James W. “Jim” Day, Benton, IL

BENTON — James W. Day, 72, passed away Monday evening March 13, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

dayJim was born Aug. 30, 1944, in Whittington, the son of Ode and Frances (Conner) Day.

He married Alana Conley on June 12, 1993, and she survives.

Jim worked for many years as a Captain on the River. He was a Vietnam Army Veteran, and a man of the utmost integrity. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.

He is survived by his wife, Alana Conley-Day of Benton; son, Ode Day of Paducah, Kentucky; stepson, Heath and Becky Conley of Benton; stepdaughter, Sallie House of Montana; two grandchildren, Madison Conley and Greyson Conley, and their mother, Candida (Smith) Payne; one sister, Deloris Bazzoni of Christopher; one sister-in-law, Teri Rice and husband, Chunk, of West City.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Harvey Lee Conner; and one stepson, Scott House.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 16, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be in Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wilma Haas – Formerly of Benton

Wilma Darlene Haas, 91, of Wapakoneta, OH., formerly of Benton, IL., passed away at 1:45 p.m., on January 31, 2017, at Vancrest of St. Marys in St. Marys, OH.

Wilma Haas (3)She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Wilma enjoyed spending time her family, traveling, and skiing the snowy slopes. She also had a love and passion for animals.

Wilma is survived by her daughter, Dorothea (David) Hayman of Saint Marys, OH; two grandsons, David E. (Vanessa) Hayman and Garrett M. Hayman; two great-grandchildren, Olivia Marie Hayman and David Paul Hayman; three nieces, Jan Conci, Carmen (Jeff) Conci and Helen (Beecher) Williams; and two nephews, Frank (Ellen) Conci and Terry (Kim) Conci

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolf and Myrtle Conci; and  brothers, Gene Conci and Frank Conci.

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

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Burial will follow services in Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials maybe made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or Second Chance Rescue.

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

 

 

Dimple Harland – Coello, IL

Dimple Odell Harland, 90 of Coello IL, passed away on March 13, 2017 at 5:04 PM at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

Dimple was born on October 21, 1926 in Coello, to John and Effie (Allen) Bean.  She married Fred Harland and he preceded her in death on January 22, 1994.

Survivors include her two sons Dennis Harland of Coello, and John Harland of Murphysboro, 2 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, and 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Robin Horton.

She was a homemaker and loved to bowl.

Graveside service will be on Friday March 17, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Harrison cemetery in Buckner with Brother Mark Miller officiating.

The family requests no flowers.  Donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation and envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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

 

Kay Sammons – Valier

Kay Sammons, 100, of Valier IL, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday March 8, 2017 at 11:50 PM at Parkway Manor in Marion.

Kay’s wish was to have her body donated to the SIU School of Medicine in Carbondale.  A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling arrangements.

 

Jerry Pierce – Benton

Jerry Leon Pierce, 67, of Benton IL, passed away at 8:13 p.m., on Wednesday,  March 8, 2017, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL.

Jerry PierceHe was born on November 19, 1949, to Arthur and Juanita (Fasig) Pierce in Christopher, IL.  Jerry retired as a Coal Miner for Old Ben 21 & 24 mines.

Jerry loved listening to music and would play music for the residents of Helia Healthcare of Benton where he was a resident. He also loved his pet dog Tom.

Jerry is survived by his three sisters, Maryln (Bill) Lamb of Thompsonville, IL, Doris Timmons of Edgemont, SD and  Jeanne (Bob) Grott of Tamaroa, IL; two nephews, Brent (Karen) White and Roger (Cindy) Lamb and three nieces, Monica Crawford, Tonya Schorfheide and Jennifer Grott-Hagston and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Juanita Pierce.

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

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 11, 2017, from  11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017,  at 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Eddie Paul Davis, officiating. Burial will follow the services in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Sesser, IL.

Memorial may be made to Helia Healthcare of Benton and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

 

David Corn – Benton

David Corn MediaDavid Robert Corn, age 61, of Benton IL, passed away at 1:17 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Deerfield Beach, FL.

David Robert Corn was born on May 8, 1955 in Decatur, IL, the son of Robert Corn and Marjorie Rose (McCoy) Corn.

Mr. Corn worked with RLC Bit Service of Benton. When asked of David what he did at RLC Bit, he would laugh and say “I am the vice-president of the company”.

David loved motorcycles, the outdoors, and spending time with his family.

Most importantly he had recently accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior.

David is survived by his father Robert “Junior” Corn of Benton; three sons: Brian Corn of Deerfield Beach, FL, Robert Corn of Wauconda, IL, R.J. Corn of Wauconda, IL; three grandchildren: Tyler, Justin, and Addison; three sisters: Brenda Grech of Benton, Barbara Lopez and husband Tony of Elgin, IL, Judy Beckman and husband Patrick of New Era, MI; a brother Rick Corn of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Rose (McCoy) Corn; and his step-mother, Mary Sue (Baudison) Corn.

Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 2017 at the Benton Eagles Club.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Eagles Club, and will be accepted at the Celebration of Life Service on Sunday evening.

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

Bernice Skurat – Sesser

Bernice Skurat, 94, of Sesser, passed away on Saturday March 4, 2017 at the Fairview Nursing Home in DuQuoin.

She was born on January 21, 1923 in West Frankfort, to Wathie and Loney (Macoby) Bennett.  She married Charles Skurat on February 1, 1945 and he preceded her in death on July 2, 2000.

