Earl William Giacomo – Mulkeytown, IL

Earl William Giacomo, 89, of Mulkeytown, passed away on January 12, 2020 at his home.

He was born on November 3, 1930 in Pinckneyville, IL to George and Mary (Ritter) Giacomo. He married Virginia Maxine (Rogers) Giacomo on August 18, 1951 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his daughter Ella (Charles) Culver of Christopher; one son Robert “Bob” (Mary) Giacomo; grandchildren Jordan (Alyssa) Culver of Little Rock, AR, Ashton Culver of Christopher, Joshua (Beth) Giacomo of Pinckneyville, IL, Sarah Shasteen of Pinckneyville, IL, Laura (Mike) Dreas of Radom, IL, Joseph (Kait) Giacomo of Pinckneyville, IL; great grandchildren Logan Shasteen, George Dreas, Aubrey Culver and baby Giacomo due in July; two sisters Celeste Epplin of Florissant, MO and Doris (Robert) Valette of Mulkeytown and one brother Gene (Judy) Giacomo of Mulkeytown.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one granddaughter Megan Culver.

Funeral mass will be on Thursday January 16, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Rev. Augustine Ibezimako officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday January 16, 2020 from 9:00 AM until the time of the mass at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the Church.

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

Dorothy Siddens – Cape Girardeau, MO

Dorothy Siddens 80, of Cape Girardeau, Mo passed away Friday December 20th 2019

She was born in Logan, Illinois August 14 1939 to Johnny and Ethel Smothers and one sister Phyllis L McPherson. All preceded her in death.

Dorothy is survived and celebrated by her children Paul Filinovich, and wife Connie of Conway, South Carolina and Stanley Wicks,and wife Debbie of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Lisa Lambert. She is also survived by five granddaughters and three great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be after 11:00 a.m. Monday January 13th with Memorial Service at 1:00pm
For more information or to send condolences visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Kenneth “Kenny” Ray Aiken – Benton, IL

Kenneth “Kenny” Ray Aiken, 81, of Benton,IL passed away at 7:55 p.m., on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at the StoneBridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Benton.

He was born on June 19, 1938, to Terry and Tina (Thompson) Aiken in Benton, IL. Kenneth married Linda Kay Kerley and she survives.

Kenny was a loving husband. He enjoyed gardening, bird hunting and playing golf. He also played softball and was an avid Cardinals fan.

Kenny is survived by his loving spouse, Linda Aiken, a sister, Doris (Jim) McLaren of Benton, IL; two special nieces, Diane (Scott) Simpson of Benton, IL and Buffy (Shad) Welch of Tompkinsville, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Tina Aiken and a brother, Curtis Aiken.

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

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, with Brad Odum, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Second Chance Rescue of Franklin County and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

James (Jim) Edward Kinsman

James (Jim) Edward Kinsman, 78, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church in West Frankfort. He was a former member of Westview Baptist in Belleville for 24 years and served as a chairman of Administrative Committee and church treasurer.

Jim also had a love for golf, sharing lots of games, scrambles and tournaments over 60 years with his many friends, family and business associates. He even landed a hole in one on his 50th birthday. Jim was known for his quick wit, jokes and comical stories. He brought much love and laughter to so many, he will be sadly missed as our loss is definitely Heavens gain.

Jim enjoyed his retirement after many years of service including West Frankfort Police Chief, Regional Manager and Claims Manager for AON, Inc, Claims Manager for AHRMA.

Jim was born on June 23, 1941 in Royalton and was preceded in his death by his parents, Henry and Doris June Kinsman; grandparents Ed and Gladys Spiller and Henry Sr and Victoria Kinsman; father and mother-in-law, Bill McGinty and Dixie McGinty.
Surviving is his spouse, Joy McGinty Kinsman; sons Jimmy (Sue) Kinsman and Joshua (Valerie) Kinsman; daughters Lora (Ed) Hammonds, Amy (Randy) Blocker and Jacy (John) Page. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Jacob, Lucas, AJ. Jonathan, MaKalie, Dominic, Jessica, Sarah, Tyler, Justiena, Kassandra and seven great grandchildren Janey, Jaxon, Hailey, Emma, Josephine, Kole, Clinton; one sister Karen (James) Krener and one brother Michael Kinsman; brother and sisters in-law Kathy (Thomas) Trotter, Brad (Molly) McGinty and Gay (Darin) Morton and several nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed by his dog and cat, Lulu and Gracy.

