Ellaine R. Goss – Ewing, IL

Mrs. Ellaine Rose Goss, age 70, of Ewing, Illinois and formerly of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away at 8:28 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion.

Her wishes are to be cremated with no public services at this time.

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

Ellaine was born on June 25, 1953, the daughter of Robert B. Lueken and Margaret Emory (Meisenheimer) Lueken. She married Michael Lee Goss on October 15, 1999, and he survives.

She was a retired Childhood Development worker, having last worked as a Director with Head Start in St. Charles, Missouri.

Ellaine enjoyed cooking, canning vegetables from her garden, and reading. She was a former Girl Scout leader. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family. She was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by her loving husband Michael Goss of Ewing, Illinois; her three children: Jennifer Hohlt and husband Brian of St. Charles, Missouri, Andrew Wiskoski and wife Dawn of Union, Missouri, Margaret “Maggie” Fischer and husband Scott of St. Charles, Missouri; Mike’s children: Michelle Hollowell and husband Jason, Jennifer Beskorovany, Corinne “Cori” Tinker and husband Denny, all of St. Charles, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren to whom she was referred to as “Gummy”; a brother Steven Lueken and wife Trish of Eureka, Missouri; a sister Beverly Cantoni and husband Robert of Manchester, Missouri; several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Goss was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Sharon Kuhlmann.

The family would prefer memorial contributions be made in memory of Ellaine to a children’s charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hosea W. Eubanks – Buckner, IL

Hosea W. Eubanks, 91, of Buckner, passed away at 11:55 p.m., on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Marion VA Health Care, Marion, IL.

He was born on July 1, 1932, to Hosea and Grace (Meyers) Eubanks in Christopher, IL. On August 30, 1952, he married the former Norma Sanders, and she preceded him in death on February 28, 2010.

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

Hosea was a loving father and grandfather and he absolutely adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling in Southern Illinois, bingo, cards and horses.

Hosea is survived by his children, Gene (Kelly) Eubanks, Charmion (Kerry) Einspahr and Roy (Mary) Eubanks; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hosea and Grace Eubanks, wife, Norma Jeannine Eubanks, seven brothers and four sisters.

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

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL

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

Landen Brian Agnitsch – Whittington, IL

Landen Brian Agnitsch, 16, of Whittington passed away on Saturday September 16 at 6:00pm.

He was born on May 4, 2007 in Carbondale to Jeremy and Kimberly (Cockrum) Agnitsch. He attended Whittington Baptist Church and loved sports, especially football and wrestling.

Landen was preceded in death by his father Jeremy Agnitsch, paternal grandfather Robbie Barkley, maternal grandfather Brian Cockrum.

He is survived by his mother and step-father Kimberly and Nathan DeSett; brothers Gavin Agnitsch and Chase DeSett; sisters Lexie and Zoey DeSett; maternal grandparents Zelta Eldridge, Duane (Saida) DeSett, and Jammie (Robin) Hutchison; paternal grandmother Melissa Barkley; great-grandfather Mike Eldridge; girlfriend Chloe Arnone; aunts Hilary (Danny) Siefert, Hannah Cockrum, Rachael Walling, Natalie (Bobby) Stark, and Brenda Boner; uncle Joe (Kim) Agnitsch; and many cousins.

Services will be held on Friday September 22, 2023 at the Whittington Church in Whittington at 11:00am with Pastor Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the church.
Memorials may be made to the family to assist with funeral arrangements and will be accepted at the Union Funeral Home.

Bradley Williams – Benton, IL

Bradley Scott Williams, age 17, of Benton, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 North Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, with Dr. Kirk Kay and Rev. Ryan Casey officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at the Immanuel Baptist Church.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Bradley was born on May 13, 2006, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of Kellis Paul Williams and Jamie Nichole (Smith) Gostowski.

Brad was a Junior at Benton Consolidated High School where he was on the wrestling team. He recently worked at West City McDonalds.

His family said that he had a “Heart of Gold”, he was a free spirit and enjoyed doing his own thing. Brad also enjoyed being a prankster, hanging out with his friends, going to Sonic, sleeping in, and boxing in the basement.
He loved watching and attending WWE events, watching Cardinal Baseball, eating at Fujiyama’s, and loved to watch over-and-over again his two favorite movies, The Sandlot and Home Alone. He was proud and loved driving his car.
His mother said he will be remembered as always being a vibrant, happy, and free person.

Surviving is his loving mother Jamie Gostowski of Benton, Illinois; his loving father Kellis Williams of Herrin, Illinois; his siblings: Reese Cornelison of Benton, Illinois, Hudson McCord of Herrin, Illinois, Chasen Cornelison, Benton, Illinois, Levi Williams of Centralia, Illinois; grandmother Georgia Lohman of Benton, Illinois; aunts and uncles: Beth Karnes and Brian Aaron of West Frankfort, Illinois, Brandon Smith of Benton, Illinois, Tiffanie Crabtree of O’Fallon, Illinois, Chasity Smith of Benton, Illinois, Zina Smith and Clay Richardson of Herrin, Illinois, Mike Williams of Akin, Illinois; great-uncle David Ezell of Benton, Illinois; several cousins including: Jersey Smith, Halle Smith, Hadley Richardson, Charli Smith, Atticus Richardson, Brooke and Clint Williams, Ashley Karnes, Jarrett and Lindy Cash, Skye Carlisle; numerous other extended family and his friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Charlie and Barb Williams; maternal grandpa Jack Lohman; uncles Scott Ezell and Chuck Karnes; a great-aunt Kathy Ezell.

