Clarence Newton Benard, age 88, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 3:50 p.m. Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Helia Healthcare of Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Alan Newman officiating. Burial with Military Honors provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280, Benton V.F.W. Post #2671, and the U.S. Army National Guard, will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

On September 24, 1935, Clarence Newton Benard was born, the sixteenth child to David Henry Benard and Lillian Ethel (Sims) Benard. He would marry the former Barbara Ruth Beaty on April 2, 1961, and after 55 years and 11 months of marriage, Barbara preceded him in death on March 3, 2017.

Clarence was a retired schoolteacher. He taught Ag classes first with Ashley High School, followed by Thompsonville High School, Enfield High School, and closing out his teaching career as the Science and AG teacher at N.C.O.E. High School. He was also the FFA Sponsor at each of these schools.

Clarence was a member at Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher, Illinois. He was always actively involved with the music at the church he was worshipping. He was the song leader/music minister at numerous churches throughout Southern Illinois. He and his late wife Barbara would also be in charge of the music ministry for many area Revival services. Clarence and the late Merle Fullerton started a radio program known as “The Baptist Voice” and could be heard weekly on WMIX.
He enjoyed gardening, singing, working puzzles, listening to Southern Gospel Music, traveling, and camping in his RV, and he and Barbara enjoyed spending winters in Florida. He was also proud to have been a farmer. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

Clarence proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from October of 1958 to August of 1960, obtaining the rank of PFC. He would be transferred to the U.S. Army Corps Reserves fulfilling his Reserves obligation until October 1964.

He is survived by three daughters: Marla Harp and husband Richard of Benton, Aletha Jackson and husband Robert of Benton, Sonya Dorris and husband John of Paducah, KY; six grandchildren: Jared Harp and wife Jordan of Carterville, IL, Josh Harp and wife Casey of Mt. Vernon, IL, Nick Shelton and wife Alexia of Sylvester, GA, Zack Dorris and wife Brook of Glasgow, KY, Macy Jo McManus and husband Cameron of Murray, KY, Katlin Jackson of Benton, IL; two great-grandchildren: Teagan Nicole Harp and Tucker Allan Harp; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Benard was preceded in death by his parents, wife, an infant daughter Angela Faye Benard, a daughter Darla Kay Benard, and fifteen brothers and sisters.
The family prefers Memorials be made to the Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher or to Glad Heart; and will be accepted at the services.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Clarence, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Marietta Waller, 88, of Thompsonville passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at her home.

Marietta was born November 18, 1934 in Macedonia, IL.The daughter of John Carl & Lizzie Frances (Cutwright) Biddle.

She married Bobby Gean Waller on December 27, 1952. They enjoyed traveling all over the states in their camper.
She loved taking care of her family and dogs.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Harris of Murphysboro, Her Grandson, Eric Gean Harris of Murphysboro. Her sister, Betty Davis of Benton.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 5th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery in Akin.

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Roselene Galayda, 91, of Buckner passed away on Monday evening October 30, 2023 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born in Sesser, IL on July 17, 1932, the daughter of Claude & Brasher (Harper) Chamness.

Roselene married Eli Galayda on July 25, 1953. She was a loving wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She was very kind, a hard worker and loved her family.

Mrs. Galayda is survived by her:
Husband: Eli Galayda of Buckner
Son: Eli S. Galayda & wife Shelley of Mulkeytown
Grandsons:
Eli M. Galayda & wife Nicole and their children Eli, Callen & Brenley
Kyle David Galayda & wife Kelsey and their children Finley & Amelia
1 Sister: Pearl Mitchell

Mrs. Galayda was preceded in death by her parents, son-Charles Michael Galayda and serveral Brothers & Sisters.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 4th at the Orthodox Cemetery in Buckner with Bro. Ivan Ryan officiating. There will be
no visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Craig Jesse Arthur Williamson Parrish, age 40, of Benton, passed away at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

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

Craig was born on July 29, 1983, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Sandra Lee.

