Richard E. Herrin – Carterville, IL (formerly of Benton, IL)

Richard E. Herrin was born in West Liberty, IL to Florence Ellen (Heckler) and Homer Ralph Herrin on April 6, 1933. Being the son of a Methodist minister, Rich’s family lived in a number of small towns in southeastern Illinois, Flat Rock, Friendsville, Cisne, and Bridgeport. Rich had one sibling, his beloved big brother, Ron, whom he idolized and adored. They grew up in a home whose activities mostly involved church and basketball. Besides their families, basketball was the center of both Rich and Ron’s lives until the end.

On December 21, 1957, Rich wed Martha Sue Cooksey of Marion, IL whom he met accidentally at an SIU football game in the fall of 1956. From this union, four wonderful children were born, Dr. Rodney Jay Herrin of Springfield, IL, Randal Todd Herrin (David Elliott) of Greenfield, WI, Kyle Clifton Herrin (Tina) of Carterville, IL and Kristy Lynn Allardyce (Shawn) of Carterville, IL. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Britton Kyle Herrin, Madison Elizabeth Allardyce, Reese Kylee Herrin, Jake Randal Herrin, Kate Kristin Herrin, Rachel Ann Herrin, McKenzie Pfister (Matt), Mallory Clark (Kyle Brown), Hunter Clark (Rachel) and three great grandchildren, Drew, Gage, and Parker. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Jennie Lee Zilmer of Bloomington, IL, Linda Lou Richey of Dallas, TX and Mary Lou Herrin of Benton, IL and brother-in-law Stephen Benjamin Cooksey of Houston, TX. Rich also left behind many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and former players as well as his best buddy, Dolly. Rich was preceeded in death by his parents, brother Ron, mother and father-in-law, Elizabeth and Ben Cooksey, and brothers-in-law Glen Zilmer and Jack Richey, niece Tara (Zilmer) Kaiser and great nephew, Cameron Herrin Vennard.

Rich attended several grade schools and graduated in 1951 from Bridgeport High School and from McKendree University in Lebanon, IL in 1956. While at McKendree he earned 11 varsity letters in basketball, track, golf and baseball. He received his Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the summer of 1962.

Rich’s career began in the small community of Okawville, IL in the fall of 1956. He taught and coached the “Rockets” for four years, where he had great success with a team of talented and dedicated young men. Rich, Sue and Rodney moved to Benton, IL in the summer of 1960. This began a 25-year span of exciting and successful teaching and coaching, compiling an astonishing record number of wins that led to 21 regional tournament wins and 5 trips to the state tournament. In 1982, the Benton High School gymnasium was named the Rich Herrin Gymnasium. Rich began his college coaching career at SIU in 1985 leading the Salukis for 13 years. During this time, he was named the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 1990. He also led the Salukis to the first and only “3-peat” by winning the MVC Tournament three times in a row, which allowed the Salukis to play in the NCAA tournament three times in 1993, 1994 and 1995. In 2002, Rich began coaching for the Marion Wildcats for five years. Rich finalized his 52 year coaching career at Morthland College in West Frankfort, IL, coaching five more years, where he won the Christian College National Invitational Tournament Championship in 2016. By the end of his career, Rich had amassed an amazing total of 981 victories. Many of his players earned college scholarships and a numerous number of his players became basketball coaches. Several of his players went on to play in the NBA. Besides his loving family, the impact he had on so many young lives is one of Rich’s greatest legacies.

Rich received many honors during his illustrious career. He was honored to be inducted into several hall of fames; McKendree University, SIU, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame, Missouri Valley Conference, and the Southern Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame.

A private family service will be held at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, IL on Wednesday, December 30th. Immediately following at 1:00 pm, a graveside service will be held at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL for those who wish to attend. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The Ron Herrin and Homer R. Herrin Memorial Scholarship. Memorials can be mailed to McKendree University, Attn: Office of Development, Alumni and Parent Relations, 701 College Road, Lebanon, IL 62254, Re: Ron Herrin and Homer R. Herrin Memorial Scholarship Fund or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959.

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

Randall Harsh – Benton, Illinois

Mr. Randall Gene Harsh, age 64, of Benton; passed away at his home on Christmas Eve.

His wishes are to be cremated. Burial will take place at a future date.

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

He was born on January 19, 1956 in Taylor Township, Michigan; the son of Robert Harsh and Carol (Solo) Harsh. He married the former Linda Sue Swingle on May 10, 1993, and she preceded him in death on September 24, 2014.

