Robert E Coffel Jr., 61, of Metropolis, IL and formerly of Sesser, IL, passed to his heavenly home on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 while surrounded by his loving family.

On Thursday, November 12, 1959 in the state of California, Robert became the first-born son of Robert E Coffel Sr. (deceased) and Wanda Elaine (Dickey) Shaw, of Kittaning, PA.

He married Patricia Lynn (White) Coffel on Friday, August 6, 1976 and they have shared 44 years, 5 months and 7 days of marriage. With this union there were born two sons, Robert E. Coffel III, of Helendale, CA and Dustin E. Coffel, of Metropolis, IL.
Robert was blessed with 4 grandchildren, Madeline and Landon Coffel of Metropolis and Taylor and Judge Coffel of Helendale.

Robert attended Sesser-Valier schools with the class of 1978. He received his degree from Rend Lake College and attended SIUC where he studied Workforce Education and Development.

He had a successful career in the power industry that took him throughout the United States and abroad! He retired earlier than planned (due to illness) from Southern California Edison where he was a NERC Compliance Manager. Before his employment with SCE, he worked for Dynegy Midwest in Baldwin, IL as Maintenance Director.

Robert loved life. He loved learning, working, fixing anything and everything, traveling and experiencing new adventures. While living in Metropolis in the early 90’s, he discovered his love for flying and the aviation world. He earned his multi-engine pilot license and enjoyed taking family and friends on flights throughout the US and the Bahamas so they could experience his passion.

He truly loved the life God had so richly blessed him with. Robert enjoyed every co-worker and each friendship that was made throughout his life. He had that “familiar face” and complete strangers were drawn to him as if they were old friends.

Robert was a Christian and a member of Bear Point Baptist Church in Sesser. He also attended Waldo Baptist Church in Metropolis during the 90’s and when possible via online services.

More than anything, he was proud of his two sons and the four precious souls that call him Paw-Paw and Paw-Paw Bear! They were the light of his life.

Along with his wife, sons, grandchildren and mother, survivors include two brothers, Ron D Coffel Marion, IL, Shawn Coffel St. Louis, MO; sisters in-law, Donna Etherton Shenandoah, VA and Terri Glancy (Tim) Zeigler, IL; aunt, Doris Kane of AZ; uncle, Mike Dickey (Linda) PA; several nieces, nephews, great niece and great nephews; many cousins and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert E Coffel Sr; stepmother, Norma Coffel; stepfather, Houston Landon Shaw; paternal grandparents, Burl and Evelyn Coffel; maternal grandparents, Ezra and Ora Dickey; sister, Robin (Coffel) Steinel and infant sister, Karen Coffel; uncles, Jim Coffel, Charlie Coffel, Ted Dickey and Jim Dickey; aunts, Edith Rameley and Betty Stitt; father and mother-in-law, Donald and Deloris White.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021 with Larry Cook and Robert Conn officiating. Robert will be laid to rest next to his paternal grandparents at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL. Services will be available for viewing via the Loftus-McManus Funeral Homes, Inc. Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Roberts’ name to Mercy Health Hospice Paducah 225 Medical Center Drive Suite 203, Paducah, KY 42003, Bear Point Church 15088 Bear Point Road, Sesser, IL 62884, or Waldo Baptist Church 6970 Waldo Church Road, Metropolis, IL 62960.

Arrangements are entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home in Metropolis, IL. Condolences may be left online at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.

We’d like to THANK Mercy Health Hospice Paducah for their exceptional care over the 3 years, 5 months that Robert was in their care. Doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains have become family to us. Each time he was admitted to the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, KY he was treated with dignity and love. The staff was professional and compassionate! We couldn’t have taken on this task without your love, knowledge and support. Your kindness will always be appreciated and never forgotten!

Dr. Dennis Robinson and Sherry we cannot express to you how much you have meant to us in such an uncertain time. Navigating us through the beginning to mid-point of our journey! You were such a blessing and understood Bob better than anyone! You have made a difference in our lives and we are forever grateful!

