Flora Allis Bellamey, 82, of Christopher, passed away on April 29, 2022. She was born on April 2, 1940 in Springerton, IL to Daniel and Thelma Grace (Wilson) Simpson. She was married to James Ray Bellamey on December 18, 1971 and he preceded her in death on March 13, 2020.

She is survived by her children Terri (Dave) Green of Indianapolis, IN , Kevin Bellamey of Indianapolis, IN, Gordon (Carol) Bellamey of Georgetown, IN, Dan Bellamey of Christopher, IL, Dallis Bellamey of Zeigler, IL, two brothers, Daniel Franklin Simpson of Rehoboth Beach, VA Samuel Simpson of Anna, IL and 22 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two children, Angie Armstrong and Johnnie Ray Phillips, and five brothers and sisters.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday May 4, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Samuel Simpson officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Little Zion Cemetery in Enfield, IL.

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

Marion Louis Veach, “Bull”, age 93, was called home by his heavenly father on April 29, 2022 at his home in Valier, Illinois where he lived his entire life.

He was born on July 4, 1928 to Marion Louis and Mary Jane (Winn) Veach at their home on Rea Street in Valier. In 1947 Marion met his lifelong love Mollie, who he called his little Queen, at a football game. On September 3, 1949 they married and later had one daughter, Dixie (Veach) Miller, and one son, Jim Veach.

His family was the primary joy of his life. Those who knew Marion know that he spent his life in service of the Lord. Marion was known as a man of powerful, unshaking faith and joyfully lived his life following the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was a proud member of Valier First Baptist Church for 74 years and 60-year member of the Freemasons. During his time at the church he was an active deacon for 50 years, taught Sunday school, performed countless hours of carpentry work for the church, and even served as song leader for a short time. He was also known for his pre-meal blessings that could border on sermon-length at times and would prompt a polite elbow from Mollie as a reminder for him to wrap it up. His distinctive “Amen” that he spoke to affirm the message during services at Valier First Baptist Church will be missed by his church family.

Marion began his 40-plus year career as a coal miner and UMWA member in 1948. In 2019, Marion was named “UMWA Miner of the Year” and served as the Sesser Homecoming parade Grand Marshal. It was one of the proudest accomplishments of his career as a coal miner. The mines are where he would gain the nickname that would stick with him for the rest of his life. Marion was affectionately known to friends and family as “Bull”. His father’s nickname was “Bull” and when Marion began working at the mine with his father, his new co-workers called him “Bull” as well. It was truly a fitting moniker for an opinionated, stead-fast man. Bull was no stranger to difficulty in his life mainly due to his choice in baseball teams. He was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan that lived in the heart of Cardinal country. He attended only one Cubs game at Wrigley Field in his life and in his single afternoon as a bleacher bum at Wrigley field, half of his section were chatting with him, knew him by his nickname, and were taking selfies with him. One gentleman from Pittsburg, PA even texted a few months after the game to ask how he was doing and mentioned how happy he was to meet Bull because it made his own Wrigley experience that much more memorable. Bull was even interviewed by an MLB TV reporter at the game. Those that knew him well know that his cheerfully outgoing and friendly nature ensured that, no matter where he went, he never met a stranger.

Marion is survived by his wife, Mollie Veach; daughter, Dixie (Veach) Miller; son, Jim Veach; as well as his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and his nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Louis Veach; his mother, Mary Jane Veach; his sister Imogene (Veach) McBride, and his son-in-law, Evan Miller. Services will be on Monday May 2, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Valier First Baptist Church with Brother Kevin Bradley and Brother Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Valier First Baptist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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

Mr. William Dewey Auten, age 95, of Benton, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022, at his home on South Main.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

William was born on March 17, 1927, in DuQuoin, Illinois; the son of Dewey Auten and Edith (Weston) Auten. He married the former Easter Risner on April 15, 1950, and she preceded him in death on November 10, 1998.
Mr. Auten was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II.

He was the former Principal at Valier and Harrisburg High Schools. He would retire after 27 years as Superintendent of Benton Grade School District #47.

William enjoyed hunting, fishing, all types of technology, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Surviving are four children: Debby Cantrell and husband Gary of Benton, IL, Karen Furlow and husband Rodney of Christopher, IL, Brad Auten and wife Leslie of Monticello, IL, Brett Auten and wife Emily of St. Peters, MO; eight grandchildren: Aaron Cantrell (Amy), Kristen Lampley (Chad), Katie Matthews (Cullen), Lily Furlow (John), Adam Auten, Anna Auten, Reid Auten, William Auten; eightttt great-grandchildren: Lacey Jerkins, Lance Jerkins, Lane Lampley, Luke Lampley, Kanon Cantrell, Kash Cantrell, Harrison Matthews, Amelia Matthews; a brother Kenneth Auten of Downers Grove, IL; a sister Mary Ann Downs and husband Si of Mount Jackson, VA; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a son William Brian Auten; two brothers: Hiram and Robert Auten.