Services will be held at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home on Thursday Jan 9th, visitation from 3 pm to 7 pm. Funeral service will follow visitation at the funeral home at 7pm with Rev Vance Vyers officiating.

Private burial services with be Friday in Miners Cemetery, Royalton, for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Albert Henry Vanhorn – Greenfield, IN (formerly of Marion, IL)

Albert Henry Vanhorn, 89, of Greenfield, IN and a former Marion, IL resident passed away Sunday evening, January 5, 2020 in Greenfield, IN.

He was born in Whittington, IL on January 31, 1930, the son of Everett H. & Evva (Mooneyham) Vanhorn.


He married Billie (Wallace) on March 8, 1947 in Morganfield, KY and she preceded him in death on September 28, 2010.

Mr. Vanhorn served as Postmaster in Marion, retiring in October of 1987. He worked for the Postal Department for 35 years, working also in Benton, Carbondale, Zeigler, West Frankfort and McLeansboro Post Offices.

At age 21 Mr. Vanhorn obtained his officiating license retiring at age 76 after 55 years of officiating. He officiated baseball, basketball and football. Over the years he became extremely well known for his football officiating, which was his favorite. He said one of his highlights was officiating the state finals in football. After retirement he helped operate a sporting goods store that he & his son owned in Bradley, IL.
Mr. Vanhorn is survived by his daughter Sharon Steele, and husband Frank, of Greenfield, IN; grandchildren Andrea Wells, and husband Greg of Ocean Springs, MS, Melany Walden, and husband Chase, of Greenfield, IN, David Chenault, of Marion, IL, Amy Vanhorn White, of Somonauk, IL, Beth Vanhorn, of Kankakee, IL, Chris Tuthill, of Marion, IL and Shawn Tuthill, and wife Emma, of Marion, IL; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; brother Ron Vanhorn, and wife Cindy, of Whittington, IL; sister Brenda Kellam, of Whittington, IL

Mr. Vanhorn was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Mike Vanhorn, daughter, Rene Tuthill and sister Ruth Ann Crunk.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Greg Wells officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

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

Kathy Ann Fitzpatrick – Ewing, IL

Kathy Ann Fitzpatrick, 61, of Ewing, IL passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Barns-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

She was born on August 8, 1958 to Orval and Josephine (Dennison) Howell in Kankakee, IL.

Kathy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed fishing and attending auctions.

She is survived by her spouse Norman Fitzpatrick; a daughter, Amy Howell; a son, Robert Howell; two granddaughters, Brianna and Katlynn; two brothers, Roy Howell and Jimmy Howell; two sisters, Norma Howell and JoAnn Howell.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Orval Howell; and mother, Josephine Howell.

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

Per Kathy’s wishes cremation will take place. Services will be private.

Memorials may be made to Pate Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mark Flannigan – White Bluff, TN

Mark Flannigan, 59, of White Bluff, TN, passed away on January 2, 2020.

He was born on October 23, 1960 in Victorville, CA to Raymond and Linda (Swisher) Flannigan. He was married to Kathy (Ledet) Flannigan and she survives of White Bluff, TN.

He is also survived by his father Raymond Flannigan of DuQuoin; one daughter Shana Flannigan-Hall of White Bluff, TN; two grandchildren Dixie Hall and Avanna Hall; one brother Tracy Flannigan of McKinney, TX; aunts and uncles Charles (Judy) Swisher of Mulkeytown, Evelyn Swisher of Coello, Janice Tilley of DuQuoin and Debbie (Jerry) Stanley of Mulkeytown and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Linda Flannigan, one brother David Flannigan, and two uncles Norm Tilley and Bob Swisher.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday January 7, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:30 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Richard M. Chaffin – Midland, TX (formerly of Benton)

Richard Marshall Chaffin, age 47, of Midland, TX and formerly of Benton, passed away at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at his home.

Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the Leffler Funeral Home with Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Richard was born on June 6, 1972, the son of John Ernest Chaffin and Judy Darlene (Atkins) Chaffin.

He was an oil field pipeline welder in Texas. He enjoyed to deer hunt, goose hunt, and loved going fishing.

Richard was a member of the West City Baptist Church.

Surviving are his parents John and Judy Chaffin of Benton; girlfriend Christy Yarborough of Midland, TX; and two half-brothers Matthew Chaffin and wife Lola of Benton, and Jason Chaffin of Midland, TX.