Memorial contributions in memory of Brad may be made to either the Benton or Herrin Wrestling Programs, and will be accepted at the services.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Brad, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The family has requested that everyone wear bright colored clothing to Bradley’s services, he wouldn’t want everyone dressed up and dark.

Jama M. Stanton – Benton, IL

Jama Marie Stanton, age 77, of Benton, Illinois, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023, at her home.

Jama was born on May 13, 1946, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Harold Fred Hollaway and May Olean (Cook) Hollaway. She was married to Rickey J. Stanton, and he preceded her in death in 2005.

She was recently retired from her position at the Franklin County Courthouse, where she served as a domestic violence legal advocate. Jama leaves a legacy of service. She was an active servant of the people of Franklin County through CASA, Benton Volunteers, Relay for Life, Special Olympics, and many other organizations.

Jama loved travel (especially to the beach), dancing, reading, crafting, fishing, antiquing, and playing candy crush. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by a daughter Angie Harrison and husband Tab of Murphysboro, Illinois; a son Kris Wagner of Benton, Illinois; Grandchildren: Alicia Mormino of Marion, Illinois, Emily Zurlinden and husband Justin of Carbondale, Illinois, Shelby Harrison of Murphysboro, Illinois, Ben Holland of Bremen, Georgia, Savannah Harrison of Benton, Illinois and Brock Harrison of Benton, Illinois; Great-grandchildren: Oliver Zurlinden and Matthew Zurlinden; her sister Karen Hampton and husband Jack of Benton, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Jama was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband.

Her wishes are to be cremated with a Celebration of Life Service to be held at a future date.

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

The family would prefer memorial contributions be made in memory of Jama to the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center or the Survivor Empowerment Center of Carbondale.

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

Terry Blake – Benton, Illinois

Terry Eugene Blake, age 63, of Benton, passed away at 1:41 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Per his wishes, he will be cremated with no public services.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
Terry was born on September 24, 1959, in Baltimore, Maryland; the son of Eugene Blake and Sondra (Millan) Blake. He married the former Cathy Sue Hogshead on May 24, 1983, and she survives.

Terry was a veteran of the United States Navy, and he was a retired over the road truck driver.

He enjoyed fishing, watching sports, especially football and auto racing. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife of 40 years, Cathy Blake of Benton, Illinois; four daughters: Veronica Gunter and husband Josh of West Frankfort, Illinois, Valerie Keller and husband Tyson of Benton, Illinois, Audrey Daniecki and husband Jonas of Miles City, Montana, Neone Brazil and husband Brian of Minot, North Dakota; nine grandchildren: Theodore, Ophelia, Bo, Tate, Garit, Brett, Brice, Cassi and Gaven; three great-grandchildren: Baylynn, Sophia and Lane; a sister Donna Fike and husband Richard of Fairmont, West Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Lisa Phillips; and a nephew Joshua Fike.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Terry, may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Terry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Donald Ray Britton – Newburgh, IN

Donald Ray Britton, supported and surrounded by his loving family, passed away in Evansville, Indiana, on September 2, 2023.

Don was born on August 8, 1943, to Carl and Freeda Britton in Evansville, Indiana. He married his beloved, Janice Chastain, on February 10, 1968.

Don grew up in Effingham, Illinois, and graduated from Effingham High School in 1961. He then attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, where he graduated with a degree in Finance in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in September and completed Officer Training School in December of that same year. After further intense training, he was deployed to Thailand in 1968, where he flew 207 combat missions. He attained the rank of Captain and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and thirteen Air Medals.

Don and Janice were married three months before his deployment to Thailand. After he returned, he was reassigned to Otis Air Force Base, where their son, Eric, was born. In 1971, Don and his family moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he began a long and illustrious career as a mortgage banker. Throughout their married life they lived in numerous locations, settling in Newburgh, Indiana after his retirement in 2000 as the President and CEO of Old Kent Mortgage Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Don was a kind and generous man—a magnanimous individual, a doer of good deeds, especially admirable as he was unaware his deeds were so good. He was ever devoted to his wife, his son, his daughter-in-law, and three adored and adoring grandchildren, as well as to his younger sister and brother and their families, extended family, and friends.

Don was a storyteller. His stories flowed forth as an ongoing stream. Some were humorous, many sad, all poignant. These stories, and the reflection of Don in his stories, will be imprinted in the hearts and minds of his loved ones forever, and so they will live on. Both his actions and his narratives will filter down through generations—a gift to all who knew him, and even to those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing him. Despite his many accomplishments, he was a modest and humble man, traits that drew others to him. He was, simply put, accepting. His legacy is long and honorable, and the influence he leaves on the lives of his loved ones and admirers is immeasurable.

