Peter Edward Popit, age 71, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, January 15, at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Peter was born on June 17, 1951, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Edward Popit and Rose Kirn Popit. As the baby of his immediate and extended family, he was much loved by his three sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attended St. Anastasia Elementary School in Waukegan and high school at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in American Studies and graduated in 1973. This is where he met his future wife, Ellen Hanahue, who was a student at St. Mary’s College. He attended Southern Illinois University Law School and graduated in 1977. During that time, he served as a VISTA volunteer in the South Bronx from 1974 to 1975 and married Ellen in 1975.

Upon graduation from law school, Peter began to practice law in Franklin County, Illinois. He continued that work for over forty years with his partners Edwina Warner and Jeff Troutt. Besides being a lawyer and family man, he was an avid golfer and pinochle player as well as a devoted fan of the Fighting Irish. All these activities brought him lifelong friendships, and he was affectionately known as “Pete the Pie Man” by members of the West Frankfort Arts Council. Other hobbies included writing poetry, cooking, and watching old movies.

Peter was a deeply spiritual man with a knack of using his gifts to serve others. His contributions to St. John’s included serving as school board president while his children were in school. His seat of choice in church was always in the choir loft, so you could find him there singing with the rest of the group. He also took comfort in attending regular retreats at the White House Jesuit Retreat Center in St. Louis.

At work or at home, with family or friends, Peter was a gentle soul with a rascally side. He never was afraid to share words of wisdom with his children or patiently guide those with whom he worked. At the same time, he liked to tease his sisters mercilessly and participate in a good water gun fight.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Hanahue Popit; his children, Ned Popit, Kevin and his wife Jocelyn Popit, and Mary Frances and her husband Luke Townsend; his siblings, Mary Elizabeth Popit, SHCJ, Patricia and her husband, Dr. Ronald Stanczak, and Kathleen Popit, SHCJ. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Anne Popit, Joseph Popit, and Patrick Townsend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in West Frankfort, Illinois. Visitation will be held on January 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, Illinois. Interment will be held at a later date at the Cedar Grove Cemetery on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Baptist Church and Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute. Peter’s family wishes to thank the devoted healthcare professionals at the Siteman Cancer Center and the Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute.

William “Bill” Carr, age 83, of Benton, passed away, after a long illness, at 11:10 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the VA Medical Center of Marion.

Celebration of Life Visitation Services will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Scripture and a eulogy was read by a Chaplain at the Veteran’s “Heroes Homecoming” private family only service on Thursday at the VA Medical Center in Marion.

William Scott Carr was born on June 23, 1939, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Scott Carr and Mildred (Griffin) Carr. He married the former Judith Ann Stanley on November 22, 1958; together they shared 64 years of marriage.
He retired as an account specialist with Kirby-Risk Electrical Supply (formerly known as Kiefer Electric). He would later work for the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center, where he worked as a transport officer.
Bill was a longtime member of the Benton Elks Lodge #1234, Boneyard Boccie Ball Club, and the Benton American Legion Post #280.He was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Bill enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada, hunting, barbequing for his family, rooting for his Chicago Cubs and Bears. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, and especially his grandchildren.
Surviving is his loving wife of 64 years Judy Carr of Benton; a son Scott Carr and wife Carmy of Benton; a daughter Renee and husband

Richard of Texas; grandchildren: Christy Calonne and husband Brian, Courtney Weir, Kaley Venable, and Nicholas Lowe; great-grandchildren: Ryian, and Ashtyn Calonne, Chloe and Claire Swain, Connie, Cady, and Caleb Lowe; a sister-in-law Dawn Kirk; nephews Rodney Kirk and Jeff Kirk; nieces Terri Lambert and Laurie Van Dyke; also surviving is his special dog Ernie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Patrick Carr; an infant sister Betty; and a sister Janet Carr Cheatham.
Memorial contributions in memory of William “Bill” Carr, may be made to organization of the donor’s choice, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Lillie Mae (Price) Painter, 85, of Valier, passed away on January 11, 2023 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on April 26, 1937 in Royalton, IL to Everett William and Lizzie Della (Adkins) Price. She married James “Jim” N. Painter on June 21, 1956.

