David Martin-Royalton, IL

David Martin, 70, of Royalton, passed away on Friday September 27, 2019 at his home.

He was born on January 28, 1949 in Hart, MI to Lewis Paul Martin and Gloris Ruth (Morningstar) Chassay. He married Kathryn L. (Carberry) Martin and she survives of Royalton.

He is also survived by his son Jason (Mikela) Martin of Toledo, IL; grandchildren Dagon Vance Smith and Lyric Maeve Martin; three sisters Kathy (Ron) Panning of Columbus, IN, Nancy (John) Musser of Tinley Park, IL and Diane Schafer of Manhattan, IL; two brothers Steve (Noreen) Martin of Carterville, IL and Bradley Scott (Kalkidan) Chassay; two sister-in-laws Katie Banks of Antioch, IL and Margaret Martin of Waynesville, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Dan Chassay and Mike Martin.

Graveside services will be on Thursday October 3, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Blairsville Cemetery with Dan Winston officiating.

Visitation will be on Wednesday October 2, 2019 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the SIH Cancer Institute or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Brandon Kyle Pinson – Ashville, NC (formerly of Benton)

Brandon Kyle Pinson, 31, of Ashville, NC, a former Benton native, was killed Tuesday morning on September 3, 2019, in Iraq. He was leading a team of de-miners working to clear improvised explosive devices left behind from battles with the Islamic State. While he was diffusing an explosive device, the accident occurred in the village of Tel al-Shear near Mosul.

Brandon was born on March 25, 1988, in Carbondale, IL, to his parents, Brian and Karen (Easter) Pinson. He was a United States Army Veteran serving ten years and two terms in Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan, he diffused explosive devices. Brandon married the love of his life Samantha. They have two children, Dawson and River.

He was employed as a civilian employee of FSD of Geneva, Switzerland-based humanitarian a non-governmental organization that aims to clear explosive devices that threaten civilian populations that were affected by war.

Brandon attended Benton Consolidated High School and graduated in 2006. While attending high school he was a co-captain of the Benton Rangers football team and chosen as one of two MVP players his senior year. Also being named all-conference offensive and defensive player that year by the Southern Illinois River-to River (SIRR) Conference. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother. Brandon loved weightlifting and playing with his children which were the light of his eye.

He is survived by his loving parents, Brian and Karen Pinson; wife, Samantha Pinson; two sons, Dawson and River Pinson; a sister, Jennifer Jennings and husband GySgt USMC Tyler Jennings; a niece, Madison Jennings; many cousins and friends.

Proceeding Brandon in death is his maternal grandparents, James and Carolyn (Dutcher) Easter; paternal grandparents, Robert and Dorothy (Glover) Pinson; one aunt, Debbie Easter; two uncles, Larry Easter and Larry Pettit.

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

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Gathering Service on Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Benton American Legion Post 280 and VFW Post 2671 in Benton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Benton High School for the amazing tribute to Brandon life on Friday, September 13, 2019, and to the community for the amazing support shown to the family during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be given at www.patefh.com

Betty Bowlby-Christopher, IL

Betty Bowlby, 89, of Christopher, passed away on September 26, 2019 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on June 24, 1930 in Franklin County, IL to Rosco and Emma (Flatt) Fasig. She married Howard Bowlby and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children Pamela Bowlby of Christopher and Kenneth Bowlby of Christopher; one sister Joyce Ingersoll of Zeigler and one brother Morris Ray Fasig of Mulkeytown.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday October 2, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Kendall Jones officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

For more information go tour website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Brenda Kay Lethiot – Bush, IL

Brenda Kay Lethiot, 68, of Bush IL passed away September 25, 2019 in Herrin Hospital surrounded by loved ones. She was born on November 9, 1950 to George W Wilson Sr. and Margie (Riley) Wilson of Bush IL.

She is survived by her children Brian Lethiot of Bush IL, Shad Lethiot of Ft. Lauderdale FL, Amy Lethiot of West Frankfort IL; Grandchildren Blake and Branden Lethiot of Cleveland GA, Dylan Martin of West Frankfort IL, Austin Yasko of West Frankfort IL, Great Grandson Jackson Lethiot of Cleveland GA; Daughter in law Vanessa Lethiot of Cleveland GA; Brother George Wilson Jr (Donna) of Bush IL, Nephew Scott (Penny) Wilson of Bush IL, Niece Angela (Gary) Harris of Bush IL, and Great nieces Erin & Rylee Wilson of Bush IL.

Brenda worked hard throughout her life, but her true passion was helping others and making a difference in the community. She moved back to her hometown after raising her family and served on the Village of Bush Board as a trustee for over 15 years. In that time she helped prepare and serve community dinners, helped fundraise for city events, delivered fruit baskets to elder residents at Christmas, and helped raise funds to have new swing sets and picnic tables built for the park. Brenda helped support her fellow board members any way she could. She was someone who cared about her community and the people who surrounded her.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, step sister Sheron Diuguid, and former spouse and father of her children, Frank R. Lethiot.

Funeral services will be held on Monday September 30, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Dennis and Jeannie Ellis officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Village of Bush Park Fund for new playground equipment in Brenda’s memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Joe McCarty – Benton, Illinois

Joe Harris McCarty, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at the SSM Good Samaritan Regional Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Graveside Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, Benton V.F.W. Post #2671, and the U.S. Air Force, will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 30, 2019 at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Joe was born on June 12, 1933 in Benton, the son of Roy McCarty and Julia (Craddock) McCarty. He married the former Peggy Donaldson in November of 1955, and she preceded him in death in 1983.
He served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years before his retirement. He would later work an additional 20 years for the U.S. Postal service.

