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

Richard Ray “Dick” Hood, 90, of Ewing, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.
He was born in Herrin, IL on April 10, 1932, the son of Rev. James Albert & Nancy (Campbell) Hood.

He was married to Nancy (Lewis) Hood, and she passed away in 2002.

Mr. Hood had a long and distinguished career in the construction industry. He began his career as an Iron Worker, working on the Railroad Bridge over the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois. After several years he was drafted into the Army and because of his experience was assigned to the US Army Corp of Engineers Construction Battalion at Nancy France for eighteen months.

On returning home from the Army, he and his wife Nancy moved to Yorktown, Indiana where he was employed as a union Painter for several years.
He returned to Iron Working with Creviston Steel and enjoyed a long career with that firm.

Mr. Hood became an expert at installing, repairing and demolition of glass furnaces. He worked for the largest Glass Companies in the country including Ball Brothers Glass and Anchor Glass among others. Over the years he worked on Glass furnaces in forty eight different states. To support his glass furnace business, he and his associates established HAG Steel and KDR Enterprises to provide steel fabrication for his projects.

Dick retired after fifty years as a member of the Iron Workers Union. He was honored with a banquet and special pin for his safety record as a foreman without a fatal accident. A remarkable record for the Iron Worker business.

During his retirement he was a Partner with his son Jim Hood which is known as Hood Farms in Whittington, Illinois. He was an avid Pinocle player, he enjoyed his weekly Pinocle games with two different clubs. He never missed a game and cherished his many Pinocle friends. Dick was an avid outdoorsman, hunting, fishing, gardening and farming.

Mr. Hood was a 32nd Degree Mason and he was a Christian.

Mr. Hood is survived by his:
Daughter: Jennifer Jean Hood of Virginia
Son: Jim Hood of Whittington
Sister Gayle Herman of Wisconsin
Niece: Robin & Drago Kragulj of University Park, IL
Girlfriend: Katie Rowland of Christopher
Caregiver: Shelley Cockrum of West Frankfort
Brother-in-law: Judge Loren Lewis & wife Ruth of Benton
Sister-in-law: Jean Firebaugh of Bloomington, Indiana
Sister-in-law: Marilyn Dickey of Dayton, Ohio

Mr. Hood was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Granddaughter: Lacy Kay Hood, Siblings: Helen Wiemken, Ester Morris, Eugene Hood, Grace Nerlak, Elijah Hood, Vera Jean (Tommie) Hubber and Naomi Valli.

Funeral services and Masonic Rites will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 28th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts, and the Army National Guard Honor Squad will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

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

Nancy Jane Lampley, age 82, of Benton, passed away at 12:16 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Nancy was born on September 26, 1940, in Benton, IL; the daughter of Robert Dale and Vienna (Childs) Cohoon. She married Archie Lampley on May 24, 1956, and he preceded her in death on November 26, 2011.

She was a retired sales clerk, last working with Dollar General of Benton. She also formerly worked with Ben Franklin of Christopher, and the Dolly Madison Bakery of Benton.

Mrs. Lampley was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are three children: Jane Henk and husband Kevin of Benton, IL, Sherry Hargis and husband John of Benton, IL, Archie Lampley and wife Robin of Orient, IL; grandchildren: Michael Henk and wife Vicki of Boling Green, KY, Stephanie Hargis of Paducah, KY, Adam Hargis and wife Destinee of Damiansville, IL, Jeremy Lampley of West Frankfort, IL, Mark Lampley of West Frankfort, IL, Krista Lampley of Orient, IL; great-grandchildren: Shelby and Brodie Henk, Joseph Oldani, Bristol Johnson, Archie Lampley; a grand-dog Porkchop Hargis; two brothers: Jeff Cohoon of Sparta, IL, Charles Burns of Joliet, IL; special friend Marife Galbraith; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters: Margaret Shadwell and Dorothy Roberts; four brothers: Joseph Cohoon, Tommy Dale, Pete Dale and Junior Dale.

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

Jean Evelyn Wiseman, age 78, of Benton, a former resident of Carrier Mills, passed away at 6:57 a.m. Friday, December 23, 2022, at the Benton Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Jean was born on July 13, 1944, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Harvey Noel Phillips and Blanche Mary (Tate) Phillips. She married Robert Dennis Wiseman on November 6, 1965, and he preceded her in death on August 22, 2022.

Mrs. Wiseman was a retired beautician and accountant. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.
Jean enjoyed sewing, shopping, her dogs; and in her younger years she enjoyed hiking and traveling.

Surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and thirteen siblings: Harvey Noel Phillips, Jr., Neva Lavern Phillips, Mary Idalene Rone, Elsie Lou Cockrum, Robert Carter Phillips, Julia Faye Hathcoat, Linda Sue Phillips, Nora Fern Huffine, Harvey Noel “Jay” Phillips, William James Phillips, Lola Mae Burchell, Harvey Carl Phillips, and Charles Lynn Phillips.

Mrs. Wiseman’s wishes were to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Family and friends may arrive any time after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Jean will be placed with her late husband Bob, at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Cremation arrangements were through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter; and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jean, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com