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

Phyllis Marie Knapper, 87, entered heaven on October 20, 2022.

Phyllis was born on July 12, 1935, in Akin, Illinois the daughter of Joe and Freda Launius. Phyllis had one beloved sister, Carolyn Launius, who was her best friend until her sudden passing in 1978.

Phyllis married James Edward Knapper on October 2, 1956 in Benton, Illinois. They shared 34 years of marriage together until James’ passing on August 12, 1991.

Phyllis was a homemaker. She was a member of Thompsonville Church of God. Phyllis enjoyed reading her Bible and spending time with her family.

Surviving are her 3 children, Kimberly (Claude) Otterson of Benton, IL, James Joel (Dawn) Knapper of Bourbonnais, IL and Philip (Tammie) Knapper of Cape Coral, FL; 4 grandchildren, Rebecca Otterson (Donald Winters, Jr.) of Enfield, IL, Molly (Eddie) Kennedy of Aroma Park, IL, Hannah (Kurt) Portwood of Jacksonville, IL and Jarrod Knapper of Springfield, IL; 1 great granddaughter, Lillian Otterson; 1 great grandson, Kaden Portwood and 1 great grandbaby, Baby Kennedy, due to arrive in May of 2023.

In addition to her husband, Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, sister, first granddaughter, Carolyn Marie Otterson and Aunt Velma and Uncle Raymond Davis.

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

A graveside service will be held at 11:45am, Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to Thompsonville Church of God.

WWW.PATEFH.COM

Amy Ranee Queen, 47, of Christopher, passed away on October 20, 2022 at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri surrounded by family.

She was born on October 29, 1974 in Pinckneyville, IL to Danny Queen and Tany (Cochran) Steckenrider. She attended Christopher High School and graduated in 1992. She went on to get her associates in nursing from Rend Lake College. She started her nursing career at the Rea Clinic in Christopher, then continued her career at SIH. She touched the lives of many in her career as a nurse. She enjoyed being outdoors, working in her flower gardens and being with her family.

She is survived by her father Danny Queen (Kelly Phillips) of DuQuoin, mother Tany Steckenrider (Gary Goss) of Christopher, sister Chrissy Dirnbeck (Eric Dirnbeck) of West Frankfort, brother Jim Steckenrider(Sandy Hill-Kixmiller) of West City, brother Jacob Steckenrider(Krista Ticer) of West Frankfort, daughter Aleesha Twitty(Todd Twitty) of Mulkeytown and grandson due in March, daughter Jena Holden of Christopher and son Dylan Holden of Christopher. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday October 26, 2022 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 4 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 27 at the Gilbert Funeral home at 11 am followed by a brief burial service at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amy Ranee Queen Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded to a Christopher High School student planning to pursue a nursing degree.

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

Bob Bridewell, 87, of Springfield, formerly of Thompsonville, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Springfield Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. Bob was born July 10, 1935, in Saline County, the son of Rural G. and Dottie Bridewell. Bob graduated from Thompsonville High School in 1954. He married Geraldine “Gerry” Eubanks on May 3, 1957, in Benton, Illinois with Rev. Harv Kimmel presiding.

Bob loved cars and had over 53 years of experience in the automotive business. He began working at Glen Weeks Auto in West Frankfort, Illinois. He then worked at Caruthers Cadillac and Pontiac Dealership until he opened his own business, Bridewell’s Body Shop and Auto Sales, in 1969 and retired in 2007. He was a past member of the Benton Elks Lodge, where he was a past Exalted Ruler, past member of Benton Bocce Club, and past member of the Akin Masonic Lodge.He was of protestant faith. Bob loved auto racing, attending local races when he was younger every weekend, and was a NASCAR Fan, never missing a race on the television in later years. He also loved to trade and sell farm machinery. After moving to Springfield to be closer to his family, he loved spending time with his great- grandchildren and hearing all about their sports and activities.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Gerry Bridewell, one child, Jaye Bridewell Miller, granddaughter Shannon (Nick) Bellini, and great-grandchildren Seiger Dunston and Gianna Jaye Bellini. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews along with many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Rural and Dottie Bridewell, and his wife’s parents Deck and Ruth Eubanks.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Brother Larry Miller officiating; burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from noon to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Elks Children’s Care; and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Bob, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com