Betty Lou Whaley, 84, of Benton, passed away at 1:04 a.m., on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL.

She was born on February 25, 1937, to Lawrence and Chloe (Strickland) Wilkerson in Benton, IL. On July 19, 1957, Betty married Donald Whaley and he survives.

Betty was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and tending to her flowers. She loved taking her grandchildren to Surplus City.

She is survived by her loving spouse of 64 years, Donald Whaley, one daughter, Cindy Lynn Livesay of Benton, IL; one son, Ronald (Julle) Dale Whaley of Benton, IL; one sister, Evelyn Chloe Smith of Benton, IL; four granddaughters, Dawn (Timothy) Renee Vandom, Stacy Lynn Mclauglin, Megan (Ian) Marlow, Molly (Mark) Uhles; three great-granddaughters, Whitney Chloe Whaley, Sophia June Marlow and Ellie Mae Uhles; four great-grandsons, Ty Michael Miller, Austin Dale Miller, Brett Nathaniel Merkel and Lucus Scott Marlow; and two great-great-grandsons, Phoenix Tyler Beal and Maverick James Vallow.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Chloe Wilkerson, and seven siblings.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, June 4, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 12:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, with the Reverend Lance Thackery officiating.

Burial will follow services at the Franklin Cemetery, Whittington, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

On Sunday, May 30th, 2021, William Joseph Shileny, loving husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend to many passed away at the age of 72.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie (Schoenecke) Shileny, children Jonathan and Jennifer Shileny, granddaughter Jeniah Tate, sisters Betty Lou (Dennis) Northland and Becky Boots, brothers Daniel (Pamela) Vaclav and David (Gale) Schoenecke, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Veronica Shileny and brothers Stephen Reese and David (Doris) Vaclav.

Bill was born on December 8, 1948 to Veronica (Vaclav) and Francis Shileny in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After losing his own father at a young age, Bill took on the role of protector of his two sisters and beloved mother. He moved to Illinois with his uncle, Daniel Vaclav Sr. and Teta Carol as a young rebellious teenager. This is when he met the love of his life, Bonnie (Schoenecke) at Tinley Park High School. Theirs was a love story for the ages. Though her mom was not too happy with her selection at the time, he would win her over just as he did everyone that took the time to get through his tough exterior and see the amazing person he was inside. Bill proudly served in the Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970 fighting on an 8-inch Howitzer in Vietnam. And as he always used to say, “We were winning when I left.” He was a proud veteran and enjoyed many memorable Veterans Day weekends with his fellow soldiers. After returning home, he and Bonnie wed on August 28th, 1971. He was looking so forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this summer, and commented on one of his last days that she should “wear a crown” for putting up with him for all of those years.

1978 brought the birth of his twins, Jonathan and Jennifer, and he took to the role of father like he had trained for it his entire life. He was at every sporting event and dance recital; he was the car-pool dad and the one that took the neighborhood kids trick-or-treating (in full costume of course!) He brought color to the skies (and kept his kids off the streets) with many years as a hot-air balloon pilot, travelling the country flying high in Rainbow Thunder. He made many lifelong friends along the way and even organized an event to support farmers through ballooning. His crew captain, Bonnie, was always there heading up the chase team and supporting him through all of his crazy ideas and dreams – she truly was his biggest ally and teammate for every single one of those nearly 50 years – and that was not an easy task on some days! Bill was an avid Harley Davidson rider and loved to “hear the music” through his signature long hair. In 2006, Bill retired as the outside maintenance foreman of Orland Square Mall where he worked for over 25 years. Bill and Bonnie found true happiness in retirement at their little piece of paradise in Southern Illinois and made many dear friends there.

Bill was the life of the party and knew how to tell a story (mostly true) that would captivate the room. From his real-life Big Foot encounters to “running frogs,” he was the most charismatic and interesting person you could have the privilege to meet. He entertained his family and friends for many years with his annual non-traditional Christmas letters. He was not one to mince words, was as honest and loyal as they come, and always told it like it was. You always knew where you stood with him, and he would not back down from his convictions no matter whom it offended, but he did respect everyone’s opinions even if he thought they were wrong. He was respected by all that met him.

In 2013 Bill became a Papa to his only granddaughter, Jeniah. She made the ever-present twinkle in his eye even brighter. He loved her with his whole heart and would do anything to make her laugh or smile. From the moment she was born, his only wish was to “be around long enough for Jeniah to remember him when he was gone” and there is no question the place in her heart that he will always hold – she ADORED him.

Bill would be the first to tell you that he had more fun than 100 people and he never expected to make it past 50 – so these last 22 years have just been icing on the cake. He truly lived each day to the fullest, and left the world exactly as he would have wanted – still making the nurses laugh up until his last minutes. He will be forever missed and loved, but that twinkle in his eye will live on in Bonnie, Jon, Jenny, Jeniah, and all that knew and loved him. We can all be comforted knowing that he will be there to greet us when our time comes, probably with a beer and a shot of tequila, and a good story to tell – as he would say, “catch ya on the flip side.”

A big party celebrating his amazing life will be held on Saturday, July 3rd at their place in Mulkeytown, IL. If you cannot attend the “Bill Bash” please light a firework or two and have a drink in his honor.

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

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Donald Dean Cockrum died on Saturday, May 29, 2021 in Herrin Hospital after an extended illness.