Fatz enjoyed music, especially the music of Dimebag Darrell. He was a family man that loved his kids. His family said that he was always trying to find the silver lining in life. Fatz was always positive and would always say “keep pushing.” He liked to collect flashlights and knives.
He is survived by his companion Mariah Varis of Benton; his children: Hannah Parrish of House Springs, MO, Megan Parrish of House Springs, MO, Isaiah Parrish of Benton, IL, and Jace Varis also of Benton, IL; his siblings: Caressa Mezo and husband Larry of West Frankfort, IL, Candy Hilton of St. Clair, MO, Ted Hilton of Kansas City, MO, Chad Parrish of Hillsboro, MO, and Michael Parrish of St. Clair, MO; several nieces and nephews; and numerous lifelong friends.
Craig was preceded in death by his mother Sandra Lee Hilton, a daughter Peyton Parrish (died Dec. 26, 2008), a sister Cindy Hilton, and three brothers: Scott Hilton, Shaun Hilton, and Roy Hilton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to assist with cremation expenses, in care of Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Fatz, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Priscilla Helton, 64, of Christopher, passed away on Wednesday October 25, 2023 at Countryside Manor Nursing Home in Mt Vernon.

She was born on July 10, 1959 in Christopher to Phillip and Doris June (Annear) Ensinger. She married James “Jim” Helton Jr. on May 28, 1978 and he preceded her in death on November 22, 2004.

She is survived by her two brothers Jerry (Kathy) Ensinger of Sesser and Vernon Atkins of Dixon, IL and several nieces and nephews.

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

Funeral services will be on Monday October 30, 2023 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Steve Reeves officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at the Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Jerry Ensinger to help with funeral and medical expenses and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Carl Henry Roberts, 80, of Whittington, beloved father, grandfather, passed away on Tuesday October 24, 2023 at Herrin Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born on October 17, 1943 in Sesser, IL to Verna (Harrison) Roberts and Archie Roberts.

He worked at Old Ben Coal till they closed in 1991, he managed Anrap Rentals for many years and retired from Southern Illinois Tourism.

What made him the happiest was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his children Mark Roberts, Mike (Tammy) Roberts and Kimberly Roberts all of Whittington; grandchildren Rex (Elizabeth) Roberts, Tiff (Curtis) Hodge, Angelle (Billy) Hofman, Tyler (Deanna) Roberts, Nic Roberts and Dakota Overturf; 11 great grandchildren; one brother Cecil (Beckie) Roberts of Sesser; one special nephew David Despain and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Goldie Payne, brother-in-law Carl Payne, one nephew Eddie Jones and one niece Yvonne Frey.

Funeral services will be on Saturday October 28, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington.

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

Nora Thomasina (Crews) Hammel, 91, of Valier, IL., passed away at 11:33 a.m., on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the Franklin Hospital, Benton, IL.

She was born on April 4, 1932, to Edgar and Ruth (Henson) Crews in Valier, IL. Thomasina had two sisters, Nancy (Crews) Michaelson and Lynn (Crews) Bradley; and one brother Edgar L. (Buzz) Crews.

Thomasina married Bob Jones and together they had two children, Randy Jones and Barbara Androvandi. On May 15, 1964, Thomasina married Foster Deane Hammel. They had a daughter, Deana Lynn (Hammel) Coons. They shared 45 years together. Deane went to be with the Lord on Feburary 9, 2009. Thomasina is with the Lord and Savior. To be absent from the body and is to be present with the Lord. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the saints- We are confident Thomasina is present with the Lord and we are awaiting joining her in glory. Thomasina served the Lord her whole life, teaching Sunday School, attending Church faithfully and was always surrounded with her Bible and Devotionals daily as she was in the Word. She was an example to her family, and we strive to follow in her footsteps until we join her.

Nora is survived by her children, Randy (Linda) Jones, Barb Androvandi, Deana (Paul) Coons; brother, Buzz Crews; sister, Nancy Michaelson; grandchildren, Sheena (Jimmy Cox) Androvandi; Grandson, Matthew (Shelby) Androvandi; great-grandchildren, Emily, Braydon, Braxton, Ryan, Ronnie, Wesley, Noah and Jaxson; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Ruth Crews; husband, Foster Deane Hammel; sister, Lynn Bradley; and sister-in-law, Brenda Crews.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL, with Pastor Kevin Bradley, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Valier and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Johnnie Mae (Perritte) McCreery, 98, of Benton, passed away at 12:00 a.m., on Sunday. October 15, 2023, at Helia Healthcare, in Benton.

