James “Jim” Spencer, 87, of Whittington, passed away Monday, April 3, 2023 at home. He was born to Otto and Eulah Spencer on April 11, 1935 in Whittington.

He was married to Joyce (House) and she preceded him in death in 2013. They were married 60 years. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Bob Spencer, and eight sisters: Pauline Weiland, Estaleda Jones, Ruby Shumake, Bonnie Gentry, Betty Graviett, Wanda Hamilton, Francis White, and Edna Marie Spencer.

Jim is survived by one brother, Frank Spencer, three daughters Brenda (David) Garvin, Carla (Bennie) Allsopp and Penny (Dale) Brookins, all of Whittington. He has five grandchildren, Adam (Shelly) Allsopp, Ryan (Dawn) Garvin, Matthew (Brianne) Allsopp, Mallory (Alex) Gibbs, Chelsea (Lucas) Webb; ten great-grandchildren, Presley, Holden, and Keira Allsopp, Kinlee and Tyson Garvin, Cali and Keaton Gibbs, and Vada, Deacon, and Vera Webb.

He was the Ewing-Ina Water Department Superintendent for 33 years and former owner of North Main Motors in Benton. He had an excavating business for several years and was a talented woodworker.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 6th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Judy Darlene Chaffin, age 74, of Benton, passed away at 8:21 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Pastor Paul Reynolds officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Burial will be at a future date at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Judy was born on November 5, 1948, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois; the daughter of Don Atkins and Mary Lou (Shane) Atkins. She married John Ernest Chaffin on May 13, 1978. Together they shared 45 years of marriage.
Judy graduated from Benton High School Class of 1966.

She was a retired RN, having worked at the Herrin and Franklin Hospitals in the Emergency Room.
Judy was a member of the West City Baptist Church.

Judy enjoyed fishing, traveling, family cookouts and gatherings, and she enjoyed watching the soap opera, Days of Our Lives.
Surviving is her husband of 45 years, John Chaffin of Benton, Illinois; a step-son Matthew Chaffin and wife Lola of Benton, Illinois; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; in-laws including: Harry Chaffin and wife Tiffany of Benton, Illinois, Jeff Chaffin and wife Laura of Stonefort, Illinois, Wanda Chaffin and wife Denise of Benton, Illinois, Elizabeth Willis and husband Jeff of Rogers, Arkansas, Rose Akin and husband Virgil of Akin, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, father and mother-in-law: Ernest and Letha Chaffin; two sons: Danny Chaffin and Richard Marshall Chaffin; a step-son Jason Chaffin; and a sister-in-law Cathy Hawkins.

Memorial contributions in memory of Judy, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Judy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Louis Frank (Epplin) Edwards, 92, of Christopher, passed away on Friday March 10, 2023.

He was born on January 2, 1931 in Pinckneyville to Louis and Elizabeth (Miller) Epplin.

 

Louis honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He was a mechanic for Ozark Airline and TWA until his retirement.

He was of the Catholic Faith and he loved to attend auctions.

He is survived by one sister Georgirene (Frank) Brazinski of Coulterville, IL; sister-in-law Shirley Epplin of Marissa, IL; nieces Victoria Voytas, Jeanne Wacker, Mary Ann Winkeler, Elaine Michlitsch, Karla Osman, Janice Manolis, Donna Stewart, Cynthea Markel and Elizabeth Gerbach; nephews Frank Brazinski, Mark Brazinski, James Brazinski, John Brazinski, Thomas Hoff and David Epplin and numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Angela (Kuehn) Epplin, siblings Aloysius (Verna) Epplin, Genevieve Epplin, Cecelia (August) Voytas, Richard J. Epplin, Rita (John) Hoff, Elizabeth Jane Epplin, and James T. (Julia) Epplin and three nephews Bernall (Stephanie) Voytas, David Allen and Daniel Wayne Epplin.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday April 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Christopher American Legion. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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

Thomas “Tom” Henley, 75, of Thompsonville, passed away on March 28, 2023 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis.

He was born on September 23, 1947 in Benton, IL to Ray and Margaret (Russell) Henley. He married Connie (Boling) Henley on April 15, 1994.

He is survived by his wife Connie Henley of Thompsonville; children Kelly (David) Rumley of Bloomington, Nicole McGuire and fiancé Cliff Beatty of Benton and Seth (Crystal) Headrick of West Frankfort; grandchildren John (Cal) Rumley, Parker McGuire, Taylor McGuire, Ella Hardrick and Jordan Hubbard; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Bobby and Ruth Boling; sister Sandy Munday of Sesser and two nieces Tara Diebling and Makala Munday.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson Rowan Rumley, and one sister Peggy Henley and two brothers Millard Valerius and John Henley and one brother-in-law Kenny Munday.

