Bob L. Johnston, 86, of Whittington passed away Sunday morning, April 30, 2023 at the Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.

He was born in Whittington, IL on May 25, 1936, the son of Harley Oral & Bertha (Britton) Johnston.
He married Deanna Arnold on October 24, 1964.

Bob enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching various types of sporting events. He was a 1954 graduate of Benton High School, where he was part of a regional championship team in basketball. He went on an athletic scholarship to Erskine College in South Carolina to attain his teaching degree. He was a four-year starter in both baseball and basketball along with being selected as team captain in both sports his senior year. In 1994 Erskine College inducted him into their athletic Hall of Fame.

Bob’s teaching and coaching career included stops at Whittington, Royalton, Valier, and Galatia. The majority of his teaching years were with the Benton Grade School District, where he retired from in 1993. There are many who remember him as a member of the Whittington fastpitch softball team. Several of his years in the summer were spent at the Benton Park where he served as Park Superintendent.

Bob was at his best while teaching. This included not only the classroom but also in helping others learn to do things like water skiing or even flying radio controlled model airplanes. He loved going to Benton athletic events and worked on the scorebench for basketball games during the heyday of Benton basketball. He rarely missed watching the St. Louis Cardinals games.
During his retirement years he loved following his grandkids, Jared and Jenna, in all their sporting events and activities. Bob and Deanna attended Whittington Baptist Church where Bob enjoyed Sunday School classes.

Bob is survived by his:
Wife: Deanna Johnston of Whittington
Son: Jeff Johnston & wife Jan of Whittington
Grandson: Jared Johnston & wife MaKennah of Benton and Great-Granddaughter-Jovi
Granddaughter: Jenna Schimpf & husband John of St. Louis, MO
Bob was preceded in death by his Parents and 1 Brother-Bill Johnston.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, May 5th 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 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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

Mary Louise Shaw went to be with her heavenly father on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the age of 85. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her husband and children. Louise was born August 31, 1937 in Vienna, Illinois. She married Donald E. Shaw on June 23, 1956.

Louise was a member of Grace Bible Church in West City, Illinois. She loved spending time with her family and attending church. She blessed many lives through her many years as a childcare provider, foster parent, cafeteria and playground supervisor, and crossing guard.

Louise is survived by her husband, Donald Shaw of Benton, Illinois; children, Karyn Joseph of Marion, Illinois, Cheryl (Jeff) Moore of Maryville, Illinois, Scott (Jodi) Shaw of Smithton, Illinois, Christopher (Jeri) Shaw of Benton, Illinois, and daughter-in-law, Jackie Shaw of Warner Robbins, Georgia; grandchildren, Kelly (Brian) Gagne, Andrew (Melissa) Shaw, Hayley (Jared) Mason, Paden (Crystal) Joseph, Chad (Brenda) Carlson, Chalon (Ashley) Knight, Ryan Shaw, Grace Shaw, Cristen (Derek) Oxford, Jared Shaw; great-grandchildren, Jackson Gagne, James Gagne, Evan Gagne, Zachary Shaw, Allison Shaw, Dottie Mason, Velma Mason, James Joseph, Alex Joseph, Caleb Carlson, Jessica Carlson; foster brother, Jeff Hemminghaus; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents Carl Day and Thelma Holt Day and foster parents George and Dorothy Hemminghaus; son, Alan Shaw; son-in-law, Daren Joseph; brother, William Day; half-sister, Virginia Holt; half-brother Paul Smith; and foster brother, Steve Hemminghaus.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 6th at Grace Bible Church, 107 N. Court St., West City, Illinois from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm with Pastor Jim Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Akin, Illinois.

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

Barbara Ann Lance, 81, of Sesser, passed away on Saturday April 29, 2023 at her home.

