Bobby Gene Kearney, age 83 of Benton, Illinois, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday evening May 18, 2021.

Bob was born in Macedonia, Illinois on November 1, 1937, the son of the late Walter H. and Nadine (Campbell) Kearney.

He graduated from Benton High School with the Class of 1955 and began his farming career that span throughout his life. While continuing to be an active farmer, Bob began serving his community. After a short career with Country Companies he started his own business in 1969 with partner Don Smith, known as Kearney & Smith Western Auto, located on the Benton Public Square for over 30 years. Bob spent a lot of Christmas Seasons delivering toys and bicycles. Then, on December 1, 1986, Bob had the privilege of being Appointed Chapter 12 Standing Trustee for the U. S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Illinois, followed with a Chapter 13 appointment, where he served for over three decades. Bob was a member of the Macedonia Masonic Lodge.

Bob married Mary Belle Smith Kearney on July 6, 1957 at the home of Mary’s parents Willie O. and Sara (Page) Smith with their close friends William and Jane Richardson attending.

Bob was well known for his good nature, sense of humor, and being resourceful and successful at playing pranks on friends and family. Bob charmed people all over with his humor. He enjoyed his work and play with many Saturday mornings dedicated to rabbit hunting with some of his closest friends, followed with a big breakfast. But most of all, Bob treasured his many hours of coffee shop time with his friends and co-workers and especially with his son and best friend Mike.

On April 11, 2001, there was a new focus in his life. River Michael Kearney was born making Bob a Grandpa. Few have known the depth of love Bob would give this grandson. His pride from that experience was immeasurable.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Carlton and Carlene Klein and husband Joe, mother-in-law Sara Page Smith and father-in-law Willie O. Smith and a dear friend Judge Ken Myers.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Belle (Smith) Kearney. He also leaves behind a son Michael G. Kearney & wife Roberta, Grandson River M. Kearney, brother Kenneth Kearney & wife Phyllis, good friends Ron Giacone, Mike Sevenski and good friend and neighbor Sandy Forsythe and Midnight his dog. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends whose lives he touched in so many ways.
The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Green Tree Assisted Living of Mount Vernon, IL for their amazing care of Bob. Those who wish to remember Bob in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Green Tree, 208 Zachery Dr, Mount Vernon, IL 62864.

Friends are invited to call at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, 410 S Main Street, Benton, IL 62812, on Sunday May 23, 2021 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm with service beginning at 2:00 pm with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery.

In remembrance of Bob, please tell a dad joke, help someone who needs it, or just be an all-around good human.
Bob died a loved and important man.

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

Jeannine A. Smith, 77, of Herrin, passed away at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Herrin Hospital in Herrin, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 20, 1943, to Carl and Nora (Yates) Smith in Evanston, IL.

Jeannine had a big, genuine laugh that could fill an entire room. She was an avid reader, a creative thinker and very thoughtful. She lived life true to herself.

Jeannine is survived by her daughter, Christy Rae Gartner and husband, Kurt of Mulkeytown, IL; granddaughter, Rachel Gartner and fiancé Bart Bradley; three great-grandchildren, Hudson Gartner, Abigil Gartner and Isabella Gartner and one brother, Carl Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Nora Smith and one son, Steven R. Kerr.

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

Per Jeannine’s wishes, cremation will take place. No services will be held.

Memorials may be made to the Wright-Way Animal Rescue, 8459 Old Highway 13, Murphysboro, IL 62966.

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

Clarence Eugene Moore, 90, of West Frankfort, passed away on Friday may 14, 2021 at the Herrin Hospital.

He was born on September 14, 1930 in Buckner, IL to Martin and Caroline (Vogler) Moore. He married Junita Darlene (Rogers) Moore and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children Martin “Marty” Moore of West Frankfort, IL and Darla (Lawrence) Pfister of West Frankfort; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters.

A memorial service will be on Friday May 21, 2021 at 5:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at 5:00 PM.

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

Mary Susan “Rainbow” Heater, age 75, of Benton, passed away at 6:40 a.m. Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the St. Louis University Hospital.

Susan’s wishes were to be cremated.

Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Bryant Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the Thurmond Cemetery of Ewing. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to Noon Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis CARE animal shelter, 6228 Country Club Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966; or to the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church, 15363 Ewing Road, Ewing, IL 62836.

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

Walter Don Freeman, age 55, of Benton; went to be with his Lord and Savior at 11:15 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2021.
His wishes were to be cremated.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church, 15363 Ewing Road, Ewing, IL 62836; with Rev. Bryant Harris officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge, of the arrangements.
Walter was born on June 21, 1965 in Fort Smith, Arkansas; the son of Joe Freeman and Loretta (Jetton) Freeman. He married the former Karen Denise Bland on January 11, 1985 and she survives.