Tom was a member of the Akin Masonic Lodge, he also loved all kinds of racing drag racing, horse racing, nascar, loved to go to car shows and was a member of the Road Rebels. He was an avid fan of the St Louis Cardinal’s and the Kansas City Chiefs and the Alabama Crimson Tide. He loved animals especially dogs.

Funeral services will be on Monday April 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.

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

Carolyn Carter, 76, of Benton passed away Wednesday evening, March 29, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Carter was born in Buckner, IL on October 4, 1946, the daughter of A. C. & Anna Mae (Harris) Bettress.

Carolyn was a caregiver, not only for her family but for so many people over the years. Her family described her as the strongest woman and the hardest working individual they ever knew. She dearly loved her family.

Mrs. Carter is survived by her:
Daughter: Becky Carney of Benton
Son: Shawn James of Benton
Companion of 17 years: Charles “Charlie Boy” Spain of Benton
She is also survived by several Nieces & Nephews.
Her cat: Fancy Pants

She was preceded in death by her Parents, 3 Brothers-Marvin Long, Lonnie Bettress & Bill Bettress and 3 Sisters-Darlene Pierson, Rose Mary Roberts & JoAnn Beaver.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 2nd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser. 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

David Byron Hungate, age 61, of Thompsonville, passed away at 4:38 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Herrin Hospital.

David’s wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

David Byron Hungate was born on March 17, 1962, in Alton, IL; the son of Stewart B. Hungate and Delories “June” (Talley) Hungate.
He was the retired owner/operator of Smokin’ Daves Tattoo and Piercing. He also formerly owned and operated Exit 83 CB Shop.
David enjoyed his grand-babies, fishing, playing the guitar, riding motorcycles, tattooing, working on CB radios, and cooking. He was the past-president of ABATE. He also loved his dogs.

David honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

Surviving are two daughters: Cassidy Shamp and husband Matthew of Ogden, Illinois, Latasha Hungate of Benton, Illinois; five grandchildren whom he dearly loved: Jason Friesen, Gohan Wiggins, Aaron Todd all of Benton, Illinois, Eliana and Clayton Shamp of Ogden, Illinois; a brother Stewart V. Hungate and wife Melissa of Benton, Illinois; nephews Taylor Hungate and wife Ashlee, Grante Hungate and wife Madison; a niece Erica Hungate; two great-nieces: Paislynn and Everley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Paul Dean Hungate; an aunt, Pauline Bono.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of David, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Sharon Lynn (Shepard) Saegesser, 82, of Sevierville, TN, (formerly of Christopher, IL) passed away on Monday, March 27, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

She was born on January 12, 1941, in Christopher, IL to Burl and Lucille (Profitt) Shepard. She married the love of her life, Mickey Saegesser, on June 20, 1965, and he preceded her in death in 2009. She is survived by two sons, Marc Saegesser (Vivian), Sevierville, TN, and grandsons Zachary (Austin, TX) and Josh (Kent, OH) and Brad Saegesser (Jodie Spencer), Tawas City, MI, and one daughter, Susan Allen (Paul), Muncie, IN, and granddaughters Reagan (Muncie, IN), Bailee (New London, CT), and Sam (Muncie, IN).

Sharon was an avid reader, starting her day reading the Bible, which she had read cover-to-cover several times. She loved collecting and reading novels, doing puzzles, and reminiscing about old times. She enjoyed playing games, especially Sorry with her grandkids. Sharon learned to crochet as a young child and enjoyed making things for family, including afghans in school colors when someone went off to college and more Christmas stockings than her family can count.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, April 4, at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with her cousin, Jim Muir officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. As a breast cancer survivor, the family would like all donations in lieu of flowers made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org).

Angeline Crnokrak, 89, of Coello, passed away on Saturday March 25, 2023 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburg, IN.

She was born on January 2, 1934 in Coello, IL to Bob and Anna (Susa) Crnokrak.

She is survived by her sister Janette Robinson of Coello and two brothers Danny Crnokrak of Coello and Robert Crnokrak of Benton and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Michael “Mitch” Crnokrak.

Funeral services will be on Saturday April 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Friday March 31, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, IL.

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

Mr. Kenneth H. Hutchens, age 82, of Benton; passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 3:30 a.m. in Carbondale Memorial Hospital, Carbondale Illinois.

