Harry Howard Thomas, 84, of Buckner, passed away on Sunday July 19, 2020 at home, with her wife of 64 years, Christina, by his side.

Harry was born on May 30, 1936 in West Frankfort to David and Beulah Thomas. He was raised in Buckner and married his high school sweetheart Mary Christina (Simion) Thomas on April 12, 1956.

Harry proudly served 20 years in the United States Navy. His Navy career took him all over the world but Buckner was always home.

After returning to Southern Illinois, Harry finished his career at Old Ben Mine # 26. He happily retired to his favorite full time job, Grandpa.

Harry spent many years in his garage/shop with an open door for neighbors to stop and visit. He always had a project and would tinker for hours in his shop.

Harry loved to read, fish, ride his scooter and drive his jeep.

Harry is survived by his wife Christina; his son Chris (Launa) Thomas of Christopher, son and daughter-in-law Scott (Amanda) Thomas of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Zach (Katie) Thomas, Kati (Steve) Borta of Sesser, Matt (Leigh Ann) Thomas of Akin and Samantha (Trevor) Reeves of Mulkeytown; great grandchildren Jaxon Borta, Charley Borta, Evan Thomas, Ryleigh Thomas, Lela Thomas, Lexton Thomas, Ledger Thomas and Madilynn Reeves; sister-in-law Joann Thomas of Yuaipa, CA; brother-in-law Andy Wilson of Christopher.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Bette Thomas, brother David A. Thomas, step sister Valier Wilson and one infant son.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday July 22, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Andy Wilson officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mr. Paul David McPherson, age 53, of Benton, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Lake Cove Resort of Whittington, with family by his side.

Paul’s wishes are to be cremated.

Phase 4 Restore allows fifty attendees using social distancing guidelines, which includes wearing a mask.
A Memorial Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2020 at the Leffler Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Paul David McPherson was born on May 17, 1967 in Watseka, IL; the son of David Daniel Bennett and Lillie Marie McPherson.

He was a welder, last working at Southern Illinois Storm Shelters of Benton. He attended the Immanuel Baptist Church.

Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying drones, doing yard work, taking care of his animals especially his dogs, helping people, and most of all enjoyed spending time with family.

Paul is survived by his longtime partner Shawnda Jenkins and her son Kabe Jenkins and wife Nicole and their children Finn and Charlotte; a son Cameron Blackwell; siblings including: a sister Violeta and Dennis Higgins, a brother Billy Bennett and wife Cathy, brother David Bennett and wife Kim, a sister Irene Giroux, a brother Matt Giroux and wife Melody, a sister Angie Bennett, a brother William McPherson and wife Kristina, a sister Maleatha Giroux; 26 nieces, 32 nephews, and several loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father David Daniel Bennett, his step-father Allen Merle Giroux, his mother Lillie Marie Giroux.

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

Lisa Rea Loucks, 51, of Sesser, formerly of Christopher passed away on July 11, 2020 at 9:17 PM.

She was born on June 16, 1969 in Pinckneyville, IL to George and Sandra (Moore) Murch. She married Marc Loucks on October 22, 2005 and he survives of Sesser.

She is survived by her parents George and Sandra Murch of Christopher; husband Marc Loucks of Sesser; three children Brent Ullman of Grand Tower, IL, Austin (Samantha) Loucks of Christopher and Azure Loucks of Sesser; two sisters Jacque (Bill) Matyi of Johnston City, Il and Trisha Pheasant of Carterville, IL and several nieces and nephews.

Lisa raised and loved Ragdoll cats.

Funeral services will be on Thursday July 16, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Jay Kelly officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday July 15, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Robin Lenard, 63, of Christopher, passed away on July 7, 2020 at her home.

She was born on February 19, 1957 in Christopher, IL to Robert Cook SR. and Betty (Tindall) Dial.

She is survived by her children Rebecca (Michael) Bourland of Christopher, IL, Christina (Kevin) Hulford of Spring Hill, TN and Robert Cook of Christopher, IL; grandchildren Ashley, Derek, Jenny, Nick, Syaria, Carissa, Billy, Mackenzie and Cameron; great grandchildren Cheyenne, Trinity, Blake, Justin, Sydney and Journey; one brother Carlos (Carrie) Dial of Christopher; one sister Tamela (Rick) Grammer of Christopher and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers Delmar Tindall, Rocky Connor and John Connor.

Funeral services will be on Friday July 10, 2020 at 4:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Friday from 2:00 PM until the time of the service at 4:00 PM.

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

Kent Alan Alsobrooks 59 of Cumberland City, TN, formerly of Benton, IL, died July 4,2020 at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, TN.

He was born to George and Loretta (Summers) Alsobrooks on October 11, 1960. He lived a very colorful and interesting life.

Kent attended elementary and high schools in Benton, IL. He was valedictorian of the Class of 1978. That same year he and his best friend accepted a personal invitation to visit former President Richard Nixon at his home in San Clemente, CA.

During his younger life, Kent achieved many accomplishments. He became a member of the RLDS Church in 1968. He was a grade-school spelling bee champ, won numerous essay contests, and had the privilege of traveling to Honduras in the Open Door Exchange Program.

Kent had many interests and hobbies. He was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan. In recent years he became an avid country music fan. He belonged to several fan clubs and established personal acquaintances with a few of his favorite singers. He has a collection of photos with these country music stars. Kent also collected personally autographed photos of several movie and television personalities.
He was an entrepreneur. Over the years he was employed in sales, owned a lawn business, and worked in the family sign business.

Kent was preceded in death by his grandparents Humbert and Lilly Summers, Marshal and Irene Alsobrooks, his aunts Wanda Summers, Lola Kearney, and Sue Kupiec, and uncles Harold Summers, Glenn Summers and Lloyd Alsobrooks. He is survived by his parents, sister Gayla (Dana) Hill of Christopher, an aunt and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 7. Funeral service will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 8. Burial will be at Jackson Grove Cemetery. As per the current guidelines in place a maximum amount of 50 people will be permitted in the funeral home at a time. If you are planning on attending the services it is recommended that you wear a mask and practice social distancing.

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