Gerald Wayne “Red” Elders – Murphysboro, IL

March 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Gerald Wayne “Red” Elders, 96, of Murphysboro, finished a full and notable life peacefully on February 24, 2017.

elderRed was born June 29, 1920 in Christopher, Illinois, to Louis “Rabbit” Elders and Flora (Dreimeyer) . Red grew up in Christopher and was a proud Bearcat. He was later a member of the Fighting Illini football team. Red then moved to Seattle, Washington, to pursue a career in semi-pro football.

In Seattle, Red married Billie Marie Hutson of Sesser, Illinois, before enlisting in the Merchant Marines. He became a First Mate on a sea going tugboat in the South Pacific during WWII. 

Red was a man of many talents and great accomplishments.  He opened E & E Mine Service, which operated in Christopher for many years. Red invented and developed several patents for mining tools, including a roof support system, which changed the face of modern day coal mining.  After moving from Christopher, Red and Billie lived in Aspen, Colorado, and Prescott, Arizona.  In Arizona, Red was a founding member and president of Oxycal Laboratories, Inc. and was involved in the development and patenting of ESTER-C. Red returned to southern Illinois and resided in Murphysboro for the past 17 years.     

Red is survived by daughters Suzi (Neal) Persky of Austin, Texas, and Tia Elders of Murphysboro, Illinois, and grandson Evan (Purvi) Persky, of Los Angeles, California.  He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Billie, one brother Leonard Elders, and companion, Alice Limpus.

Red was a world traveler, sportsman and someone who lived life to the fullest. His final years were spent surrounded by family, friends, pets, care-givers, laughter and adventures! Red never met a dog he didn’t like, never lived in a house that he didn’t build and knew that he had lived a very blessed life. Red  will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Christopher.  Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Danny Page – Sesser, IL

March 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Obituaries

Charles Galayda – Buckner

March 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment

thumbnail_IMG_5256Charles Galayda, 93, passed away on March 3, 2017 at the VA Medical Center Nursing Home in Marion.

Charles was born on February 26, 1924 in Buckner, IL to Stephen and Anna (Krochta) Galayda.  He married Vera (Chamness) Galayda on November 9, 1947 and she survives of Buckner.

Other survivors include her children Susan (Mike) Rude of Marion and their children Michael “Andy” Rude of Manchester, NH and Dr. Thomas (Jessica) Rude of St. Louis; Elizabeth (Patrick) Boyland of Vienna and their children Page (Jamie) Kirkpatrick and their children Camben, Olivia, and Isla all of Royalton, Amanda Yosanovich and her children Drake and Charley all of Buckner; Chuck (Wanda) Galayda of Buckner; Toni (Darrell) Young of Buckner and their children Justin Young of Clearwater, FL, Kaylea Young of Buckner, and Jacob Young of Buckner. Brothers and sisters Michael (Joann) Galayda of West Frankfort, Steve (Jean) Galayda of Park Ridge, IL, Eli (Rose) Galayda of Buckner, Elizabeth (Virgil) Adkins of Mokena, IL and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents and three sisters Mary, Helen, and Estelle.

He was an avid Cubs fan, and a member of the DAV and American Legions in Christopher and Benton.

Funeral Services will be on Monday March 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Russian Orthodox Church in Buckner with Father Frederick Janecek officiating.  Visitation will be on Sunday March 5, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher and also on Monday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Russian Orthodox Church in Buckner.  Burial will be in the Russian Orthodox Cemetery in Buckner.

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

 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Michael Tate – Marion

March 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Michael Lynn Tate, 65, of Marion, passed away at 11:55 p.m., on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at the Marion VA Nursing Home in Marion, IL.

He was born on December 12, 1951, to James and Blubell (Owens) Tate in Herrin, IL.   On January 28, 2004, he married Melba Roseme and she survives.american flag

Michael was a member of American Legion and Boccie Club. He was also a member of the East Benton Baptist Church. He enjoyed traveling, hiking, and his dogs. Michael was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Michael is survived by his loving spouse, Melba; a son, Christopher Roseme and wife Tracie; two brothers, John Tate and wife Kim and Ransom Tate; three grandchildren, Rashea Roseme, Nichole Johnson, and Aaron Roseme; and  two great-grandchildren, Bradley Johnson and Emily Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas and Blubell Tate.