Visitation is from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023, with funeral services to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 North Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, with Pastor Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Interment to follow at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

Kenneth Henry Hutchens was born November 12, 1940, in Benton, Illinois to Herman Hutchens and Alice (Moss) Hutchens.

He married the love of his life, Betty Pinson, on June 15, 1961, and they were married for almost 62 years.

He owned and operated Hutchens Bit Service in Benton, Illinois for over 50 years. He started welding and building bits while in high school. Once he graduated high school and got married in 1961, he went to work as an underground boss at Old Ben Coal Co. #24. While working as a miner he still built bits and ran a business out of his garage. He started his business full time, with the new location in 1978.

Mr. Hutchens attended Immanuel Baptist Church.

Surviving is his loving wife Betty Hutchens of Benton; Children: Lisa (Richard) Irvin of Belle Rive, IL; Drs. Douglas (Betsy) Hutchens of Florida; Susan (Doug) Nolen of Benton, IL; Grandchildren: Will (Tereon) Beaty of Texas, Wyatt Beaty, Celia Beaty of Benton, IL; Dr. Megan (Lumbardh) Bejtullahu of New Jersey, Samuel Hutchens of Scotland, Grant (Julie) Nolen of California, Gavin (Madaline) Nolen of Benton, IL, and Emily (Nick) Culbreth of Macedonia, IL; Great-Grandchildren: Beni George Bejtullahu, Osceola Nolen, Hazel Anne Nolen and Jack Nolen, Calvin Culbreth and Archer Culbreth; sister-in-law Ola (Don) Dalby of Benton; Special friends: His secretary of 50 years who was like a daughter to him, Tina Hopkins of West Frankfort, IL, and his best and lifelong friend Kenneth Hungate of Benton, IL. He had many nieces and nephews, employees, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Siblings, all of Benton, Illinois: Raymond (Jaunita) L. Hutchins, H. Eugene (Dora Lee) Hutchins, Robert “Bob” (Mary) Hutchens, and a sister Ethel (Jack) Gunter;
Brother-in-laws: James (Emmie) Pinson, Robert (Dorothy) Pinson, and John Pinson

He was a generous, kind, and loving husband and member of the community. He was well known for treating people fairly and helping many along the way. He had a strong work ethic from an early age that lasted until he was totally disabled. This started with multiple paper routes in grade school to building his own oil and water well drilling bit business while still working in the coal mines.
He sponsored all form of little league and helped multiple high school students with their first job at Hutchens Bit Service where they were exposed to many aspects of the business including welding, lathe work, and general shop work.

Kenny loved all sports but especially St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Benton Rangers Football and basketball. He enjoyed playing and watching sports throughout his life. He was a good athlete and played multiple sports from a young age through high school and later enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren including fishing, throwing the ball, and challenging them to a race. He loved dancing and was quite proud to be the best dancer in the family.

His favorite thing in life besides his family was breeding, raising, and racing thoroughbred race- horses. His favorite time of the year was foaling season. This was a passion he shared with his son, Doug, throughout his life. As a thoroughbred horse owner and breeder, his Hutchens Stables achieved much success winning hundreds of races, multiple stake races and was awarded the State of Illinois Breeder and Owner of the Year.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church, and will be accepted on Saturday at the services, or may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

Imogene “Nean” Groves, 97, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday March 26, 2023 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL.

She was born on July 11, 1925 to Tom and Hazel (Cook) Bacon. She married Clarence Groves Jr. and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughters Carol Anderson of Mulkeytown and Tina (Bill) Dyer of Corryton TN; grandchildren Regina (Douglas) Bates, Kristie (Brian) Riggs, Amanda (Dennis) Chapman and Chad Cash; great grandchildren Rebekah (Josh) Cannon, Victoria Munaretto, Suzanne Munaretto, Madison (River) Edwards, Maggie Bates, Pacey Riggs, Alex Riggs, Levi and Emmali; two sisters Mary Hughes of Mulkeytown and Norma Downen of Kirkland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters Helen Pinkham, Ruth Edmonds and Pauline Bacon, one brother Joe Bacon, one son-in-law Larry Anderson and one grandson Lieutenant Colonel Joseph A. Munaretto MD.

She loved Nascar and was a very dedicated fan of Richard Petty and Tony Stewart. She was raised on the Tom Bacon Farm and had a love for horses, especially Queen.

Graveside services will be on Tuesday March 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Zeigler Cemetery with Greg Darling officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made 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