Starr Anne Alexander, 50, of Sesser, passed away on July 13, 2021 at 6:50 A.M. at her residence.

She was born September 20, 1970 in Benton, Illinois to Randall Gobtop and Mary Denise (Alexander) Gobtop. She married Darrin Martin in Benton, Illinois and he survives.

Besides her husband Darrin, she is also survived by her parents, Randall and Mary Denise Gobtop of McLeansboro, children, Charlie Wehens of Sesser, James Gobtop of Sesser, Caitlen Haynes of Sesser and Kristen Martin of Boston, MA; grandaughter, Olivia Leber; brother, Doug (Stephanie) Suhr of Roscoe, Illinois, and by sisters, Jawn (Dewayne) Warren of Chaffee, Mo; Laura (Carlos) Fuarez of McLeansboro and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Pete and Laura Gobtop and Frances and James Alexander. Starr was of the Baptist Faith.

She was an artist and painter and loved to draw. She loved spending time with her family and was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter and sister. She had worked for many years as an LPN having worked at various nursing homes in Southern Illinois.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev. Larry Cook officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 12:00 noon on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Donald Lee McNeal Sr, of Benton, passed away on July 13, 2021 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

He was born February 11, 1935 in Zeigler, Illinois to Archie McNeal and Marie (Nena) McNeal.

He is survived by daughters, Bonnie Clark of Christopher and Allie Cosma of Alliance, Ohio; step sons, Rodney Metzger of Benton, Pat Metzger of Missouri and John Gunn of West Frankfort; step daughters, Karen Sprague of Carbondale and Sara Pedigo of Sesser. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Serena Abbott, RyAnn Clark, Railan Clark, Vivian Carlton, Adalyn Heiman, Donald Lee McNeal III, Shyan McNeal, Michael Martinez, Mason Cosma and Maggie Cosma and 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Patricia (Roger) Potocki of Goreville, Carole (Jim) Book of Crossville, TN; and Ophelia (Jerry) Barnes of Marion. As well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Donald Lee McNeal Jr; a step daughter, Diana Gunn, by two brothers, Charles McNeal and Carl McNeal and by his first wife, Mildred McNeal.

Donald was of the Baptist Faith, he was a member of the Eagles of Zeigler, United Mine Workers of America and a big supporter of the NRA. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed his food and loved to watch FOX News.

He was a retired coal miner having formerly worked at Inland Steel which is now known as Consol Energy. He served his country in the United States Navy. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Roger Potocki officiating.

Burial will be in the Horse Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Sunday at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted.

Leona B. Durham, 80, of Benton, passed away at 5:10 p.m., on Monday, July 12, 2021, at Heartland Regional Hospital in Marion, IL.

She was born on December 24, 1940, in New Iberia, LA. She was one of 14 children born to Clifton and Vernice (Fitch) Bailey. Leona married Lawrence Sons in 1961, at a small Catholic Church in Patterson, LA. Leona and Lawrence were blessed with two children. Travis Sons and Kristal Sons Overturf and both reside in Benton IL with their families. Lawrence preceded Leona in death in 1979.

In 1986, Leona relocated her family to Illinois after marrying Larry Durham, who also preceded her in death in 2008.

Leona’s passion in life was her family. She loved being with her kids and grandkids, and they brought so much joy to her life. Leona could always be found supporting them at ballgames, sporting events, swimming lessons and anywhere else the kids were.

Leona was a blessing to her family and her family was the greatest blessing to her.

Leona is survived by her children, Travis (Melissa) Sons, Kristal Sons Overturf, Michael (Judy Williams) Durham and Wade (Angie) Durham; seven grandchildren, Tyler Sons, Trevin Sons, Ashlee Summers Neal, Max Summers, Cassie Durham, Grayson Durham and Camden Overturf; two great-grandchildren, Max Summers and Carter Neal; five brothers and three sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Vernice Bailey, first husband, Lawrence Sons, husband, Larry Durham, four brothers and one sister.

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

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 12:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.

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

Freda L. Crider-Broadway, 80, of Benton, passed away at 11:44 a.m., on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 23, 1941, to Grover and Thelma (Smith) Fowler in Thompsonville, IL, and was a 1958 graduate of Thompsonville High School. On January 25, 1961, Freda married Buddy Ray Crider, and Bud passed away on May 11, 1977. She married James (Jim) Broadway on July 19, 1988, and he preceded her in death on December 14, 2016. In 1986, Freda was awarded custody of Chuck Garbo.

