Vernon Lee Roberts, age 75, of Benton, Illinois passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Bill Hottenson officiating. Burial will follow 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 of Benton.

Mr. Roberts was born on March 28, 1948, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Marion Roberts and Oma (Jones) Roberts.

Vernon was a retired small engine repairman, last working with Benton Lawn and Garden.

He was a member of the South Benton Missionary Baptist Church until it’s closing. He enjoyed working, tinkering on projects in his garage, spending time with his family, especially the grandkids.

Surviving are two sons: Riley Roberts and wife Leann of Ewing, Illinois, Jeff Roberts of Benton, Illinois; Vernon’s girlfriend Hazel Jones of Benton, Illinois; grandchildren including: Kessa Roberts and husband Brandon Bernard of Ewing, Illinois, Kacee Roberts and husband Kyle Neal of Ewing, Illinois, Peyton Roberts and fiancée Abby Beasley of Ewing, Illinois, Montana Roberts of Tennessee, Cami Roberts of Logan, Illinois; great-grandchildren: Brynlee Bernard, Gunner Bernard, Slade Bernard, River Wolf, Alaska Wolf, Tate Neal, Hallie Neal, Staley Roberts; two sisters Jane Stowers of Benton, Illinois, Carolyn McLearin and husband Lonnie of Whittington, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother William M. Roberts and wife Linda, two sisters Wanda Frost and husband Eddie, Lucille Elko and husband John, and a brother-in-law Larry Stowers.

The family prefers memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with expenses and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Harold Park, 89, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday November 16, 2023 at the Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Marion, IL.

He was born on June 21, 1934 in West Frankfort, IL to Hiram and Nina (Harris) Park.

He is survived by one son Albert Park of Christopher; step-children Tony Park of Citrus, CA and Angela Oliver of San Antonio, TX; two nieces Janice (Jim) Noel of Christopher and Joyce (Andy) Wilson of Christopher, he is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three children Rhonda Park, Butch Park and Melody Park and six brothers and sisters Vera Ray, Leodis Park, Loraine Peters, Morna Demerett, Paul David Park and James Park.

He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and Army.

His wishes were to be cremated. His family will have a private service at a later date.

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

Bradley R. Mabry, age 62, of Sesser, Illinois; passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at his home.

Memorial Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Pastor Kirk Packer officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Bradley Ray Mabry was born on February 6, 1961, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Buddy Ray Mabry and Ora Leah (Olson) Mabry.

He formerly worked at Celebrity Boats, Continental Tire, and was a self-employed computer technician.

Brad was an avid pool player. He played pool in tournaments in Las Vegas and the Caribbean. He even played pool against Minnesota Fats. Brad also enjoyed playing golf, boating at the lake, socializing with his friends at the Iron Horse, traveling with his family to Florida, visiting his sister, and he enjoyed keeping up with technology with computers. Most of all he loved his children.

Surviving are his two children Zach Mabry of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, and Zoey Mabry of Sesser, Illinois; the children’s mother Julie Saddler Mabry of Sesser, Illinois; siblings: Ora Leah Karlstadt and husband Paul, Jr. of Eden, Wisconsin, Tim Mabry and wife Hilda of Hatley, Wisconsin, Dennis Mabry and wife Billie of Greenfield, Wisconsin, Rhonda Marlo and husband Steven of Benton, Illinois, Jerry Mabry and wife Sharnin of Herrin, Illinois, Scott Mabry of Benton, Illinois; cousins that were like siblings: Cynthia Ryan and husband Pat of Bradley, Illinois, Steve Mabry and wife Mary Ann of Christopher, Illinois, Karen Garcia of Northern Illinois, Lisa Kay Gebo of Bradley, Illinois; two aunts: Beverly “Honey” Neal of Benton, Illinois, Karen Foutch and husband Rick of DuQuoin, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother David Mabry.

The family prefers Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Brad, to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, to assist with cremation expenses.

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

Jera Danelle Irvin, age 54, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Benton.

Jera was born on April 23, 1969, in West Frankfort, Illinois; the daughter of Danny E. Irvin and Stephenie L. (Phillips) Biggs.

