David Matthew Baumgarte, 48, of Scheller, passed away on Monday July 31, 2023 in Evansville, IN.

He was born on March 11, 1975 in West Frankfort, IL to Bobby Baumgarte and Ruth (Cockrum) Miner.

David was a dedicated husband and father. He loved his family and friends. He was the type of person who never met a stranger. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Most people know of him as “Cowboy”, and that’s because he has spent most of his life fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Fin and Feather club for 6 years. He also loved taking his Harley out for a ride. If he wasn’t doing those things, he was working. He took pride in his work and was one of the most hardworking men we knew. He spent 7 years at Continental Tire where he was recently promoted to supervisor.

He went to college at Northern Illinois University for the hearing impaired where he met his wife Stacy. They were married for 25 years and had two daughters Samantha Baumgarte of Scheller and Julie (Ryan) Payne of Zeigler. David is also survived by his mother Ruth Miner of Sesser; father Bobby Baumgarte of West City; one sister Rebecca Baumgarte of Grand Tower, IL and three brothers Johnny Lee (Marissa) Baumgarte of Valier, Stanley Miner of Sesser and Samuel Baumgarte of Grand Tower, IL.

Memorial service for David will be on Friday August 11, 2023 at 7 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Nathan Dilliner officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m.

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

Cheryl Ann Herman, age 66, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 10:58 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri, with her loving family by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the Whittington Church, 200 West Main Street, Whittington, Illinois 62897, with Dr. Bob Dickerson officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Whittington Church. Future burial services will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Cheryl was born on June 18, 1957, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of George Loren Carter and Geneva (Doty) Carter. On May 22, 1976, she married Thomas Scott Herman, and together they shared 47 years of marriage.

She was the owner and operator of Cheryl Herman Independent Abstract of Benton. She also worked as an abstractor for Foresight Energy, and formerly worked as a legal secretary for numerous Attorneys in the Benton area.

Faith and family were most important to Cheryl. She was a member of Marion First Baptist Church and was the director of the Joy Singers.

Cheryl was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School Class of 1975. She would later pursue her bachelor’s degree in music at SIU-Carbondale and completed her degree in 2007.

She also enjoyed being involved with the Benton Garden Club, Pyramid Players, and the Franklin County Arts Association.

Cheryl was an accomplished musician and was an expert pianist. She also enjoyed gardening and was an excellent seamstress. Most of all she loved being with her family, children, and grandchildren.

Surviving is her loving husband Tom Herman of Benton, Illinois; three children: Chris Herman and wife Amy of Makanda, Illinois, Taryn Herman and husband Miles Burns of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Patrick Herman and wife Randa of Herrin, Illinois; six grandchildren: Clayton Sapp, Colton Sapp, Violet Burns, Harper Burns, Evie Herman, and Benjamin Herman; a brother Lanny Atteberry and wife Gloria of Sandia, Texas; a sister-in-law Kathy Reno of Ossining, New York; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Geneva Carter; two grandchildren Hayden and Hayley Herman; a brother Joe Atteberry and wife Judy; a sister Lois Aaron and husband Jerry.

The family prefers Memorial contributions, in memory of Cheryl, be made to the Benton Garden Club; and will be accepted at the services on Wednesday.

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

Eual Frederick Summers Sr. (Fred), of San Antonio, TX, passed away at 6:15 pm on Friday, July 15th, 2023, surrounded by his loving children at his home in Elmendorf, TX.

He was born on October 12th, 1939, at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL, the beloved son of Eual H. Summers and Zelpha L. Wells. He spent his formative years in Benton, IL, where he graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1957.

Fred’s life was marked by distinguished military service, as he served in the U.S. Army for twenty years (1959-1979). During his dedicated service, Fred bravely served in Vietnam and made significant contributions to the Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) Burn Unit and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (R.A.R.E. assignment). Afterward, he imparted his knowledge and expertise by teaching in the advanced lab course at Ft. Sam Academy of Health & Science before retiring at the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7).

Following his military career, Fred served as a Medical Laboratory Supervisor at Methodist Hospital for twenty-six years until his retirement. His commitment to his profession and his caring nature made a lasting impact on those he worked with and the patients he served.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Fred’s true joy in life was found in his role as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and son. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment spent together. Fred’s faith as a devoted Christian was at the core of his values, guiding him to lead a life dedicated to serving others.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved mother, father, and sister. He leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion, cherished by his eight children, listed in order of age: William (Linda) Summers, Christopher Summers, Fred Jr. (Angela) Summers, Traci (John) Rush, Joaquin Gomez, Matthew (Esther) Summers, Marc (Michelle) Summers, and Nathan Summers. Additionally, he is survived by seventeen grandchildren: Christopher (CJ) Summers Jr., Shawn Summers, Dezireh Summers, Cody Summers, Jacob Summers, David (Amanda) Rush, Sabrina Rush, Joaquin Gomez III, Liam Gomez, Byanka Summers, Isaac Anaya, Estreya Martinez, Venus Summers, Noah Summers, Caitlin Summers, Vivienne Summers, Emma Summers, and Jonathan Summers.