In 1988, Freda was elected Benton Working Woman of the Year. She retired from Western Auto, UFCW Local 881, after almost 30 years with the company and recently retired from O’Reilly Auto Parts of Benton. She was a Life Member of the VFW Auxiliary 2671 and Life Member of the American Legion Auxiliary 280. Freda was President of the American Legion Auxiliary from 2007 to 2021. She received recognition from the City of Benton Mayor Fred Kondritz, former Illinois State Senator Gary Forby, Congressman Mike Bost and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Freda initiated the Veterans Flag Project in 2011 for the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, which she was passionate about.

Freda is survived by her children, Bill Crider of Springfield, MO, Gary (Becky) Crider of Woodlawn, IL, Brad Reynolds of Springfield, MO and Linda Crider-Sanders of Benton, IL; three granddaughters, April (Bart) Echols, Elecia (Michael) Bodine and Kalyn Crider and her fiance, Lane Bond; five great-grandchildren; four brothers, Norman Fowler of Mt. Vernon, IL, Dennis (Donna) Fowler of Benton, IL, Jack (Nancy) Fowler of Benton, IL and Albert (Susan) Fowler of Benton, IL; three sisters, Virginia (Jim) Smith, Marilyn Planz of Benton, IL and Debra (Herb) Krumery of Buckner, IL; she had many other relatives and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by parents, Grover and Thelma Fowler, husband, Jim Broadway, first husband, Buddy Ray Crider, her son, Mike Crider, who passed on February 27, 2012, great-nephew, Chuck Garbo, who passed on November 18, 2002; two brothers, Robert Fowler and Jimmy Fowler, who died in the Orient 2 Mine Explosion in 1951 and one sister, Pauline Swensen.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at the Pate Funeral Home with Pastor Howard Johnson, officiating.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 280 Flag Project and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Cheryl Lynn Cali, 52, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday July 7, 2021 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on January 15, 1969 in West Frankfort, IL to Ralph and Brenda (Bailey) Hale.

She is survived by her parents Ralph and Brenda Hale of Christopher; her children Cerise Shapkoff and Dylan Osteen of Herrin and Shane Shapkoff and Katelyn Robison of Carterville; grandchildren Ava Clark, Jaycee Shapkoff, Ace Shapkoff and Adelyne Shapkoff; sister Christie (Bobby) Arondelli of Mulkeytown; nieces Heather (Jay) Erwin, Brooke (Ben) Jones and Tiff (Jake) Morhet.

There will be a visitation on Friday July 9, 2021 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. There will also be a Celebration on Life at the Italian Club in Coello, IL on Sunday July 11, 2021 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM.

Cheryl was loved by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Cheryl loved being a grandma and working at the Italian Club. She also loved cooking and socializing. Cheryl will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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

Kenneth Erwin of Benton, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 29th at home in the company of his son and daughter.

Ken spent his final days in Coburg, Oregon after embarking on an all-American road trip following old Route 66 to the West Coast. Ken was born on August 20, 1955 to Kenneth “Dwight” Erwin and Mildred Erwin, formerly Mangrum. Ken was the oldest son of ten children and is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Sharon, Doug, and Audrey. His other siblings are Delores, Joyce, Brenda, Phyllis, Ronnie, and Kurtis. He was fondly known as Uncle Kenny to many nieces and nephews.

Ken is lovingly survived by his son JR and his wife Autumn, five beautiful grandbabies, and daughter Kayla. Ken was a classic car genius and world-class storyteller. He is deeply missed.

A celebration of life will take place in honor of his birthday at South Sandusky Beach on Saturday, August 21st beginning at noon.

Carl Eugene Sims, 87, of Mulkeytown, passed away on July 2, 2021 at his home with family members at his side.

He was born on November 20, 1933 in Christopher, IL to Oatho and Helen (Long) Sims. He married Cynthia Jean Norris on April 28, 1951 in Pocahontas, AR. Together they enjoyed 69 years of marriage.

