Arthur H. Neal – Benton, IL

Arthur H. Neal passed away July 19, 2019 at his home in Benton, Illinois.

He was born May 29, 1926 to Earl and Audrey (Stites) Neal.
He grew up and graduated from Benton Township High School in 1944.
After high school he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Seabees in Guam. Coming home he worked in area coal mines and then owned Neal and Son in Benton for many years. Throughout his time in business, he served on several bank and community boards.

He married Fay Cantrell on March 29, 1947 and together they shared more than 67 years of marriage.

He is survived by a daughter, Ilana Ing and a son Jim (Jamie) Neal. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Jason Ing, Mikala(John) Wilder, Abby(Tim) Kathalynas, and Adam Neal; five great-grandchildren, Josh Wilder, Hannah Wilder, Beckett Wilder, Bronson Wilder and Harlynn Kathalynas; his sisters Loy(Jiggs) Whalen of Metropolis, IL and Mildred Smith of Florida. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was receded in death by his parents, wife, Fay and two brothers, Eugene and Frank.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois. Military Honors will be conducted by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts & the Navy Honors Team.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Gustave G. Vandekerkhove – Coello, IL

Gustave G. Vandekerkhove, better known as Butch Vander, 82, of Coello passed away on July 20, 2019 in Mt Vernon.

He was born on March 13, 1937 in Benton, IL to John & Maggie (McKee) Vandekerkhove. He married Janice (Davis) Vandekerkhove on July 4, 1958 and she survives of Coello.

He is also survived by his children Micheal (Tracey) Vandekerkhove of Mulkeytown, Tom Vandekerkhove of Hurst, Sonya Eldridge of Ewing, and Robert (Chanda) Vandekerkhove of Coello; grandchildren Elizabeth (Todd) Paulson, Ty (Abbey) Vandekerkhove, Treg (Faith) Vandekerkhove, Brittany (Jake) Basler, Austin Vandekerkhove, Remy (Caleb) Vandekerkhove, Alexandria Fedderke and Adrinne Fedderke; great grandchildren Chloe, Drake, Landon, Axel, Sloane and Kourtlin; and one sister Mary Rose Carrier of New Hampshire.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be on Saturday July 27, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Larry “Ray” Jones-Zeigler, IL

Larry “Ray” Jones, 72, of Zeigler passed away on July 18, 2019.

He was born January 17, 1947 in Christopher to Fred and Ollie (Hammonds) Jones. He married Ruth Ann (Aleksick) Jones on February 12, 1966 and she survives of Zeigler.

He is also survived by his children John Brian (Garret) Jones and their daughter Rian Jones all of Mulkeytown; Gary Jones and his sons Ray Jones and Luke Jones of Royalton; Jamy Mendez and her daughter Mia Mendez of Summerville, SC; and Dana (Tim) McBride and their children Jude Alvarez and Tatum McBride of Royalton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant brother Cyril Jones and one sister Glenda Jones.
He was owner of Jones Hydroblast, INC of Royalton for 39 years and was a coal miner at Old Ben #24 for 13 years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going camping and spending time with his family.
Funeral services will be on Monday July 22, 2019 at Noon at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Hallman officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be in Zeigler Cemetery.

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

Ervin “Leon” Jourdan-Christopher

Ervin “Leon” Jourdan, 74, of Carterville formerly of Christopher, passed away on July 16, 2019.

He was born on September 20, 1944 in Iuka, IL, to Hershel and Nina (Silvey) Jourdan. He married Rhonda (Keller) Jourdan on June 9, 1968 and she survives in Carterville.

He is also survived by his daughters Amber (Presiyan) Radev of Goreville and Jena (Phil) Jensik of Herrin; grandchildren Jesse Rodgers, Jordan (Sunny Fulwider) Rodgers, Daniel Jensik and Brennan Jensik; great granddaughters Elizabeth and Willow Rodgers; one sister Linda (Charles) Bass of Salem; and one nephew Adam (Lori) Bass. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was an active member in the Christopher community serving on the Library Board and was a member of the Christopher Lion’s Club. He was also a member of Eternal Friend’s in Christ in Sesser and was a school teacher at Benton Community High School until his retirement. He was a quiet man, but got things done.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Christopher Lion’s Club or to the SIU School of Medicine Alzheimer’s Research. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Earl E. Parkhill – Benton, IL

Earl E. Parkhill, “Gene”, age 93, of Benton, IL, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 15, 2019.

Gene was born on February 13, 1926 in Benton, Illinois, the son of Earl and Grace Smith Parkhill. He grew up in Southern Illinois before joining the Navy in 1944. Gene served in the Philippines at Subic Bay Naval Base during World War II. After the war, he married Geneva Barnfield and moved to Carbondale, Illinois to attend school. At SIU, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and a Master of Arts in Journalism. Children Janet Lynn and Dennis Eugene were born in Carbondale.

Gene accepted Jesus as his Savior at a young age. He was a devoted member of several Baptist churches across the country including University Baptist in Carbondale and, most recently, Immanuel Baptist in Benton.

Gene is proceeded in death by his parents, Earl and Grace Parkhill; Geneva Barnfield Parkhill; Bonnie Johnson Parkhill and son, Dennis Eugene Parkhill.