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 Mr. Auten, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Gerald “G.W.” Wayne Flatt Jr., 82, of rural Benton passes away on April 28, 2022 at the Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

G.W. was born December 22, 1939 in Edwight, West Virginia to Gerald W. Flatt Sr. and Phyllis M. (Lamb) Flatt. He married Ada Jean Thery on April 10, 2001.

He proudly served 22 years in the US Air Force. Returning to Franklin County, he worked for Boyd Brothers Trucking and retired as the Village of Valier Water and Sewer Superintendent.

G.W. is survived by his wife Ada Jean Flatt. His children: Gina Lane and Gerald W. Flatt III; grandchildren Lacy (Steven) Troyer, Amanda (Ira) Smith, Jerod (Maranda) Flatt, Sarah (Sam) Nava; great grandchildren Stormy Smith, Derek and Zane Troyer and two arriving soon, all of Texas. Ada’s children, Louie (Carol) Thery, David (Jenny) Thery and “Dubby” to Matthew and Luke Thery; his sisters Nancy Bailey, Donna (Mike) Sevenski and Kathy (Brad) Miller; sister-in-law Wanda Flatt, special cousin Don Lee Lamb and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Oliver “O.D.” Flatt, son-in-law Rocky Lane, daughter-in-law Sherry Flatt, and Dubby’s Luke Thery.

Special thanks to his “girls” of the DaVita Dialysis Team in Benton, Dr. Kevin Chen and Angelito Tracderas, N.P. and the drivers of the Navarre VA transport.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sesser-Valier Luke Thery Memorial Scholarship fund.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday May 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, Illinois. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Union Primitive Baptist in Sesser.

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

Nancy Lee Loucks, 77, of Benton, passed away on April 27, 2022 at her home.

She was born on December 23, 1944 in Des Plains, IL to Richard and Katherine (Nelson) Hass. She married Clifford Loucks on January 5, 1963 and he preceded her in death on March 20, 2020.

She is survived by her children Marie (Todd) Martin of Wayne City, IL, Michael (Julie) Loucks of Scheller, IL, Marc Loucks of Sesser and Martin (Hassi) Loucks of Pittsburg, IL; nine grandchildren Ashley White, Dylan Loucks, Joey Hattendorf, Ellie Hattendorf, Austin Loucks, Aszure Loucks, Brent Ullman, Leo Loucks and Marci Loucks; thirteen great grandchildren and one sister Patricia (Roger) Sevison of Pine Top, AZ.

She was preceded in death by his parents, husband and one sister Kay Schilling.

Funeral Mass will be on Saturday April 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Friday April 29, 2022 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Michael Wayne Tinsley, 31, of Sesser, passed away on Saturday April 23, 2022.

He was born on May 16, 1990 in Mt Vernon, IL to Regina (Wright) Tinsley and Robert Tinsley.

He is survived by his daughter Skylar Grace; mother Regina Tinsley of Sesser; father Robert Tinsley; brother Myles (Taylor) Tinsley of Woodlawn; Nephew Rucker Tinsley; Nana Judy Tinsley of Woodlawn; Granddad Mickey Wright of Woodlawn; two aunts Vicki (Brett) Tinsley of Woodlawn and Angie (Brent) Williams of Woodlawn; uncle Roger (Carrie) Wright of Woodlawn and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his Grandma Diane Wright and Grandpa George Tinsley.

Graveside services will be held on Monday May 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Spring Hill Cemetery in Rural Beecher City, IL with Ethan Shurtz officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday May 1, 2022 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be given to the Sesser-Valier School District to be divided between the Luke Thery Memorial Scholarship and the Kaitlyn Laskowski Stanfield Memorial Scholarship. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Murrel “Red” Wingo, 79, of Benton, passed away at 9:12 p.m., on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.

He was born on October 16, 1942, to Dallas and Ruby (Neunlist) Wingo in Franklin County, IL.

Red enjoyed riding his bike around Benton and liked horses and dancing.

Murrel is survived by his sister, Agnes Hamilton; brother, Dallas Truman Wingo; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Wingo and nine nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas William and Ruby Wingo, two brothers, Gerald Wingo and Hillis Wingo and six sisters, Dora Lou Richardson, Nancy Wingo, Neva June Wingo, Marla Jean Wingo, Carolyn Sue Wingo and Marilyn Joe Wingo and an infant brother.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

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