Fred’s impact reached far and wide, touching the lives of many. He also leaves behind a nephew Tim Pribble, many cousins, three great-grandchildren, and countless friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Fred’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 29nd, 2023, at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery at 12740 Oddfellow Lane, Benton, IL 62812.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Lonnie Gale Garner, 72, of Sesser, Illinois was called home on July 25, 2023.

Lonnie was born on June 3, 1951, to Don and Barbara (McGovern) Garner of Sesser. Lonnie was a 1969 graduate of Sesser High School and loved participating in athletics while representing his community. On October 26, 1974, he married his best friend, Cheryl (Seiler) and they were married for just short of 49 years.

Together, they raised Laura Garner-Mayer, Craig Garner (Melodee), and Shane Garner (Bethany). Lonnie worked as a supervisor for Blue Bell in DuQuoin and as a coal miner for Monterey Coal. Lonnie was also a long-time member of Sesser First Baptist Church. He was so proud to be a husband, father, papa, and Red Devil. His family was his everything. Lonnie’s last words were to make sure that his babies knew that he loved them. Those babies were his grandchildren, Maty (Derek) Parvin, Jaycee (Logan) Giles, Haydon Mayer, Caleb Lewis, Cru Garner, Ellie Garner, Cala Garner, Waylen Giles, and Croix Garner.

Lonnie enjoyed going to ball games and spending time with his family. He often would force his children to listen to Beach Boys harmonies and Michael McDonald. He was so loved and will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy can be seen in the lives of his beloved family.

Lonnie is survived by his wife, kids, grandkids, sisters, his niece and nephew, and inlaws, Freddie and Carol Seiler. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Danny. In lieu of flowers, Lonnie would have loved donations to be made to Sesser-Valier Youth and Government or the Southern Illinois Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Funeral services for Lonnie will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will follow the funeral service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

De Etta Lou Sanchez, 86, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on February 23, 2023. She was born on March 14, 1936, in Stiritz, Illinois, to Nancy Gertrude and August Majdich.

De Etta was a woman of extraordinary warmth, grace, and resilience. Her love knew no bounds. She was a devoted mother and a compassionate nurse. De Etta touched the lives of countless people with her kind heart and unwavering support. Her legacy of love and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

De Etta pursued higher education and became a Registered Nurse at Saint Louis Hospital. She dedicated her career to serving others as a Registered Nurse for the Bi-County Health Department in Southern Illinois.

In retirement, De Etta found joy in reading books, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. Her nurturing nature extended beyond her professional life, and she cherished the moments shared with her loved ones.

De Etta is survived by her children, Annette, Rafael, Nancy, and Rodrigo, as well as her grandchildren, Alejandra, Rodrigo, De Etta, Christy, Andrea, Nicole, Ian, Ashley, and Tristen. She is also survived by her brother, Randy Majdich. De Etta was preceded in death by her grandson, Jacob Wesley Sanchez, her parents, Nancy Gertrude, and August Majdich, and her siblings, Roberta Brown and Dennis Majdich.

A graveside service to honor and remember De Etta’s life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 5th, at the Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy, Illinois.

In this time of loss, let us remember De Etta Lou Sanchez for the love and kindness she brought into the world. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Mrs. Anna Mae Wilson, age 95, of Logan; went to be with her Lord and Savior at 6:20 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, from the Parkway Manor Nursing Home of Marion, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Logan Church of God, with Pastor Mike Mayberry officiating. Burial will follow in the Logan Church of God Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday at the Logan Church of God.
Funeral Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Anna Mae was born on February 27, 1928, in Logan, Illinois; the daughter of William Miles Smothers and Bertha Mae (Moore) Smothers. She married Lawson Daniel Wilson on November 7, 1950, and together they shared almost 59 years of marriage until his death on October 30, 2009.