Carl is survived by his children Glenn (Susan) Sims of St. Louis, MO; John (Laurel) Sims of Waltonville, IL; Arlie (Robert Kokott) Sims of Chicago, IL; Carla Sims of Mt. Vernon, IL; Mary (Michelle) Sims of Christopher, IL; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister Carolyn Sanders of Atwood, IL; and brother Ronnie Sims of Wasilla, AK.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia Jean Sims, father, Oatho Sims, and mother, Helen (Long) Sims and son, Thomas N. Sims. Carl worked for many years at Blue Bell packing company in DuQuoin, IL and retired at the age of 59 from the Old Ben Coal Company, where he served as a mine examiner. He also managed the family’s eighty-acre farm and enjoyed caring for animals –horses, cattle, goats, poultry, dogs, and bees, among others—and spending time with his grandchildren. An avid storyteller, Carl shared humor and empathy in retelling the adventures and challenges of the many relatives and friends he enjoyed, and often helped, in his lifetime.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. A graveside service will follow at Ward Cemetery in Mulkeytown with Zip Biby officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ward-Greenwood Cemetery Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Vickie Kay Powenski, age 56, of Valier, passed away Monday, June 28, 2021 at her home.

Her wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Vickie was born on October 9, 1964, the daughter of Rutherford Eubanks. She married Mike Powenski on January 17, 1992; and he survives.
Vickie was a nurse’s aide having worked at numerous nursing homes throughout Southern Illinois. She also was the secretary and co-owner of MP Bit Service.
She was of the Pentecostal faith.

Vickie enjoyed flower gardening, pictures. And spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Mike Powenski of Valier; two sons: Johnnie Carlton Gouge, Jr. and wife Rebecca of Kalamazoo, MI, Adam Wayne Gouge of Iowa; a daughter Natosha Merlene Plumlee and husband Bryan of Valier; six grandchildren: Deacon Gouge, Ayden Gouge, Faith Gouge, Michael Gouge, Castiel Lukehart, and Nyla Plumlee; two sisters: Frankie Jo Eubanks of Valier, Tammy Flood of Coello; her father and mother-in-law Marion and Merlene Powenski of Benton; a sister-in-law Linda Powenski of West Frankfort; a brother-in-law Boby Orr several nieces, nephews, and her many friends and neighbors of Valier.
She was preceded in death by her father Rutherford Eubanks; a sister Sherry Flood; and a brother-in-law Bobby Flood.

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

Kenneth Wayne Oakley, age 83, of Benton, passed away at 8:50 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021, at the VA Medical Center of Marion.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Alan Stewart officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post#280, V.F.W. Post#2671, and the Army National Guard; will be at the Shiloh Cemetery of Whittington. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home.

The Royal Order of Jesters will have a walk through at 11:47 a.m. on Saturday, with a Shrine walk through to follow. Masonic Rites will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Saturday, at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Kenneth was born on June 14, 1938, in Hopkins County, Kentucky, the son of Oscar Oakley and Emma (Jones) Oakley. He married the former Joyce Elaine (Martin) Erwin on May 15,1993 and she survives.

Kenneth served his country in the U.S. Army, where he was a MP, attaining the rank of Corporal/SP4.
He formerly worked in mining supplies as a salesman. He would later work for the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center, transporting juveniles to their court dates. After working for the Juvenile Detention Center, Kenny would become a bailiff at the Franklin County Courthouse.

Kenneth was very active in the Masonic Fraternity having become a Master Mason with the Slaughters Lodge #347 A.F. & A.M. of Slaughters, Kentucky, and he was an Honorary Member of Benton Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M. of Benton, Illinois. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and MSA Benefactor of the Scottish Rites Bodies of the Valley of Southern Illinois of Belleville, Illinois. Ken was also a Shriner where he attained the title of Ambassador Emeritus of the Ainad Temple of the Shrine; Royal Order of Jesters, and he was a member of the Ainad Legion of Honor.

He enjoyed being with his family, visiting with his neighbors, gardening, fishing.
and taking road trips to some of his favorite eating places. Most of all, he enjoyed his visits from his great-grandsons, and taking them to feed the neighbor’s chickens.
His family said he knew the best place to eat in any town, and would plan his trips around the best places to eat.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Joyce Oakley of Benton; his daughter Kendra Johnston and husband Billy of Madisonville, KY; Joyce’s children: Curt Erwin and wife Peggy, Linda Smith, and Brenda Zimmerman, all of Benton; grandchildren: Natasha Shanks, Skyler Johnston, Benjamin Erwin, Lucas Erwin, Kelsey Drew, Amber Robey, Matt Zimmerman, and Tyler Zimmerman; great-grandchildren: Axton Drew, Calin Drew, Elijah Zimmerman, Elaina Zimmerman, Xavier Zimmerman, Knox Robey, and Waylon Shanks; and several nieces and nephews; and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, a brother, and a son-in-law Curtis Smith.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children; and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Kenny, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com