Joe was a member and Past-Commander of the Benton American Legion Post #280. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Post #2671 of Benton, and the Benton Elks B.P.O.E. 1234.
Joe was of the Baptist faith.

He had many enjoyments in life including playing golf, playing cards, Wednesday night golf meetings, Poker night, Murder ID, drinking beer, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.
Survivors include a daughter Kathryn McCarty-Schwab and husband Richard of Concord, CA; a son Michael McCarty and wife Terri of Orient, IL; a grandson Gannon McCarty; a granddaughter Larkin McCarty; a sister Nancy Hodack of Benton; nieces and nephews: Mary Blondi and husband Bobby, Laura Weger, Sarah Williams, Julia Furlong, Holly McCord and husband David, Judy McCarty-Anderson and husband Craig; and several great-nieces and great -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers: Ike McCarty and Mike McCarty; two sisters: Evelyn Weger and Martha Williams.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Baseball program and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Donald Theodore Taylor – Valier, IL

Donald Theodore Taylor, Jr., 77, of Valier, IL, passed away at 4:36 p.m., on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on January 7, 1942, to Donald Taylor Sr.and Feda (Cates) Eggleston in Mount Vernon, IL. He was married to Sherry Taylor for 25 years and Melissa Taylor for 18 years. Donald was a retired Coal Miner.

Donald attended the Church of God in Thompsonville. He was a member of the Bass Pro Club and enjoyed archery and fishing. He was also an avid hunter, trapper and golfer in his younger years. He was a loving father and grandfather. He was loved by all and will be missed.

Donald is survived by his three sons, Donald T. Taylor, III, and wife Debbie; Ralph R. Taylor, and wife, Sheresa and Jay W. Taylor, and wife Kim; one daughter, Elisa R. Summers; four sisters, Deloris and Miller Fulks, Dixie Lee Meyers, Donna and Bob White, Patty and David Swain; 26 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Donald Theodore, Sr. and Irmadean Taylor, his mother and step-father, Feda Mea and Robert Eggleston. and one brother, Ralph Taylor.

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

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 26, 2019, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019, 2:30 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, with Brother Brian Mixon, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pate Funeral Home to assist with funeral costs and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Roseerin S. Collins – Greenbelt, MD

Roseerin S. Collins, 69, of Greenbelt, MD and formerly of Benton; passed away at 2:01 EST on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at her residence.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, 12740 Oddfellows Lane, Benton, IL 62812, with Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Roseerin was born on June 22, 1950 in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of Bill Collins and Betty (Taylor) Collins.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Benton.

Survivors include a half-stepbrother Melvin Collins of Missouri; and a niece Janice Callahan of Belpre, Ohio.
Roseerin was preceded in death by her parents; and an aunt Beliah Collins.

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

Dennis Ray Parrent-Christopher, IL

Dennis Ray Parrent, 71, of Christopher, passed away on September 20, 2019.

He was born on June 21, 1948 in Christopher to Clifford and Eva Katherine (Grant) Parrent. He married Karen (Corso) Parrent on June 21, 1969 and she survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by his children Perry (Kimberely) Parrent of Sesser and Angela Parrent of Christopher; two grandchildren Sara Gualdoni of Herrin and Ashley Carmickle of West Frankfort.

Dennis was a member of the First Apostolic Church in Zeigler. He was a Sunday school superintendent and loved to teach children about the Lord. He also loved to hunt, fish and to travel, especially his trip to Branson.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday September 24, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the First Apostolic Church in Zeigler with Brother Jason Todd officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday at the Church from 11:00 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

Kevin A. Stirewalt – Benton, IL

Kevin A. Stirewalt, 58, of Benton, passed away at 3:29 a.m., on Friday, September 20, 2019, at the Helia Heath Care of Benton.

He was born on February 1, 1961, to Doyle Bader and Prudence (Rice) Stirewalt in Champaign, IL. Kevin worked as a Electrician for the Local 601 Union Hall.

Kevin was a member of the Benton American Legion Post 280 Sons of the Legion. He had a big heart and always willing to support and help our local veterans by lending a helping hand. Kevin was a dear loving friend to many and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Doyle; a sister, Karen Irene Irwin, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle Bader and Prudence Anne Stirewalt.

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

Per Kevin’s wishes cremation will take place.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post 280 Sons of the Legion and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Kevin A. Stirewalt – Benton, IL

Kevin A. Stirewalt, 58, of Benton, passed away at 3:29 a.m., on Friday, September 20, 2019, at the Helia Heath Care of Benton.

He was born on February 1, 1961, to Doyle Bader and Prudence (Rice) Stirewalt in Champaign, IL. Kevin worked as a Electrician for the Local 601 Union Hall.

Kevin was a member of the Benton American Legion Post 280 Sons of the Legion. He had a big heart and always willing to support and help our local veterans by lending a helping hand. Kevin was a dear loving friend to many and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Doyle; a sister, Karen Irene Irwin, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle Bader and Prudence Anne Stirewalt.

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

Per Kevin’s wishes cremation will take place.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post 280 Sons of the Legion and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News