Mary L. Link, 99, a former Franklin County resident passed away at 7:45 a.m. Tueday, Dec. 9, 2014 at the Auburn Nursing and Rehab Center.

She was born in Macedonia, IL on October 20, 1915, the daughter of Robert and Eva (Braden) Flannigan.

She married Marion Jefferson “Jeff” Link, the love of her life for 61 years, and he preceded her in death on April 28, 1997.

She was a member of the Order of Easter Star. Her purpose in life was to care for her family, friends, church and community. She ended her career as a consultant at the University of Kentucky, helping families make a better life for themselves.  She loved to cook, sew and dance with Jeff and socialize with her family.

Mrs. Link is survived by two children, Virgil H. “Bud” Link and wife Gail, of Arlington Heights, IL and Karen Link Springer, of Springfield, IL; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Link was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter-in-law Delores Link Hawthorne, of Paducah, Ky, by three brothers, Eual, Oscar and Sam Flannigan, three sisters, Colleen Darnell, Lorene Marquis and Hallie Flannigan, of the Benton, IL area.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton.  Burial will follow at Thurmond Cemetery in Ewing, IL.  Visitation will be after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice or to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the state of Illinois-Endowment Fund at Sullivan, IL or LaGrange, IL and may be mailed to PO Box 4147 Springfield, IL 62708.

Carl Eugene Lampley, age 84 of Benton, passed away at 6:28 p.m. Saturday at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room in Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Carl Eugene Lampley was born on September 4, 1930 in Franklin County, the son of John Lampley and Juanita (McCann) Lampley.  He married the former Shelva Hutchcraft on September 2, 1978 and she survives.

Mr. Lampley was a retired union brick mason and a member of Laborers Local 529. He also formerly was employed with Old Ben Coal Company Mine 24, where he worked for eight years.

Gene was a member of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Macedonia until it closed, and currently he and his wife attended the West City Baptist Church.

Gene loved to garden, go camping, fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife Shelva Lampley of Benton; step-children: Pam Edmondson of Goodyear, AZ, Mark O. Hall and wife Lori of West Frankfort; three grandchildren: Jennie Dotson, David Dotson and girlfriend Ashley, and Clint Lampley; a brother: Bill Lampley of Benton; a sister: Mildred Eubanks and husband Harry of Benton; two sons: Dennis and Larry Lampley of Benton; three close friends that have been very supportive and offered their time and care: Leann Sizemore, Lucille Elko and Stella Gulley; several nieces and nephews, and numerous other friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Helen Gulley and husband Glendale; and a brother John Lampley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the West City Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Meritta Madge Simpkins, 92, of Christopher and formerly of Huntington, West Virginia, passed away December 5, 2014 at Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin, IL.

She was born November 8, 1922, in Mulkeytown, IL, the daughter of William Avery Cook and Mary E. (Jones) Cook.

She was a homemaker and a member of Greenwood Methodist Church, in Mulkeytown.

She was married to Edward C. Simpkins and he preceded her in death on February 17, 2007, after 67 years of marriage.

She is survived by one daughter, Joy Simpkins, New York City, NY.

Surviving Children: Joy Simpkins of New York City, NY

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Charles E. Simpkins, one daughter Janet S. Cave, and one brother Kenneth Cook.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with the Rev. Richard Sullins, officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, in Mulkeytown.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Greenwood Methodist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements.  For more information visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

Donald Christensen, age 65, of Macedonia, passed away Friday, November 28, 2014 at his home.

Private family services will be held.

Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Donald Christensen was born on November 1, 1949 in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Wilford Christensen and Lucille (Van Horn) Christensen.

Donald enjoyed gardening, and sharing the produce he grew. He was a family historian and loved researching genealogy, loved to read and enjoyed listening to music.

He is survived by his companion, caretaker and best friend Charlotte Elam of Harrisburg; four children: David Shultz and wife Terri of Beloit, WI, Deanna Shultz of Brodhead, WI, Amanda McCredie of Madison, WI, Donald Christensen, Jr. of McLeansboro, IL, fourteen grandchildren with one to be born in the next few days, six great-grandchildren, and two brothers and their families David Christensen and wife Ida Levine of Morris Plains, NJ, Dennis Christensen and wife Sue of Seneca Lake, SC.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents.