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

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 5, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 5, 2017, at 1:00 p.m,. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.,  Military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the National Guard Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Mark Pierce – Sesser

March 2, 2017 By Leave a Comment
thumbnail_Mark PierceMark Robert Pierce, 49, of Sesser, IL,  passed away at 7:15 a.m., on Sunday, February 26, 2017, in the Franklin Hospital ER.
  
He was born on May 25, 1967, to Harold Pierce and Betty (Chandler) Owen in Lawrenceville, IL.  Mark was the Pastor of Sesser Church of God and loved fulfilling his calling for the Lord. On August 28, 1998 he married Malinda Shelby and she survives.
  
Mark enjoyed fishing, camping, boating and mushroom hunting, as well as grilling and using his electric smoker. 
  
Mark is survived by his loving spouse of  18 years, Malinda, three daughters, Amber (Mike) Knope, Tristian (Troy) Smith and Megan (Neil) Giese; two sons, Michael Scroggins, his companion Nichole; and Jonathan Pierce; one brother, Kenny (Kelli) Pierce; two sisters, Kim (Danny) Martin and Dana (Jeff) Carter; one step-sister, Cathy (Bill) Long; three step-brothers, Kevin (Marilyn) Owen, Jeffrey (Shannon) Owen, Eric (Shelley) Owen; mother-in-law, Judy Shelby; father-in-law, James Shelby and 10 grandchildren.
  
He was preceded in death by his step-father, Brad Owen.
 
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
  
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the New Life Church of God707 N. DuQuoin St. Benton, IL with State Overseer, Rick Whitter, District Pastor Rod Joplin and Reverend Bob Wininger, officiating.
  
Per Mark’s wishes cremation was held.
  
Memorials may be made to Pate Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.
 
Online condolences can be given atwww.patefh.com.
Filed Under: Obituaries

Gina Forsythe-Walsh – Benton, IL

February 26, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Gina L. Forsythe-Walsh, 46, of Benton, passed away at 9:58 a.m., Sunday, February 26, 2017, at her residence surrounded by her family to be with Christ who she accepted as her Lord and Savior at Immanuel Baptist Church where she was a member.

gina forsytheShe was born on June 1, 1970, to Sandy and Barbara (Woodrow) Forsythe in Benton, IL.  Gina worked as an executive assistant in the real estate business. She lived most of her life in the Indianapolis, Indiana area and loved the Indy race cars, especially the #3 driver, Helio. Gina had many friends who will never forget her. She never met a stranger and had a kind smiling face. She will be truly missed.

Gina is survived by her parents, Sandy Forsythe and Barbara Forsythe, both of Benton, IL; aunts and uncles, Barbara Forsythe, Terry and Helen Forsythe, Paul and Darla Forsythe, Aunt Jean and Uncle Norman Carlile as well as Lisa and Scott Page and Daren and Shelly Carlile and several other cousins; her buddy’s from Benton, Libby, Susan, Ginger, Amanda, Joelle and Susan and her two K9 kids, Canyon and River.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Colleen and Gene Woodrow; paternal grandparents, Nellie and Robert Forsythe and one uncle Bobby Forsythe.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2017, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home,  301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.     Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2017,  at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Ronald Cremeens, officiating. Burial will follow services in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Second Chance Rescue of Franklin County and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

David Flannigan – formerly of Mulkeytown

February 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

David Flannigan, 59, of McKinney, TX formerly of Mulkeytown passed away on Wednesday February 22, 2017 at his home.

He was born December 18, 1957 to Raymond and Linda (Swisher) Flannigan. He was married to Paula Jean (Eppes) Flannigan on July 20, 2013 and she survives of McKinney, TX.

