Roy Max Merkel, 82, of Tamaroa, passed away on Sunday November 13, 2022 at the Pinckneyville Community Hospital.

He was born on February 17, 1940 in Sesser, IL to Russell James and Nighta Jewell (Murry) Merkel. He married Sharon (Hutton) Merkel on November 22, 1982.

He survived by his wife Sharon Merkel of Tamaroa; one son Chris Alan (Donna) Merkel of Janesville, IL; Granddaughter Bailee Mae Merkel of Pensacola, FL; daughter-in-law Emilie Wall of Altamont, IL; one sister Betty Jean Rawlish of Coal City, IL and one brother Lynn Ray (Myrthel) Merkel of Helena, Montana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Clinton Lee Merkel, two sisters Hazel Plata and Linda Sue Merkel and one brother Russell Dwane Merkel.

Graveside services will be on Friday November 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery in Braceville, IL. Visitation will be on Wednesday November 16, 2022 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Friday November 18, 2022 at Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home in Coal City, IL.

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

Cynthia L. Aiken, 83, of Benton, passed away at 9:40 p.m., on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Creve Couer, MO.

She was born on November 19, 1938, to Harold and Veneta (Paige) Prowell in Evansville, IN. On February 23, 1957 she married Ronald D. Aiken, and he preceded her in death on October 18, 2007.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Benton.

Cynthia was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She absolutely loved working in her yard and her dog companion, Lucy. She also enjoyed reading.

Cynthia is survived by her two daughters, Marsha Kay Whitaker and husband, Randle of Valley Park, MO and Lisa Lynn Turner of McKinney, TX; five grandchildren, Lisa Chesnut and her husband Charles, Rene’ Brinkman and her husband Travis, Joshua McCallum and his wife Krista, Ronni Whitaker and Danielle McAndrew and her significant other, Steve Dallas and seven great-grandchildren, Haley, Jackson, Sophia, Keaton, Chad, John and Hilary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Veneta Prowell, her husband, Ronald D. Aiken and her sister, Janice Simpson.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Charles Chesnut, officiating. Following the service, burial of ashes at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Fellowship Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Larry Keith Woodland, age 77, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away November 5, 2022, surrounded by family.

He graduated Benton High School in 1963. Soon after, he enlisted with the National Guard, followed by a 32-year career as a coal miner for Freeman Coal. During his coal mining career, he and his wife, Verna, opened Woodland’s Furniture and Paint in Sesser, and an HVAC service company.

He had many interests and was gifted with a vast array of knowledge and skills. Early in his life, he spent many hours in the garage learning and working with his dad on anything that had a motor. He later developed his expertise in welding, electricity, diesel engine repair, HVAC, fabrication, and woodworking. He was always eager to help, and his generosity knew no boundaries.

He will be missed by his wife Verna Mae, and children Renee (Eric) Volkmann, Leigh Anne (Scott) Bailey, Amanda (Chad Duckwiler/Mark Pace) Pace, Aaron Woodland; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, brothers Dan (Marianna) Woodland and Dave (Susan) Woodland. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Helen Woodland, and nephew Matthew Woodland.

Funeral services for Larry will be on Wednesday November 9, 2022 at 1 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev. Ernie Lewis officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Carolyn “Susie” Rogers, 87, of Sesser, passed away on Saturday November 5, 2022 at Fairview Nursing Home in DuQuoin.

She was born on October 30, 1935 in Jefferson County, IL to Marion and Helen (Hamilton) Newell. She married Buddy Earl Rogers on July 1, 1955 and he preceded her in death on May 14, 1997.

She is survived by one daughter Mary Jane (Terry) Witcher of Mulkeytown; two sons David (Diana) Rogers of Sesser and Mark (Meredith) Rogers of Sesser; grandchildren Ashley Rogers, Michelle (Witcher) (Thad) Snell, Allison Rogers and Cole Rogers; great grandchildren Jenesys Jackson, Jada Jackson, Chance Whitehead, Grady Snell and Lynlee Snell; two sisters Marianne Lovin of Mt Vernon and Areta Phillips of Arizona; one sister-in-law Patty Kerley of Marion and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one infant sister.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of her life.

