Robert “Pizza Bob” Bleichner, 78, of Benton passed away on Tuesday afternoon February 11, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Urbana, IL on May 29, 1946 the son of Lawrence & Rebecca (Ochs) Bleichner.

He married Loyce McCollum on February 17, 1979 in West City, IL and she preceded him in death on August 12, 2012.

Mr. Bleichner owned and operated the Pizza Shack for 42 years, and was the first pizza place in town. He was famous for his pizza, tacos, and taco sauce (No, you can’t have the recipe!). He was a member of the Boccie Ball Club, had season tickets to the Indianapolis 500, and enjoyed going to auctions. Long before it was popular, Bob had an extreme couponing phase, and his wife joked that while other husbands were out running the bars, hers was out running the grocery stores. He enjoyed dinner parties with friends Henry & Linda Moore and loved visiting with his grandchildren. Bob was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton and the famously self-appointed Mayor and Sheriff of Pickle City, Illinois.

Mr. Bleichner is survived by his:
Children:
Erin (Shannon) Wright
Alan Brockett
Robert Bleichner
Amanda Bleichner & husband Adam Fletcher
Ryan Bleichner

Grandchildren:
Victoria Atchison
Samuel Anastasi
Addison Anastasi
Elliette Fletcher
Rowan Fletcher

Great-Granddaughter: Magnolia Atchison
Siblings:
Martina Dial & husband Allen
Janice Revell
Brother-in-law: Michael (Jolene) McCollum
Many nieces and nephews in Champaign County and southeast Missouri

Mr. Bleichner was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Brothers-L.J. Bleichner, Paul Bleichner, Carl Bleichner, Sister-Beverly, Sister-in-law-Ruth McCollum, Brother-in-law-Steven McCollum, niece Phyllis Bowman, and his recently departed cat Buddy.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 15th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. A Graveside services will follow immediately after the visitation at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion Post #280, VFW Post #2671 and the Army Honor Team.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Jane Ellen Freeman Dillon, 87 years, 11 months and 12 days, of Benton passed away at 5:08 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, at her home in Benton, Illinois surrounded by her 4 children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jane was born on February 27, 1937, at the home of her grandmother in Benton, the daughter of Earnest Freeman and Juanita (Jones) Freeman. Jane was baptized at a young age (March 25, 1951) and a member of the First Baptist Church for 73 years. She graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1955.

She met the love of her life, Donald L. Dillon while on a hayride in her freshman year of high school. She always told the story they both had gone with other people but left that night together. They proceeded to date throughout high school and married the fall after graduation, September 4, 1955. Together they would share 57 of years of marriage until his death on October 30, 2012. To this union were born Victoria Ann, Donald (Skip) Freeman, Valerie Lynn, and Tracy Lee.

Although Jane worked for a period of time, her greatest joy and passion was her family. She loved traditional Sunday dinners and for decades would fry up numerous chickens and make 2 homemade pies. Her signature trademark was the kitchen towel she always had over her shoulder and her sweet tea. Having grown up in a small family herself, Jane loved that her house was the gathering place for her kids’ friends and later grandkids and their friends and was known in the community as ‘Granny.’ Her door was never locked, nor did anyone ever have to knock, but just walk in one and all. She would always make up large batches of food for the revolving door of people. It wasn’t unusual on a Friday night after a football game to see a line from her kitchen through the house and out the front door of hungry teenagers waiting for their turn and never knowing what kids she would find sleeping on her couch of a morning.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, infant brother and a sister, Patricia (Trish) (Freeman) Aiken.