Randy served his country for ten years in the U.S. Navy, where he was a cook on a submarine.

His working career consisted of installing and refinishing hardwood flooring, mill work, grounds keeper at a hotel; and he had a certificate in horticulture.

Randy enjoyed cooking, tending to plants, and loved his cats; but, most of all he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and all of his family.

Mr. Harsh is survived by a daughter Michelle Wagner of East Peoria, IL; Three granddaughters: Brooke Wagner, Brianna Wagner and Brynn Martin, all of East Peoria, IL; a brother: Daniel Palmer of Trenton, MI; two sisters: Sheri Garcia of Eureka, IL, and Dawn Maus of Cedar Creek, TX; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and a brother Gary Harsh.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post#280 Ladies Auxiliary, to assist with their veteran projects; 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 Randy; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Peggy Ann Abbott – Logan, IL

Mrs. Peggy Ann Abbott, age 52, of Logan, passed away on Christmas Eve at the Herrin Hospital.

Mrs. Abbot’s wishes are to be cremated. A public graveside service will be held at a future date.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Peggy was born on July 16, 1968 in Franklin County, IL; the daughter of James E. Jenkins and Ella Mae (Cagle) Jenkins. She married James Lester Abbott on December 1, 2004, and he survives.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed watching Judge Judy. Most of all she enjoyed being with her family.

Surviving is her loving husband of 16 years James L. Abbott of Logan; two sons: Caleb Abbott of Marion, IL, and Ryan Abbott of Logan; a half-sister Val Kovak and husband Joe of Christopher; and a nephew Eric Spencer of Ohio.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made “In Memory of Peggy Abbott”, to assist with the cremation services, and may be mailed to:
Leffler Funeral Home
401 East Main Street
Benton, Illinois 62812

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

Carol Joy Dillon – Benton, IL

Mrs. Carol Joy Dillon, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 8:05 a.m. Thursday, December 24, 2020 at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Benton.

Mrs. Dillon’s wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Carol was born on April 3, 1934 in Lexington, TN; the daughter of Clyde Britt and Flossie (Page) Britt. She married James Curtis Dillon on June 16, 1956 and he survives.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed watching soap operas. Her husband said she was an excellent cook.

Surviving is her loving husband of 64 years James Curtis Dillon of Benton; a sister Betsy Foley of Jackson, TN; two nieces: Amy Foley and Belinda Smith; a brother-in-law Carl Dillon; and a sister-in-law Jane Schwaze and husband Bill.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Terry Lynn Dillon; a son James Eric Dillon; and two brothers Clyde and Claude Britt.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson Grove Cemetery Fund and may be mailed to:
Jackson Grove Cemetery Fund
c/o James Curtis Dillon
8923 Summers Road
Benton, Illinois 62812

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

David Royce Cook – Coello, IL

David Royce Cook, 63, of Coello, IL, passed away on Tuesday December 15, 2020 at his home.

He was born on January 5, 1957 in Texas City, TX to Melvin Royce and Annete Marie (Fernandez) Cook.

He is survived by his son Anthony David Estman of Box Elder, SD; one sister Carol Zingelmann of Houston, TX; two brothers Kenneth (Karen) Cook of La Marque, TX and Daniel Cook of Houston, TX; two nephews Dusten Cook and Christopher Cook; one niece Cynthia Zingelmann and one great nephew Avery Ramirez.

David will be cremated with a memorial service to be held at a later date.

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

Micheal “Mitch” Crnokrak – Coello, IL

Micheal “Mitch” Crnokrak, 87, of Coello, IL, passed aay on Wednesday December 23, 2020 at Helia Healthcare in Benton, IL.

He was born on February 24, 1933 in Coello, IL to Bob and Anna (Susa) Crnokrak.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters Danny Crnokrak of Coello, Janette Robinson of Coello, Robert Crnokrak of Benton and Angeline Crnokrak of Coello; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a visitation for Mitch on Monday December 28, 2020 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. His wishes were to be cremated after the viewing and a private graveside service will be held at a later date at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner. Face coverings and social distancing is required for attendance at the visitation per CDC guidelines.

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

Judith Rae Cockrum — Benton, Illinois

Mrs. Judith Rae Cockrum, age 79, of Benton; passed away surrounded by her loving husband and son, at 12:03 a.m. Sunday, December 20, 2020 in the Herrin Hospital.

Mrs. Cockrum’s wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

She was born on December 23, 1940 in Benton; the daughter of Dale A. Moore and Lois (Chaplain) Moore. Judy would marry William Robert Cockrum on July 3, 1960, and he survives.

