Dr. Willis Richard “Dick” Simpson (86) passed away in his sleep on March 3, 2025, after a long battle with lymphoma.

Doc Simpson, as he was known to many, was born to Sarabel “Sally” Pemberton Simpson and Willis Richard “Dub” Simpson on February 16, 1939, in the same home on North Main Street of Benton, Illinois, where his mother was born in 1916. He graduated from Benton High School in 1956, where he excelled in both academics and athletics, earning a football scholarship to Vanderbilt University. While working his way through dental school at St. Louis University, he met his match in a young nurse from St. Luke’s Hospital. He married Lasalea “Lea” Chandler on June 8, 1963.

After completing his dental residency in Iowa City, the couple returned to Benton, where he practiced dentistry for more than 50 years. Doc was a vital part of the community, serving on the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees for 23 years acting as chairman during his tenure. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, supporting local charities and activities, seeing patients regardless of their ability to pay, and performing oral surgeries at Franklin Hospital. Dick was a member of the Masons, Shriners, Elks, and Boneyard Boccie Ball Club. He loved snow skiing, water skiing, hunting, fishing, golf, reading historical novels, and his life-long friends. Everyone who knew him loved him, but only those who spent time on one of his golf, skiing, or hunting trips really knows the hijinks he was a part of.

In 1994, Coach Simpson found his passion as the defensive coach for the Benton Rangers. Coach was famous for Wednesday night films at his house, going toe to toe with the boys on the field, and with Head Coach Jeff Roper, leading the Rangers to their first-ever playoff berth. He loved the game and the players more than anyone could know and missed it every day after he retired.

Dr. Simpson was preceded in death by his parents, wife, nephew Benton Lee Chandler, niece Sadie Marie Chandler, and infant grandsons Nathan Simpson Morris and Triston Robert Morris. He is survived by his brother William “Bill” Simpson (Vickie); three children Marya Jayne Smith (Denny), Joelle Morris (Matthew), and Richard Chandler “Chad” Simpson; grandchildren Cody Smith, Peyton Smith, Savannah Simpson, Amelia Morris, Rachel Morris, Willis Morris, Liam Simpson, Amy Smith Baker, and Reggie Smith; great-grandchild Britney Wright; and great-great-grandchild Forest Wright; niece Elizabeth Chandler; and nephews Damian Simpson and Christopher Simpson. He will be missed by countless friends, including Jim Kearney and David Hurley, who made Dick’s last years so much richer and easier.

Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Benton, Illinois, from 1:00-4:00 on Thursday, March 13. The funeral service will be held at the church at 4:00 pm, with the burial immediately following at Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Dr. Simpson’s honor.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

David W. McClelland, 85, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Saturday March 1, 2025 at his home.

He was born on July 10, 1939 in Blairsville, IL to Hugh and Miriam (Anderson) McClelland. He married Shirley (Walters) McClelland on February 1, 1964 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and one great great niece.

David was a United States Army Veteran and a member of the Christopher American Legion and the President of the West Franklin Historical Society.

Funeral services will be on Friday March 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Alan Minton officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Troy Thomas Hewlett, 59, of Poplar Bluff, MO, born December 16, 1965, in Benton, IL, died Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Poplar Bluff, MO.

Troy was the ultimate “Sporting Man”, a great competitor, loyal teammate, dedicated coach, and #1 fan. His deeply rooted love for sports began at a very young age when his mom made a hoop out of a hanger, and Troy spent hours playing basketball against himself, all while keeping score. Some of his best years were spent when he was a Benton Ranger where he lettered in four varsity sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track. Shide, a nickname given by his teammates, believed in the spirit of teamwork and understood the value of unity. Later in life, Troy created a legacy committing years to coaching his younger siblings, having the ability to translate his own skills and experiences into teachable moments. As a fan, Troy was unparalleled in his devotion to the Kentucky Wildcats, Chicago Bulls, da Bears, the Cubs, Salukis, and his number one team, The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. His passion was evident, a force of energy that is a testament to how powerful and impactful support can be.

Family was the center of Troy’s universe. Troy’s proudest moment was becoming a father to his son, Tylan. A race in Nanny’s pool, a Lancer ball game, a round at Yorktown, a bench – in a park – waiting for his son, a Wilkinson reunion, a holiday free throw contest, a Saluki basketball game, and a Peters/Bennett impromptu concert were just a few of his favorite things. Troy had a great sense of humor and the best laugh. He constantly found the good in others, always lifting up those around him and magnifying every accomplishment with his enthusiasm, no matter how big or small.

Troy proudly served his country for six years in the United States Army. Troy’s favorite song was “Redeemed,” and we have peace and hope knowing that Jesus has carried him home.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Hewlett and his stepfather, Charlie Bennett.