He and his wife Karen are the owners of KOA Campground of Benton. Walter was the President of the Illinois Campground Association and he was the Vice-President of the Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce.

Walter was a Free Will Baptist minister and was a member of the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church of Ewing.
He enjoyed anything outdoors, especially fishing. He enjoyed spending time with his family and visiting with the campers at KOA.

Surviving is His loving wife of 36 years Karen Denise Freeman of Benton; a son Carl Freeman of St. Charles, MO; two daughters: Kacie Freeman of Benton and Caitlyn Garris of Benton; a sister Debra Garris of Roland, Oklahoma; his father and mother-in-law: Thomas Eadman Bland and Joyce Bland; a sister-in-law Sheila Morse and husband James of Alma, Arkansas; a brother-in-law Thomas Bland of Chester, Arkansas and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, paternal and maternal grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church and will be accepted at the church or the funeral home.

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

Gary Wayne Willis Jr., 43, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday May 8, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on October 27, 1977 in Du Quoin, IL. He is survived by his mother Gail (Brian) Forrester of Springfield, IL; father Gary Wayne Willis Sr. of Christopher; three children Jaxson Willis of Christopher, Kaitlin Willis of Christopher and Emma Willis of Christopher; one sister Kristi (Randy) Meadows of Mulkeytown. He was an avid hunter and loved to collect and shoot guns. His wishes were to be cremated. There will be a private family memorial service.

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

Ruth Janice Droit Keelin, Age 87, passed away at 5:28 a.m., Friday, May 07, 2021 at her home in Benton.

Ruth was born on July 20, 1933, the daughter of Reno and Ruie Cardwell Droit. Ruth Droit from Droit City and Thompsonville, married John Bertice “Bert” Keelin from Saline County, 68 years ago. They moved to Benton, IL and had three children.

Ruth was strong in her faith and excelled as a good wife and mother. In addition to her love of church and family, there are two areas in which she stood out. One was her outstanding cooking. She mastered cake decorating and pie baking. The second area was her music. She was born into a gospel music family. She continued her family’s legacy by singing and playing both the organ and the piano at First Church of God, First Freewill Baptist Church, and Immanuel Baptist Church. She played gospel music for 60 years. She worked in the office at the family business, Franklin Auto Parts. She was fortunate to see her great grandchildren play sports, which she dearly loved.

Surviving are three children with their families as follows:

Surviving is Daughter: Patricia (Pat) Keelin Kern, her children and grandchildren: Melissa Mitchell Richardson and husband Tim Richardson, Frank Kern and his wife Patricia (Patty) Liell, Eric Kern, Dr. Brian Kern and his wife Summer, Jason Kern, and his wife Janie Simon, and Megan Kern Williams and her husband, Chris. Pat’s grandchildren, Ruth’s great-grandchildren: Gavin and Whitley Richardson, Caden, Charli, Ellsie, Cash, Landon, Hunter, and Collin Mark Kern. Deceased are: Son-In-Law Mark Kern and two great-grandchildren, Kern Williams and Anna Williams.

Surviving is Daughter: Karen Keelin Harrison and her husband, Greg Harrison. Her children/Ruth’s grandchildren: Christine Harrison Arrington and her husband, Josh, Derek Harrison and wife, Aimee. Shon Lindsay and wife, Kristy, Leslee Lindsay Copple and husband Jay. Karen’s grandchildren/Ruth’s great-grandchildren: Addison Harrison, Houston and Sebastian Arrington, Jayda and Kierra Harrison, Bryce and Brysa Lindsay, Brandt Ramsey, Joey and Cole Copple

Surviving is Son, Darrell Keelin and his wife Debra “Deb”. His children/Ruth’s grandchildren: Kay Keelin and her fiancé, Jeremy Brown, and Kaitlyn Kuchar. Darrell’s grandchild/Ruth’s great-grandchild is Trey Keelin.

Surviving are two sister-in-laws, Velma Keelin Hall of St. Charles, Missouri and Vurble Keelin Mahoney of Owensboro Kentucky, along with many nieces and nephews from the Droit and Keelin family. Deceased is her husband, Bert, her parents, brother Sherman Droit and sister Leota Pulley.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton; Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks consideration of memorial contributions. Donations may be made to the following charities: Rend Lake College Foundation: Ruth Keelin Memorial Fund or Immanuel Baptist Church: Building Fund.