She farmed along with her husband till after his passing. She then spent many years traveling on tour buses meeting and making many new friends along the way. She was very proud of the fact she had traveled to every state except Alaska and Hawaii.

Funeral services for Susie will be on Tuesday November 8, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Shannon Bopp officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Horse Praire Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser Public Library and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Robert “Crash” Crews, 73, of Buckner, passed away on Friday November 4, 2022 at his home.

He was born on March 26, 1949 in St Louis, Mo to James and May (Greene) Crews. He married Renee (Brckovich) Crews and she survives of Buckner.

He is also survived by his children Krista (Michael) Kanady of Buckner, Wendi (Charles) Bushong of Buckner and Robert “Bobby” (Crystal) Crews of Benton; grandchildren Cody (Nichole) Crews, Mikayla Bate, Emily Crews, Peyton Mattingley; one sister Peggy Rousey of Florida and one brother Shannon Crews of Georgia and several special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Krista Renee Crews, one sister Barbara Crews and three brothers Gary Crews, Steve Crews and James Crews.

He was associated with the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years and was a member of the UMWA. He also served on the Buckner Village Board for several years, Buckner Fire Department and was on the School Board for Christopher High School.

His wishes were to be cremated with a private family graveside service to be held at a later date.

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

Gordon L. “Chunk” Rice, 79, of West City, passed away Friday morning, October 28, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Benton, IL on April 25, 1943, the son of William Laverne “Honey” and Lola Pearl (Rone) Rice.
He married Teri (Burwell) in 1995.

Mr. Rice was a retired Coal Miner and a UMWA member, he was an avid Cardinals fan, a lifetime member of the Boneyard Bocce Club, and a former member of the Benton Elks. He was very dedicated to the Village of West City where he served on the Board of Trustees. He was funny, kindhearted, and would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He never missed any event of his grandchildren. He was the world’s best Husband, Dad and PaPa.

Mr. Rice is survived by his:
Wife: Teri Rice
Daughter: Kerrie Smith (James Hopkins)
Stepson: Brandon Ing
Daughter-in-law: Alexis Ing Obrecht (Michael Obrecht)
Grandchildren: Erik Brown, Jesse Smith (Allison Stubblefield), Shawn Ing, Zaidyn Ing, Quentyn Obrecht, Annabelle Obrecht, Payton Obrecht, Aubryana Obrecht, Aurora (Rori) Obrecht, Ayzli Obrecht and Gabriel Obrecht.

Mr. Rice was preceded in death by his Parents and by a Daughter-Jamie (Rice) Brown in 1992.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6 P.M. Tuesday, November 1st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Jackie Dean Stewart officiating. Visitation will be after 3:30 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
The Family asks that everyone wear a St. Louis Cardinals shirt or the color red in honor of Chunk.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Sharla Joann Bennett, 87, of Metropolis, IL, died Thursday, October 27, 2022, at South Gate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Metropolis, IL.

She was born July 18, 1935, in Macedonia, IL, the daughter of Herman and Elma (Hobbs) Johnson.

Joann was educated in the Akin/Benton, IL, school systems. She married Donald Lowell Bennett on September 8, 1951.

She earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She taught 2nd grade at Central Elementary and 3rd grade at Franklin Elementary for the Massac County school district. She took great pride in teaching and was known for her yearly classroom plays. She loved animals and had many dogs and cats throughout her life. She was a very generous mother with her sons, her grandchildren, family, friends, and neighbors.

Earlier in life, Joann was very active in church and was a member of 1st Baptist Church of Metropolis. She enjoyed camping and traveling with her family, collecting Depression Glass and playing Bridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Elma Johnson and her in-laws, Lowell and Dorothy Bennett

Joann is survived by her husband, Donald of Metropolis; son, Mark Bennett of Russellville, KY; granddaughter, Dr. Andrea Bennett of Denver, CO and grandson, Steven Bennett of Lexington, KY; son, Frank Bennett of New Columbia, IL, and his wife Myra Wood Bennett.; sister, Ruth Lemons of Benton, IL and sister, Nancy Odom and husband Larry of Benton.