Surviving are his son, Tylan Hewlett; his mother, Becky Bennett; four sisters and a brother, Heather Followell, Kim (Matt) Bullock, Lori Bennett, Natalie (Jason) Peters, and Bart (Shannon) Bennett; three stepchildren, Lundy Bills, Dante Thames, and Bria Isaiah; nine nieces and nephews, Jessica, Dylan, Noah, Susie, Ella, Zoe, Ruby, Charlie, and Lyra; a beloved uncle, Bobby; and many close first cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stop Soldier Suicide, https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/donate. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit the family from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rik Maxedon officiating
Private burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Tyler “T.J.” Lowery, a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend was called home too soon on February 19th, 2025 at the young age of 34. Randy and Michelle (Huff) Lowery welcomed T.J. into the world on September 12th, 1990 and raised him in Woodlawn, Illinois with his sisters Andria and Whitney. As a middle child, and only boy, he never stood a chance against Barbies, dress-up and pink nail polish.

In 2009, T.J. graduated from Woodlawn High School building friendships and hobbies that would last a lifetime. It was here he found his passion for cars and paintball. His weekends quickly became filled with customizing his Sykotic team gear, traveling to tournaments and cruising with the Midwest Sho Boyz car club. He made a million friends and left a thousand laughs wherever he went. To know T.J. was a gift and an honor.

T.J. wore his small-town roots with pride sporting camo print every chance he got, counting down the days to hunting season and celebrating Opening Day as a local holiday. He knew more about fishing than Bill Dance could have ever dreamed. When he wasn’t in a duck blind or cruising the water, you could find him at home grilling, all winter long, with an Xbox controller in his hand and his dogs, Axel and Orion, curled up at his feet.

We will never know why God needed him more than we did. It’s for certain his guardian angels were greeted by his loving personality and infectious smile in Heaven. He was embraced by his mom, Michelle; grandparents John and Elsie Gockel and Norman and Peggy Huff; grandfather Jim Lowery; uncle, Dean Shafer.

T.J. will forever live on in the hearts of his father, Randy Lowery; long-term girlfriend Devon Sowl; sisters, Andria Clarke, Whitney Walker and Caitlyn Lowery; brother-in-law Bert Walker; aunts, Joan Shafer, Diana Hirons, Gay Lynn Huff and Tonya Eubanks; uncle, Mike Eubanks; niece, Wrenley Walker; nephews Brennon Walker and Sawyer Clarke; special friends, Sam Thacker and Renee Sussman; cousins Doug Shafer and Chad Hirons, along with the countless friends and extended family who were blessed to know him.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Mr. Marty Mills officiating. Entombment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations or adoptions be made to an animal charity or shelter in honor of T.J.’s love for his sweet boys.

Rita Lynn Branson, 72, of Marion, left this earth at 11:04 PM Wednesday February 26, 2025.

She was born on October 17, 1952 in Mulkeytown to Dock and Thelma (Long) Hammonds.

She is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Kenny) Tucker and Sarah Kelly. She was a grandmother to six grandchildren Laird Tucker, Londyn Tucker, Drake Prater, Arianna Bennett, Doug Kelly and Nadia Kerley. She has one great grandchild Rory Bennett. She is also survived by two sisters Wlma Ogilvie and Debbie Manion. She was also loved by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her mother, father, five brothers Francis, Lee, Jerry, Leroy and Jessie Hammonds and two sisters Shirley Kirchner and Sue Majdich.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Dean Hammonds officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Salem.

Rita will be remembered for her sweet smile and she was loved dearly by her family and friends.

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

Ora Jean Hitt, 96, passed away peacefully at 7:58 a.m., on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Reflections Memory Care in Herrin, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 17, 1928, to William and Beulah (Gore) Moore in St. Louis, MO. On July 10, 1946, she married Herbert Dwight Hitt, and he preceded her in death on October 24, 2002.

She was a dedicated member of the Rend City Baptist Church in Rend City, where she cherished her faith and the sense of community it provided.

Known affectionately as “Jean” by her family and friends, she was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Jean’s life was filled with love and joy. She found happiness in planting flowers, designing beautiful flower beds, and spending time in her greenhouse, where she created her own little piece of paradise. She loved shopping at local greenhouses for the perfect plants and flowers, always eager to tend to her garden.