She was born on September 11, 1941 in Christopher to Noble and Morlan (Sammons) Boner. She married Lee Lance and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her sons Kenneth (Tina) Lance of Florida, Quint Lance of Sesser, Bryant Lance of Pinckneyville and Michael Lance of Sesser and two sisters Clea Lewis of Tennessee and Nora Irvine of Kentucky.

Barbara’s wishes were to be cremated with a private service at a later date.

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

Frank Meadows, 87, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Saturday April 29, 2023 at his home.

He was born on June 27, 1935 in Royalton to John and Lilly (Sanders) Meadows. He married Shirley (Carpenter) Meadows and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children Brian Meadows of Iola, WI, Atheana Meadows of Mulkeytown and Chris (Julie) Meadows of Steven’s Point, WI; grandchildren Jessica (Ryan) Keenan, Jasper Meadows, Clare Meadows, Nathaniel Meadows and Franklin Meadows; two sisters Marlene Wiliams of Cleburn and Claudie McGhee of Cleburn and two brothers Alan Meadows and John Meadows and several nieces and nephews.

Frank’s wishes were to be cremated. A graveside service will be at a later date.

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

Pauline Kiselewski, 82, of Waltonville, passed away on Saturday April 29, 2023 at her home.

She was born on December 3, 1940 in Marion, IL to Edgar Rex and Eva Juanita (Killman) Price. She married Richard Raymond Kiselewski on June 24, 1966 and he preceded her in death on April 17, 2015.

She is survived by her children Loretta (Chad) Hess of Englewood, TN and Daryl (Lisa) Kiselewski of Waltonville; grandchildren Jami Harland, Cole Hess, Meadow Hess, Kendall Kiselewski and Adam Kiselewski; great grandchildren Beckam Harland and Banks Harland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Cheryl Colgrave; one granddaughter Sierra Hess, siblings Clodell Price, Carol Dailey and Gene Bruyere.

Funeral services will be on Saturday May 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 AM at the Church. Burial will be at the Primative Baptist Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Lloyd Gene Hill, 97, of Benton, Il., passed peacefully to his forever home, April 27, 2023, at Franklin Hospital.

Gene was born in Marion, Il. in 1925, to Gilbert and Amy (Hunter) Hill. He married the love of his life, Virgie McDuffie, in 1944.
In 1951 he moved his wife and daughter to Benton and managed Bracy’s Food Store on the Square for several years, adding a son to his family in 1956. He later joined the Benton Police Force. After his retirement from there, he bought a grocery store, H & S Market on the corner of McLeansboro St and East Main and served the community for a number of years. In the 1980’s, still not ready to stay retired from serving his community, he became the Mayor of Benton, serving one term.

He loved to fish, and was a coin collector, but other than those hobbies, his family was the most important to him. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and always showed his love in every way possible.

Surviving is his daughter, Sherry Franklin, of Benton. Son, Dana (Gayla), of Christopher, Il. Grandson Troy Franklin of Villa Grove, Il. and Granddaughter, Tracee Franklin of Georgetown, Texas. Great Grandsons Michael, Peyton, and Jayse Franklin. Grandson Andy Hill, Granddaughters Amanda, and Cassie Hill of Tennessee…and many nieces and nephews.

Those who proceeded Gene to their forever Home were his parents, his brothers, Gib, James, Lonnie, Bill and his sister, Amy. His wife, Virgie, recently proceeded him in Aug. of 2021. They celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary just a month before her passing.
As per his wishes, he will be cremated, and his family will have a private ceremony at a time to be determined.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

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

Pete Golio, age 99, of West Frankfort passed away at 2:36 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Helia Health Care of Benton.

He was born to James and Mary (Nicci) Golio on March 9, 1924, in West Frankfort.

He attended school in West Frankfort and was a Class of 1942 graduate of Frankfort Community High School.

In September 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Theater during WWII on board the. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged in May of 1946 with the rank of Machinist Mate 1st Class.