To leave online condolences or to sign the online guest register, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Leonard Albert “Spike” Burnett, age 80, of Benton, passed away at 11:10 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2014 at the Franklin Hospital in Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2014 at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Whitlock officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the Benton American Legion Post # 280, Benton V.F.W. Post #2671 and the U.S. Air Force will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be held Friday, December 5, 2014 from 12:00 noon until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Leonard Albert Burnett was born on July 15, 1934 in Pittsburg, Illinois, the son of George M. Burnett and Elsie (Farmer) Burnett. He married the former Naomi McDonald on Nov. 25, 1956 and she survives.

Mr. Burnett served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he was assigned to the Military Police and was responsible for guarding President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s plane. He was also responsible for guarding nine atomic bombs and was stationed in Morocco and Casablanca.

Leonard worked with the Franklin County Highway Department as a maintenance worker. He also formerly worked at Bracy’s Store on the square in Benton, Petroff Packing, and was a former delivery man with Chester Dairy, all of Benton.

He enjoyed fishing, mowing and doing yard work, painting by numbers, keeping a daily journal of family and world events and the weather. He enjoyed his dog “Spot” and reading his daily newspaper. He could be seen almost always having a large cup of ice water in his hand.

Mr. Burnett is survived by his wife of 58 years Naomi Burnett of Benton; four children: Danny “Smiley” Burnett and wife Diane of Benton, Karen (Burnett) Hancock and husband Jeff of West Frankfort, Kathy (Burnett) Hill and husband Tom of Benton, Judy (Burnett) Jordan and husband Allen of Bethalto; seven grandchildren: Dedra Rowe and husband Brent of Benton, Danessa Burnett of Benton, Dylan Burnett of Benton, Hunter Hancock of West Frankfort, Shawn Hill of Benton, Kyle Hill of Benton, Ashley Santos and husband Marco of Dallas, TX; three great-grandchildren: Trenton Rowe, Zachary Rowe and Orion Mandrell; three brothers: Bob Burnett and wife Pam of Benton, Jim Burnett of Bolingbrook, IL, Mark Burnett of Benton; three sisters: Shirley Snow and husband Cletus of Mt. Vernon, IL, Donna Burnett of Mt. Vernon, IL, Carol Stark of Portland, OR and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Burnett was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Glenn Burnett, Bill Burnett and Donald Burnett, and three sisters: Wilma Gibbs, Norma Benard and Patty Young.

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

To view the obituary and leave online condolences to the family visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

 

CHRISTOPHER — Steve Dominick Micheletto, 60, died Saturday, Nov. 29. 2014, in his parents’ home.

He was born Feb. 4, 1954, in Du Quoin, to Peter and Arlene (Wingo) Micheletto of Christopher and both survive.

Steve was a coal miner at Prairie State Mine in Coulterville, He was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher.

He married Linda (Smith) Micheletto of Christopher and she survives.

Other survivors include his children, Jamie Winemiller of Christopher, Elizabeth Shaw of North Carolina and Austin Shaw of Christopher; grandchildren, Jenna Micheletto, Stephanie Winemiller, Shianne Winemiller, Harley Winemiller and Jerry Winemiller; and brothers, Danny and Carla Micheletto of Marine, IL.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Catholic Church, Hospice of Southern Illinois or America Cancer Association.
According to Steve’s wishes, he will be cremated with no services.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements.

For more information, visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Burton Raymond Crocker, 89, of Sesser, Illinois, died at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2014.

Burton was born in Franklin County, Illinois, on February 23, 1925, to Mary (McBride) and Raymond Crocker.   He graduated from Goode Barren Township High School in 1942 before serving in the Marine Corp during World War II.  Mr. Crocker served his country during the Korean War as well. He attended Southern Illinois University before he married Jean (Dillow) Crocker in 1949.  She still resides in Sesser.

For over forty years, Mr. Crocker was a successful businessman.  In 1948, he started his business career as an independent insurance agent and realtor when he purchased Crocker Insurance Agency from his father.  He was instrumental in starting two area financial institutions, Rend Lake Bank and American Savings and Loan, serving on the board of directors of both entities.  He was also a land appraiser; in fact, he appraised the land for Rend Lake.  Burton has served his community actively throughout his lifetime.  He served as chairman on the Sesser Water Commission, chairman of the Sesser Area Economic Development Corporation, chairman of the Franklin County Draft Board, and was a member of the Sesser Area Chamber of Commerce.  He served many years as Commander of the Bates Post American Legion and is still a member.  He is also a member of the First Baptist Church in Sesser.