David Flannigan PictureSurvivors include his wife Paula Flannigan of McKinney, TX, father Raymond Flannigan of DuQuoin, one step-son Kyle Melberg of McKinney, TX, two brothers Mark Flannigan of DuQuoin and Tracy Flannigan of McKinney, TX, special aunts and uncles Charles (Judy) Swisher of Mulkeytown, Evelyn Swisher of Coello, Janice (Norm) Tilley of DuQuoin, Debbie (Jerry) Stanley of Mulkeytown, mother-in-law Doris Muncey of Littlerock, AR, brothers and sisters-in-law Pam (Gary) Cobler of Richardson, TX, Sheila Jones of Littlerock, AR, Jeanna Bradford of Littlerock, AR, niece Shana Flannigan of White Bluff, TN and two great nieces and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Linda Flannigan, maternal grandparents Dobber and Verble Swisher, paternal grandparents Bill and Margaret Mitchell, father-in-law Bobby Delleppes, and one uncle Bob Swisher. He was a great musician and loved to play music.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday February 28, 2017 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Don Wright officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday February 28, 2017 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM. Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website at gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Geraldine “Gerry” Mercer-Valier, IL

February 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Geraldine “Gerry” Jean Mercer, 84, of Valier, IL passed away on Thursday February 23, 2017 at 9:05 p.m. at her home.

Gerry was born on April 30, 1932 in Franklin County, IL to Frank and Sophia (Dubonouski) Mick.

She married Dean Mercer on June 29, 1951 and he preceded her in death on November 14, 2001.

She was a medical secretary for Dr. J.P. Durham in Benton until her retirement.  She was also a member of the Valier First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her children Frank (Melody) Mercer of Valier, Kathy (Donnie) Smith of Benton, Amy (John) Prudent of Valier; grandchildren Joshua (Brandi) Smith, Samuel Waters, Jacob Waters, Lucas Prudent, Jillian Prudent, David Smith, Trisha (Justin) Morgan, and Donnie (Brooke) Smith; great grandchildren Victoria, Jordyn, Jaycob, Clayton, Sage, Liam, and Lyndi; one sister Marsha Coady of Valier; and one brother Ron Mick of Valier.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Funeral services for Gerry will be on Monday February 27, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with George “Zip” Biby officiating.  Visitation will be on Sunday February 26, 2017 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Jude’s Children’s research hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Wanda Wayman – Benton

February 24, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Wanda Wayman (1)Wanda P. Wayman, 90, of Benton IL, passed away at 3:39 p.m., on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born on September 20, 1926, to Calvin and Vina (Robinson) Mabry in Franklin County, IL. Wanda retired as an instructor at Trend Beauty College. She married  R. Paul Wayman and he preceeded her in death on October 17, 1990.

She was a member of the North Benton Baptist Church.

Wanda is survived by her two sons, John Wayman and wife Karen of Mt. Vernon, IL, and Terry Wayman and Janet of Evansville, IN; three granddaughters, Kelly Oreskovic and husband Bob of Washington, MO, Michelle Autry and husband Dan of St. Louis, MO, and Alissa Eastham and husband Ryan of Evansville, IN; six great grandchildren; and one brother, Calvin L. Mabry of Belleville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Vina Mabry, her husband, R. Paul Wayman, two brothers, James L Mabry and Ray Mabry and three sisters, Freda Shaw, Eva Shapkoff and Lucielle Conner.

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

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home,301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will follow visitation on Monday, February 27, 2017, at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Gary West officiating.

A private graveside service will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Danny Shelton – Christopher

February 24, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Danny Shelton, 65, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2017, in his home.

He was born on May 25, 1951, in Christopher to Ralph Shelton and Morna (Park) Shelton Demaret.

He was a Coal Miner at Old Ben 26 and Ziegler 11 and a member of the UMWA. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, horses, motorcycles, cars, hanging out with his friends at the tavern and credited his health to cold Stag beer.  He will be remembered for his fearless personality, always leader and never a follower.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Dayna Riggs of New York and son, Cody Shelton of Carterville, grandchildren Paige, Tysan, Damian, and Kendyl, two sisters Janice and Jim Noel and Joyce and Andy Wilson all of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His wishes were to have private services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gilbert Funeral home and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral home in Christopher is handling the arrangements.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

Filed Under: Obituaries
« Previous Page
Next Page »
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News