Phyllis Jean Sager – Marion, IL

Phyllis Jean Sager, age 88, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, at 8:18 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018 at home in Marion.
She was born on Tuesday, August 6, 1929 in Marion, the daughter of Barney Floyd and Eulala Inez (Poteete) Russell.
Phyllis grew up and attended school in Marion and was a graduate of Marion High School class of 1947.
Phyllis was a member of the Second Baptist Church and a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary both of Marion,
She was united in marriage to W. Leroy Sager, on Saturday, October 7, 1961 in the Zion United Church of Christ in Marion.
Phyllis worked for many years and retired in 1989 after working for Electrolux Vacuum Sweeper Company in Marion for thirty-two years.
She enjoyed traveling and camping, visiting almost every state including Alaska and Hawaii. She especially enjoyed the southern states, Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Branson. She always kept busy and was always interested in the activities of her family, especially those of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed the many times they shared together and the memories that were created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind.
She is survived by her husband, Leroy Sager of Marion; her children, Lisa Weaver and partner, Ron Rogers of Marion and Tom McDowell of Carbondale, IL; step children, Dennis Sager of Vincennes, IN and Karen Ulrich of Sumner, IL; three grandchildren, Jeremy Weaver and wife, Allison, Lesley Decker and husband, Ryan, and Emily Hall and husband, Kevin; three step grandchildren, Dave Ulrich and wife Deon, Matthew Sager, and Lesley Beard and husband, Spencer; nine great-grandchildren; sister, LeAnn Ashley and husband, Herb of Paducah, KY and brother, Ron Russell and wife, Fran of Paducah, KY; other extended family, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Ronald Lee “Fuzz” McDowell.
Arrangements for Phyllis J. Sager have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.
The visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22nd  at the funeral home.
The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the funeral home with Rev. John Holst presiding.
Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery of Marion, IL.
For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “Shriners Hospital for Children”  or “Hospice of Southern Illinois” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St. Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For additional information, complete family information or to leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Marilyn Jane Brookins – Whittington, IL

Marilyn Jane Brookins, 77, of Whittington passed away Friday morning May 18, 2018 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born in Benton, IL on October 12, 1940, the daughter of Vernon and Mary (Williams) Rose.

She married Elmer M. Brookins on November 30, 1958 and he survives.

Mrs. Brookins was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church, her passion was assisting others trough Immanuel Helping Hands Ministry. She was co-owner Brookins Donut Shop in Charleston, IL. She was also the manager of Burton’s Cafe for 10 years.

She is survived by her husband, Elmer Brookins, of Whittington; two sons, Dale Brookins and wife Penny, of Whittington and Ron Brookins and wife Susan, of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren, Mallory Gibbs and husband Alex and their children Cali and Keaton, Chelsea Brookins, Whitney Brookins, Tyler Brookins and Chandler Brookins; one brother, Dale Rose and wife Judy, of Sesser, IL.

Mrs. Brookins was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 21 at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Burial will be in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mrs. Brookins memory may be made to The Helping Hands Ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church.

