Vicki (Yung) Downen, 72, of Scheller, passed away Saturday, October 21st at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born March 25, 1951, in DuQuoin, IL, the daughter of Victor Yung and Helen (Lipsey) Yung.

She was born March 25, 1951, in DuQuoin, IL, the daughter of Victor Yung and Helen (Lipsey) Yung.

Vicki is survived by her husband: Ernie Downen, her daughter: Tina Cavenaile of Ballwin, MO; son and daughter in law: Tim and Aprill Downen of Hillsboro, IL; grandchildren: Ally Cavenaile of St. Louis, MO; Emily Cavenaile of Springfield, MO; Timothy Hunter and Hudson Downen of Hillsboro, IL; two brothers: Bill Yung and wife Gayla of Sesser and Bob Yung of Bourbonnais, Illinois; a special niece: Roxana Eubanks and many other nieces and nephews.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sue Eubanks.

Vicki enjoyed collecting antiques, spoiling her pets and playing Skip-Bo with her grandkids. When she was younger you could find her fishing for long hours to catch enough blue gill to satisfy our craving. She could fry fish better than any restaurant! She loved going to junk stores to find treasures and eating at her favorite Chinese restaurant. We will always think of her and smile when we hear the COPS theme song. Her nurturing nature and devotion to her family was evident in every aspect of her life.

Per Vicki’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and a private family service will be held at a later date.

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

Bryan “Douglas” Spain of Benton, Illinois, passed away October 17th in Mount Vernon, Illinois at the Good Samaritan Hospital.

Born March 11th, 1961, in Pekin Illinois to Lowell and Elsie Spain/Wyant. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years Linda Lou, his father, mother, and a brother. He is survived by his brother Matthew and Julia Spain of West Frankfort Illinois his nieces Alisha and Kassey Spain of Delavan, IL. Great nephews Chance Castleman, Drake Ring and One great niece McKinzey Ring of Delavan, IL.

Doug grew up in Delavan, Illinois and attended Delavan High School. After High School he followed in his brother Mark’s footsteps moving to Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville is where he found his heart, the love of his life, Linda. He performed work as a Maintenance Supervisor for several apartment complexes. Doug was always willing to give a helping hand. He met several lifelong friends there and was always willing to help anyone in their time of need. He was an avid football fan, and he loved the Jacksonville Jaguars. Music was another one of his passions. He loved AC/DC, and you could always find him strumming along with his guitar. He always had a new joke asking every time you saw him, hey did you hear the one about? (Hehe) Known for his smelly feet, infectious laughter he will be deeply missed by his family. May his sense of humor live on in each one of us.

A future private graveside service for family will be held at Shiloh Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to: Leffler Funeral Home 401 E Main St, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Jon Roger Williams, age 59, of Benton, passed away at 1:55 a.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023; at SIH Herrin Hospital.
Jon’s wishes are to be cremated.

When you have worked on dive boats in the Florida Keys, as a coal miner in southern Illinois, and as a trauma/critical care nurse in Emergency Departments, ICUs, Cath Labs, and with Air Evac, you are going to have stories. Jon had the stories. Funny stories, sad stories, self-deprecating stories, stories about friends, family, and life. One could write a book about Jon and never capture all of his true spirit, soul, love and life. It certainly cannot be done as a short obituary.

After graduating from BCHS in 1982, Jon attended Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in Mining Engineering. After going to Florida for a while, Jon returned to Southern Illinois to follow in his father’s and grandfathers’ footsteps, working for Kerr-McGee for 15 years. He was on the Mine Rescue Team. Nicknamed Remo, the stories of his time working in the mines were some of his favorites.

With changes that were occurring in the mining industry, Jon decided to change careers and attended John A. Logan College to become a Registered Nurse. Jon was recognized by JALC and received an award for outstanding non-traditional students and appeared in a recruiting commercial for the college, orange flight suit and all. A life size cutout of him remains in the Logan Fitness Center to this day. As a trauma/critical care nurse, Jon touched the lives of so many patients and their families, many of them have shared their stories of his care, kindness, and sense of humor with his family members who are so very grateful for those memories.

Jon had a big personality and an even bigger heart. He loved fiercely and once he made you one of his people, he would move mountains to care for and protect you.

Jon was an avid outdoorsman who loved hiking and camping anywhere he could pitch a tent. Some of his favorite spots were the Shawnee National Forrest, Land Between the Lakes, and Rend Lake. He could identify every plant, animal, bird, and reptile.

