short of Christopher; grandchildren John Matthew Baxter, Tyler Baxter, Lacey Mae Roberts, Braydon James Short, Kyan Michael Short and Ethan Ray Short; one great grandson Matthew Alexander Baxter and one sister Linda Robinson of Colp, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters Barbara Pickerill and Shirley Newberry-Robinson and three brothers John Newberry, James Newberry Jr. and Bobby Newberry.

Betty’s wishes were to be cremated. The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

Curtis L. Mandrell, 88, of Benton passed peacefully on Oct. 18, 2020 after a short illness.

He was born in Benton, IL on June 5, 1932, the son of Leslie Rufus & Bonnie Mae (Eldridge) Mandrell. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Curt was a loving husband, dad, grandpa & great-grandpa.

A native and lifelong resident of Benton, he would never imagine living anywhere else. It was here that he learned carpentry skills from his father and grandfather. Curt honed these skills to not only make a living, but also generously help many others with his talent. More importantly, his strong faith in God and service to others helped him construct a living legacy as a father, loving husband, church member, and community servant. Curt embodied the apostle Paul’s admonition of Philippians 2:3-4: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Beverly Mandrell, children, Debby (Gary) Kraft, of Benton, Carla Davidson, of Mt. Sterling, KY, Darrell (Jenny) Mandrell, of Mt. Sterling, KY and Bonnie Garza, of San Antonio, TX. He is also surived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Curt was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.
Curt was a carpenter for 40 years, 25 of which were spent at SIU.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Oct. 31st at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington, with Steve Reeves officiating.

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

Dorothy J. Wilinkin of Zeigler, Illinois passed into the next life on October 21, 2020, after a short illness.

She was inducted into the National Honor Society in 1948 and enjoyed academic success at the University of Maryland University College, earning a Bachelors Degree magna cum laude. She retired from the federal civil service more than twenty-five years ago. She was an avid piano player and enjoyed playing piano at the church she attended in Zeigler until joining First Christian Church of Royalton.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her late husband, Edward M. Wilinkin, and her first husband, Robert K. Shrake. She was also preceded in death by both of her parents, Virgil and Inos Phifer (nee Hall) and both of her siblings, Margaret Parsons (nee Phifer) and Kenneth Phifer.

She is survived by her four children, Robert Shrake, Brian Shrake, Judy Donegan (nee Shrake), and James Shrake, as well as eleven grandchildren.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Donations to First Christian Church of Royalton in lieu of flowers are encouraged.

Online condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com