Dorothy Jean Lipe, 81, of Sesser, passed away on August 20, 2019.
She was born on May 11, 1938 in Sesser to William and Alma (LeVault) Reiger. She married Kenneth Lipe and he survives of Sesser.

She is also survived by her children Mark Lipe of Texas, Steve (Joni) Lipe of Arizona, Suzanne Lipe of DuQuoin, Carl (Julie) Lipe of Denver, CO and Marvin Lipe of Marion; 11 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and 11 brothers and sisters Charley Reiger, Lawrence Reiger, Glenn Reiger, Kitty Santay, Bonnie Reiger, Alma Reiger, Irene Newell, Emma Smith, Luther Reiger, Lonnie Reiger and Bill Reiger.

Funeral services will be on Monday August 26, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Monday August 26, 2019 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Donald Lee Reed, 83, of Sesser passed away on August 19, 2019.

He was born on February 11, 1936 to Elmer and Hessie (Bowlin) Reed. He married Karin (Klonz) Reed on April 9, 1968 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by three sisters Margie Reed Heifner of Benton, Beth Ann (Ron) Hilliard of Camorilla, CA and Edith (Lindell) Smothers of Murfreesboro, TN; also survived by several nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers Maurice Reed, Harold Reed, Tom Reed and one infant brother Kenneth Reed.

Don was an avid fisherman and golfer. He was known for his “fish fry’s”, and also known as the best fish fryer in Southern Illinois. Furnishing and cooking fish for up to 60 people many times.

A memorial service will be on Saturday August 31, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday August 31, 2019 from 5:00 PM until the time of the memorial service at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser-Valier Food Pantry. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Reva Lynnette Shockley Warren, 54, of Christopher, passed away on August 19, 2019.

She was born on April 2, 1965 to Virgil “Red” Shockley and Connie (Kelley) Odum. She is survived by her mother Connie (Tim) Odum of Christopher; her children Jason James Warren of Thompsonville and Chelsea Anne Trusty of West Frankfort; three grandchildren Connor James Warren, Cain Gabriel Trusty and Kalvin Xavier Trusty; brothers and sisters Dennis Johnston, Latausha Bullington, Victor Shockley and Kara Hobbs.

She was preceded in death by her father. Visitation will be on Wednesday August 21, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Her wishes were to be cremated after the visitation with burial at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser at a later date.

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

Phyllis Ann Kopin. was born in Nashville, Illinois on July, 16, 1934, to parents Edward A. and Frieda G. Evilsizer. One of five children.

Phyllis grew up during the depression, times were hard, but due to the large garden and hunting done by her father and mother, the family always had enough to eat and a proper home. Phyllis learned the value of hard work from her parents. At a young age Phyllis went to work cleaning a doctor’s office. Later on, while she was attending high school, she worked at the Miner’s Hospital in Christopher, Illinois. There she worked and saved money to pay her way through Nurse’s College. Phyllis graduated Nurse’s College as a Registered Nurse. She later worked as a surgical nurse, the hospital pharmacy director, and eventually became the administrator of the Miner’s Hospital in Christopher.

Phyllis married John Kopin in 1959, and on June 6, 1962 gave birth to her only child, Andrew J. Kopin. Shortly after the birth of Andrew, John and Phyllis purchased some empty farmland and began construction of their home, where she and John raised Andrew, and both lived, until the present day.

Phyllis enjoyed her work as a nurse and was a super homemaker. She enjoyed decorating her home for every holiday and hosting formal dinners. Phyllis was a skilled baker, making picture perfect pies and cakes. She was also a highly skilled in her ability to crochet. When she entered her crochet quilts at the DuQuoin State Fair, and she won First and Second place that year.

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

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 2:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August, 21, 2019, at Pate Funeral Home. Burial will follow services at the Saint Andrew’s Cemetery, Christopher, IL.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Rick L. Thomas, 67, of Logan, passed away on August 13, 2019.

He was born on August 9, 1952, to Chester and Viola (Kirk) Thomas in Herrin, IL. Rick was the owner of T & T Carbide, Inc. On July 11, 1971, he married Nancy Pope. To this union they had two children. Rick and Nancy lived in Logan, IL.