Judy formerly worked as an optician and a hairdresser.

She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ.

Judy enjoyed singing and was a member of the “Sweet Adelines”; most of all she loved her family.

Mrs. Cockrum is survived by her loving husband of 60 years William Robert “Bob” Cockrum, Sr. of Benton; a son William Robert “Bill” Cockrum, Jr. of Knoxville, TN; her sisters and brothers-in-law: Linda Davis and husband Gary of Benton, Betty Vick of Belleville, IL, Kathy King of Benton, Curtis Cockrum and wife Rhonda of Oak Ridge, TN, and Kenneth Cockrum and wife Amy of Benton; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Sharon Bolen.

Memorial contributions may be made In Memory of Judy Cockrum to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mrs. Judith Rae Cockrum; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Betty Norris – Mulkeytown, IL

Betty Norris, 90, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Saturday December 19, 2020 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, IL.

She was born on September 11, 1930 in Mulkeytown to Russell and Blanche (McMillan) Furlow. She married Robert Norris on February 17, 1950 and he preceded her in death on October 8, 1992.

She is survived by her son Mitchel Norris of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Robert (Tasha) Norris of Burlington, IA, Joseph (Tiffany) Norris of Mulkeytown, Dawn (Joe) Kowal of Natrona Heights, PA and Brandon (Brandy) McGinnis of Elkville, IL; great grandchildren Chance Norris, Antonio Parks, Ciara Parks, Aiden McGinnis and Teagan McGinnis; two brothers Elmer Lee Furlow of Meadow Brook, IL and Clyde Furlow of Mulkeytown, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters Louise Miller, Ruby Konce and Ruth Watson and two brothers Robert Furlow and Raymond Furlow.

Graveside services for Betty will be on Thursday December 24, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Rusty Miller officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the West Franklin Historical District. Envelopes will be available at the graveside service.

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

Karole Kaye Gunter-West Frankfort, IL

Karole Kaye Gunter, 79, of West Frankfort, passed away on December 19, 2020 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on February 23, 1941 in LeClaire, IA to Orville and Gladys (Shannon) Cade.

She is survived by her children Tammie Kirkpatrick of West Frankfort and Thomas B. (Robin) Gunter of Christopher; grandchildren Erik Trusty, Todd Denton, Jamie Denton, David Gunter, Thomas Gunter and Autumn Gunter; 10 great grandchildren; four sisters Sylvia Harrell of Algonquin, IL, Chich Strathmann of Elgin, IL, Kelly Duncan of Elgin, IL and Kristi Castillo of Elgin, IL

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday December 23, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday December 23, 2020 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Frank P. Moschino – Coello, IL

Frank Pete Moschino, 87, of Coello, IL passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones on December 19, 2020.

Frank was born in Coello to Madeline (Ubaudi) and Eugene Moschino on November 4, 1933. He graduated from Christopher High School in 1952 and was an Army Korean War veteran. He married the late Betty Rogers on March 20, 1966. Frank was an avid farmer and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher, American Legion Post #528, and the Brotherhood Torinese Mutual Benefit and Benevolent Society Lodge #8 Columbian Federation. Frank enjoyed farming, fishing, spending time with his family and friends, and playing bocce ball in a local league.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Rogers) Moschino in 2014; his parents; daughter Lorrie Johnston; granddaughters Ashley Biggs and Nicole (Sahlin)Washington; and brother Pete Moschino.

He leaves loving memories to be cherished by his loving children Angela (Brent) Gossett of Coello, Kathy Esposito of Coello, and Richard Johnston of Benton; his grandchildren Chasity Shaffer of Christopher, Lorrie (Adam) Horton of Paducah, KY, Emily (Payton) Clark of Herrin, IL, Rachael and Keenan Johnston of DuQuoin, IL, Madeline and Grace Gossett of Coello, IL; great-grandchildren Savannah, Grant, and Ashley Shaffer of Christopher, IL, Amber (Paul) Whitt of Christopher, IL, Wardell Williams of Cape Girardeau, MO, Jayla Williams and Brittany Washington of Coello, IL, Jude Crawford and Gabriel Horton of Paducah, KY, Adlee Clark of Herrin, IL and Zuri Swarthout-Yopp of Charlotte, NC; brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to visitation at Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, IL on Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM and Tuesday from 8:00 – 10:30 AM. Because of the threat of Covid, the family respectfully requests visitors wear masks to protect those that may have compromised immune systems or other health concerns.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Christopher or Residential Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News