Pete was united in marriage to Ruth Edison on March 26, 1948 and together they shared over 51 years of marriage until her death on August 1, 1999.
He worked at Old Ben Coal Company for 42 years until his retirement. He was an active member of the United Mine Workers of America and served several years as a director on the UMWA Hospital Board of West Frankfort.

He was a member for many years of the First Baptist Church and later the First Christian Church of West Frankfort.

Pete was a natural storyteller with an abiding and sometimes mischievous sense of humor. He will be fondly remembered by friends and family.

He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Peter Golio and Diane Papazian of Los Angeles, CA, Michael and Janet Golio of Mesa, AZ, and Richard and Kathy Golio of Richardson, TX, and two grandchildren, Bethany Golio of Duncanville, TX and Angela Golio of Addison, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Robert Matthew Golio; two grandsons, David Mark Golio and James Francis Golio; sister, Emma Campbell and two brothers, Mike Golio and Matt Golio.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar Street, West Frankfort, IL.
The visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 16th at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Interment will follow next to his wife in Denning Cemetery of West Frankfort, IL.

Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by members of American Legion Post No. 1961 of Orient, IL and American Legion Post No. 177 of Zeigler, IL and members of the United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail.
To leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.stonefh.com or for additional information call the funeral home at 618-932-2161.

Joseph Rice Pedigo age 45, passed away at 3:37 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri. Tina Marie Pedigo age 44, passed away at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2023, also at Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri.

Tina had been hospitalized and was being kept alive on life support. Joseph was at her bedside when he passed away. Their love for each other was so strong that Joseph knew he could not live without Tina, and he died of a broken heart.
Joseph and Tina will be cremated.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
A Celebration of Life Service was held for family and close friends last weekend in Eldorado.
Joseph was born on June 2, 1977, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Anthony Chris Pedigo and Laverne Lomay (Holmes) Pedigo Williams. He married Tina Marie Briley on March 27, 2008.

Tina was born on October 22, 1978, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of David William Briley and Janet (Milligan) Briley Pearce. She married Joseph Rice Pedigo on March 27, 2008, and he preceded her in death by 13 hours and 8 minutes on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
Joe was a self-employed mechanic. He formerly worked in construction and with Biebel Roofing. Joe formerly attended Faith Baptist Church and Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, both of Benton.

Tina was a Certified Nurses Aide, having worked at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab of Benton. She also formerly worked at Ina McDonalds and Benton Kentucky Fried Chicken. She formerly attended First Baptist Church of Benton.
Joe and Tina enjoyed canoeing, camping, fishing, hunting, and working on vehicles. Joe also enjoyed riding dirt-bikes and all-terrain vehicles. The family said Tina considered everyone she knew as her family.

Joe and Tina are survived by two children: Ariana Curwick and husband Jonathan of Benton, Illinois, Benjimin Lee Briley of Benton, Illinois; a grandson Lucas Ray Curwick.

Other survivors include Tina’s mother Janet Pearce of Benton, Illinois; Joe’s step-father James Williams of Mooresville, North Carolina; Tina’s siblings: Sasha Marie Briley of Tennessee, Raven Fager and husband Luke of Vergennes, Illinois, Sandra Edwards of Tennessee, David Briley of Ewing, Illinois, Chris Briley of Illinois; Joe’s half-sister Sheilea McVey of Royalton, Illinois; Joe’s brother Christopher M. Pedigo and fiancée’ Rebacca of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Joe’s nephews: Vincent Hasenjaeger, Daniel Michael Pedigo, Eric Dalton Pedigo, Conner Liam Pedigo; Joe’s niece Christine N. McVey; Tina also has several nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents: Rice and Flossie Pedigo; maternal grandparents Melvin M. Holmes, I and Thelma Jean Holmes; and a brother-in-law Richard McVey.

Tina was preceded in death by her husband Joe; her father David Briley; a sister Brandy Rochelle Briley; paternal grandparents Denzel and Kathryn Briley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Joseph and Tina Pedigo to assist with the cremation expenses, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Joe and Tina, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.