Robert E. (“Robb”) Bingham – formerly of Benton, IL

Robert E. (“Robb”) Bingham went home to Jesus on December 23, 2022, at age 57, six weeks after a tragic motorcycle accident.

Robb was born to Eural and Jo Nell Bingham on May 11, 1965, in East Chicago, Indiana. He spent most of his childhood years in Southern Illinois, where he attended elementary school in Ewing and high school in Benton. There he was involved in basketball, cross country, forensics, and drama (both at Benton High and as part of the community theater group Pyramid Players). He attended Florida College and the University of South Florida, remaining active in campus and community theater productions.

Robert married his former wife, Dawn (Jenney) Bingham, in 1996; they have three children: Zachary, Joshua, and Ashleigh. In the early days of the marriage, Robb and Dawn traveled and did musical theater together, living in an RV, until the children arrived. They then settled in Nashville, Tennessee, for seven years. There, he and Dawn were involved in a local church in nearby Dickson, where Robb and Dawn served as the children’s pastors. After that they lived in Minnesota for seven years, where they were involved together in the City Hill Church in Eden Prairie, serving in leadership training and supporting the life groups and the life group leaders. Finally, the family moved to the North Georgia area, an hour south of the mountains, to be closer to Dawn’s mother and family.

A dedicated and loving father, Robb also served his church community, remained involved in theater, did extra work in TV shows, and even tried a bit of stand-up comedy. Throughout his life, Robb held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those around him.

While living in Nashville, Robb was on a retreat when he felt the Lord was leading him to start his own business. That is where Converging Solutions was born, in an old smokehouse on the family’s mini farm. An exceptional communicator himself, Robb built his business around offering other businesses customized training programs.

Robert joins his mother, Jo Nell Bingham, in Heaven. He is survived by Dawn Bingham, Zachary Bingham, Joshua Bingham, Ashleigh Bingham (all of the greater Atlanta area), as well as his father W. Eural Bingham (of Painted Post, NY), sisters Rebecca Bingham (of Anchorage, AK) and Nancy (Randy) Tumlinson (of Houston, TX), brothers Mark (Melanie) Bingham (of Painted Post, NY) and Jon (Bethany) Bingham (of Louisville, KY), and many relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. main St., Benton, IL.

The public is invited to a graveside service at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, Illinois, at two o’clock the afternoon of Wednesday, December 28. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Georgia Christian Business Network (https://gcbnetwork.com), an organization in which Robb was involved and to which he contributed generously. Give by PayPal to info@gcbnetwork.com. For more information, contact Elizabeth Copeland, Executive Director, at (770) 374-5085.

Robb’s favorite Bible passage was Romans 8:28–
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Jean Wiseman – Benton, IL and formerly of Carrier Mills, IL

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 twelve siblings: Neva Phillips, Mary Rone, Elsie Cockrum, Robert Carter Phillips, Julia Hathcoat, Harvey Noel Phillips, Jr., Linda Sue Phillips, Nora Huffine, Noel Harvey Phillips, William James Phillips, Lola Mae Burchell, and Charles Lynn Phillips.

Mrs. Wiseman’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held next spring, when all of the family can come together to honor Aunt Jean, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

She will be placed with her late husband Bob at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Cremation arrangements are 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

Jenna Lea Arnold – Benton, IL

Jenna Lea Arnold, 38, of Benton went to her heavenly home Monday morning, Dec. 19, 2022 at 12:46 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26, at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. on Monday until the funeral hour at the funeral home.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the family at the funeral home.

Jenna was born on August 20, 1984, in Benton, the daughter of Bob and Tammy (Wilkerson) Adams.

Jenna married her best friend and soulmate Josh Arnold on Sept. 4, 2021. They could always be seen together, hand in hand.

Jenna has worked at VMC Chinese parts for the last six years.

Jenna enjoyed spending time at her new home with her family. The love for her kids was a love like most kids can only dream of. She especially loved being a “Ninni” to her grandson Paxton. Jenna looked forward to spending time on the Arnold farm hunting, fishing, and loving the outdoors.

Jenna could always be seen with her beautiful smile lighting up any room she entered. Her laugh was contagious and could be heard often as she loved to have fun, laugh, and play jokes.

Jenna is survived by her husband Josh Arnold of Benton; daughter, Jaycee Cesar of Benton; son, Justyce Cesar of Benton; bonus daughters Kennedi Arnold of Alma, Libby Scott and husband Isaac and grandson Paxton of Centralia; father, Bob Adams of Benton; grandmother, Joanne Wilkerson of Benton; mother in law, Bobbi Swift and husband Russell of Alma; father in law, David Arnold and wife Myra of Alma; sister in laws Jamie Downes of Centralia and Jayme Godoyo of Centralia; special nieces Makenna Downes and Madeline Stark; her four legged baby, Delilah, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

Jenna was preceded in death by her grandfather, William “Bill” Wilkerson; mother, Tammy Adams; brother, Justin Wilkerson; and Aunt Joni Wilkerson.

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

Mark Groomer-Sesser, IL

Mark Groomer, 71, of Sesser, passed away on Wednesday December 21, 2022 at his home.

He was born on June 16, 1951 in Beech Grove, IN to Lodus and Myra Groomer. He married Julie Polk and she survives of Sesser. He is also survived by two sons Timothy Polk and Jonathon Polk and one daughter in law Chandra Polk and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son Dean Groomer. Mark was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. Mark will be loved and missed. His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Teresa Williams – Benton, IL

Teresa Jo Williams, age 60, of Benton, passed away at 4:32 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 noon Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the Jones Cemetery of Thompsonville, with Pastor Don Wilburn officiating. Visitation services will be private for family only.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Teresa was born on June 4, 1962, in Franklin County, Illinois; the daughter of Orville Ray Parkhill and Verna (Wilburn) Parkhill. She married Teddy Williams on February 26, 2000, and he preceded her in death on August 21, 2012.
She was a former cook with the West Frankfort School District.