She is survived by her husband Jim Painter of Valier; two daughters Tracy Ann Painter of Edwardsville, IL and Amy Jo (Daniel) McKean of Homewood KS; grandchildren Dustin Caine Sizemore, Alexander James McKean and Jack Thomas McKean and several; she was known as “Aunt Sissy” to her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters Lois Bradley, Ruby Bartlow and Myrtle June Kunz and two brothers Frank James “Budge” Price and Steven Alan Price.

Lillie was born in Royalton but was raised in Christopher and was a member of the Christopher Marching Band, she was very active in school plays and graduated from the Christopher High School in 1955. She was a purchasing agent for the Department of Defense in St Louis, MO, and when she lived in Brunswick, GA with her husband, she was very active in many organizations.

Funeral services will be on Saturday at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the First Christian Church in Christopher, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

William Robert “Bill” Cockrum, Jr., 59, of Knoxville, TN; passed away January 1, 2023, at his home.

Bill was born on March 31, 1963, in Benton, the son of William Robert Cockrum, Sr. and Judith Rae (Moore) Cockrum.

He was an HVAC Technician in the Knoxville, Tennessee region. He was a member of Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. and A.M. (now known as Rend Lake Lodge #64); Ansar Shriners of Springfield, Illinois where he was part of their bagpipe and drums.

Bill enjoyed working; but in his spare time, he liked to hunt, fish, and enjoyed dirt track sprint car races.

He is survived by his father William Robert “Bob” Cockrum, Sr. of Benton, Illinois; close friends: Dan Aiken of Wood Dale, Illinois, Chris Bowers of Knoxville, Tennessee; three aunts: Linda Davis and husband Gary, Betty Vick and Kathy King all of Benton, Illinois; two uncles: Curtis Cockrum and wife Rhonda of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Kenneth Cockrum and wife Amy of Benton; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother; his maternal grandparents Dale and Lois Moore, and paternal grandparents Robert and Mary Cockrum.

His wishes are to be cremated with no services.

Arrangements are with Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

George Simpkins, age 72, of Benton; passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, IL.

George’s 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.

Mr. Simpkins was born on December 12, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois; the son of George Simpkins and Mary Beth (McCarthy) Simpkins. He married the former Janice Marie Rogers on November 28, 1985; and she survives.

He was a retired truck driver with USF Holland Trucking. He was a Christian.

George enjoyed truck driving, telling jokes, making people laugh and leaving them feeling happy. He enjoyed a Diet Coke and a cigarette; but most of all he enjoyed spending time with family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Janice Simpkins of Benton; a daughter Cristy of Chicago; three step-children: Richard David Roche of Wisconsin, Joseph Roche of Crown Point, Indiana, Michelle Rogers of Mishawaka, Indiana; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren with another due in 2023; special nieces: Kathy, Lisa and Candice; special nephews: Hershel, Michael and Alan; and his dog Shadow.

Mr. Simpkins was preceded in death by his parents; a step-daughter Norine Roche; his father-in-law Dave Rogers; and a brother-in-law Bobby Rogers.

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

Margie Jean Sipp (Zook), 85, of Benton, passed away at 9:37 p.m., on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital.

She was born on September 26, 1937, to Jake and Eddie B (Hayden) Sipp in East Prairie, MO.

She was a member of the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church. Margie was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, knitting and watching western movies.

Margie is survived by her children, Karen Zook of Benton, IL, Tammy (Mike) McCollum of Benton, IL and Pamela Zook of Benton, IL; son-in-law, David McClerren; sister, Jackie (Mark) Wamble of Bertrand, MO; brothers, Bobby (Brenda) Sipp of Imperial, MO, Eddie (Pauline) Sipp of Bertrand, MO and Ricky (Debbie) Sipp of Bertrand, MO; grandchildren, Kyle (Sarah) McCollum, Travis (Marcie) McCollum, Eric (Kailee) McCollum, Jennifer McClerren, Byron McClerren and Shawn Zook and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Eddie B Sipp; a son, Kevin Zook; and brother, Bruce Sipp of Bonne Terre, MO.