Surviving are her children: Vicky (Leon) Sanders of Benton, Skip (Joyce) Dillon of Flora, IL, Valerie (Denny) Benns, Valier, IL and Tracy (Kent) Edwards of Memphis, TN; 11 grandchildren: Melanie (Brian) Johns of O’Fallon, IL, Jessica (Josh) Corduan of Lake St. Louis, MO, Steven (Taylor) Sander of Benton, Mitchell Dillon and partner Jose Gracia of NY, NY, Mallori (Corey) Walker of Flora, IL, Nick (Celeste) Batts of Herrin, IL, Cassie Jay and significant other Chris Oraha of Benton, Jake (Katie) Batts of Benton, Audry (Aaron) Ginsburg of NY, NY, Meredith Hamilton of Nashville, TN and Quincy Hamilton and fiancé Logan Snell of Indianapolis, IN; 14 great-children: Piper Corduan, Timber, Tinley and Ranger Sanders, Mia and Cameron Walker, Hayes and Peyton Batts, Karrigan and Harrison Jay, Carter, Henry and Wells Batts, and Sloane Ginsburg. Nieces: Laura Aiken and Lynne Aiken of San Angelo, Tx; Cousins: Barbara (Ken) Whittington of Benton, Kathy Dwyer of Benton and Lynette Keeling of Louisville, KY; Brother-in-laws Butch (BJ) Dillon of Marcellus, MI, David (Katie) Dillon of Austin, TX; Sister-in-laws Darlene (Randy) Ayres of San Antonio, TX, Jane Sanders of Benton and close friend since 3rd grade Suzanne (Suzie) Baker of Benton.

Funeral services for Jane will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Jim Jenkel officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellow Cemetery of Benton, IL. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Benton and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jane, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Penni Dunford, age 64, of Benton, grasped the hand of her Lord and Savior at 6:57 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025; surrounded by her husband and sons, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Her wishes are to be cremated, with a Celebration of Life, to be held at a future date.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Penni was born on August 18, 1960, in Herrin, Illinois, the daughter of Gene Jent and Vicki (Gantz) Jent. On August 28, 1981, she married Jeff Dunford, and together they shared 43 years of marriage.
She formerly worked as a clerk at the Franklin Hospital of Benton and was a homemaker.

Penni enjoyed going to Rend Lake, taking Sunday drives, going on family trips, watching the Andy Griffith show, and decorating her home for the holidays.
Penni is survived by her loving husband Jeff Dunford of Benton, Illinois; two sons Cameron Dunford of Benton, Illinois and Chason Dunford of Carterville, Illinois; a brother Dennis Jent and wife Sandra of West Frankfort, Illinois; and several kids that spent time in her home that she treated as her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the 3200 crew and the Palliative care team at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Memorial contributions in memory of Penni Dunford, may be made to the Finding Forever Animal Rescue, 1117 East Main Street, Marion, Illinois 62959; @ffanimalrescue
To leave condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Penni, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Zebidiah Benjamin Harrah, age 45, of Benton, passed away at 6:25 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated, with a Celebration of Life, to be held at a future date.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Zebidiah was born on October 15, 1979, in Mt. Vernon, IL; the son of James Ray Harrah and Connie Sue (Woodward) Harrah.
He formerly worked at the Benton-West City Wal-Mart.

Zeb enjoyed fishing and fixing things. Most of all he loved his two sons.

He is survived by his two sons: Sebastian Harrah and Christian Harrah both of Benton, IL; his loving mother Connie Harrah of Benton, IL; sibling Milo Harrah-Arizmendi and husband Christian; a special cousin that was like a brother Steven Paul Meeks of Opdyke, IL; several other cousins; two aunts: Debbie Lasseigne and Donna Collins; and his dog Jezzie.

Zebidiah was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his father, and an aunt, Linda Meeks.
The family prefers that you plant a tree in memory of Zebidiah.
To leave condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Zebidiah, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Pamela R. Burnett, age 80, of Benton, passed away at 5:24 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Pam was born on April 3, 1944, in Amarillo, Texas; the daughter of Gilbert Franklin Johnson and Mona Ray (Oliver) Johnson. She married Bobby Dean “Bob” Burnett on October 6, 1962. Together they shared 62 years of marriage.

She was a homemaker. Until her health failed her, she attended the Pentecostal Church of West Frankfort.