He is survived by is daughter, Janet Parkhill Miller; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Parkhill; stepson Kevin Johnson; grandchildren Alex and Zac Parkhill; David and Jon Miller and Max Johnson. Great grandchildren Aurora Parkhill; Danielle, Cate, Becka and Hayden Miller, Alissa and Callie Moses; brother, Harry D. Parkhill and sister, Ruth Parkhill Penrod.

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

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 18, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 N. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m., at Immanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis, Officiating. Burial will be held at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL., with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Navy Honors.

Condolences may be given online at www.patefh.com

Phyllis Jean Malkovich – Benton, IL

Mrs. Phyllis Jean Malkovich, age 91; passed away at 5:59 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2019 at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Phyllis was a lifelong resident of Benton, Illinois. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 2, 1927, and was raised on a farm south of Benton by her paternal grandparents, John and Rosa Marie (Schrade) Minier.

Phyllis graduated from Benton Township High School in 1944. She married Joseph (Joe) Malkovich on December 10, 1946. They had six children during their marriage.

Phyllis spent much of her time as a wife, mother and homemaker, staying at home and caring for her family. Phyllis would sometimes work outside of the home as a waitress and cook to assist with the family’s financial obligations.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Joe Malkovich, two children, Jan Williams and Michael Malkovich, and a daughter-in-law Diana Malkovich.

She is survived by four children, John Victor (Tracey) Malkovich, Mark (Apryl) Malkovich, Tony Malkovich and Tom Malkovich, son-in-law Guy Williams, along with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Phyllis requested to be cremated through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Visitation services will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Private family graveside services will take place on Monday, July 15, 2019 in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
The family requests that Memorial Donations, be made in lieu of flowers to the Benton Ministerial Alliance or the Salvation Army and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Ruth Ann Yunker — Benton, IL

Ruth Ann Yunker, 84, of Benton, passed into eternal life at 12:17 a.m., on Friday, July 12, 2019, at her residence.

She was born on December 23, 1934, to Harry and Viola (Roberson) Durham in Whittington, IL. In 1960, she married Eugene J. Yunker of Orland Park, IL. Ruth Ann was a graduate of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She was an educator, teaching music and elementary education.

An accomplished musician, Ruth Ann started playing the piano and organ at age four. She had many talents but her biggest joy was being a mother to five, grandmother to thirteen and great grandmother to eight.

She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church of Orland Park, IL., First United Methodist Church of Benton, IL., long time member of Mary Circle and Suzanna’s Piecemakers.

Ruth is survived by her five children, Pamela (Edward) Mack of Darien, IL, Sidney (Mark) Czynski of Mundelein, IL, George Yunker of Mooresville, NC, William Yunker of West Frankfort, IL, and John Yunker of Benton, IL; grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene J. Yunker; father, Harry S. Durham; mother, Viola Florence Durham.

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

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2019, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Rev. Chuck Smith officiating.

Memorials contributions may be made to SSM Hospice Good Samaritan, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Roscoe Webb Neal – Franklin County

Roscoe Webb Neal, age 97, went home to the Lord July 7th surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 28, 1922 the youngest son of Aaron and Nobia Otterson Neal. He is survived by wife Marjorie Sullivan Neal, daughters Karen (husband Keith) Duckworth, Kathy Essary (fiancé Jim Lambert), Kendra (husband David) Clark and sister Dorothy Biegler. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Russell, infant daughter, Janice, four brothers Okley, Eual, Jim, Harvey and one sister Goldia Neal Braden.

He served in World War II, 1942-1945, as Private 1st class in the 82nd fighter control squadron as a plotter/coder with the Army-Air Corps. He earned three overseas gold bars. He served in Versailles, France, Corsica and Italy.

Visitation is at 10 am Thursday, July 11 at Morton-Johnston. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Neal Cemetery, Logan.

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

Ruth J. Head – Benton, IL

Ruth J. Head, 92, of Benton passed away Wednesday afternoon, July 3, 2019.

She was born in Hamilton County, IL on May 4, 1927, the daughter of James Earl & Esta Pearline (Foster) Sullivan.
She married Samuel Franklin “Frank” Head on Oct. 12, 1949 in Carmi and he preceded her in death on Oct. 13, 2013.

Mrs. Head is survived by her children, Jim Head, and wife Toni, of Benton, Jodene Head, of Bloomington, IL, Wayne Head, and wife Martha, of Harrisburg, IL and Linda Fred, and Husband Michael, of Urbana, IL; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; a sister, Edna Dunford, of San Antonio, TX.

Mrs. Head was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter, Shirley Threewitt, a son-Larry Head, twin daughters-Rosalyn and Carolyn, a granddaughter, a great grandson and by two brothers, Vernon and Edward Sullivan.

Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, July 6th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Karl Barnfield officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery-Thompsonville, Visitation will be from 5 to 8 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois Inc, and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

Mary J. Boyd – Benton, IL

Mary J. Boyd, 81, of Benton, IL passed away at 2:07 p.m., on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at Franklin Hospital, Benton, IL.

She was born on January 10, 1938, to Mr. and Mrs. Smith in Cassville, WI.

Mary is survived by her three children, Mary E. Bartlett and husband Joseph, Charles J. Boyd and wife Julie, and Thomas W. Boyd and wife Paula; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

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

Per Mary’s wishes cremation was held.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News