Bernice Skurat Picture 2 (1)She is survived by her son Kevin and Julie Skurat of Herrin; one daughter-in-law Glenna Skurat of Sesser; grandchildren Jennifer and Randy Neff, Chad and Diana Skurat, Susanna and Jani Niiranen, Michael Skurat; great-grandchildren Mathew, Zachary, Essi, Mici, Christina, Michael, and Elizabeth; and 7 great great-grandchildren brothers and sisters Delmar Bennett of Ringgold, GA, Donnie Bennett of Sesser, Mildred Wisnewski of Herrin, Myrl Connor of Sesser, Sharon Reichert of Marion, Yvonda Drew of Tamms and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Charles Skurat, three brothers Lindell Bennett, Wathie Bennett, and James Bennett

Funeral services for Bernice will be on Thursday March 9, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.  Visitation will be on Thursday March 9, 2017 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Paradise Prairie Cemetery in Tamaroa.

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

 

Sadie Lewis – Sesser

Sadie Jo (Atchison) Lewis, 93, formerly of Sesser IL, went to be with her Lord on March 2, 2017 at 2:00 PM at St. James Manor in Crete, IL.

She was born September 14, 1923, Sesser, to Harve and Maggie Atchison. She married Donald Harland Lewis on July 27, 1941, and he preceded her in death.

She was saved and baptized in 1942, at the age of 19, at Horse Prairie Baptist Church in Sesser.  Later, after moving her membership to First Baptist Church of Sesser, she rarely missed a service and served on several committees.  She especially enjoyed her Sunday School class and the time spent in fellowship with her sisters in Christ.  Her faithful presence at church was sorely missed since her move to Crete.

Her favorite pastime included spending time with family and friends, entertaining, cooking and baking.  She was known by many as “the pie lady”. She was a devoted member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Sadie leaves behind many family members and friends who cherish the memories of their time spent with her.

She is survived by her son Gary L. Lewis and wife Diane of Broken Arrow, OK, her daughter Debbie Jasinski and husband Ed of Steger, IL, and seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends Lee and Mary Allen of San Diego, CA, who are like members of the family; and wonderful friends and neighbors for more than 30 years, Mark and Tammy Wells of Sesser.

She loved all of her grandchildren and especially enjoyed the summers her granddaughter Traci Cioe spent with her and Don.

Sadie loved and felt very close to her nieces and nephews.  Glen was a special friend who kept her updated about church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents; son Robert Don Lewis, sisters Freda, Beulah, Jewell, and Chesta; and brothers William, James, Kent, and Robert.

Funeral services for Sadie will be on Saturday March 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Sesser, with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Visitation will be on Friday March 10, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.  Burial will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

 

 

Jack Small – Benton, IL

BENTON — Jack Small, 80, of Benton, IL passed away Wednesday morning, March 1, 2017, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

Mr Small was born in Wheatland, Indiana on Oct. 27, 1936, the son of Ellis Austin and Letha (Tablor) Small.

He married Karen Lee Pond on Aug. 23, 1958, and she survives.

Mr. Small was an Army Veteran serving from 1960 to 1964, where he received his degree as an x-ray technician while in the service.

Mr. Small is survived by his wife, Karen Small of Benton; two daughters, Yvonne Edwards and husband, Bud, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Gail Lynne Marco and husband, Greg, of Grand Ronde, Oregon; two grandchildren, Jeremy Small of Benton, and Allison Heater of Mount Vernon; five great-grandchildren, Aubrie Sky Small, Gehrig Lee Small, Arabella Kay Rose Small, Austin Ray Maurer, and Gavin Joseph Vincent; two brothers, Larry Austin Small of Terre Haute, Indiana, and John C. Small and wife, Kathy, of Fort Branch, Indiana.

Mr. Small was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Terry Lee Small; and two half brothers, Bill Tablor and Robert Jones.

Services will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastors Robert and Kathy Wininger officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Barbara Ruth Benard – Benton, IL

Benton, IL — Barbara Ruth Benard, age 78, of Benton, IL passed away at 4:21 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

benardFuneral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton, with Rev. Merle Fullerton and Pastor Alan Newman officiating.  Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.  Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, March 6, 2017 at the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton, and from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour at 1 p.m. Tuesday, also at the church.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Barbara Ruth Benard was born on February 17, 1939 in Benton, IL, the daughter of John Claude Beaty and Aileen (Kirk) Beaty.  She married Clarence Newton Benard on April 2, 1961 and he survives.

Mrs. Benard was a retired school teacher.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and her Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois.  She proudly taught at Benton Consolidated High School, Rend Lake College, Ashley High School, and Harrisburg High School.

She was a well-known pianist and private music instructor.

Barbara loved Southern Gospel Music, and worked with several churches, revival services, and Southern Gospel groups throughout the region.  She most recently was a member of Glad Heart.  She was also the long-time pianist with “The Baptist Voice”, a radio program that airs each Sunday on WMIX 94.1 radio station out of Mt. Vernon, IL; and she was a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher.

Mrs. Benard loved to travel, camping, going to the beach, shopping, dining out, and attending Professional Gospel singing events and concerts.

Barbara is survived by her husband of fifty-five years: Clarence Benard of Benton; three daughters: Marla Harp and husband Richard, Aletha Jackson and husband Robert, Sonya Dorris and husband John all of Benton; six grandchildren: Jared Harp and girlfriend Jordan Rowold, Josh Harp and fiancée Michaela Dollins, Nick Shelton, Zack Dorris, Macy Jo Dorris, Katlin Jackson; a sister-in-law Dolly Sledge of Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter Angela Faye Benard; and a daughter Darla Kay Benard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher, or to Glad Heart, and will be accepted at the visitation and funeral services.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News