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

Charlene Marie Thompson, age 67, of Benton, passed away at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at her home.

Charlene’s wishes are to be cremated.

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

Charlene was born on October 2, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri; the daughter of Charles Tate and Dorothy (Zoeller) Tate.

She formerly worked as a house maid with Sure Stay Hotel in Benton.

Charlene loved to go antiquing. She enjoyed the outdoors, and especially liked nature watching and trail walking.

Surviving is two nephews: Travanti Jones of Benton, IL, Jason Jones of St. Louis, MO; a niece Chanel Fielder of St. Louis, MO; and several great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Sandra Jones; and a nephew Drumson Jones.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Charlene, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Ryan Christopher Wininger, 41, of Benton, passed away at 11:42 p.m., on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. Ryan was a cherished member of our family, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

He was born on December 17, 1981, to Donald and Bonnie Wininger in West Frankfort, IL.

Ryan had a deep love for his family and friends. He was a very loving son, brother and uncle who was able to connect with everyone. He especially loved his faithful dog, Xena. Ryan was always willing to lend a helping hand, embodying the true essence of friendship. He was known as a very giving and loyal person. One of Ryan’s greatest joys in life was the thrill of the open road. He had a deep love for motorcycles and bicycles finding solace in the wind against his face and the freedom of the journey. Ryan was also an avid adventurer, embracing the great outdoors with open arms. He found peace and serenity in nature, whether it was cruising on his motorcycle, pedaling along scenic trails, or indulging in the excitement of mudding in his truck.

Ryan is survived by his mother, Bonnie Wininger; four sisters, Kimberly (Dale Houseworth) Livesay, Robin Culbreth, Beth Livesay, and Kristen Garner; two brothers, Stephen Livesay and Kevin Livesay; seven nieces and nephews and nine great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald G. Wininger, paternal grandparents, Harold & Cloeva Wininger and his maternal grandmother, Bonnie Snider.

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

Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home in Benton.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Connie Kerley – West Frankfort, IL

Connie Lee Kerley, age 57, of West Frankfort, passed away at 9:56 a.m. Sunday, October 8, 2023, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will follow in the Plaster’s Cemetery north of Thompsonville. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Thursday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Connie was born on September 9, 1966, in West Frankfort, Illinois; the daughter of Marshall McCullough and Eloise (Serles) McCullough. She married Billy Joe Kerley on September 6, 1985, and he survives.

She was a homemaker and loved taking care of her family. She was a member of Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church.
She enjoyed morel mushroom hunting. Her family said she was very proud of being the first each year to find morels.

Surviving is her loving husband of 38 years, Billy Joe Kerley of West Frankfort; two sons: Aaron Marshall Kerley and wife Mackenzie of Johnston City, Ethan Joe Kerley and wife Allyson of West Frankfort; her parents Marshall and Eloise McCullough of Thompsonville; two grandsons: Noah Marshall Kerley and Benjamin Scott Kerley both of West Frankfort; a sister Cathy Ann Wall and husband Donnie of Harrisburg; and three nieces: Danielle Baker, Mechelle Rawlings, and Dena Peavyhouse.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Memorial contributions in memory of Connie may be made to the Manna Mission, 306 East Broadway Blvd, Johnston City, IL 62951, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Connie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Joe Robert DeAngelo, 85, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

He was born on June 24, 1938 in Sparta to Joe and Beula (Ballard) DeAngelo. He married Ruth Ann (Hagan) DeAngelo and she preceded him in death. He then married Dorothy (Brueggemann) DeAngelo and she survives of Benton.

He is also survived by his children Mark (Sherry) DeAngelo of Benton, Angela (Joe) Bullock of Benton and Teresa (John) Stacey of Sesser; grandchildren Christy (Justin) Polland, Ashley Butler, Sierra DeAngelo, Brooke DeAngelo, Savanah King, Domenick Bullock, Alecia Stacy and Maggie Stacey; great granddaughter Peyton King and one brother John DeAngelo of Sparta.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, one daughter Julie Butler and one infant brother James Lee DeAngelo.

Joe was a 33-year veteran of the construction industry and brought to Korte Construction Company many experiences in projects ranging from nuclear power plants to St Louis Busch Stadium. He personally supervised the largest concrete pour in history at the Clinton Nuclear Power Station.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher.

Funeral services will be on Sunday October 8, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Christian Church of Christopher or to the Sesser VFW. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Candace Marie Pedigo, age 70, of Benton, passed away Sunday, October 1, 2023, at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Visitation Services will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Candace’s wishes are to be cremated. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

She was born on January 7, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio; the daughter of James Robinson and Marie (Whitecotton) Robinson. On March 5, 1971, she would be united in marriage to Dennis Wayne Pedigo. Together they shared 44 years of marriage, until his death on June 8, 2015.

Mrs. Pedigo was retired. She formerly worked as a waitress with the V.F.W. Post #2671, and with the Kewpee Café. She also worked as a cook at area nursing homes, and she also formerly worked in the deli and meat department at Dyel’s IGA.
Candace last attended the Jackson Grove Baptist Church near Benton.

She, along with her late husband and her children, enjoyed fishing and camping. Most of all she enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren compete in Benton Ranger sporting events. Her family said, “You knew where she was sitting at a sporting event, she was the loudest cheering grandma at the game”. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are two children: D.J. Pedigo and wife Trina of Marion, IL, Kelley Ann White and husband Eric of Benton, IL; seven grandchildren: Brittany Hammonds and husband Branden of Benton, IL, Zachary White and fiancée Maggie Russell of Benton, IL, Amber Pedigo and fiancée Corey Vreeland of Herrin, IL, Kaylee Pedigo of Marion, IL, J.J. White of Benton, IL, Easton Pedigo and Faith Pedigo both of Marion, IL; two great-grandchildren: Sophia Vreeland, River Hammonds, and one on the way; three brothers: Steve Robinson and wife Trisha of Mt. Vernon, IL, Dave Robinson and wife Linda of Mt. Vernon, IL, Rick Robinson and wife Lori, Benton, KY, several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five brothers: Jim Robinson, Denny Robinson, Kenny Robinson, John Robinson, Bob Robinson.
Memorial contributions in memory of Candace, may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Candace Pedigo, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.