She was a secretary and a homemaker and caretaker of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Wilson was a faithful member of the Logan Church of God, where she was the former secretary of the Logan Church of God lady’s ministry.
Anna Mae enjoyed singing at her church, quilting, visiting with friends and family. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are two children: Danny L. Wilson and wife Nancy of Wickenburg, Arizona, Loni J. Talarico and husband Tom of Bowling Green, Ohio; three grandchildren: Maria Anne Jessup and husband Michael of Carterville, Illinois, David L. Talarico and wife Jolene of Fort Riley, Kansas, Daniel W. Wilson of Phoenix, Arizona; ten great-grandchildren: James and Thomas Jessup, Nathan, Johnnie, Lena, and Lawson Talarico, Jaymi, Elyse, Tyler, and Weston Wilson; a brother Delmas Smothers of Greenfield, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; eight siblings: Alma McCormick, Lola McCormick, Mary “Maggie” Leneave, Everet “Dusty” Smothers, Larry Smothers, Lillian Willett, Joe Smothers and Jack Smothers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Church of God and will be accepted at the church.
To leave online condolences to the family, or share memories of Anna Mae, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Jack L. Stubblefield of Sesser went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2023.

Jack was born on June 17, 1939 to Leo and Marie (Dilliner) Stubblefield in Sesser. Jack was united in marriage to Marlene Eubanks on July 19, 1958 in Sesser. They shared 59 years of marriage until Marlene’s passing on December 12, 2017.

Jack worked for the USPS for almost 40 years upon his retirement. Jack was a member of First Baptist Church in Sesser. Jack served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Supt. and was willing to serve his church and King Jesus in any way possible.

Jack was blessed with a daughter, Jackie (Jeremy) Lilly of Sesser and a son, Chris (Tammy) Stubblefield of Windermere. FL. His truest blessings were his 7 grandchildren, Taylor (Dalton) Neal of Benton, Morgan (Kelsi) Stubblefield of Columbia, MO, Jackson Stubblefield of Nashville, TN, Hudson and Ava Stubblefield of Windermere, FL and Keegan and Mason Lilly of Sesser.

Jack is survived by his children, grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Debbie Malkovich of Sesser and Brenda (Billy Joe) Hartley of West Frankfort and brother-in-law Gale (Carrie) Eubanks of Sesser. He is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Jack is also survived by an aunt, Doris Carman, of Mt. Vernon.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, sister, Neoma Mandrell, brother in laws, Louis Mandrell and Danny Malkovich, and niece Lorlei Mandrell.

Services for Jack will be on Friday July 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 Am until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Sesser First Baptist Church Youth Fund.

Randall R. Crocker, 70, of Sesser, IL, peacefully passed away at home by his wife’s side on July 16th after a difficult, but swift battle with cancer.

Randall Crocker was born on July 12th, 1953, to Burton and Jean (Dillow) Crocker in Du Quoin, IL. A lifelong resident of Sesser, Randall graduated from Sesser-Valier High School in 1971, where he was later presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018. After high school Randall attended Rend Lake College for two years, before transferring to the University of Illinois where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Randall married Cindy (Hill) in 1986 and together they raised three children– Erin, Brett, and Kyle.

Randall’s life will be remembered by his multiple professional achievements. Randall ran a successful construction business, Crocker Construction, building 60+ homes throughout Southern Illinois and remodeling countless more. He owned and managed Crocker Insurance Agency for over three decades after buying the business from his father in 1988, up until his retirement in 2020.

Throughout his life, Randall was a loyal public servant dedicated to the betterment of Sesser and the surrounding community. Randall spent 21 years as a Rend Lake College Board Trustee. He served on the Franklin County Board for 22 years, during many of which he acted as the board’s chairman and was instrumental in initiating the planning and development of the new Franklin County Courthouse. Additionally, Randall served on the Franklin County 911 Board, the Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board, and the Government Interinsurance Exchange. One of Randall’s proudest contributions was his commitment to the Sesser Homecoming Association and his involvement in the success of the yearly Rend Lake Days event.

Randall’s greatest joy and source of pride resided with his family. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather (Pops) leaving behind a legacy of family, hard-work, and civic duty. Randall is survived by his wife, Cindy (Hill) Crocker of Sesser; daughter, Erin (Tony) Janello of Mulkeytown; son, Brett (Danielle) Crocker of Sesser; son, Kyle Crocker of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Jaylyn and Aiden Janello, and Collin and Avery Crocker; sisters, Dianna Marberry of Sesser, Janet (Larry) Jones of Harrisburg, Brenda (Keith) Kramer of Sesser, and their families; father and mother-in-law, Cordell and Greta Hill, of Sesser, formerly of Carrier Mills.

Randall was preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Jean Crocker. His brother-in-law, Mike Marberry, and niece Frannie Marberry.

Visitation services will be held at Valier First Baptist Church on Wednesday, July19th from 3:00 – 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Valier First Baptist Church on Thursday, July 20th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Randall R. Crocker Family Memorial Scholarship. Donations can be mailed to Cindy Crocker, P.O. Box 303, Sesser, IL 62884.

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