In 1995 Mr. Crocker was awarded the Golden Deeds Award from the Sesser Chamber of Commerce in recognition for community service.  In recognition for his dedication to the community of Sesser, to his family, his country, and for his outstanding character, leadership, and accomplishments, Mr. Crocker received the Distinguished Alumni Award at the Sesser-Valier High School graduation in May, 2013.

Burton was the loving father of four children, Dianna Williams (Curtis) of Sesser, Janet Jones (Larry) of Harrisburg, IL, Randall Crocker (Cindy) of Sesser, and Brenda Kramer (Keith) of Sesser.  He also had eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren: Jennifer Lemons (Arthur), Gillian and Cordelia, Laura Marberry, Frances Marberry (deceased), Brett Crocker (Danielle) and Collin, Alex Kramer, all living in Sesser, Tara Grosner (John) and Ingrid of New York City, NY, Loren Jones (Karee), Millie and Otis of Austin, TX, Braden Jones (Courtney), Thomas and Beckett of Gainesville, FL, Erin Janello (Tony), Jaylyn and Aiden of Mulkeytown, Dennis Kramer of Annapolis, MD and Kyle Crocker of St. Louis, MO.

His parents, two brothers, one sister and his granddaughter preceded him in death.  One sister, Clara Brown of Sesser, survives, as well as two sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Crocker of Sesser and Elizabeth Crocker of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, Illinois.  The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2014, at the First Baptist Church in Sesser with pastors Harl Ray Lewis and Brother Larry Cook officiating.  Burial with military rites will be at the Maple Hill cemetery following the funeral.

In honor of the importance that Mr. Crocker placed on education, the family has set up a Burton R. Crocker SIU Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Donations may be made to:  Burton R. Crocker SIU Memorial Scholarship Fund, SIU Foundation, 1235 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, IL  62901.

Jeanne M. (Woods) Diel was born in Franklin County, Illinois on August 29, 1926 at the home of her parents, Roy “Pete” and Ida (Leffler) Woods. Jeanne went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014. She was a member of the West City Church of God.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton. Services will be at the West City Church of God on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.mm. and interment will be in Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL.  Visitation will be after 1 p.m. at the church.

She became a member of the Palestine Baptist Church at a young age and attended regularly with other members of her family. She was baptized in the Big Muddy River, just north of the then-Deputy Bridge.

In August 1944, Jeanne entered the United States Cadet Nurse Corps, along with her sisters June and Muriel. They trained at Missouri Baptist School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO. She was a licensed registered nurse in Missouri, Illinois and California.

She was united in marriage with Robert E. Dial on May 15,1959, at Benton Assembly of God Church.  Her husband was an ordained minister of the gospel with the Full Gospel Ministers of Paducah, Kentucky.  Together they were instrumental in bringing many young people to know the Lord as their Savior. “Moreover it is required in stewards that you be found faithful.” (I Corinthians 4:2).

Survivors include her husband, the Reverend Robert E. Diel; brother Evan R. Woods, of Robinson, IL; several nieces and nephews of whom she was very proud.

She was preceded in death by her paretns and by a daughter, Iva Jane; sisters Muriel E. Walker, of Marion, IL, Eva Faye Cluck, of Benton, IL, June Jones, of Marion, Il; brothers Carl E. Woods, of Michigan; Wesley E. Woods, of Anna, IL; Clinton A. Woods, of Johnston City, IL, and Gordon A. Woods of Benton, IL.

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

Dolores M. Ames, 83, of Christopher passed away at her home on Tuesday November 18, 2014 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A life-long resident of Franklin County, Dolores was born on May 2, 1931, the daughter of Charles “Arthur” Koenig and Edith Gilliam Koenig.  Her maternal grandparents were Albert and Elizabeth Gilliam.

Dolores married Everett “Boogie” Ames on May 23, 1969 and he preceded her in death on February 17, 2001.

Dolores worked for Blue Bell Packing Company, the Office of the Franklin County Superintendent of schools, Inland Steel Coal Company, and was retired from Consolidation Coal Company.  She was a member of The First Christian Church in Christopher.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m.. to 1 p.m. on Saturday November 22, 2014 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.  Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. also at the funeral home, with Reverend Daniel Ison officiating.

Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers, Dolores suggested that memorials be made to The First Christian Church in Christopher.