Elina Rae Morris of West Frankfort passed away on Saturday March 12, 2022 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on January 28, 2022 in Carbondale, IL to Stephen Morris and Kimberly Owens.

She is survived by her mother Kimberly Owens; father Stephen Morris; sister Jaycee; brother Remy; maternal grandmother Toni; paternal grandparents Melissa Motsinger and Stephen M. Morris; aunts Autumn Morris and Ronnie Curry; uncles Aaron Green, Jared Curry and Ryder Motsinger; cousins Elliot Morris and Archer Curry.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather Doug Owens; great grandparents James & Diana Morris and Bill & Rosalie Raymond and one Uncle Zack Wade.

A memorial visitation will be on Sunday March 20, 2022 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

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

Wilbur Gene VanHorn, better known as “Pop” by many, passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday evening, March 12, 2022, at his home of 56 years in Benton, Illinois.

Wilbur was born in the area called “The Diggins” in the Palestine area, on October 22, 1926, the son of Archie Henry and Mary Louisa (Payne) VanHorn. Wilbur was a loving son, devoted husband and father, as well as an amazing grandfather. He was known by others to be a simple man: genuine, honest, possessing integrity, loving, hard-working, social, a teacher, and a role model to many. He employed and mentored many local youth that needed summer jobs at Biebel Roofing.

Working to provide for his family was his mission in life. Wilbur VanHorn, and his wife Winnie, owned and operated Biebel Roofing Company in Benton, Illinois, for more than 43 years. Wilbur sold and repaired roofs as well as consulted with many businesses, school districts, and home owners regarding roof maintenance and construction throughout Southern Illinois. Together Wilbur and Winnie built the business from the ground up based on pride, honesty, and determination. When not at work, Wilbur and Winnie spent time enjoying their farm in Vienna, Illinois, with family and friends. The “farm” was the oasis that he created for his family and himself. Wilbur spent countless weekends driving the Case or the John Deere 720 tractor, bush-hogging, cutting and tagging thorns, hunting, raising cattle, and taking his family on wagon rides. He adored spending time with his family and was at his happiest when the “farm” was filled with friends and family.
Wilbur was a proud World War II Veteran. He served in the Naval Air Transportation Service, NATS, which was a specialized squadron that supported air transport in response to Pearl Harbor. He spent the majority of his tour in Guam. He was proud of his service and was honored to have served our country.

Wilbur was also a member of numerous local lodges, clubs, and organizations throughout Southern Illinois. He was an active participant in many associations and his love for people lead him to join. Wilbur was a member of the American Legion, Benton Elks Lodge #1234, Eagles, Moose Lodge, Benton Bocce Ball Club, Benton Ranger Booster Club, and the Masonic Temple #64. Wilbur was a 3rd Degree Mason of the Masonic Temple #64 of Benton and a 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rites Bodies. He assisted in the establishment of the original Shriners Motor Patrol. Wilbur was the oldest living Elk and American Legion Post # 280 and VFW Post # 2671 member. Wilbur and his late wife, Winnie, were avid supporters of Benton Rangers basketball and rarely missed a game throughout the years. The St. Louis Cardinals were also a large part of Wilbur’s happiness. He loved to watch baseball and was a baseball statistical expert.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his wife, Winnie (Atchison) VanHorn, his parents, Archie Henry and Mary Louisa (Payne) VanHorn; his siblings, Emadee VanHorn, Rev VanHorn, Everett VanHorn, Virginia (VanHorn) Eubanks, Naomi (VanHorn) Mandrell, Elizabeth (VanHorn) Smith, Lucille (Uhles) Johnson, Marcella Uhles, Lewis VanHorn, and Archie VanHorn.

Wilbur is survived by two siblings Mary (VanHorn) Todd and Ernestine (VanHorn) LiaBraaten; by his three children; daughter, Lynette (Van Horn) Ing, and husband Weldon, daughter, Alecia (Van Horn) Moore and husband Hugh, and son, Brian Van Horn and wife Nina; nine grandchildren Wesley Ing and wife Kristin, Lyndsey Moore, Whitney (Ing) Swift and husband Rob, Lauren (Moore) Johnson and husband Brent, Will Van Horn, Ella Van Horn, Jack Gerber, Cole Gerber, and Ella Gerber; seven great-grandchildren, Westin Ing, Lyric Johnson, Grant Swift, Wynnstin Ing, Winnie Swift, Karaline Ing, and Landry Johnson.