Rick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many in which he will be dearly missed by many. He loved to work outside, playing with his grandkids and grand babies.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 48 years Nancy Thomas; one daughter, Audra Thomas; one son, Adam Thomas and wife Jane; ten grandchildren, Kailey McCain and husband Dave, Mikah Nance and husband Asa, Shay Vick, Addyson Morgan, Remington Thomas, Lincoln Thomas, Sawyer Thomas, Ellie Price, Matilda Thomas, Witten Thomas; seven great-grandchildren, Lil Dave, Keegan, Zaedyn, Roxzyn, Lynlee, Titus and Kipling; three brothers, Garry Thomas and wife Sharon, Tim Thomas and wife Annette, Alan Thomas and wife Beth; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Kearney and husband Gary; one brother-in-law, Ferrell Winemiller and wife Kathy; his special puppies, Rocky and Shiloh; and also survived by many more family and friends.

He was preceded in death his parents, Chester L. and Viola Marie Thomas; a nephew, Travis Thomas.

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

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2019, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, 7:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Mark Minor, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Second Chance Animal Rescue, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Charles “Charlie” D. Goff, 66, of Benton, passed away at 9:12 a.m., on Thursday, August 15, 2019, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt. Vernon, IL.

He was born on July 25, 1953, to Charles and Martha (Hatchett) Goff in Taylorville, IL. On December 8, 1978, he married Dennecia Burgess. Charles was a United State Air Force Veteran serving during the Vietnam War.

Charlie was a member of the American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the Benton Eagles. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. Charlie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and loved playing golf.

Charles is survived by his loving spouse of 40 years, Dennecia Goff; three children, Deena (Bryson) Shepard, Chad (Jessica) Hutchinson and Clinton (Sara) Goff; nine grandchildren, Seth (Kari) Arnett, Amber (Josh) Farris, Kacie (Bryan) Koker, Lexie Hopkins, Hailey Shepard, Lane Hutchinson, Mercedes Goff, Sebastian Goff, Harrison Goff; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and two sisters, Kaye Mullins and Rebecca (Mark) Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. and Martha Lee Goff: and one brother, Lawrence E. Goff.

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

Visitation will be held Monday, August 19, 2019, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm.m, on Monday, August 19, 2019, at the funeral home, Benton, IL, with the Rev. Kent Dunford, officiating. Military rites will be performed by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Air Force Honor Team.

Memorials may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital or to the Wounded Warrior Project, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Nick Kniffen, 85, of Whittington passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 15, 2019 at the Mt. Vernon Health Care Center.

He was born in Spring Garden, IL on Feb. 7, 1934, the son of Ray & Mary Ellen (Friar) Kniffen. He married Mary Lou (Harmon), and she preceded him in death on June 25, 2012.

Mr. Kniffen was a lifetime resident of the area. He loved working in timber and fishing. Mr. Kniffen is survived by his children, Terald Kniffen, and wife Deborah, Bill Kniffen, and wife Susan, Michael Kniffen, and wife Janice and Debbie Walls, and husband Jerry; grandchildren Cody Kniffen, and wife Jessi, Michael Kniffen, and wife Stacy, Michelle Featherstun, and husband Sean, Daniel Kniffen, Jennifer Burnett, JoAnn Atkins, and husband Tommy, Julie Vaupel, and husband Keith, Jackie Kniffen, Colt Walls, Makayla Walls, Billie Walls; great-grandchildren Nathaniel, Josie, Ezra, Seth, Hunter, Seth, Jessica, Andrew, Daniel, Christian, Samuel, Isabella and Hayden; great-great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Vivian and Marcus and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Kniffen was preceded in death by his parents, wife, by a son-Jeffery Glenn, by a brother, Harold Kniffen & by a sister, Thelma Maxine.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Aug. 17th at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina with Bro. Mike Kniffen officiating. Burial will be in the Hams Grove Cemetery, in Belle Rive. Visitation will be after 11 A.M. Saturday at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

Daniel “Dan” Lee Lynch, 56, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at his residence.

He was born on March 14, 1963, to Ronald and Carolyn (Sneed) Lynch in Berwyn, IL. Dan was a United States Army Veteran. On April 2, 2011, he married Susan Lea (Tate) Joy.

Dan was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed music and fishing. His passion for music started at a very young age playing the drums, to being a lead singer in a band to most recently learning how to play the bass guitar.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 8 years, Susan Lea Lynch; five children, Dustin (Tori) Lynch, Kassie Lynch, Brook Cecil, Alex (Brandon) Mandrell and Caitlin Joy; five grandchildren, Cyrus, Raymond, Harper, David and Coraline; one brother, Craig (Shari) Lynch; and many dear family members and friends.

Mr. Lynch was preceded in death his parents, Ronald Lee and Carolyn Gail Lynch.

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

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Rev. Stacy Tate, officiating. Military rites will be performed by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Army.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com