James “Jim” R. Norman, 79, of Benton, passed away at 10:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

He was born on February 17, 1940, to Vernie and Jewel (Caraker) Norman in Vandalia, IL.

Mr. Norman was a United States Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam War.

On April 3, 1982, he married Cheryl Loy Puckett in Benton, IL., and she proceeded him in death on August 5, 2011.

Jim enjoyed reading, history, watching movies, traveling and spending time with his loving grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Jennifer Lawler and husband Scott; one grandson, Jesse Norman; two granddaughters, Ava Lawler and Emma Lawler; three brothers, Michael Norman, Tim Norman and Steve Norman; two sisters, Patty Cunningham and Susan Haithcoat; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vernie and Jewel Norman; his loving wife, Cheryl Loy Norman.

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

Jims wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held privately at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Benton Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Tyler Dewayne Shelton, 22, of Coello, passed away on May 7, 2019.

He was born on June 10, 1996 in Madisonville, KY.

He is survived by his fiancé Kortnie Bailey, daughter Macii Shelton, mother and step-father Amy and Josh Hiller, father Bruce Shelton, three brothers Taylor Shelton, Colton Shelton and Clay Shelton, grandparents Chester and Rita Brown and Patty and Kevin Hiller.

A Memorial Visitation will be on Monday May 13, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. The family request that everyone attending to please dress casual.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mental Health America, checks can be made payable to Kortnie Bailey and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Kody Michael Vanfossan, 24, of Christopher, died doing what he loved, on May 5, 2019 while battling a 6 alarm commercial fire in Christopher, IL.

Kody idolized his father and followed in his footsteps by becoming a third generation volunteer fire fighter. They trained and fought fires side by side. Kody became a Cadet at the age of 16 and had a total of 9 years of service on a fire department. He worked at Nascote in Nashville.

He was a devoted father and soon to be husband, a beloved son, brother, grandson, and nephew. Kody’s kind heart and willingness to help others earned him countless friends, both in and out of the fire service. He was born in Carbondale to Brent and Mindy Vanfossan on November 15, 1994.

He is survived by his fiancé Casey Garrett, 5 month old son Erik Michael Vanfossan, his parents Brent & Mindy Vanfossan, brother Garrett Vanfossan, and sister Paige Vanfossan all of Christopher. Grandparents Gary and Kathy Bartolotti of Christopher, Lisa Wilkerson of Georgia, Terena Kash of Whittington, and Great Grand Mother Doris Adams of Huntsville, AL. His Uncle Michael (Susie) Bartolotti of Christopher. Several Cousins and Great Aunts and Great Uncles.

He is proceeded in death by his grandparents Libero & Delphine Bartolotti, Mitch Wilkerson, Bob Adams and Tom Vanfossan.

Funeral services will be on Friday May 10, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Christopher High School Gymnasium #1 Bearcat Drive Christopher, IL 62822 with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday May 9, 2019 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Christopher High School Gymnasium with a Firefighter Walkthrough at 7:30 PM. Visitation will also be on Friday from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM with a Firefighter Walkthrough at 10:45 AM. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to an educational fund for his son, checks can be made payable to Erik Vanfossan care of Mindy Vanfossan and will be accepted at any State Bank of Whittington Bank, Christopher City Hall or the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Envelopes will also be available at the Christopher High School Gymnasium

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, Carl Sheridan Leek, beloved father and grandfather, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 85.

Carl was born September 23, 1933 in Valier, IL, to Jesse and Matilda Leek. He served his country in the Korean War, and on October 23, 1953, married the love of his life, Janet Viola Williams. Together they raised three children, Sherilyn Bundy, Geri Owen, and Jeffrey Leek. Carl answered the call to ministry on Easter Sunday, 1962, and became the pastor of Coello Baptist Church where he and Jan served for 18 years. He then went on to pastor several churches over the course of his 55-year ministry.

He was a mentor, a teacher, a father, and a scholar. He was known for his compassion, his unshakable faith, and his vast love of his family. His patience and love formed the bedrock of a legacy that touched countless lives, continuing the message of hope by which he lived.

Carl is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Janet Leek, his mother Matilda, his father Jesse, his brothers Charles and Earl Leek, and his sister Lucille LeVault. He is survived by his daughters Sherilyn and Geri, and his son Jeffrey (Robin), his grandchildren Rhonda (Chris) Gore, Stacey Young, Robbie Edwards, Lauren Edwards, Jordan Leek, Austin Leek, Madison Leek, his great grandchildren Allison (Mark) Jett, Aleah Gore, Vali Gore, Staley Alvis, Alexandria Drew, and Vedder Mount, and his great-great granddaughter Viola Jett.

Funeral services will be on Sunday May 5, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Jacob Gray officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday May 4, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Audrey Faye Gilliam, 74, of Benton, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019, at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on May 8, 1944, to Troy and Vevia (Threewitt) Knight in Benton, IL.

Audrey was a member of Greater Life Church in Benton, IL. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to many. Audrey enjoyed listening and singing Christian music, crafting, sewing, tending to flowers, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and attending Friday night game night with her loving sisters.

She is survived by her four loving children, Vevia Tindall and husband Greg, Keith Williams and wife Jennifer, Randy Williams and wife Tammy, and Robin Goodwin; six granddaughters, Heather Mitchell and husband Scott, Ashley Tindall, Britney Tindall, Rylan Williams, Keesha Kern and husband Caleb, Amber Williams; five grandsons, Brice Clark, Colin Clark, Mason Williams, Devin Williams, Josh Goodwin; great-grandchildren, Josie Mitchell, Maddox Mitchell, Siersha Mitchell and one on the way; three sisters, Joyce Duchene, Judy Green and Linda Summers; eleven nieces, Sheila Hightower and husband Paul, Eva Boonstra and husband Hank, Sandy Newbolds, Tammy Salomon, Rhonda Bush, Lisa Rodriquez and husband Tony, Kim Summers, Kristie Ruthland, Heather Summers, Laurie Barrientes and husband Simon, and Lindsey Vessels and husband Steven; eleven nephews, Troy Knight and wife Kelly, Freddie Parkhill and wife Norma, David Summers, John Summers, Jerry Summers, Jeff Summers and wife Crystal, Stephen Chirch and wife Brittany, Tim Summers, Kevin Summers, Mark Stelle and Ron Williams and wife Lisa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Vevia Knight; three sisters, Kathy Gulley, Shirley Summers and Marilyn Knight; two brothers, Donnie Knight and Eddie Knight; four brother-in-laws, David Green, Ronald Summers, Art Duchene and Gene Summers; and a son-in-law, Bill Goodwin.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 4, 2019, from Noon to 2:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Pate Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mark Fitzpatrick, officiating services.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to Greater Life Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.