Jon enjoyed cooking, experimenting with his smoker, and sharing his skills with others. Many friends, family, and co-workers got to enjoy what he was cooking up for the week.

Jon was the youngest of four siblings and was often affectionately referred to as the “golden boy” and Mom’s favorite, He kept us laughing and entertained us at family gatherings. No one could tell a story better than Jon.

Although he received many accolades and awards during his nursing and mining careers, Jon’s proudest moment was when his son, Cole, was born on July 19, 2002. They have a special love and bond that can never be broken.

He married the love of his life, Lynne Sanders on 10/11/12. Lynne was his perfect match, intellectually and spiritually. She was always a willing participant in his elaborate plans, or shenanigans as she called them. He took her out of her comfort zone on many occasions. The phrase, “Let’s go on an adventure!” was spoken often.

He was adored by his nephews and nieces, always being the fun uncle. He was their hero, mentor, friend, and advisor. When speaking of them, he always spoke of his love for them and their families and how proud he was of them.

His marriage to Lynne added three daughters, their spouses, and grandchildren to the family. In typical Jon fashion, he loved them fiercely.

Jon’s death makes us pause and think about our own mortality. He lived a good life with no regrets. In his honor we will strive to do the same.

Our family hopes you can share your stories and memories of Jon at a casual gathering on Saturday October 28, 2023, at Rend Lake, North Sandusky Day Use area Shelter #3 from 2:00-5:00 pm.

Memorial contributions are preferred; and may be made to the Friends of the Shawnee National Forest, P.O. Box 612, Carbondale, Illinois 62903.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jon, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Maxine Delores Naylor, 99, of Buckner, passed away on Thursday October 19, 2023 at Stonebridge Nursing Home in Benton.

She was born on May 16, 1924 in Benton, IL to Persia and Virgie (Melton) Cantrell. She married Eugene Naylor on February 23, 1946 and he preceded her in death on October 19, 1989.

She is survived by her daughter Joy Brown of Herrin; granddaughter Jennifer (Shane) Feather of Herrin and one nephew Dr. Greg (Gail) Naylor of Michigan.

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

Funeral services will be on Monday October 23, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Phillip Kennedy officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Susan Laverne Rogers, 77, of Christopher, passed away at 6:49 p.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at her home.

Susan was born October 3, 1946, in Christopher, Illinois, the daughter of Loren Leyerle and Regina (Brisky) Leyerle. She married Eddy Allen Rogers on August 15, 1969, and he survives.

She graduated from SIU with her bachelor’s degree in education. Mrs. Rogers was a retired schoolteacher. She taught second grade at Ben-Gil Elementary School in Gillespie, Illinois.

Susan enjoyed cooking. Her family said she was an exceptionally good tailor. She would design and sew costumes and do alterations to clothing. She could even recover furniture. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandkids.

She was of the Baptist faith, and until her health kept her from attending, she worshipped at Community Chapel Church of Marion, Illinois.

Surviving is her loving husband of 54 years, Eddy Allen Rogers of Christopher, Illinois; a son Brad Allen Rogers and wife Dana of Mulkeytown, Illinois; two grandchildren Lucas Allen Rogers and Tinley Marie Rogers, both of Mulkeytown, Illinois; two brothers: Bill Leyerle of Creal Springs, Illinois, and Michael Leyerle and wife June Ellen of Champaign, Illinois; two nieces: Addison Leyerle and Sylvie Leyerle both also of Champaign, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Donnie Colson 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. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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

Danny Crnokrak, 90, of Coello, passed away on Tuesday October 17, 2023 at his home.

He was born on February 24, 1933 in Coello to Bob and Anna (Susa) Crnokrak. He married Dorothy (Doctorman) Crnokrak and she preceded him in death, he then married Brenda (Hodge) Crnokrak and she also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children Rhonda (Bruce) Todd of West Frankfort, Brent (Jill) Crnokrak of Christopher, Kent (Sandy) Crnokrak of Troy and Bill (Jeanne) Crnokrak of West Frankfort; grandchildren Bethany (David) Thompson, Matt (Chelsey) Todd, Whitney (Kevin) Hoffer, Nick (Chelsey) Crnokrak, Rachel (Rob) Hagen, Alex (Lynsi) Crnokrak, Anna Crnokrak and Jordan Murphy; 11 great grandchildren; one sister Jenette Robinson of Coello; one brother Robert Crnokrak of Benton; his caregiver Evelyn Dial and is loyal companion his cat Callie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Michael “Mitch” Crnokrak and one sister Angeline Crnokrak.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army.