She played softball and basketball throughout her childhood years and was a standout athlete. She was very talented when it came to sports; but really, she was talented at everything that she did. In the past she made yard signs for local sports teams as well as crafted decorations for just about any holiday that you could imagine. She was very passionate and gifted at anything that she set her mind to doing in life.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed hiking, running, listening to music, writing poetry, working out, and bike riding in her free time. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved her family dearly and would do anything in the world for them in times of need. She will be greatly missed, and her family will remember her and think of her every second of every day. She was very loved.

She is survived by a daughter Brittney M. Doxsie and partner Laura of Marion, Illinois; a son Connor D. Foltz, wife Madison, and granddaughter Madalyn of Benton, Illinois; her mother Stephenie Biggs of Benton, Illinois; her father Danny Irvin and Stepmom Connie of Oviedo, Florida; two sisters: Stacey Overturf of Orange City, Florida, Brandi Malkovich and husband Matt of Winter Park, Florida; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents: George and Dorothy Phillips, Sam and Doris Irvin; and a brother-in-law Jim Overturf.

Jera’s wishes are to be cremated.

Private family services will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

The family prefers memorial contributions in Jera’s memory, be mailed to or dropped by the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, to assist with expenses.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jera, visit

www.lpfuneralhome.com

Carl Wayne Stipes, age 81, of Benton, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial with Military

Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the U.S. Air Force will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Shriner walk through service and followed by Masonic Rites will be observed at 10:30 a.m.

Carl was born on November 17, 1941, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of Kellis Carl Stipes, Jr. and Lucille (Fritts) Stipes. He would marry the former Judith Hewett on November 17, 1990, and she survives.

Mr. Stipes was a retired welder with Caterpillar in Joliet, IL. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from January 5, 1959, until his Honorable discharge on September 18, 1959. He was a member of the Benton American Legion Post #280 and the American Legion Motorcycle Riders.

Carl enjoyed riding his motorcycle, shooting guns, and woodworking.

He was a member of the former Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M., now known as Rend Lake Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M. located in Sesser. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and the International Machinists Union.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy Stipes of Benton, IL; children including: Rora Luttrell and husband William of Wilmington, IL, Sal Reyes and wife Kerry of Cary, IL, Mark Reyes of, Massachusetts, Roberta Carlson of Pennsylvania, Cindy Lou Elizado of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren.
Mr. Stipes was preceded in death by his parents; and two infant sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave condolences to the family or to share memories of Carl, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Patricia Ann Heifner, age 77, of Akin, passed away at 7:45 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Linda E. White Hospice House of Evansville.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Kent Dunford and Rev. Steve Dunford officiating. Burial will follow in the Brady Cemetery East of Akin. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Patty was born on September 11, 1946, in Franklin County; the daughter of Weldon Flannigan and Julia (Williams) Flannigan. She married James Ronald Heifner on June 17, 1967, together they were married for 55 years until his death on January 20, 2022.

Mrs. Heifner was a retired Rural Mail Carrier. She loved all the kids on her mail route, and she always had candy and gum for them when they came out to get the mail.
Patty was a member of the Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church of Thompsonville, where she was the former secretary and Sunday School Teacher.

She enjoyed baking, cooking, going on drives, antiquing, going to rummage sales, watching her soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving are two children: Cindy Biggs of Akin, IL, Jim Heifner of Akin, IL; three grandchildren: Payeton Nikkole Heifner of Paducah, KY, Harley Gracie Ann Heifner of Akin, IL, Julia Brooke Biggs of Akin, IL; two great-grandchildren: Dramir James Haskins and Roland Trade Clark; a sister-in-law Darlene Roberts of Dale, IL, several other in-laws and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister Linda Dunford, a brother David Flannigan, and in-laws: Barbara and John Wyant, John and Brenda Heifner, Carlton Heifner, John Roberts.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Patty may be made to the Brady Cemetery fund or to the Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Robert R. “Bob” McDaniel, 85, of Ewing passed away Thursday afternoon, November 9, 2023 at SSM Health Good Samaritan in Mt. Vernon.

He was born in Jefferson County, IL on October 10, 1938 the son of Golie & Clara (Lisenby) McDaniel.

He married Pauline (Rowe) on October 14, 1978 and she survives.

Mr. McDaniel was a member of the Whittington Church. He always enjoyed building projects and going to sporting events of his family. He enjoyed golfing, working in the garden and yard work.