Thank you,
The Coffel Family

Paul “Fearless” Fowler, 85, of Christopher, passed away on January 9, 2021 at the Herrin Hospital.

He was born on December 29, 1935 in Johnston City, IL to Gordon and Arline (Moore) Fowler. He married Marianne (Bugaieski) Fowler on July 2, 1977 and she survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by his children Paul (Artie) Fowler Jr. of Kirksville, MO, Brenda (David) Thomas of Michigan City, IN, Teresa (Terri) Morton of Bailey, CO, Tracy (Robert) Hegwood of Ft Charlotte, FL, Linda Stewart of Marion, IL, R. Joseph Ingoldsby of Christopher and Scott Ingoldsby of Christopher; one special niece Amber Reed Malone; one special granddaughter Kimberly Ingoldsby; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; two sisters Brenda (John) Marlin of Mickelton, NJ and Carol (Poke) Reed of Johnston City, IL and his little dog Rosie.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, step-father Elmer Timmons, one daughter Paula Hart.

Paul was a coal miner and was the owner of Fearless’ in Christopher for many years. He enjoyed playing his guitar, singing, camping, fishing and entertaining his family and friends. He also had many sayings that everything had to be done “Immediately” and “forget about them skinny mules just load the wagon”.

He attended Valier Second Baptist Church.

His wishes were to be cremated. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Fearless later this summer.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Max Harmon, 75, of Thompsonville passed away Monday morning January 11, 2021 at SSM Health Good Samaritan in Mt. Vernon.

He was born in Whittington, IL on October 20, 1945 the son of Coy & Freida (Conner) Harmon.
He married Loretta Ann (Slepavic) and she preceded him in death on March 11, 1994. He then married Becky (Clinton) on June 26, 2004 and she survives.

Max was an animal lover. His grandchildren fondly called him HEE HAW & Grandpa Ducks. Max had an assortment of animals on his farm. He loved his grandchildren & great-grandchildren dearly.

Max is survived by his wife, Becky Harmon, of Thompsonville; four children, Marie Clancy, and husband Phil, of Thompsonville, Dan Harmon, and wife Kelly, of Carrier Mills, Christine Harmon, of Marion and Sonja Ligon, of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren Daniel “DJ”, Cameron, Cassandra, Amber, Brooke, Andy, Justin, Scott, Jacob, Lorrae, Coy, Haley, Elijah, Karlee and Gavin; great-grandchildren Daniel, Jeremiah, Sammi, Warren, Luxanna, J.J. and Paxton; two sisters, Violet Mandrell, of Valier and Bonnie Maller, of Marion; two brothers, Ted Harmon, and wife Donna, of Whittington and Tom Harmon, and wife Jane, of Ewing.

Mr. Harmon was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, and by two sisters, Delena Kniffen and Mary Lou Kniffen.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Thurdsay in the Brady Cemetery in Akin with Bro. Michael Kniffen officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Thursday January 14th at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina.
We are limited to 10 people in our building at a time. We ask everyone attending to be considerate of others and practice social distancing and masks are recommended.

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

Charles Perino, 95, of Sesser, IL, passed away on Wednesday December 30, 2020 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.

He was born on July 28, 1925 in Sesser, IL to Tony and Agnes (Ochman) Perino. He married Mary (Nordino) Perino and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by two sisters Mary Agnes Lovelady of Sesser and Hilda Witges of Scheller and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two brothers Joe and Robert Perino.

Charles was a Veteran of the United Sates Navy and served during World War II. He joined the carpenters union in 1954 and was later granted life membership in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. After retirement he enjoyed working in his wood shop at home.

His wishes were to be cremated. There will be a graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser at a later date.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling arrangements.
For more information go tour website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Anthony E. Malkovich, 63, of Benton, passed away on January 11, 2021 at his home.

Tony was a lifelong resident of Benton. He was born on March 2, 1957 in Benton, the son of Joseph and Phyllis Malkovich.

He graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1976. He later worked for the Benton Township Highway Department for over 37 years prior to retirement in 2014.

He married Diana (Pierson) Malkovich on November 29, 1989.

Tony was proceeded in death by his parents, wife, sister Jan Williams and brother Michael Malkovich.

He is survived by three brothers John Victor (Tracey) Malkovich, Mark (Apryl) Malkovich and Tom (Eileen) Malkovich, brothers-in-law Guy Williams and Rick Pierson; sister-in-law Gayla Bradshaw, along with several nieces and nephews.

Private family services will be held by Leffler Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family or share memories of Tony visit: www.lpfuneralhome.com

Lyle “Gene” Eubanks, 88, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday January 10, 2021 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.

He was born on July 9, 1932 in Sesser to Clarence and Della Marie (Williams) Eubanks. He married Clelia (Bell) Eubanks and she preceded him death, he then married Dimple (Overturf) Eubanks and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughters Rebecca (George) Cherry of Sesser and Lea Anne Hotton of Willowbrook, IL; grandchildren Jennifer (David) Thery, Jeffrey (Renda) Cherry, Michael Sean (Maggie Jolliff) Eubanks, Joni Dawn (Jason) Utlaut, Samuel Hotton and Timothy Hotton; great grandchildren Matthew Thery, Samie Costa, Danya Costa, Hannah Grace Utlaut, Wyatt Utlaut, Bryce Eubanks and Keegan Eubanks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two wifes, one son Michael Eubanks, great grandson Luke Thery, one sister Lois Marie Briley and one brother Jerry Wayne Eubanks.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and had served during the Korean War. He worked as a coalminer at Inland Steel Mine in Sesser, but he was a farmer at heart. He also attended the Jesus Center in Sesser.

Graveside services for Gene will be on Thursday January 14, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Pastor Kirk Packer officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.

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

Verner Eugene Thomas, of Alta Loma, California, passed away on January 04, 2021 at the age of 74.

Verner was born in DuQuoin, Illinois on May 23, 1946.

He graduated from Sesser-Vallier high school in 1964 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri, Rolla. After college he worked for Guy F. Atkinson and Brutoco Engineering before becoming the president of Vance Corporation.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat Thomas (Quillman); son, Brent Thomas; daughter and son-in-law, Janis and David Miller; grandchildren, Samantha Miller and Matthew Miller; aunts, Leila Bennett and Phyllis Galloway; sister-in-law, Jill Dare; and niece, Niki Wisniewski. He is preceded in death by his parents, Verner Lloyd and Betty Louise Thomas; brother, Mark Thomas; and nephews, Jason Thomas and Ross Thomas.

A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Covina Hills on January 28, 2021 at 3 p.m. The service is open to all who would like to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Arthritis Foundation.

Roger Lee Mays, 66, of Opdyke, IL, passed away at 4:45 p.m., on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at Memorial Hospital East, Shiloh, IL.

He was born on February 9, 1954, to George and Dorothy (Morgan) Mays in Mt. Vernon. Roger worked as a Truck Driver. He also was part owner of the Golf Cart Guys. Roger married Linda Gonzalez and she preceded him in death.

He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. Roger loved fishing for crappie, walking, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Roger is survived by his loving son, Joshua (Amber) Paul Mays of Opdyke; brother, Ronnie (Vicky) Mays of Boyd, IL; sister, Paula (Steve) Stern of Mt. Vernon; special companion, Linda Lou Knapp of Benton; and two step-grandchildren, Masan Ragsdale and Emmeri Eldridge of Benton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Paul and Dorothy Mays, wife, Linda Marie Mays, two brothers, John Mays and Jeffery Mays.

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear?

Remember, there are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.

Love cannot measure itself until the hour of parting.

Dream as if you’ll live forever….Live as if you’ll die today.

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

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 N. Main St., Benton.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 12:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Baptist Church, with the Rev. Sammy Simmons, officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Immanuel Baptist Church.

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