Carl Wayne Stipes, age 81, of Benton, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial with Military

Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the U.S. Air Force will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Shriner walk through service and followed by Masonic Rites will be observed at 10:30 a.m.

Carl was born on November 17, 1941, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of Kellis Carl Stipes, Jr. and Lucille (Fritts) Stipes. He would marry the former Judith Hewett on November 17, 1990, and she survives.

Mr. Stipes was a retired welder with Caterpillar in Joliet, IL. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from January 5, 1959, until his Honorable discharge on September 18, 1959. He was a member of the Benton American Legion Post #280 and the American Legion Motorcycle Riders.

Carl enjoyed riding his motorcycle, shooting guns, and woodworking.

He was a member of the former Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M., now known as Rend Lake Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M. located in Sesser. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and the International Machinists Union.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy Stipes of Benton, IL; children including: Rora Luttrell and husband William of Wilmington, IL, Sal Reyes and wife Kerry of Cary, IL, Mark Reyes of, Massachusetts, Roberta Carlson of Pennsylvania, Cindy Lou Elizado of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren.
Mr. Stipes was preceded in death by his parents; and two infant sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave condolences to the family or to share memories of Carl, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Patricia Ann Heifner, age 77, of Akin, passed away at 7:45 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Linda E. White Hospice House of Evansville.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Kent Dunford and Rev. Steve Dunford officiating. Burial will follow in the Brady Cemetery East of Akin. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Patty was born on September 11, 1946, in Franklin County; the daughter of Weldon Flannigan and Julia (Williams) Flannigan. She married James Ronald Heifner on June 17, 1967, together they were married for 55 years until his death on January 20, 2022.

Mrs. Heifner was a retired Rural Mail Carrier. She loved all the kids on her mail route, and she always had candy and gum for them when they came out to get the mail.
Patty was a member of the Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church of Thompsonville, where she was the former secretary and Sunday School Teacher.

She enjoyed baking, cooking, going on drives, antiquing, going to rummage sales, watching her soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving are two children: Cindy Biggs of Akin, IL, Jim Heifner of Akin, IL; three grandchildren: Payeton Nikkole Heifner of Paducah, KY, Harley Gracie Ann Heifner of Akin, IL, Julia Brooke Biggs of Akin, IL; two great-grandchildren: Dramir James Haskins and Roland Trade Clark; a sister-in-law Darlene Roberts of Dale, IL, several other in-laws and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister Linda Dunford, a brother David Flannigan, and in-laws: Barbara and John Wyant, John and Brenda Heifner, Carlton Heifner, John Roberts.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Patty may be made to the Brady Cemetery fund or to the Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Robert R. “Bob” McDaniel, 85, of Ewing passed away Thursday afternoon, November 9, 2023 at SSM Health Good Samaritan in Mt. Vernon.

He was born in Jefferson County, IL on October 10, 1938 the son of Golie & Clara (Lisenby) McDaniel.

He married Pauline (Rowe) on October 14, 1978 and she survives.

Mr. McDaniel was a member of the Whittington Church. He always enjoyed building projects and going to sporting events of his family. He enjoyed golfing, working in the garden and yard work.

Mr. McDaniel is survived by his:
Wife: Pauline McDaniel of Ewing
2 Children:
Jeff McDaniel & wife Brenda of Mt. Vernon
Tracie Downey & husband Bob of Mt. Vernon
3 Step-Children:
Pam Minor & husband Mark of Ewing
Gary Cook & wife Doris of Benton
Kristi Picklesimer & husband Ward of Ewing
Grandchildren:
Michelle Hampton & husband Chad
Scott McDaniel
Rob Downey & wife Ashley
Brian Minor & wife April
Nathan Minor & wife Amy
Emily Skibo & husband Ryan
Erin McCommons & husband Casey
Elizabeth Roberts & husband Rex
Amy Cook
Amber Brayfield & husband Billy
Craig Cook & wife Emilee
Josh Picklesimer
Bryden Picklesimer
Jaron Picklesimer

25 Great-Grandchildren

Mr. McDaniel was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 13th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Whittington Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Patricia Madden Kahl, age 93, of Thompsonville, passed away at 11:27 a.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Herrin Hospital, with her loving family at her side.