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

There will be no visitation.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 31, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at the Brady Cemetery, Akin IL, with the Reverend Terry Mathis, officiating.

Memorials may be made to 1st Baptist Church of Metropolis or Project Hope Humane Society also of Metropolis, IL and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online Condolences may be express at www.patefh.com

Harmon Fisher, 79, of Manteno, Il, passed away at 9:28 p.m., on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL.

He was born on March 31, 1943, to Walter and Pauline (Brandhorst) Fisher in Macedonia, IL.

He enjoyed color bowling, huge Chicago Cubs fan and loved angels. He especially looked forward to ringing the church bell’s every Sunday.

Harmon is survived two brothers, Lendall (Nancy) Fisher and Vernon (Paula) Fisher and one sister, Violet Lilillico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Pauline Fisher, his brother, Denver Fisher and his sister, Wanda Sullivan.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 4, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Larry G. Eubanks, age 74, of Benton, passed away at 5:25 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2022, peacefully at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the Army National Guard, will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Larry was born on July 4, 1948 to Fay Eubanks and Helen (Fletcher) Eubanks in Benton.

After graduation from BCHS in 1967, he went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Army where he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and Good Conduct Medal. He eventually returned to Benton and worked as a coal miner, eventually becoming the president of his local chapter of the United Mine Workers Union.
Larry married Brenda Learned on May 16, 1969; they were with each other through all of life’s ups and downs. Larry and Brenda would go on to have one child, Bruce DeWayne Eubanks, who they loved dearly.

Larry was an avid baseball fan and loved the St. Louis Cardinals. He also loved handy work and could often be found building things for the family in his shed. After they retired, Larry and Brenda became creatures of habit and routinely ate dinner nearly every night at Pops BBQ, where the staff became their extended family.

Larry was preceded in death by Brenda on September 15, 2022. He is survived by his son, Bruce DeWayne Eubanks and his husband Anthony of Napa, CA; a brother Wendell Eubanks and wife Mary of Benton; two sisters-in-law: Barbara Dixon and husband Melvin of Benton, Melissa Learned of Benton; a nephew Curtis Eubanks of Florida; seven nieces: Cindy Buntin and husband Sam and family of Benton, Amanda Miller and husband Troy of Benton, Sarah Stowers and husband Derek of Benton, Erin Holley and husband David of Las Vegas, Nevada, Alecia Morris of Harrisburg, Illinois, Kristen Tomshack and husband TJ of Benton, Debbie Clay and family of Benton; several great-nieces and nephews that he considered his grandkids: Matthew and Bella Miller, Logan, Lenox, and Lance Stowers, Reese, Reagan, and Remington Holley, Jordyn and Shelbie Learned, Paisley Morris, Madison, Hailey, and Michael Tomshack.

Besides his wife Brenda, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Donald Eubanks and wife Linda; three nephews: Brian Eubanks, Ron Eubanks, and Doug Eubanks; two brothers-in-law: Harold Learned, Jr, Tom “TJ” Learned.
Memorial contributions in memory of Larry, may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Larry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Janice Lea Vandekerkhove, 81, of Coello, passed away on Tuesday October 25, 2022 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on March 3, 1941 in Crab Orchard, IL to Frank and Olive (Tanner) Davis. She married Gustave “Gus” “Butch” Vandekerkhove on July 4, 1958 and he preceded her in death on July 20, 2019.

Survivors include her children Michael (Tracey) Vandekerkhove of Mulkeytown, Tom Vandekerkhove of Hurst, Sonya Eldridge of Ewing and Robert (Chanda) Vandekerkhove of Coello; grandchildren Elizabeth (Todd) Paulson, Ty (Abby) Vandekerkhove, Treg (Faith) Vandekerkhove, Brittany Basler, Austin Vandekerkhove, Remy (Caleb) Miner, Alexandria Fedderke and Adrianna Fedderke; great grandchildren Chloe, Drake, Landon, Axel, Sloane, Kourtlin, Khalil, Hollis, Rosalyn, Emmitt, Wesleigh and Emilia.

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

Funeral services will be held on Friday October 28, 2022 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Bill Wiggs Jr. officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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