Pam was an avid reader and enjoyed going to the library. She also loved listening to music, going on drives, taking trips, and drinking a cold Pepsi.

Surviving is her loving husband Bob Burnett of Benton, IL; her children: Toni Kay Reynolds-Burnett of Benton, IL, Robin Denean Wiggins of Sevierville, TN, Jason Burnett of Benton, IL; three grandchildren: Denean Kay Riggs and husband Rev. Wesley Riggs of Knoxville, TN, Jesse Burnett of Benton, IL, Dustin Wiggins of Benton, IL; a great-grandson Aidan Riggs; a sister Becky Hatchett of West Frankfort, IL; several nieces and nephews; and her fur baby Rascal.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two infant daughters: Tammy Romain Burnett and Angela Marie Burnett, siblings: Cheryl Ray Johnson, Raynelle Stover, Randy Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Rev. Wesley Riggs officiating. Entombment will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Public Library and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Pam, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Hollis Ray Pitchford, 87, of Centralia, passed away on Tuesday February 4, 2025 at Cedar Ridge Health Care Center in Lebanon, IL.

He was born on October 24, 1937 in Jefferson County, IL to Phillip and Allegra (McBride) Pitchford. He married Barbara (Sigwerth) Pitchford on November 30, 1963 and she preceded him in death on July 11, 2007.

He is survived by his daughter Michele (Bobby) Davis of Lebanon; grandchildren Jason (Heather) Davis and Cody (Katie) Davis and two great great grandchildren Jordan and Abigail.

He was preceded in death by his father Phillip Pitchford, mother Allegra Thompson and his step-father Ira Lee Thompson.

He was a conductor for the Burlington Northern Railroad Company and was a veteran of the United States Army.

Graveside services will be held on Friday February 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Pastor George Marshall officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery

Denise L. Barr-Szaro, 70, of Carbondale, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

She was born on August 6, 1954, to Everett and Gladys (Bell) Barr in Joliet, IL. Denise worked as a telephone server for Southern Illinois University Carbondale, for 32 years before her retirement in 2010. On July 5, 2003, she married Mark Duane Szaro and he survives.

She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Murphysboro, IL. Denise enjoyed taking photographs, sewing and quilting, but she absolutely loved her cats.

Denise is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, Mark; her brother, James (Pat) Everett Barr; her mother-in-law, Joy Elaine Szaro; her sister-in-law, Elaine Marie Szaro; two nieces, Lynette Overton and Sherri Ripley; two nephews, Ryland R. Belcher and Grayden Belcher and her cousin, Anna McGinty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett Edgar and Gladys Lorene Barr.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL, with Pastors Steve Raglin and David Pinkerton, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church in Murphysboro for the church camp and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Kimberly Lane (Hargis) Carso, 65, of Royalton, passed away on Thursday January 30, 2025 at her home.

She was born on October 2, 1959 in Christopher to Tommy and Gwendolyn “Gwen” (Hale) Hargis. She married Thomas Dale Carso and he survives of Royalton.

She is also survived by her brothers Mike Hargis of Gillette, WY and Jeff Hargis of Longview, TX; two nephews Justin Hargis and Timothy Neill and many special friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday February 6, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

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

Waneta Huffman, 90, formerly of Sesser, passed away on Janaury 31, 2025 in Macomb, IL.

She was born on September 15, 1934 in Valier, IL to Louie and Lena (Wilkerson) Eubanks. She married George Huffman Jr. on March 15, 1953 and he preceded her in death on April 18, 2008.

She is survived by her children Max Huffman of Macomb, Cynthia (Ronnie) Elms of Texas and George Huffman III of Macomb; ten grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter; daughter-in-law Nancy Huffman of Carbondale; two siblings Carrol Owens of Virginia and Norman Eubanks of South Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Terry Gale Huffmanand one sister Shirley Furlow.

Waneta was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church and was a cook at the Sesser-Valier School for many years.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday February 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral Home. Entombment will be at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Energy.

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