Mrs. Kahl’s wishes are to be cremated.

She also requested two separate Memorial Services.
The first service will be a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The second service will be a Memorial Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Patricia was born on January 18, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Clair W. Madden and Grace (Roberts) Madden. She married Richard William Kahl on June 16, 1951, and he preceded her in death on August 14, 1978.

Mrs. Kahl was a retired secretary having worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Petersburg, Florida.

She enjoyed reading, playing the organ, spending time with her family, especially family gatherings. Her family said she was an artist and enjoyed painting and drawing.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Surviving are four children: Jean Dietz and husband Mike of Ingleside, IL, Carol Ann Stewart and husband Norman of Hot Springs, AR, Sandra Kahl and husband Chuck of Thompsonville, IL, Christina Reynolds and husband Rick of Fox Lake, IL; thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother Bernard Madden and wife Jacqueline of West Chicago, IL.

Mrs. Kahl was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter Mary Ellen Schultz (1998), and two sisters: Jean Alice Madden and Marjorie Ellen Thomas.

The family prefers Memorials be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton and will be accepted at both services.

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

Musician, wordsmith, Husband, Father, Papa, Uncle, jammer, entrepreneur, friend to all, stranger to none. Earl Dean Barwig (Buddy) lived a full 65 years until his last breath, November 3, 2023. He passed peacefully, surround by his three daughters and his loving wife of 44 years by his bedside.

Earl was born in St Louis, Missouri, April 29, 1958. A life-long Cardinals fan, he moved around the world just to come back to Cardinal country and raise his family in Benton, Illinois. Earl served his country in the Army for five years. After meeting his other half in South Korea, he left the Army as a Specialist E4. Married November 21st, 1979, Earl and Suk Hui moved to Colorado where he was introduced to the pizza business. The rest, as they say, is history. Earl was a four store franchisee for Domino’s Pizza for 33 years. He took pride in his businesses and in the fact that he could use his success to help others. Aside from pizza, becoming a dad and a Papa was of utmost importance to Earl. He certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, David and Garnet Barwig and two brothers, David Lee Barwig and Wayne Fitzwater. He is survived by his loving wife, Suk Hui, three daughters, Kim Brandon (Dustin), Dawn Simpson, and Kristin Walton (Aaron), seven grandkids, Savannah Simpson, Deakon Brandon, Liam Simpson, Alexandria Walton, Easton Brandon, Charlotte Walton, and Lincoln Walton, sisters Barbara Bradford and Winnie Lichtenstadt, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends who loved and respected him very much.

Dad/Papa was our biggest fan, critic, and coach. He’d tell us when we made him proud and level with us when he knew we could do better. Despite this and because of this, we will always remember how fiercely he loved us. He taught anyone who would listen, “leave it better than you found it.” Earl did just that. Thank you for leaving this world and everyone you met better than you found us. We will carry you in our hearts forever.

Earl’s memorial will be held at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton on Thursday, November 9th, 2023 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. His family will be present to welcome loved ones. His funeral will be a private ceremony held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Earl’s name to CASA of Franklin and Hamilton Counties.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Clarence Newton Benard, age 88, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 3:50 p.m. Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Helia Healthcare of Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Alan Newman officiating. Burial with Military Honors provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280, Benton V.F.W. Post #2671, and the U.S. Army National Guard, will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

On September 24, 1935, Clarence Newton Benard was born, the sixteenth child to David Henry Benard and Lillian Ethel (Sims) Benard. He would marry the former Barbara Ruth Beaty on April 2, 1961, and after 55 years and 11 months of marriage, Barbara preceded him in death on March 3, 2017.

Clarence was a retired schoolteacher. He taught Ag classes first with Ashley High School, followed by Thompsonville High School, Enfield High School, and closing out his teaching career as the Science and AG teacher at N.C.O.E. High School. He was also the FFA Sponsor at each of these schools.