Teresa enjoyed cooking, taking pictures, listening to country music; but most of all enjoyed spending time with her family.
Surviving is her son Adam Williams and wife Rebecca of Christopher, Illinois; two sisters: Linda Sullivan and husband Melvin of West City, Illinois, Mary Huffine and husband Willie of Thompsonville, Illinois; a brother Raymond Parkhill and wife Tammy of Parrish, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers: Orville Lee Parkhill and William Clyde Parkhill; a niece Amy Parkhill.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Teresa, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Michael Joe Melvin-Zeigler, IL

Michael Joe Melvin, 42, of Zeigler, passed away on Sunday December 18, 2022 at his home.

He was born on February 12, 1980 to Michael Eugene and Debra Jo (Francis) Melvin. He is survived by his Mother Debra Melvin of Zeigler; one son Damen Melvin of Zeigler; two sisters Katherine Melvin of Royalton and Krysten Melvin of Zeigler and three brothers Schyler Melvin of Zeigler, Michael Melvin of Coello and Camerron Francis of Dowell. He was preceded in death by his father Michael Eugene Melvin.

A memorial service will be on Saturday January 7, 2023 at 6:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at 6:00 PM.

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

Catherine Wheatley-Royalton, IL

Catherine Wheatley, 85, of Royalton, passed away on Sunday December 18, 2022 at her home.

She was born on November 28, 1937 in Christopher to James and Delphine (Peinchion) Parino. She married Wilbur Wheatley and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children Frank (Melinda) Wheatley of Florida, Deborah Corso of Royalton and Domnick (Ginger Dent) Wheatley of Scheller; grandchildren Monya (Greg) Keown, Tory (Rick) Sample, Tammy (Tommy) Goodwin, Tony (Becky) Corso, Jennifer (Kyle) Greene, Angela (Neil) Humphrey, Salina (Michael) Sadley and Brock (Maddie) Wheatley and several great grandchildren and one brother Charlie Parino of Royalton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Funeral Mass will be held at the St Aloysius Sacred Heart Parish in Royalton on Thursday December 22, 2022 at 12:00 PM with Father Eusebius Mbidoaka officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 11:00 AM until the time of the Mass at Noon.

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

Shannon Ray Morris – Benton, IL

Shannon Ray Morris, 56, of Benton passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

He was born in Kankakee, IL on December 6, 1966 the son of Ray & Connie (Dempsey) Morris.
He married Gloria (Gulley) on March 20, 2021.

Mr. Morris spent his free time building his Camaro and spending time with his grandkids, and days with his wife. He loved his family.

Mr. Morris is survived by:
Wife: Gloria Morris of Benton
2 Sons:
Mathew Morris of West Frankfort
Tyler Morris & wife Erica of West Frankfort
Parents: Ray & Connie Morris of Benton
2 Stepsons:
Josh Bryant of Benton
Andrew Irvin of West Frankfort
2 Step Daughters:
Brianna Irvin of West Frankfort
Bobbi Clark & husband Preston of Marion
6 Grandchildren:
Abbigail & Jaxton
Amelia, Joshua & Lillian
Camille
Sister: Rachel Bennet & husband Mark of Benton
2 Nieces: Kyndall & Chloe
Several Aunts, Uncles & Cousins and touched the lives of many others.

He was preceded in death by his Cousin-Lucas Morris, Grandparents-Syble & Kenneth Dempsey, Ray Emerson Morris & Virginia and Great-Grandmother: Ruby Milburn Bartlett.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 21st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Charles Daniel “Charlie” Brandon – Hurst, IL

Charles Daniel “Charlie” Brandon, 55, of Hurst passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Mr. Brandon was born in DuQuoin, IL on March 1, 1967 the son of Charles Richard & Rosalind (Meadows) Brandon.
Charlie had a love for fast pitch softball, music, and was a self taught guitar player.
He was a route driver for Prairie Farms, then he worked as a Coal Miner, then presently was employed at the Williamson County Airport.

Mr. Brandon is survived by his:
Daughters:
Charly Wilford & husband Dalton
Jesse Summers & husband Max
6 Grandchildren: Amilya, Isabella, Paisley, Walker, Elsie & Max

Parents: Charles & Rosalind Brandon
Brother: Calvin Brandon
2 Sisters:
Hydie Brower & husband John
Kelly Brandon-Lopez & husband Luis
Special Niece: Racheal Lukens

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, December 19th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Ron Knox officiating. Entombment will be in the Miners Cemetery in Royalton. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 18th at the First Baptist Church of Royalton, 709 W 3rd St. S, Royalton, IL 62983.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

William “Willie” Edward Browder-Sesser, IL

William “Willie” Edward Browder, 43, of Sesser, passed away on Thursday December 15, 2022.

He was born on December 31, 1978 in Aurora, IL. He married Toshya (Willis) Browder on May 13, 2015.

He is survived by his wife Toshya Browder of Sesser; children William (Ashley) Browder of Valier, Mitzi Browder of Benton, David Browder of Valier, Nicolas Browder of Valier, Makaelynn Gayton of Sesser, Zuri Browder of Sesser and Natalie Browder of Sesser; grandchildren Luke, Jack, Jaylynn and Myles; three sisters Lisa Browder of Mt Vernon, Mitzie Browder of Mt Vernon and Glenda Browder of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Sandra Lee (Lester) Karnes and his father Danny Edward Browder.

Willie loved to go camping, fishing and being with his family.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday December 21, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Josh Qualls officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the funeral at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News