Tracie B. Willis, age 43, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 in Lexington, KY. She was born on August 29, 1975, in Benton, Illinois to Bruce and Vickie (Adkins) Willis.

Tracie graduated Benton Consolidated High School in 1993. She graduated Rend Lake College in 1994 with an Associate of Science degree in Accounting. Shortly after her graduation from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting with a Minor in Finance, Tracie followed her passion for the Thoroughbred industry and moved to Lexington, KY.

She sincerely loved horses and all aspects of the business, and was an avid horse racing fan as well as a strong supporter of several organizations committed to the welfare of horses. Tracie treasured her precious dogs, and considered them family, especially her beloved Buddy and Lexi, who passed several years ago, and is survived by her current canine companions, Paco and Ginger.

Tracie overcame her health struggles with great courage and strength, and did not let them hold her back from being the most loyal friend anyone could ask for, extending kindness to friends and strangers alike, and living life to the fullest. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way, and will be greatly missed.

Tracie was last employed by Darby Dan Farm, where she was a dedicated team member for seven years. She was totally committed to the Farm’s business operation and was a consummate talent in her many roles. She was the face behind Darby Dan’s social media, oversaw human resources and insurance, a popular Darby Dan tour guide, and represented the farm in multiple professional associations. She was a proficient and respected master of accounting.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by an older sister, Melissa Willis of Benton, Illinois, along with several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Preceding her death were her Paternal Grandparents, Lloyd & Helen Willis, and her Maternal Grandparents, James & Lili Mae Adkins.

Anyone whose life was touched by Tracie is invited to join us and celebrate her at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 26th at the Immanuel Baptist Church 516 North Main Street in Benton, IL 62812 with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is assisting with local arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please share her commitment to and her support for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance or the Franklin County Humane Society.

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

Helen Lucille Kirkpatrick Galloway went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 surrounded by her three beautiful daughters.

She was born to Virgil “Whitey” and Elizabeth Kirkpatrick on August 25, 1939 in Du Quoin, Illinois.

She married Donald Lee Galloway on July 27, 1957 in Sesser, Illinois. They enjoyed over 50 years of marriage and were blessed with four children. She was a mother, Tupperware manager, but best remembered in her community as Mrs. Helen, our bus driver. She enjoyed painting, quilting, traveling and spending time with her family. She was a Christian and helped plant the Butterfield Freewill Baptist Church in Aurora, Illinois and was a member of Hazel Dell Freewill Baptist Church in Sesser.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie and Jeff Staley, of Mt. Vernon; Diana and Steve Rea, of Benton; Dana and Darrell Kingore, of Ozark, MO; daughter-in-law, Shelly Galloway-Thies and husband, Jeff of Sesser; and one sister, Virginia and Jerry Brachear of Saginaw, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, and beloved son, Danny. She adored her grandchildren, Dacey, Abbi, Allison, Ben, Dustin, John Palmer, Dayton, Daelon, Will, Dason, Drennon, Dreanna, and many great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Vistation will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 5-8PM at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with a celebration of her life on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 10AM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to pancan.org/donate or accepted at the funeral home for Pancreatic Cancer Research in memory of her son, Danny Galloway.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Lana Jean Wilson, 77, of Sesser, passed away on May 14, 2019.

She was born on June 18, 1941 in Benton, IL to Delmont “Dink” and Marcella (Coffel) Rone.

She is survived by her children Richard Wright of Sesser, Paula Jones of Arizona and Michael (Christy) Wilson of Mt.Carmel, IL; grandchildren Ryan Wright, Deanna Tucker, Katie Cross, Natasha Harmon, Shawn Wright, Micah Wilson, Jade Jones, Hannah Wilson and Piper Wilson; 10 great grandchildren; one sister Barb (Jerry) Wilderman of DuQuoin; one brother Pete (Linda) Rone of Sesser; one sister-in-law Rhonda Rone.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son David Wright and one brother Butch Rone.

Private graveside services will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottenson officiating.

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

Donald Marshall Aiken, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 4:56 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2019 at the First Christian Church of Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the First Christian Church. Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Don was born on November 11, 1932 in Belvidere, Illinois, the son of James Marshall Aiken and Mary Elizabeth (O’Malley) Aiken. He married the former Betty Lee George on September 30, 1960, and she survives.

He was a Benton High School Graduate of the Class of 1950.

Don served his Country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He would later receive a bachelor’s degree from SIU-Carbondale in 1960.

Don worked for 35 years as a Regional Sales Representative for Portland Cement.

He was Past Master at Benton Masonic Lodge A.F. and A.M. #64, Past Exalted Ruler of B.P.O.E. #1234, member of the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and he was a past member of the Boneyard Boccie Club.

Don was a 50+ year member of the First Christian Church Choir.

Surviving is his loving wife of 58 years, Betty L. Aiken of Benton; his children Dan Aiken and wife Christy of Wood Dale, IL, Paula Fuller and husband Rick of Benton, IL, Joel Aiken and wife Missy of Mulkeytown, IL; six grandchildren: Nicci Miller of Benton, Megan Eastwood and husband Travis of West Frankfort, IL, Leah Sullivan and husband Travis of Harrisburg, IL, Michael Basso of Mulkeytown, IL, Drake and Natalie Aiken both of Wood Dale, IL; four great-grandchildren: Ryder Eastwood and Rhett Eastwood both of West Frankfort, IL, Brantlee Miller of Benton, Gunter Sullivan of Harrisburg, IL; a sister-in-law Suzanne Baker of Benton; a brother and sister-in-law Wallie and Peggy George of Pickerington, OH; special niece Alison Myers and husband Rick; special nephew Dale Baker and wife Janetta; nephew Jason George and wife Shari; niece Megan George; close friends Paul and Judy Rose of Benton “whom they were traveling companions and card playing buddies with”.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Charles “Red” Aiken; a stepbrother Andrew Dunning; and a brother-in-law Arthur Ford Baker.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall Fund or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the church on Friday.

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