Clarence was a member at Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher, Illinois. He was always actively involved with the music at the church he was worshipping. He was the song leader/music minister at numerous churches throughout Southern Illinois. He and his late wife Barbara would also be in charge of the music ministry for many area Revival services. Clarence and the late Merle Fullerton started a radio program known as “The Baptist Voice” and could be heard weekly on WMIX.
He enjoyed gardening, singing, working puzzles, listening to Southern Gospel Music, traveling, and camping in his RV, and he and Barbara enjoyed spending winters in Florida. He was also proud to have been a farmer. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

Clarence proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from October of 1958 to August of 1960, obtaining the rank of PFC. He would be transferred to the U.S. Army Corps Reserves fulfilling his Reserves obligation until October 1964.

He is survived by three daughters: Marla Harp and husband Richard of Benton, Aletha Jackson and husband Robert of Benton, Sonya Dorris and husband John of Paducah, KY; six grandchildren: Jared Harp and wife Jordan of Carterville, IL, Josh Harp and wife Casey of Mt. Vernon, IL, Nick Shelton and wife Alexia of Sylvester, GA, Zack Dorris and wife Brook of Glasgow, KY, Macy Jo McManus and husband Cameron of Murray, KY, Katlin Jackson of Benton, IL; two great-grandchildren: Teagan Nicole Harp and Tucker Allan Harp; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Benard was preceded in death by his parents, wife, an infant daughter Angela Faye Benard, a daughter Darla Kay Benard, and fifteen brothers and sisters.
The family prefers Memorials be made to the Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher or to Glad Heart; and will be accepted at the services.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Clarence, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Marietta Waller, 88, of Thompsonville passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at her home.

Marietta was born November 18, 1934 in Macedonia, IL.The daughter of John Carl & Lizzie Frances (Cutwright) Biddle.

She married Bobby Gean Waller on December 27, 1952. They enjoyed traveling all over the states in their camper.
She loved taking care of her family and dogs.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Harris of Murphysboro, Her Grandson, Eric Gean Harris of Murphysboro. Her sister, Betty Davis of Benton.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 5th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery in Akin.

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Roselene Galayda, 91, of Buckner passed away on Monday evening October 30, 2023 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born in Sesser, IL on July 17, 1932, the daughter of Claude & Brasher (Harper) Chamness.

Roselene married Eli Galayda on July 25, 1953. She was a loving wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She was very kind, a hard worker and loved her family.

Mrs. Galayda is survived by her:
Husband: Eli Galayda of Buckner
Son: Eli S. Galayda & wife Shelley of Mulkeytown
Grandsons:
Eli M. Galayda & wife Nicole and their children Eli, Callen & Brenley
Kyle David Galayda & wife Kelsey and their children Finley & Amelia
1 Sister: Pearl Mitchell

Mrs. Galayda was preceded in death by her parents, son-Charles Michael Galayda and serveral Brothers & Sisters.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 4th at the Orthodox Cemetery in Buckner with Bro. Ivan Ryan officiating. There will be
no visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Craig Jesse Arthur Williamson Parrish, age 40, of Benton, passed away at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

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

Craig was born on July 29, 1983, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Sandra Lee.

Fatz enjoyed music, especially the music of Dimebag Darrell. He was a family man that loved his kids. His family said that he was always trying to find the silver lining in life. Fatz was always positive and would always say “keep pushing.” He liked to collect flashlights and knives.
He is survived by his companion Mariah Varis of Benton; his children: Hannah Parrish of House Springs, MO, Megan Parrish of House Springs, MO, Isaiah Parrish of Benton, IL, and Jace Varis also of Benton, IL; his siblings: Caressa Mezo and husband Larry of West Frankfort, IL, Candy Hilton of St. Clair, MO, Ted Hilton of Kansas City, MO, Chad Parrish of Hillsboro, MO, and Michael Parrish of St. Clair, MO; several nieces and nephews; and numerous lifelong friends.
Craig was preceded in death by his mother Sandra Lee Hilton, a daughter Peyton Parrish (died Dec. 26, 2008), a sister Cindy Hilton, and three brothers: Scott Hilton, Shaun Hilton, and Roy Hilton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to assist with cremation expenses, in care of Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Fatz, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.