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

Eugene “Bluegrass” Dwyer, age 82, of rural Marion, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 4:25 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at his home.
He was born on Monday, July 29, 1935 in Drakesboro, KY of Muhlenberg County the son of Robert Virgil Lee “V.L.” and Mary Susan (Scarbrough) Dwyer.
He was first united in marriage to Sue Willoughby in Kentucky and to this union three children were born; Steve, Debbie and David. He later was united in marriage to Marjorie Richey in Indiana and to this union a daughter Genea was born. He later was united in marriage to Margaret Louise (Turnage) Montgomery on Thursday, July 2, 1987 in Marion, IL and together they have shared nearly 31 years of marriage.
Early in his working career he worked for Inland Steel Mill in Hammond, IN for about 15 years. In the mid 1960’s he moved to the area and began his coal mining career. He worked for several mines of the area including; Bluebird Mine near Dykersburg, IL, Harrisburg Coal Mine near Harrisburg, IL, Peabody Eagle No. 2 Mine near Shawneetown, IL, Zeigler Coal No. 4 Mine near Johnston City, IL, Morris Coal No. 5 Mine near Pittsburg, IL, Inland Steel Coal Mine near McLeansboro, IL and Brushy Creek Coal Mine near Galatia, IL. When the Brushy Creek Mine closed in 1995 he decided to end his career in mining. He also was involved in farming and raising cattle most of his lifetime.
Eugene loved the LORD and was a faithful Christian always willing to witness to those he came in contact with. He was a member and trustee of the Marion Freewill Baptist Church and currently was attending with his family at Arnold View Freewill Baptist Church located southeast of Marion. He was actively involved in the development and management of Camp Jericho located near Goreville, IL. He also was a member of the United Mine Workers District 12 Local Union No. 2420 and a member of the Williamson County Farm Bureau.
In his spare time when he was younger he enjoyed waterskiing, coon hunting and bird and deer hunting. He also enjoyed gardening and traveling to many areas of the country pulling his 5th Wheel Camper to camp and making many new friends who he met. His large family was a very important part of his life. He was always interested in all of their many activities and enjoyed going to all of their events. The many memories created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Louise Dwyer of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Robbie (Blumenstock) Dwyer of Marion; daughter and son-in-law, Genea and Scott Allred of Fredericksburg, VA; four grandchildren, Brandon Dwyer and his wife Bethany of Pittsburg, IL, Jason Dwyer and his wife Heather of Marion, Christinia Brisson and her husband Chad of Benton, IL and Christopher Roberson and his wife Alisha of Fredericksburg, VA; five great grandchildren, Lucianna Isabel Dwyer, Allie Jane Dwyer, Mya Roseanna Dwyer, Skyler Lewis and Selena Brisson; brother, Robert Dwyer of Galatia, IL; three sisters, Betty Crick of Madisonville, KY, Maggie Phelps and her husband Mike of Greenville, KY and Ruby Vance and her husband John of Earlson, TX; stepdaughter, Rowena Montgomery of Paducah, KY; stepson, James “J.C.” Montgomery of Pinckneyville, IL; step daughter-in-law, Pam Montgomery of Marion; ten step grandchildren, Staci Vess and her husband Chase of Frederiksberg, VA, Sarah Forby of Goreville, IL, Aaron Smith of Goreville, IL, Rindi Brainard and her husband Josh of Warrensburg, MO, Mandi Goins and her husband Ben of Herrin, IL, Caleb Montgomery of Goreville, IL, Danny Montgomery and his wife Marie of Jacksonville, FL, Leah June Sadlo and her husband Andrew of Orange Park, FL, Jonathon Montgomery of Anna, IL and Michelle Montgomery of Marion; fourteen step great-grandchildren, Shea Forby, Emma Forby, Shanley Smith, Tealy Smith, Aiden Brainard, Haven Randolph, Elijah Brainard, Leyton Goins, Lexi Goins, Dakota Montgomery, Guilianna Montgomery, James Morales, Anthony Morales, Joseph Morales, many nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Dwyer; daughter, Debbie Dwyer; two sisters, Bessie Ryhe and Nell Davis and stepson, Duco Montgomery, III.
Arrangements for Eugene “Bluegrass” Dwyer have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.
The visitation will be on Friday, May 18th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Ivan Ryan presiding.
Interment will follow in Cana Cemetery located on Route 166 southeast of Marion.
For those who prefer memorial contributions may be made to “Camp Jericho” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For additional information, complete family information or to leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2018/05/16/30465/

Roger Rentfro – Mulkeytown, IL

Roger Rentfro, 64, of Mulkeytown passed away on Tuesday May 15, 2018. 

He was born on November 14, 1953 in Peoria to Robert and Anna (Nieukirk) Rentfro.

Survivors include his special friend Kim Roberts; children Rachel Rentfro of Bartonville, IL and Melissa (Jade) Miller of Dixon, MO; step-children Ryan Pfordresher of Collinsville, IL, Tory (Drew) Hulse of Minneapolis, MN, and Jennifer (James) Roberts of Medford, MA; grandchildren ShayLyn, Arianna, Jeremy, Caleb, Joshua, Abigail, and Rowe; two great grandchildren Koby and Waylon; brothers and sisters Roberta (Frank) Wiese of Washington, IL, Daniel (Susan) Rentfro of East Peoria, IL, Donna Fargher of Washington, IL, Patrick (Tracy) Rentfro of Aledo, IL, Patricia (Gary) Hooker of Murfreesboro, TN, and David (Lyn) Rentfro of Royalton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Jillanna Rentfro, and one great granddaughter Serenity.

Roger’s wishes were to be cremated.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Francis “Eick” Eickelman – Valier, IL

Obituary – Patty Sue (Winemiller) Hastings – Creve Coeur, MO

Patty Sue (Winemiller) Hastings, 79, of Creve Coeur, MO and a former Cape Girardeau resident passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2018 in Creve Coeur, MO.

She was born in Whittington, IL on May 25, 1938, the daughter of Richard & Louise (Clinton) Winemiller.

Patty married Warren Steven Hastings on August 29, 1959 and he preceded her in death on August 21, 1996.

She went to SIU-Carbondale, was awarded a scholarship and received her Bachelors Degree and became an Elementary Teacher in Cario. While in College she was a member of Delta Zeta, and in Cape Girardeau of Beta Sigma Phi. After marrying Steve they moved to Cape Girardeau and did alot of travelling. When Steve passed away Patty moved to St. Louis and became a doting grandmother.