Visitation and funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Morton & Johnston Funeral Home at 410 South Main Street Benton, Illinois.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 1:00 PM. Burial services with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion Post #280, VFW Post#2671 & the U.S. Navy Honors Team will immediately follow funeral services at Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington, Illinois.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Fairbury, IL – Margaret (Loucks) Wing of Fairbury passed away Thursday, March 10th at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

Margaret was born in Sesser, Illinois, the daughter of Ivan and Virginia (Phillips) Loucks. She married Fred W. Wing Jr. in 1958 and is survived by her devoted husband and her loving children, Sheila (Eric) Langford of Dallas, TX, and Rebecca (Robert Kasinecz) Wing of Downers Grove, IL.

Also surviving Margaret is her sister, Marie Drexler, and five grandchildren, Sam (Rebecca) Langford, Katie Langford, Hannah Langford, Luke Langford and Lance Kasinecz, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Margaret attended University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in Home Economics. She taught school in Kankakee, Gilman, and Fairbury. Thereafter, Margaret worked alongside her husband at their business, Mr. Timber, Inc. Margaret was an exceptionally kind and patient person, supporting her children and grandchildren in their activities. She enjoyed gardening and traveling.

Visitation will be 4 to 6 pm Friday, March 18th, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church of Fairbury, National Kidney Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County, or SELCAS.

Family graveside service will be at Avoca Township Cemetery, with Pastor Paul Wier officiating.

The family would like to thank Fresenius Kidney Center, SELCAS, and Connections Home Care for all their dedicated care.

Condolences and tributes may be made to the family at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

Edna Fern Ezell, 90, of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away Monday, October 4, 2021, at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida.

Eddi was born March 24, 1931, in rural Benton, Illinois to Sherman Franklin and Anise Gayer Ezell. She was formerly from Naperville, Illinois; Prescott Valley, Arizona and Benton Illinois. She graduated from Frankfort Community High School in the class of 1949. Eddi attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois; Illinois State Normal University and North Central College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in education. She earned a Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University. While at Illinois State Normal she was a member of Gamma Pi.

Eddi was a retired special education teacher and took great pride in her career and her love of children. She loved to travel. She was also an avid quilter and a quilt appraiser. She was a gifted artist, creating many beautiful quilts and paintings. She spent many years researching family genealogy and loved traveling across the countryside researching old records and cemeteries. Eddi was a member of the Fairhope Community Church in Fairhope, Alabama. Eddi was an avid sports follower of several teams with the mascot of a Cardinal or a Red Bird, therefore her favorite bird was, of course, the Cardinal. She always said every time you see a cardinal that is a reminder of loved ones. Every Cardinal from now on will remind us of our precious Eddi.

Eddi is survived by her son, Roy Andrew “Randy” of Naperville, Il., her granddaughter, Tiffany and husband, Tom Alagna of Pingree Grove, Illinois, and three great-grandchildren, Brookelynn, Colette and Jacob Jeffery. She is also survived by her sister, Judith Summers of Fairhope, Alabama, sister-in-law, Bonnie Ezell, brother-in-law, Jon Blomquist, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Donald Ezell and a sister, Della Sue Blomquist. She is also preceded in death by her son, Scott Jeffery Upton.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Bethel Cemetery located at 11442 Charles Kern Lane, Benton, Illinois. (This is between Benton and West Frankfort) Following the service a meal will be served at the T Street Pub in Christopher, Il. The address is 105 N. Thomas St in Christopher. All are welcome to come celebrate with family and friends the wonderful life of Edna Fern. In honor of her favorite color wear something with the color purple or lavender.

Donations can be made in Eddi’s name to the Bethel Cemetery Association. Mail donations to Cheryl Tindall-Borcky at 1106 East Main Street, Benton, Il. 62812.

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

Nona Fae Shadowen, 82, of Christopher, IL passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the
Herrin Hospital.

Nona was born on April 4, 1939, the daughter of Clyde M. and Georgia (Starr)

Shadowen. She lived in Christopher her entire life.

She is survived by several cousins and an adopted grandson, Noah

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Herman Ray Shadowen.

In her early years, she worked for the General Telephone Company and was the manager
of the General store that was located in downtown Christopher. She loved doing
genealogy. She was very crafty and had an eye for color. She loved going to the parks
and feeding the ducks and squirrels.