Richard was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Ernest and Letha Chaffin; maternal grandparents: Don and Mary Lou Atkins; and a brother Danny Chaffin.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Ruth Ann (Hurst) Atkins – Benton, IL

Ruth Ann (Hurst) Atkins, 86, lifetime resident of Benton, passed away Jan. 1, 2020, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

She was born in Rend City on March 10, 1933, to Grover Cleveland Galloway and Goldie (Reed) Galloway. Upon their passing, she was adopted by John & Mary (Mueller) Hurst. She married Donald Atkins of Waltonville on July 2, 1954 at the Hurst homeplace in Benton.

Mrs. Atkins never lost her quick wit or sense of humor and will be remembered for her sweet nature and her sweet tea. She was very honored to achieve the designation of Centennial farm for the Hurst property during her lifetime. A Graduate of the 1950 Class of Benton Township High School, she went on to work for Ben Eovaldi, Chief Judge, executive secretary for Russell Davis at the Benton Community Bank as well as Howard Payne at the Bank of Benton. She also served as an election judge. Mrs. Atkins was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton and of the Ewing Township Cemetery Board.

Mrs. Atkins is survived by her daughter, Mary Annet (Atkins) Lofton & husband, Perry, of Benton, KY; son, Mark Alan Atkins & wife Tammy of Benton; 8 Grandchildren, Jennifer Rice & husband, Jeremy, of Huntsville, AL; Jeremy Miller & wife, Jessica, of Hendersonville, TN; Nicole Lofton of Nashville, TN; Valerie Kennedy & husband, Jason, of Nashville, TN; Megan Warder & husband, Dustin, of Owensboro, KY; Neil Atkins & wife, Lindsey, of Harrisburg; Zac Atkins & wife, Chalet, of Harrisburg; Holly Wilburn & husband, Nate, of West Frankfort; 18 Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Atkins was preceded in death by her birth parents, her adoptive parents, her sister, Eva Adams, brothers, “Doc” Galloway and Bill Galloway and her husband of almost 63 years, Donald.

Mrs. Atkins family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Judy Holloway who was a trusted friend & caregiver.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 4, 2020, at the Third Baptist Church in West Frankfort with Pastor Luke Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Franklin Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 11 A.M. on Saturday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Mrs. Atkins memory to the Baptist Childrens Home in Carmi. Envelopes will be available at the Church or at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

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

Lottie Jane Owen Harvey – Ridgewood, NJ (formerly of Carbondale, IL)

Lottie Jane Owen Harvey of Ridgewood, 94, formerly of Carbondale, Illinois, and Bridgeport, CT died on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at home.

She is survived by her daughter, Kimberleigh Harvey of Ridgewood, NJ a brother Frank W. Owen of Carbondale, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. including Anne Strawn from Carbondale, Illinois, Bonnie Wright of Makanda, Illinois and Frankie Owen of Carbondale, Illinois, Harriet Davis of Marion Illinois, Charles Owen III of Columbus, Ohio, and Mike Owen of Carbondale Illinois, great-nieces Julie Geoghan of Atlanta Georgia, Teresa Owen of Witicha Falls, Texas, Tiffany Howard of Carbondale, and Jason Owen of Jackson, MO Pam Smith of Ediana Minnesota, Lisa Kratz of Woodbridge, Virginia and great-niece Kathy Runyan of Hobbs, New Mexico, Christine Owen of Carbondale Illinois and Frankie Owen of Du quoin, IL She was predeceased by her husband Richard Harvey, her parents Charles and Celeste Owen, her Brother Charles Owen and her Sister Edna Mae Owen.

Lottie earned a Bachelors’s Degree in Zoology at Southern Illinois University and a Masters Degree in Zoology at the University of Illinois. Lottie taught high school biology, health, general science and physical education in Illinois and taught biology and general science in New Jersey. After retiring from teaching, Lottie was on the staff of the University of Bridgeport, worked as a computer programmer and later served on the staff of Quinnipiac College School of Law.

Lottie was an active member of the AAUW, UMW, NABT, and AABT for many years. While in college Lottie was an active member of Delta Sigma Epsilon and Future Teachers Association. Lottie interests included genealogy, antiques, playing classical piano, veteran’s programs, bible study, travel with her daughter, competitive chess, online education with the Great Courses Programs, and spending time with her daughter and their two Yorkies Koko and Wyley,

A graveside Christian burial service will be held on Monday, January 7, 2020 @11 am at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ

In lieu of flowers, please contribute in her memory to the Unbridled Heroes Project https://unbridledheroes.org. www.vanemburgh.com

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News