Don is survived by Janice, his wife of fifty-five years, their son Eric and daughter-in-law Brenda Moreno-Britton, and his three grandchildren— Eric Tomas, William, and Victoria. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Britton Bilderback and her husband, Ed Bilderback as well as his brother, Thomas Britton and his wife, Molly Edwards-Britton. He leaves behind loving cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws and countless friends and acquaintances.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. on Saturday, September 16th at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois, and a graveside service with military honors conducted by Benton American Legion Post #280, VFW Post #2671 and the Air Force Honors Team will follow at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, also in Benton. Please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com for more information or to send online condolences.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Carl O. and Freeda M. Britton Scholarship Fund, established to assist young people from Effingham and Franklin counties. To donate, please contact Donor Relations, Southern Illinois University Foundation, Colyer Hall, 1235 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, Illinois, 62901.

Wayne Bates – Benton, IL

Wayne Bates, 70, of Benton, passed away at 8:17 a.m., on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at his home in Benton surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 7, 1953, to Herbert and Floya (Smith) Bates in Calhoun, Kentucky. Wayne retired as a Warehouse Manager for Knight Hawk Coal Mine, after working in the Coal Mining business for 50 years. On September 24, 1977, he married the former Carol Ruzich, and she survives.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Wayne enjoyed golfing and sharing stories with his friends.

Wayne is survived by his loving spouse, Carol Bates; his daughter, Kylie Bates of Benton; two grandchildren, Dymin Williams and Aliya Barkley; two sisters, Nelda Martin of Newburg, IN and Brenda Markwell of Bremen, KY; and special friends, Scott and Jean Ann Turner and Paula and Eric Funk.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Floya Bates; one son, Kye Wayne Bates; one sister, Joyce Nichols; and one brother, Troyce Bates.

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

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Joe Daniels, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will accepted at the funeral home.

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

Jesse Earl Wiley-Waterloo, IL

Jesse Earl Wiley, 79, of Waterloo, IL, passed away on September 2, 2023 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

He was born on August 5, 1944 in Cobden, IL to Clarence and Dorothy (Toller) Wiley. He married Ada (Johnson) Wiley on May 5, 1968.

He is survived by his wife Ada Wiley of Waterloo; children Jeffrey (Dawn) Wiley of Fredericksburg, VA, Michael Wiley of Waterloo and James (Brianna) Wiley of Valmeyer, IL; grandchildren Shane Wiley, Heather Wiley, Mikey Wiley, Hannah Wiley, Jessie Wiley and Ashton Wiley; great grandchildren Nevaeh and Mallory; one niece Brenda Sue Walta and one nephew Carl (Carol) Wiley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Larry Wiley, one niece Linda Kay Morris and one nephew Robert Wiley.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday September 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday September 12, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Monroe County Rescue and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Phillip Ray Gower – Benton, IL

Phillip Ray Gower, 43, of Benton, IL, passed away at 5:30 p.m., on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburg, Indiana.

He was born on May 23, 1980, to William and Kathleen (Meehan) Gower in Benton, IL.

He enjoyed playing guitar, singing, songwriting, drawing, cooking, listening to music and spending time with his many friends, supporting the Chicago Bears.

Phillip made friends wherever he went and had many lifelong friends as well as new friends that he has grown close to in more recent years. He was a jokester and was known for always making people laugh. He was very passionate about music.

Phillip is survived by his mother, Kathleen Gower of Mt. Vernon, IL; son, Jaxon Gower of Benton, IL; daughter, Jaida Gower of Benton, IL; sister, Christine (Rick Hoxworth) Gower-Leathers of Mt Vernon, IL; brother-in-law, Brian Thomason of Washington, IL; three nieces, Sarah (Nelson) Tipsword of Sullivan, IL, Krysta Thomason of Chiang Mai, Thailand and McKenna Leathers of Mt Vernon, IL; nephew, Evan Leathers of Mt Vernon, IL; great-niece, Dahlia Tipsword of Sullivan, IL and five special friends, Jarrett Pruitt, Jared Allison, Nathan Reed, Ryan Schram and Robert Davis; .

He was preceded in death by his father, William Gower, sister, Michelle Rene Thomason, paternal grandparents, Earnest E. and Mary Lou Gower, maternal grandparents, Wallace and Harriet Meehan, great aunt, Doris Bean, uncle, John Meehan, aunt, Flo Meehan, best friends, Travis West and Dusty Duncan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Per Phillips wishes, cremation will take place.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at the VFW/American Legion in Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made in Phillip’s honor to the family in care of Christine Leathers, and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Lighthouse Recovery Center, 1276 E. 250 N, Washington, IN 47501 in care of Ryan Parsons.

A Go Fund Me account has also been set up in Phillip’s honor, named Phillip Gower’s Legacy: A Family’s Urgent Need.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News