She was born on July 6, 1925, to John and Minnie (Wagnon) Perritte in Nacogdoches, TX. She attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, TX, and also the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. On March 30, 1946, Johnnie married John A. McCreery, Jr. in San Angelo, TX and he preceded her in death on December 18, 2001.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton where she served as the Church Historian and was also the Meals On Wheels Coordinator for 10 years in Benton.

Johnnie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Martha McCreery of Lake Benton, IL; her daughter, Linda McCreery of Albuquerque, NM; two grandsons, Jordan John McCreery and his wife Elizabeth, of Collinsville, IL and Michael Lee McCreery of Benton, IL and two great-grandchildren, Jaylen and Syler of Collinsville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Minnie Lee Perritte, her husband, John A. McCreery and her brother-in-law, Paul McCreery.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, Benton, IL.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, Benton, IL, with the Rev. Jesse Hinds, officiating.

Burial will follow services in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton and or the Benton Performing Arts Boosters, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brenda Kellam for being mom’s caregiver for many years.

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

Eloise Corn, age 90, of McLeansboro, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2023.

Eloise was born on December 15, 1932, in Buckner, Illinois; the daughter of Bill Williams and Doris (Flannigan) Williams. She married Robert Corn on January 30, 1949, and together they shared 51 years of marriage until his death on April 18, 2000.

Mrs. Corn was a homemaker. She was a member of Freedom Baptist Church of McLeansboro and was a member of the WMU group at the church.

She enjoyed reading, walking, her porch time with the Meadow Hills ladies, and spending time with her church family. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was their biggest cheerleader at each of their sporting events.

Eloise is survived by her loving children: Richard “Dick” Corn and wife Penny of Pinckneyville, IL, Jean A. Winemiller and husband Lewis of McLeansboro, IL, Robert Corn and wife Cindy of Cartersville, GA, Jerry Corn and wife Sharon of Macedonia, IL; grandchildren including: Melanie Schweizer and husband Tim, Melissa Corn and Matt Deaton, Jason Hanson and wife Sallie, Ron Winemiller and wife Whitney, Kristi Key, Brooke McCann and husband Chris, Rob Corn, Scott Corn, Tim Corn and wife Mady, Morgan Waters and husband Jake, Madison Hewitt; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson due in February. Also, neighbors that loved and cared for her like family: Norm and Becky Howe and Ed and Cathy Anselment, all of McLeansboro, IL.

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

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Freedom Baptist Church, 13386 State Route 142, McLeansboro, IL 62859, with Rev. Jason Moore officiating. Burial will follow at the Brady Cemetery East of Akin, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Wednesday, at Freedom Baptist Church of McLeansboro, IL.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Brady Cemetery Fund or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the services on Wednesday.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Eloise, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Terry Lee Pedigo, age 76, of Christopher, passed away at 3:40 p.m. Friday, October 20, 2023, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, IL.

His wishes are to be cremated, with no public services.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Terry was born on November 15, 1946, in Benton, IL; the son of Rice Pedigo and Flossie (Carpenter) Pedigo. He married the former Patricia Ann Summers on August 19, 1999, and she survives.

He was a retired carpenter. He also formerly worked at Old Ben Coal Company Mine 24 and used to sell fish.
Terry enjoyed fishing, hunting, knife collecting, antiquing, and spending time with his grandkids.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Patricia Pedigo of Christopher; three children: Terry Wayne Pedigo and wife Brenda of Christopher, IL, Penny Smith and husband Christopher of West Frankfort, IL, Tammy Duncan and husband Roger of West City, IL; six grandchildren: Bill Bryant of Coello, IL, Kellie Bryant of Carbondale, IL, Blake Pierce of West Frankfort, IL, Alexa Pierce of Carbondale, IL, Levi Noel and wife Annie of West Frankfort, IL, Amanda Reed and husband Mike of Mulkeytown, IL; eight great-grandchildren; a sister Paulette Sullivan of Royalton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Cory Summers; three brothers: Jesse Pedigo, Anthony Pedigo and Dennis W. Pedigo; and two sisters: Lela Briley and Gloria Tick.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Terry may be made to the American Lung Association, 55 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601; or go to https://action.lung.org
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Terry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.