Mrs. Hastings is survived by her daughter, Jamie Hastngs-Omahen and husband Michael of Creve Coeur, MO; sister Phyllis Whittington and husband Marvin of Whittington, IL; nephews Robert Whittington and wife Anita and Robert Whittington and wife Melissa and one niece, Christy Deputy.

Mrs. Hastings was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. There will be no visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

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

Junita “Pat” Beasley – West Frankfort, IL

Junita “Pat” Beasley, 90, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away Wednesday May 9, 2018 in her residence at 11:56 a.m.

Pat was born May 24, 1927 in Marion, Illinois to Sherman and Minnie (Holmes) Thompson.  She is a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church – West Frankfort, Illinois.  Pat enjoyed quilting, sewing, and crocheting.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Beasley; parents; brothers:  Mel and Bob Thompson; sister, Esther Milligan.

Pat is survived by son:  Gary (Cathy) Beasley and Stan (Sherry) Beasley; daughter, DeeAnn (Joe) Arview; grandchildren:  Alana (Dwayne) Nation, Nikki (Rob) Stecher, Becky (Josh) Bailie, Kristen (Eddie) Crain, Rick (Keina) Beasley, Patrick (Lisa) Arview, Jay (Uvanna) Arview, and Shannon (Sarah) Arview; step grandchildren, Melissa (Rick) Boughton and Shawn (Amy) Southard; great grandchildren:  Ciara Duke and fiancé Jarred King, Lucas Bailie, Kaelyne Beasley, Coleman Bailie, Hadley Stecher, Emma Stecher, Alex Stecher, Joseph Arview, and Noah Beasley; step greatgrandchildren:  Kyle Nation, Emily Andres, Cole Andres, Cole Williams, Seth Nation, Danny Nation, Megan Joedicke, Logan Southard, and Jace Southard; special friend, Connie Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00p.m. Friday May 11, 2018 at Union Funeral Home – West Frankfort, Illinois with Joe Arview officiating.  Burial will be in Denning Cemetery on the Orient Road.  Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

Online condolences of sympathy, visit www.unionfh.com.

Donald C. Griffith – West Frankfort, IL

Donald C. Griffith, 85, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away Monday May 7, 2018 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale at 2:37p.m.

Donald was born November 29, 1932 in West Frankfort, Illinois to Herbert and Nellie (Cox) Griffith.  He loved his family, gardening, and walking.  He was an avid Cardinals fan.  Donald was in the U.S. Army during the Korean era.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria “Vonnie” Griffith; parents; brothers:  Norman, Bob, and Joe Griffith; sisters:  Marge Riggle and Gladys Ellis.

Donald is survived by sons:  Kevin (Helen) Griffith, Kurt (Debbie) Griffith, and Keith (Kellie) Griffith; daughter, Kimbra (Steve) Newton; brothers:  Danny, Kenny, Eddie (Darlene) Griffith; sisters:  Corrine (Victor) Cluck and Jane Hartline; grandchildren:  Josh (Alisha) Newton, Jeremy (Lara) Newton, Alycia (Jason) Stephenson, Chais Griffith, Nick (Morgan) Griffith, Morgan Griffith, and Paxton Griffith; great grandchildren:  Kole Newton, Bella, Sofia, and Desi Stephenson; special nephew, Wayne Clover; several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 1:00p.m. Thursday May 10, 2018 in Union Funeral Home – West Frankfort, Illinois with Pastor Guy Webster officiating.  Visitation will be held 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. prior to the service.  Military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 1961, VFW Post 5764, and Zeigler Post 177.

Memorials may be made to the FCHS Athletic Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family would like everyone that attends the service to please wear their Cardinal shirts in honor of Donald.

 

Diana Morris-Buckner, IL

Diana Morris, 68, of Buckner passed away on May 8, 2018 at 12:01 AM.

She was born on October 31, 1949 in Detroit, MI to Major and Margie Freeman.  She married James Morris and he preceded her in death on May 7, 2017.

Survivors include her son Stephen Morris of Buckner; two grandchildren Stephen Morris of Buckner and Autumn Morris of Benton; one granddaughter Elliot Morris; one brother Danny Freeman of Kansas City and one sister Teresa Daniels of River Roug, MI.

Her wishes were to be cremated with no services.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.

Shawn David Flowers-Herrin

Shawn David Flowers, 45, of Herrin passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2018. 

Graveside services will be held on Friday May 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Don Wright officiating.  Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

Shawn was born April 26, 1973 in Benton.  He is the son of David and Brenda (Smith) Flowers of Coello.  He was a Union Painter and a member of the Church of Christ at Minor.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Marcy Rogers Flowers, son Chase Flowers, daughter Amanda (Jeb) Martin, three grandsons, Landon, Noah, and Rowan, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother Aaron Flowers, grandparents Helen and Bob Smith, and grandparents Jackie and Gene Flowers.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Chase Flowers’ College Fund. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News