Bryan Edmonds, 49, of Mulkeytown passed away on Friday September 15, 2017 at his home.

He was born on April 23, 1968 in Benton, IL to Robert Edmonds and Peggy (Graham) Caldwell.

He is survived by his mother Peggy (Denis) Caldwell of Mulkeytown; one granddaughter Julienne Laurent; fiancé Kimberly Helbig of Tamaroa and her children Bobbi Jo Stanhouse, Tylar Williams, and Dixie Williams; and one brother Robert Edmonds of Olney.

He was a coal miner at Nighthawk Coal Company.

He was preceded in death by his father Robert Edmonds, and one daughter Eco Christine Edmonds.

Graveside services will be on Saturday September 23, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Betty Lou Eubanks, 74, of Benton IL, passed away at 10:45 a.m., on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at her residence.

She was born on August 6, 1943, to Denzil and Eileen (Warren) Summers in Kalamazoo, MI. On December 31, 1983, she married Richard Eubanks and he preceded her in death on August 21, 1997.

Betty enjoyed shopping, bowling, fishing and camping. She was very faithful to her Lord and Savior.

She was a loving mother and grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Betty is survived by her children, Danny Mandrell of Benton, IL and Tonya (Curtis Lee) Gaskin of West Frankfort, IL; one granddaughter, Sheyenne Gaskin of Benton, IL; one brother, Daniel (Carol) Summers of St Louis, MO; two sisters, Barbara (Warren) Walton of Benton, IL and Marion Caswell of Moody, TX and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Denzil R. and Eileen M. Summers,her husband, Richard Eubanks, one sister, Linda Brayfield, and three brothers, James Summers, Larry Summers, and Vernon Summers.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Bryant Harris, officiating.

Burial will take place following the service in the Knob Prairie Cemetery in Akin, IL.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Linda Marie McCarty, 72, of Christopher passed away peacefully at her home on Friday September 8, 2017 at 9:15 AM.

She was born on January 24, 1945 in Sesser, IL to Wilbur and Rose (Roberson) Robbins.
Survivors include her daughter Nicole and Ross Burkitt of Christopher; grandchildren Morgan Burkitt of Valier and Jake Burkitt of Christopher; one great granddaughter Karcin Hagerman.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one son Jeff Webb.

She enjoyed working at her mother’s restaurant the Robbins Nest Café in Sesser as a teenager. She also enjoyed the friendships that she made during her many years of tending bar.

Memorial service for Linda McCarty will be on Thursday September 14, 2017 at 3:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday September 14, 2017 from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home. The family would like to thank Celtic Hospice for their wonderful care.

For More Information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

George Alan Weed, age 81, of Benton, passed away at 8:07 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital of Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Fires of Revival Chapel of Benton, with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. Burial will be in the Lindale Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Eldorado. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Fires of Revival Chapel of Benton.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Weed was born on February 23, 1936 in Indianapolis, IN, the son of George Weed and Challis (Johnson) Weed. He married the former Alice Riegel on March 24, 1981, and she survives.

Alan and Alice attended the Fires of Revival Chapel in Benton.

He left a teaching position at Purdue University to become the Human Resources Director for Freeman United Coal Company. He continued his interests in coal exploration and development up to the present time.

Alan enjoyed fishing, music, gardening, humor, and family.

Mr. Weed is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Alice R. Weed of Benton; his children: Elizabeth Cano and husband Angel of Avon, IN, George Alan Weed, Jr. and wife Jodi of Hernando, MS, Debra Weed of Avon, IN, Lowell Riegel and wife Debbie of Benton, Gary Riegel and wife Irma of Oakland, IL; grandchildren: Rachel Edwards and husband Daniel of Olive Branch, MS, Adam Weed and wife Lauren of Richmond, VA, Jacob Weed of Hernando, MS, Matthew Mugumya of Avon, IN, Sarah Mugumya of Avon, IN, David Riegel of Los Angeles, CA, Daniel Riegel and wife Lailah of Galatia, Dr, Brant Riegel and wife Dr. Daniela – Champaign, IL; two great-grandchildren: Isabela and Trent; a brother-in-law Everett Stanley of Plainfield, IN; two nephews and a niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Marilyn Stanley; and a nephew.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fires of Revival Chapel and will be accepted at the visitation and funeral.

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

Michael Dean Key, age 48, of Benton IL, passed away at 1:44 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at St. Louis University Hospital.

Cremation services are entrusted to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Key was born on March 18, 1969 in Benton, the son of Gary Key, Sr. and Patsy (Webb) Key.

Michael was construction worker and was a carpenter. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2898 of Benton.

He loved to play the guitar, have fun, and spend time with his family.

Surviving are his children: John Dean Ingersoll of Byron, IL, Melissa Key Shepard of Benton, Wesley Key and Kasandra Key both of Harrisburg, Trevor Key, Trey Key and River Key, all of Benton; nine grandchildren; his mother Patsy Larsen of Benton; five brothers: Gary Key, Wesley Key, Robert Key, James Key, Curtis Key; two sisters: Rose Mary Hollon, Dena Key; two half-brothers: Gary Key, Jeremy Key; a half-sister Celena Key; and his fiancee Carla Foster of Benton.

He is also loved by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Key was preceded in death by his father; a son: Michael Lee Key; and a brother: Taylor Whittington.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812, to assist the family with expenses.

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

Robert E. Key, Sr., 77, of Benton, passed away at 4:49 p.m., surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, IL.

He was born on June 14, 1940, to Crawford and Pearl (Stringfield) Key in Paris, TN. On February 22, 1961, he married the former Lois Lavern Uselton and she preceded him in death on March 20, 2016. On June 14, 2016, he married the former Sheila Wilson and she survives. Mr. Key was a United States Marines Veteran and a retired truck driver.

Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed driving, traveling, mechanically working on vehicles, boats, going fishing and camping.

Mr. Key is survived by his loving spouse, Sheila Key, children, Debra Kays and husband Marion of Benton, IL, Maria Hill and husband Donnie of Woodlawn, IL, Lisa Casey and husband Mike of Benton, IL, Clarence “Alan” Hammond and wife Glenda of Decatur, IL, Robert Key, Jr. and wife Gina of Benton, IL, Scott Key and wife Laura of Benton, IL, Michael Key and wife Carla of Sesser, IL, Ricky Key and wife Julie of Hudson, FL and Ted Payton and husband Randall of Arnold, MO; a sister and brother, JoAnn Douez and Earl Dean “Butch” Wallace; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Crawford and Pearl Key; his first wife of 55 years, Lois Lavern Key; a daughter, Charlotte Key; and a sister Suzie Wallace.

Funeral Services will be privately held and are under the direction of Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marion VA Medical Facility and will be accepted at the funeral home.