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

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Joe Zbinden, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Jenifer Jane Sneddon Benns was born on March 27, 1947 in Du Quoin, IL. She went to spend eternity with her Savior on January 1, 2023 in Benton, IL. She grew up in Christopher, IL where she graduated High school and then completed two years at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, IL. She married the love of her life, Lyman (Butch) L. Benns, Jr., on June 8, 1969.

Her first job was at the Sewing Factory in Benton, IL where she worked to save money to buy her first car a 1965 GTO. She worked several jobs throughout the years and had her realtor’s license. However, owning and operating Printer’s Inc. was her greatest occupational achievement. She successfully ran her business for 16 years. Helping other businesses succeed was her passion.

She was a charter member of Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher, IL. Over the many years that she served there, she enjoyed teaching Vacation Bible School, attending Bible Studies and working the computer system for the Church.

She had many interests that kept her busy. Some of them were genealogy, Swedish Weaving, painting, reading and wood burning art. She was very creative, quick witted and was a walking dictionary. One of her favorite games to play was Boggle. But her biggest passion was her Lord and her family. She enjoyed playing games, having tea parties and watching movies with her grandchildren. She loved that she could “swap clothes” with her granddaughters.

She was an extremely giving person. She was always ready to use her skills to help others. She often did genealogy projects for others, took food to the sick and was there to lend a listening ear. While wintering in Texas, she would do volunteer work for the Church, for people less fortunate than her and was always willing to give everything she had.

Even though she did all these things, her best time was with the love of her life, Lyman Benns, Jr. They enjoyed taking trips, ballroom dancing, going for rides in the convertible, spending time with friends and family and just being together. Their love was truly one of a kind.

She was preceded in death by her Mother, Uneeda Sneddon Lewis; Father, Josiah Sneddon; Step-father, David Lewis; Mother-in-law, Margaret Smith Benns; Father-in-law, Lyman L. Benns, Sr.; Brother James Sneddon; Brother, George Lewis; Sister-in-law, Nellie Lewis, Sister-in-law, Mikkell Geanne Sneddon and Brother-in-law Steve Benns. Her surviving family includes Husband, Lyman L. Benns, Jr.; Children, Julie Benns (Michael) Greisz and Eric (Lora) Benns; Grandchildren, Caleb Garascia (Kayela Thomas), Logan Gayer, Ashlei Kraemer (Andrew), Anna Greisz, Thomas Greisz, Vanessa Greisz, Skyler Greisz, Isaac Benns, Madison Benns and Gabriella Benns. She has one Great-grandchild Evan Garascia who she called “her littlest love.” Her Brother-in-law James Benns (Beth), Dennis Benns (Valerie), Mike Benns and Sister-in-law Mary Anne Benns Kline Her nieces and Nephews include Amy Sneddon, Andrew Sneddon, Angie Wray, Adam Benns (Deeann), Deni Lynn Stallons (Paul), Lacey Owens (Justin), Jamie Hargraves (Robert), Shauna Martinez (Mario), Jeremy Benns, Nikita Coleman (Tae), Marsha Schuster (Ken), Angela Austin (Mark) many great nieces and nephews and cousin David Garvin (Brenda).

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, January 6th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Ron Henwood & Jim Graddy officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Friday at the funeral home

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher, IL.

Joe P. Binando, 92, of Mulkeytown, IL passed away on Sunday December 25, 2022 at his home.

He was born on March 3, 1930 to Joe and Lena (Bosco) Binando Sr. He married Irene (Cherry) Binando and she preceded in death. He then married Maxine (Hunt) Towers Binando.

He is survived by his wife Maxine Towers Binando of Mulkeytown, his children Debbi (Paul) Sahanek of Converse, TX, Tim Binando of Mulkeytown, Sheila (Rex) English of Christopher, Eric (Lynn) Towers of Anderson Island, WA and Richard (Jeanette) Towers of Christopher; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Irene Binando and two sisters Mayme Benson and Mary Borello.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a proud member of the Christopher American Legion.

His wishes were to be cremated. There will be a graveside service at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

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