Larry Wayne Stowers, age 66, of Benton; passed away at 6:37 a.m. Sunday, July 1, 2018 at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Larry was born December 3, 1951, the son of Daniel and Bertha Stowers.

He married Jane A. Roberts on August 28, 1970, and she survives.

Larry started as a paper carrier at the Benton Evening News at the age of 9. As the years went on he was also a janitor, worked in composition in the job shop, ran the press and printed papers. And when the paper sold the press, he was transferred to West Frankfort, working for American Publishing, in the press plant, printing newspapers, for a total of 40 plus years combined.
He teamed up with his son Danny, when Danny was 9 years old and together they delivered newspapers. Larry continued delivering newspapers and met a lot of customers and gave them the very best service possible. Father and son teamed up and bucked up and printed papers at the press plant.

Larry was saved at the age of 9, where his mom led him to the Lord. He attended Assemblies of God Church in Benton until the age of 16 when he met Jane and together they attended South Benton Missionary Baptist Church, where he joined and was baptized on February 4, 1974. Larry was called by God to serve as a Deacon, and was ordained on March 21, 1982. Larry loved the Lord and the Church.

Most have probably seen Larry mowing the church yard, and making it look immaculate for church services each Sunday. He would always say “that’s when me and the Lord talk”.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, of 47 years, Jane A. Stowers; a son Dan Stowers and fiancée Dawn; a daughter Misty Darnell and husband Anthony; nine grandchildren: Daniel Stowers and wife Laura of Herrin, Blake Stowers of Vienna, Brooke Jones and husband Garrett of Cape Girardeau, MO, Ethan Stowers of Benton, Abby Stowers of Dandridge, TN, Aren Wayne Darnell, Jayce Anthony Darnell, Dylan Stowers, and Cooper Daniel James Stowers; five great-grandchildren: Bella Stowers, Alex Stowers, Lily Stowers, Luke Stowers, Emma Stowers; and a great-grandson Landon Jones (due in October); two brothers: Dennis Stowers and wife Sandy of Alabama, David Stowers and wife Nancy of Benton; and several in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Eileen Bryan; and an infant brother.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Cheryl Commean officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

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

Kenneth E. Browning, 95, of Benton, IL passed away Thursday, June 28, 2018 at his home in McLeansboro.

Kenneth was born in Franklin County, IL on October 24, 1922, the son of William & Grace (Burns) Browning. He married Virginia F. Lipe on December 25, 1942, and she survives.

Mr. Browning served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. He worked for Bonifield Bros & was a Coal Miner. He always went back to what he enjoyed, Farming. In later years he enjoyed working as a Handyman. Mr. & Mrs. Browning attended Mt. Zion Church until it closed and then moved their membership to Immanuel.

Mr. Browning is survived by his wife, Virginia F. Browning, daughters Janel Brown, and husband Jeff, of McLeansboro, Melba Browning, of Ewing and Cheryl Riley, and husband John, of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren Amy Bridges, and husband Robbie, Stacie, Zoph, and husband Josh, Misty Adkins and Bryan Sweetin, and wife Brenda; great-grandchildren Zeke, Demetrius, Maleigha, Ian and Emily; sister Alma Jane Rippel, of Arizona.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters-Genevieve and Vella and one brother, Martin.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW Posts and the National Guard Honor Team will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11 a. m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local Veterans Organization or the American Diabetes Association.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Murline Cooper, age 87, of Benton; passed away at 4:29 a.m. Friday, June 29, 2018 at the Helia Healthcare Center of Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Oney Cooper officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Murline was born on April 9, 1931, in Benton, IL, the daughter of Jack Cooper and Georgina (Stanley) Cooper.

Murline enjoyed people and especially enjoyed spending time and visiting with family. She loved Country-Western Music and would often visit the Grand Ole Opry.

She formerly attended the Fires of Revival Chapel in Benton.

Murline was one of fourteen siblings, including: Alford, Daisy, Ceily, Ollie Mae, Oney, Arkie, Annie, Ollie, Eddie, Fred, Rhoadell, Glen, and Maggie. Therefore, she is survived by fifty-three nieces and nephews and their families.

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

Alice Ann Coulter, age 65, of West Frankfort; went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 24, 2018.

Ms. Coulter’s wishes were to be cremated. A graveside committal service will be held at a future date.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Alice was born on December 2, 1952 in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of William “Bill” Coulter and Ellen Lucille (Bettis) Coulter. She was married to James Armes, and he preceded her in death.

She was a homemaker, and a member of the West City Church of God.
Alice enjoyed Gospel Music and loved her Lord & Savior, and she especially loved her family.
Alice is survived by her daughter Tammy Cooper and husband Michael of West Frankfort; three grandchildren: Kayla House and husband Dakota of Du Quoin, Charles Hayse of West Frankfort, and Tyler Watts also of West Frankfort; four great-grandchildren: Kaygen, Juanita, Brooklynn, and Cameron House; two sisters: Deloris Clayton and husband James of Carterville, Doris Rotolo and husband David of Benton; one brother Gordon Coulter and wife Wendy of New Town, North Dakota; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father William “Bill” Coulter; her mother Ellen Lucille (Bettis) Edwards; husband James Armes; and two grandsons: Matthew and Joshua Hayse.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance; and can be mailed to Benton Ministerial Alliance 302 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Virginia “Sissy” Lee Saul, 80, of Christopher passed away on Monday June 26, 2018 at her home.

She was born on April 29, 1938 in Christopher to Noble and Vanada (Boner) Saul.

She is survived by her brothers and sisters Lawrence (Vicki) Saul of Washington, Mike (Paula) Saul of Zeigler, Mary Pullium of Collinsville, IL, and Linda (Mike) Melson of Coello; and also several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Joyce Bullock and one brother Kenneth Saul.

She was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Christopher.

Funeral services will be on Thursday June 28, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother John Overturf officiating.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.  Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Karl “Mr. Bingo” Keller, 70, of Benton passed away on Wednesday June 20, 2018 in Benton.

He was born on November 14, 1947 in Benton to Albert and Ruth (Craddock) Keller.

He is survived by several sisters.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday June 24, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. 

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Jack G. Johnson, 89, of Thompsonville, born July 18, 1928, in Benton, IL, passed away June 15, 2018, at Herrin Hospital.

Jack was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, working outdoors, gardening, fishing and hunting.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his loving spouse of 69 years, Darlene (Kerley) Johnson; three children, Terry Johnson and wife Brenda, Pam Wiggins and Mike Johnson; 9 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, G.A. Wiggens; and a sister, JoAnn Dillion. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 18, 2018, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, 10:30 a.m., at the Pate Funeral Home.  Burial will follow services at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Charles Eugene Emery, 74, of Herrin, IL passed away peacefully on June 14, 2018 at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.

Charles worked for Southern Illinois Wilbert Vault Company for 42 years and retired in 2005.

He loved being around family, friends and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

He was a member of the Herrin Elks, Herrin VFW, and the American Legion.

Charles was born March 11, 1944 in Herrin to Noles and Myrtle Emery.

He is survived by two sisters, Dorothy Dunning of Carbondale and Vivian Hall of Herrin and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters Virginia Emery, Mary Emery, Clara Payne, Wanda Allen, and Delores Knight; three brothers Dean Emery, Mike Emery and Richard Emery.

Graveside services will be on Monday June 18, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Blairsville Cemetery with Rev. Donnie Colson officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Herrin Elks, 221 East Monroe Street, Herrin, IL 62948

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