Graveside services will be held Monday, March 14, 2022, at 1 pm at the Harrison
Cemetery in Buckner, IL. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements.

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

Bob Flowers, 81, of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday March 8, 2022.

He was born on November 17, 1940 in Zeigler to Ralph and Virginia (Hagen) Flowers.

He is survived by his son Randy (Susan) Flowers of Benton; daughter Daina Shafer of Christopher; sister Karen Simion of Christopher; grandchildren Rachel (Kevin) Pistorius of Olatha, KS, Brooke Webb of Marion, IL, Kyle Shafer of Coello, IL, Tori (JR) Myers of Royalton and Lexi Sala of Christopher; great grandchildren Mia, Kayla, Kason and Noah.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law Donald Simion.

Bob worked at the Rea Clinic, Evans & Polbinski, Bracy’s and Bolaps. He loved gardening, fishing, the St Louis Cardinals baseball and spending time with family and his many friends.

Bob Attended Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday March 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

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

Laverne Dillon, age 71, of Benton, passed away Monday, March 7, 2022, at her home.

Her wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

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

Laverne was born on October 1, 1950, in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of Clyde Ceford Dillon and Alice Elizabeth (Summers) Dillon. She would marry Thomas Vaughn and he preceded her in death.

She was a caregiver; and enjoyed driving around Rend Lake with her sister looking for and counting deer. She loved to collect cookie jars and Indian artifacts; she loved decorating for Halloween and Christmas; she enjoyed watching The Hallmark Channel; she was an avid Chicago Cubs fan; but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving is her loving daughter Tina Taylor of Benton, IL; three grandchildren: Christopher Michael Schofield, Justin Dean Schofield, and Matthew Quintin Schofield, all three of Mt. Vernon, IL; two great-grandchildren: Sabrina Allison Noel Schofield and Roman David Schofield; two sisters: Kay Dudley and Carol Jean Easley, both of Benton, IL; a brother David Dillon of Benton, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father Clyde Ceford Dillon; her mother Alice Elizabeth (Summers) Vandover; a brother Clyde Dennis Dillon; and a sister Connie Ann Wyant.

Memorial contributions in Memory of Laverne, may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, IL 62822-0210, or visit www.petsneedhomes.org

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

Bob “Bobby” Vercellino, 81 years old, passed away peacefully and entered the gates of heaven on March 7, 2022 at his home in Valier, IL. He was born on November 27, 1940 to Johnny and Julia Vercellino.

He attended Valier Community High School, where he graduated in 1958. After high school, he attended S.I.U Carbondale and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Education.

On August 19, 1966, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sue Sammons and together they had two sons; Robby (Kristy) Vercellino of Mulkeytown, IL. Ryan (Ann) Vercellino of Marion, IL and one daughter Eileen Patchett of Valier, IL. He had eight grandchildren: Jeff (Mary) Patchett, Lindy (Isaiah) Stonecipher, Brooke (Jarrod) Cecil, Drew(Kayelee) Pettit, Matthew Vercellino, Ben Vercellino, Nick Reilly, and Brigitte(Kurt) Keeven and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Judy (Buddy) Rowland, and two sisters-in-law, Judy Vercellino and Kay Ann (David) Simpson.

Bobby enjoyed playing sports all throughout grade school and high school. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved spending time with his family and was always willing to open up his home to anyone in time of need. Being this loving, caring, and giving person, he donated his body to S.I.U. School of Medicine, hoping that even in death he might be able to help someone.

After college, he went on to teach at Benton High School. Due to the passing of his dad, Bobby left Benton High School to run the family grocery store in Valier, Illinois. He took pride in making customers happy where friendships were started and great memories made. He worked in the mines for several years, but due to an injury at the mines he went back to teaching at Sesser-Valier. In addition to being a teacher at the high school, he served twelve years as a school board member.

Bobby was a born again believer and loved Jesus very much. He was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church, where he attended regularly and worked in many capacities, which included sound technician, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. With his strong faith in God and determination, he fought a long hard battle with Parkinson’s.

He will be sadly missed, but there is joy in knowing he is pain free and in the arms of Jesus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Julia Vercellino, and his brother, Jon Vercellino. There will be visitation on Saturday, March 12th at 10:00am at Valier First Baptist Church followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valier First Baptist. Envelopes will be available at the church. Please join us after the service as we continue the celebration of Bobby’s life with lunch being served.