As a cook, Jean’s heart and soul went into every meal she prepared. Her family will always remember the wonderful dishes she lovingly made for birthdays, holidays and family gatherings. She was especially known for her irresistible cookies and sweets, which became a beloved treat for everyone around her.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Brenda J. Crabtree (Bob) of Carterville; Peggy L.Hall (Jerry) of Benton; her son, Dwight D. Hitt (Rita) of Mulkeytown and her grandchildren, James R, Miller Jr, (Patti) of Benton; Melisa Miller (Susan) of New York; Cherie Morgan (Delshay) of Valier; Kevin Hall (Jamie) of Herrin; Cory Hitt of Marion; Ryan Sabo (Jacob) of Oklahoma; Jayson Sabo of Benton; Julie Montgomery (Randy) of Christopher and Lori Hubbard of Christopher. Jean was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren, each whom brought her great joy.

Jean was preceded in death by her loving parents, William and Beulah (Gore) Moore, her husband, Herbert D. Hitt, her youngest daughter, Lisa Jean Sabo; her son-in-law, Raymond Sabo; her beloved grandson, Bryan Scott Hall and her four amazing brothers: Wesley Moore, Rodney Moore, Dean Moore and William Moore.

Jean’s family is grateful for the love and care she received at Reflections Memory Care and the family expresses heartfelt thanks to all who support her in her final days.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Jean’s wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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

Flora Alfoldy, 92, of Buckner, passed away on Monday February 24, 2025 at Axiom Healthcare of Mt Vernon.

She was born on August 6, 1932 in Buckner, IL to Alex and Lena (Miller) Alfoldy.

She is survived by her siblings, sister Janice Alfoldy of Buckner, Alex “Buddy” (Chris) Alfoldy of Pinole CA and Eugene “Skip” (Diane) Alfoldy of San Diego, CA and several other close family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters Elsie Lake, Helen Alfoldy and Margaret Murphy and one brother John Alfoldy.

Flora’s wishes were to be cremated, there will be a Memorial Mass at a later date.

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

Zona Lynn Hampleman, 79, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away Monday, February 17, 2025.

Zona was born July 26, 1945, in Murl, Kentucky. The daughter of Frank Ramsey and Eva (Sloan) Ramsey. One of six children, Zona grew up in a home full of laughter, music, and faith. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

During her life, Zona enjoyed many different careers and activities: including, payroll specialist for PMC Inc. (retired 2019), becoming a licensed hairdresser, and most notably a homemaker for her two children: Lynnette and Jerry Jr. She enjoyed seeing movies with friends and reading mystery novels.

Zona loved music and dancing. She would often create songs about the little things that would happen in her daily life and sing them with her grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy. She had an unmistakable laugh and a knack for making people feel like they were the most important person in the room. But most of all, Zona loved Jesus. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Sesser, and, throughout her life she held an unwavering faith in God. Her faith was the foundation of her life and her family remembers that she commonly exclaimed “Thank Ya Jesus!” She will be missed, remembered, and cherished for the beautiful life she lived. Now Zona will be able spend eternity with her Savior in Heaven.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynnette Jones, and son, Jerry (Nancy) Hampleman Jr.; mother-in-law, Winona Hampleman; sister, Noive Keith; brothers, Joe (Coleen) Ramsey and Frank (Mary) Ramsey; four grandchildren, Blake (Erica) Hampleman, Luke (Alysha) Clark-Hampleman, Zachary Crocker, Hanah (Seth) Dean; and four great-grandchildren, Skylar Crocker, Myles Crocker, Kayson Furlow, Eva Flood, and Jaxx Dean.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law and mother in-law, Claude and Betty Hampleman; sister, Janice Vogt; brother-in-law, Robert Vogt; sister, June Adams; great-grandchild, Ella Flood.

A celebration of life will be held at The First Baptist Church of Sesser on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 12:00pm with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The First Baptist Church-Sesser.

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville assisted the family with arrangements.

Georgia Jean Wagner (Reid), age 77 of Benton passed away Monday, Feb 17, 2025 at 11:26 am at home under Hospice care surrounded by her daughters and friends.

She was born to George and Virginia “Beth” (Moore) Reid on May 19, 1947 in Sesser.

Georgia loved being a homemaker. She always said she had the greatest job in the world and caring for her family brought her such joy. Georgia was adored by her loving family.

Her most favorite place to be in the world was at the beach with her loving family and she always looked forward to that every year. She loved spending time with them by the ocean enjoying the sun, sand, waves, and the feeling of togetherness.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Kerry and Shelly.

She is preceded in death by her husband Terry Wagner, her parents George Reid and Virginia “Beth” (Moore) Reid, her sister Ginger Reid Marlette and her beloved Maltese, Winnie.

Per Georgia’s wishes, cremation will be accorded.

Services for Georgia Jean Wagner will be in private.

The cremation of Georgia Jean Wagner will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home.

Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary and/or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.crainsonline.com.