Mr. McDaniel is survived by his:
Wife: Pauline McDaniel of Ewing
2 Children:
Jeff McDaniel & wife Brenda of Mt. Vernon
Tracie Downey & husband Bob of Mt. Vernon
3 Step-Children:
Pam Minor & husband Mark of Ewing
Gary Cook & wife Doris of Benton
Kristi Picklesimer & husband Ward of Ewing
Grandchildren:
Michelle Hampton & husband Chad
Scott McDaniel
Rob Downey & wife Ashley
Brian Minor & wife April
Nathan Minor & wife Amy
Emily Skibo & husband Ryan
Erin McCommons & husband Casey
Elizabeth Roberts & husband Rex
Amy Cook
Amber Brayfield & husband Billy
Craig Cook & wife Emilee
Josh Picklesimer
Bryden Picklesimer
Jaron Picklesimer

25 Great-Grandchildren

Mr. McDaniel was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 13th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Whittington Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Patricia Madden Kahl, age 93, of Thompsonville, passed away at 11:27 a.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Herrin Hospital, with her loving family at her side.

Mrs. Kahl’s wishes are to be cremated.

She also requested two separate Memorial Services.
The first service will be a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The second service will be a Memorial Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Patricia was born on January 18, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Clair W. Madden and Grace (Roberts) Madden. She married Richard William Kahl on June 16, 1951, and he preceded her in death on August 14, 1978.

Mrs. Kahl was a retired secretary having worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Petersburg, Florida.

She enjoyed reading, playing the organ, spending time with her family, especially family gatherings. Her family said she was an artist and enjoyed painting and drawing.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Surviving are four children: Jean Dietz and husband Mike of Ingleside, IL, Carol Ann Stewart and husband Norman of Hot Springs, AR, Sandra Kahl and husband Chuck of Thompsonville, IL, Christina Reynolds and husband Rick of Fox Lake, IL; thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother Bernard Madden and wife Jacqueline of West Chicago, IL.

Mrs. Kahl was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter Mary Ellen Schultz (1998), and two sisters: Jean Alice Madden and Marjorie Ellen Thomas.

The family prefers Memorials be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton and will be accepted at both services.

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

Musician, wordsmith, Husband, Father, Papa, Uncle, jammer, entrepreneur, friend to all, stranger to none. Earl Dean Barwig (Buddy) lived a full 65 years until his last breath, November 3, 2023. He passed peacefully, surround by his three daughters and his loving wife of 44 years by his bedside.

Earl was born in St Louis, Missouri, April 29, 1958. A life-long Cardinals fan, he moved around the world just to come back to Cardinal country and raise his family in Benton, Illinois. Earl served his country in the Army for five years. After meeting his other half in South Korea, he left the Army as a Specialist E4. Married November 21st, 1979, Earl and Suk Hui moved to Colorado where he was introduced to the pizza business. The rest, as they say, is history. Earl was a four store franchisee for Domino’s Pizza for 33 years. He took pride in his businesses and in the fact that he could use his success to help others. Aside from pizza, becoming a dad and a Papa was of utmost importance to Earl. He certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, David and Garnet Barwig and two brothers, David Lee Barwig and Wayne Fitzwater. He is survived by his loving wife, Suk Hui, three daughters, Kim Brandon (Dustin), Dawn Simpson, and Kristin Walton (Aaron), seven grandkids, Savannah Simpson, Deakon Brandon, Liam Simpson, Alexandria Walton, Easton Brandon, Charlotte Walton, and Lincoln Walton, sisters Barbara Bradford and Winnie Lichtenstadt, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends who loved and respected him very much.

Dad/Papa was our biggest fan, critic, and coach. He’d tell us when we made him proud and level with us when he knew we could do better. Despite this and because of this, we will always remember how fiercely he loved us. He taught anyone who would listen, “leave it better than you found it.” Earl did just that. Thank you for leaving this world and everyone you met better than you found us. We will carry you in our hearts forever.

Earl’s memorial will be held at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton on Thursday, November 9th, 2023 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. His family will be present to welcome loved ones. His funeral will be a private ceremony held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Earl’s name to CASA of Franklin and Hamilton Counties.

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