Charles “Charlie” Stephen Harland, 70, of Izaak Walton Lake, Mulkeytown, IL, passed away on Tuesday March 10, 2020 in My Vernon, IL.

Charlie was born on March 11, 1949 in Coello, IL to Charles K. and Shirley (Gregory) Harland. He graduated from Christopher High School in 1967. Survivors include his sisters Kathryn C. (Dean) Pearce of Centralia, IL and Debra D. Gerdes of Sandwich, IL; one nephew Michael E. (Ally) Gerdes of Minonk, IL. He also leaves an honorary daughter Nancy (Bing) Chen of DuQuoin, IL and an honorary granddaughter Tiffany Chen, a step-nephew, two step-nieces, seven great and six great great nephews and nieces, twelve cousins and an uncountable number of friends.

Charlie was a skilled carpenter by trade and served as a Sergeant in the US Army in Vietnam in 1969-1970 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0538, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4753, the Franklin County Chapter of Disabled American Veterans, the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge 0064, and the Society of the Fifth Division, US Army. His avocation was fishing, fishing, fishing, and frying and eating fish and he was a lifelong avid Cardinals fan.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Charles K. and Shirley M. Harland.

Charlie’s funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday March 14, 2020 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Kevin Bradley from the Valier First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be at Ward Cemetery in Mulkeytown, IL. Visitation will be on Friday March 13, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Christopher Youth Fishing Derby or to the Franklin County Disabled American Veterans. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

George O. Slankard died peacefully at his home in Sesser, IL. He was 95 years old.

George was born on December 15, 1924, in Sesser, IL to George T. and Helen (O’Neil) Slankard. He graduated from the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University and became a teacher in the Sesser Schools, where he met another teacher, Mary Hartman, who would become his wife on October 11, 1950.

After concluding that teaching was Mary’s forte and not his, George decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and work in the family owned business of Slankard Publishing. George’s passion for printing grew beyond that of his family’s and for the next 45 years he and Mary built the business and published three magazines; the first being the American Cooner, which was widely known and respected in the field of hunting, dog training and field trials. Cars & Parts was the next magazine to be published and was one of the first Automobile magazines that not only included interesting and informative articles but also included information on car auctions, swap meets as well as being a classified marketplace for cars, parts, accessories and services. Hunter’s Horn was then published, which specialized in the sport and competition of Fox Hunting.

After a very progressive and fruitful career in the publishing business, George retired and decided to devote his attention and energy to the field of Horticulture. With Mary by his side, George became active in learning and growing many different species of plants. He was a member of the Azalea, Magnolia and Holly societies. His love for and beauty of plants was evident to all who visited their extensive gardens.

George was a lifelong learner and consummate reader of anything and everything that was of interest to him. His vast knowledge on a variety of subjects always amazed and delighted his family and friends, who were blessed to be able to sit down and speak with him. Those discussions will forever be in their hearts.

George is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Mart (Hartman) Slankard, numerous nieces and nephews along with friends who always considered him part of their family, as well.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer when the magnolias and gardens are in full bloom.

Memorial contributions, in memory of George, may be made to the Rend Lake College Foundation for the RLC Learning Resource Center Project. Gifts can be made online at www.rlc.edu/give-now as well as to the Sesser United Methodist Church P O Box 428, Sesser, IL, 62884.

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

James “Sam” Samuel Wink, 78, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday March 8, 2020.

He was born on March 25, 1941 in Rome, KY to Thomas Henry and Mary Bertha (Durbin) Wink. He married Agnes (Bartlett) Wink on October 29, 1960 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his children James “Byron” Wink of DuQuoin, IL, Tom (Bobbie Jo) Wink of Christopher and Mary Jo Wink of Benton; 14 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; one sister Jane Ruth Hayden of Sorgho, KY and one brother Vincent Wink of Owensboro, KY.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Barry Samuel Wink, one sister Mary Ann Millay and two brothers Bill Wink and David Wink.
He served in the Army National Guard.

Funeral Mass will be on Friday March 13, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday March 12, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher and on Friday from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

James “Tooter” Lovelady, 88, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday March 8, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 8, 1931 in Jefferson County, IL to Lorenzo and Ethel (Neville) Lovelady. He married Mary Agnus (Perino) Lovelady and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Steve (Anita) Lovelady of Tamaroa and Michele (Wayne) Behm of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Stephani Evans of Eldorado and Austin Lovelady of Tamaroa; great grandchildren Alivia Lovelady, Adrian Lovelady and Clara Evans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Mary Hudson and two brothers George Lovelady and Adrian Lovelady.

He served in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War, he was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus member, and was also a member of the UMWA and the Sesser VFW. He was a career fabricator and master aluminum welder and also worked at the Inland Steel Mine in Sesser.

Funeral Mass will be on Thursday March 12, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser. Visitation will be on Wednesday March 11, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Thursday from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Knight of Columbus and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Jackie G. Sandefur, 76, of Zeigler, passed away at 9:05 p.m., on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on February 2, 1944, to Avel and Lizzie (Swain) Sandefur in Cleburn, IL. Jackie worked as a Machine Operator for Maytag for 38 years.

Jackie was a member of the Eagles, Zeigler, IL. He loved his great nieces and nephews, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his younger years he played Football, Baseball and Tennis.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Jackie was preceded in death by his parents, Avel M. and Lizzie Pearl Sandefur; a sister, Bonnie “Bonnie Fay” Samples; two brothers, Leroy Sandefur and Elmer Sandefur.

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

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

Betty Jane Frailey, 97, of Benton, passed away at 4:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at The Anchor of The Voyage Senior Living, Marion, IL.

She was born on January 14, 1923, to Hugh and Catherine (Disney) Mercer in Herrin, IL. She was a graduate of Herrin High School, Southern Illinois University Carbondale receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in Music and English Education. She attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music receiving her Masters in Vocal Education. Betty retired from Benton Consolidated High School as a Music and English Teacher. On December 22, 1946, she married D. Kenneth Frailey at the First Presbyterian Church, Herrin, IL. To this union they had two children.

She was a member of First Christian Church, Benton, Il. where she served as the Choir Director for many years. In 1968, Betty started directing the musical productions at Benton Consolidated High School. In 1970, she formed the first Madrigal Singing Group.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Janet Frailey Carstensen and husband Andrew; son, Hugh E. Frailey and wife Robin of Benton, IL; four grandchildren, Sean Carstensen and wife Amanda, Jordan Frailey, Drew Frailey, Breanne Brady and husband Shane; seven great-grandchildren, Graham Carstensen, Liam Carstensen, Brooklyn Frailey, Cru Frailey, Stella Frailey, Chance Brady, Kip Brady.

She was preceded in death by parents, Hugh and Catherine Mercer; husband, D. Kenneth Frailey; and a sister, Patricia Nelson.

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

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 302 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Kurt Sanders, officiating. Burial will follow services at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, the Anchor of the Voyage Senior Living Center, First Christian Church Fellowship Center Fund, and the Pyramid Players.

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