Funeral services will be on Sunday October 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Ronald Kent McMurray, 69, of Valier, passed away on Monday October 16, 2023 at his home.

He was born on August 26, 1954 in DuQuoin to Kenneth and Ara Lee (Duckworth) McMurray. He married Kristy (Dyel) McMurray on May 9, 1981 and she survives of Valier.

He is also survived by his daughters Kasey Shurtz and Lesley (Bill) Meadows; his mother Ara Lee McMurray; Grandchildren Paxton Shurtz, Abram Shurtz, Sadie Shurtz and Logan Meadows and one brother Paul Dean (Lynn) McMurray.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother Bruce McMurray.

He was a lifelong member of the Valier First Baptist church. He loved restoring and working on his 1977 Ford F150 with his dad and brothers and going to truck shows, slow pitch softball, his bowling league, loved watching Westerns, deer hunting and going to deer camp with family and friends. He was an avid Sesser-Valier Red Devils fan and never missed an event of his children’s or grandchildren’s. He worked at Lawrence Lipe and Associates and Shawnee Professional Services as a Surveyor.

Funeral services will be on Saturday October 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Kevin Bradley officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in DuQuoin.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Valier First Baptist Church or to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

SuElla Cox, 81, of Sesser, passed away on Monday October 16, 2023 at her home.

She was born on April 3, 1942 to William and Modena (Brayfield) McClellan. She married James Albert Cox on May 9, 1960 and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children Becky (Kevin) Miller of Valier and Beth White of Sesser; one sister Patti (Bob) Utley of Sesser; one brother William McClellan of Mt Vernon; grandchildren Mike (Daniel) Bullington of West Frankfort, Tim Miller of Mt Vernon, Bethany (Zach) Mocaby of Salem, Jesse (Mallory) White of Coulterville, Andrew (Lecsee) White of Marion and Nick (Elyce) White of West City; great grandchildren Jaxon, Sawyer, Annistyn, Gabe, Micah, Gracelynn, Piper, Malcolm and Aleina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three sisters, Vicki Ashment, Billie Gilbreath and Mae Frederickson.

A Memorial service will be on Saturday October 21, 2023 at Noon at the First Baptist Church in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen and Brother Larry Cook officiating.

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

Bryan Ray Hiller, 49, of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday October 10, 2023.

He was born on March 13, 1974 in Herrin, IL to Roger and Diane (Mccarver) Hiller. He married Gina (Kahl) Hiller on September 9, 1994 and she survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by his four boys and his baby girl, Michael (Aubri) Killip of Chattanooga, TN, Scotty (fiancé Becca) Killip of Desoto, Skyler Killip of Sesser, Dakota Killip of Christopher and Bridgette Killip of Aransis Pass, TX; mother Diane Knapp of Pekin; sister Jennifer (Tom) Prince of Mulkeyown, nephews Dylan Hiller of Pekin, IL, Jerry Prince of Mulkeytown and Tommy Prince of Mulketown.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday October 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating, and his best friend Carl Counts. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton.

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

Glenn Ray Eubanks, 61, of Sesser, passed away on Wednesday October 11, 2023 at his home.

He was born on September 16, 1962 in West Frankfort, IL to Stanley and Sarah Leora (Veach) Eubanks.

His is survived by his fiancé and partner for 10 years Deanna Lynch of Sesser; Son Gage Alan Eubanks of Hurst; Step Sons Andrew (Amanda) Lynch of Woodlawn, Kyle Lynch of Woodlawn and Matthew Kimpel of Mt Vernon; step granddaughters Hayden and Kinsley Lynch; father-in-law and mother-in-law Jerry Sharon Johnson; siblings Barbara (Rick) Linton of Benton, Edward Eubanks of Sesser, Glena (Ronnie) McCrary of Carterville; stepmother Violet Eubanks of Lead Hill, AR; step sister Rhonda Sims of Lead Hill, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Gregory Alan Eubanks, grandparents Clyde and Lola Eubanks and William and Bertha Veach.

Glenn worked at Continental Tire for 30 years and was a manager at Dial IGA Grocery Stores for 10 years. He loved to go boating, working on cars, bees and honey, but most of all he loved spending time with his children and granddaughters Hayden and Kinsley.

Glenn attended Sesser-Valier High School and Rend Lake College, he was a member of the 4H, Future Farmers of America and Honor Society.

Funeral services will be on Sunday October 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Wells officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday October 14, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and on Sunday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.

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