Don was born in Sesser on December 31, 1927 to Bert and Viva (Harrison) Cockrum. Oldest of 9 children, he grew up planting and harvesting and tending farm animals. He served in Germany and Korea with the U.S. Army and returned home to work side by side with his Dad, eventually buying a farm of their own. Donald enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, planting and harvesting, raising livestock. He loved Jesus and was a lifelong member of Horse Prairie Baptist Church. He was known for helping out friends, neighbors, his community, his Church. He never knew a stranger and loved telling stories all the days of his life.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers Jerry, Dale, Frank and Burl. He is survived by three sisters and one brother, Phyllis Stroup, Rosa Lee Plunkett, Leon Cockrum, and Judy Gurley. Generations of Cockrum Cousins, young and old alike, are proud and privileged to call him Uncle. He will be dearly missed by all.

There will be a visitation at 11am Friday, June 4 2021 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser prior to the funeral at 1pm with burial to follow at Horse Prairie Baptist Church and Cemetery immediately after.

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

Sarah Jeanette Clinton, 95, of Benton, IL died Wednesday, December 23, 2020.

She was born in Raeford, N.C. on November 26, 1925 to John and Lessie Davis. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, Il. A long-time resident of Benton, Jeanette had many friends in town and was happiest when she was able to socialize with them at the Cozy Table. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, sister, nieces, cousins and friends.

Jeanette was preceeded in death by her husband Thomas, her son Thomas Lynn, her daughter Barbara Shallcross and several siblings. She is survived by her grandsons Richard and wife Julie of Lake in the Hills, IL, Russell of Elgin, IL, and Mark Shallcross and wife DeeDee of Mount Washington, KY. Her surviving granddaughter is Kathryn Pipkin and husband Steve of Cary, NC. Jeanette had eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild who were delighted to be part of her life: Brandy, Carrie, Russell Jr, Taylor, EllieGrace, Andrew, Stephanie, Alexis, and Josh.

Jeanette’s sister Muriel Herriford and husband Bob of Green Valley, AZ and cousin Shirley Prewitt of Benton will miss their daily talks with her. Jeanette is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and her daughter-in-law Peggy of Elgin, IL.

A Graveside Memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 12th at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. There will be No Visitation those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to St.Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN or www.stjude.org/donate.
Condolences may be sent through www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Jesse B. Williams, 95, of Benton, IL passed away at 10:55 a.m., on Monday, May 17, 2021, at his home.

He was born on November 9, 1925, to Loren “Red” and Ruth (Baldwin) Williams in Benton, IL. He married RosalieWilliams and she preceded him in death on February 24, 2013, after 62 years of marriage.

Jesse was a United States Navy Veteran, serving in World War II during the Pacific Theater Campaign. His rank was Lieutenant {j.g.} and was the Executive Officer of LSM 456. He received numerous Military Awards for landing Marines during the Battles of Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa as well as the Victory Ribbon World War II, the American Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the Atlantic-Pacific Ribbon.

Upon honorable discharge from the United States Naval Service, Jesse earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Division of Special Services for War Veterans and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1949. Shortly thereafter, Jesse joined Freeman United Coal Mining Corporation, married Rosalie, and moved to Des Moines, Iowa where he was the sales agent for the territory of Iowa, eastern Nebraska, and northern Missouri. In 1963, Jesse was promoted to Industrial Sales Manager and relocated to Mendota, Illinois. Three years later, Jesse once again was promoted to Land Acquisition Manager/agent for future coal mines development and moved to Benton, Illinois.

He was a loving husband, father and teacher. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Benton. He played in the Benton Gold Cup for over 50 consecutive years and was a class B winner and a class D winner.

Jesse is survived by son, Jeffrey Brad Williams and wife, Kathy Jean of Charlotte, NC, grandson, Michael Christopher Williams and wife, Kathy Venezia of Las Vegas, NV and their daughters, Jade Rose Williams, Maira Rose Williams and Emma Quinn Williams; grandson, Matthew Ryan Williams and wife, Grace Jiseon of Greensboro, NC and their daughter, Harper Katherine Williams; grandson, Mark Brandon Williams of Chicago, IL and grandson, Timothy Kevin Williams of Charlotte, NC; son, Timothy Blake Williams; grandson, Michael Timothy Williams; grandson, Tristin Blake Williams; grandson, Phillip Daniel Williams and granddaughter, Briana Taylor Williams; son, Kevin Wade Williams of O’Fallon, MO; grandson, Jesse Wade Williams of O’Fallon, MO and grandson, Devin Timothy Williams of O’Fallon, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Loren “Red” J. and Ruth M. Williams and his wife, Rosalie Williams.

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

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July, 7, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, with the Reverend Kurt Sanders, officiating. Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery with military rites by Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the Navy Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials in memory of Jesse be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Iris Earlene Galloway, age 83, of Benton, passed away at 9:55 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021 at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab Center of Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the Leffler Funeral Home with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Iris Earlene Galloway was born on February 16, 1938 in Franklin County; the daughter of Sidney Moore and Beatrice (Thomas) Moore. She married Louis Damon Galloway on June 9, 1956 and he preceded her in death on June 23, 2003.
She was a retired self-employed beautician, and she was a member of the Franklin County Home Extension.
Earlene was a member of the West City Church of God.

She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her two grandsons. She also enjoyed quilting and playing cards with her friends.
Surviving is her son Darren Galloway and wife Stephanie of Carterville, IL; two grandsons: Curtis Galloway of Los Angeles, CA, Spencer Galloway of West Frankfort, IL; a brother Terry Moore and wife Sharon of Benton, IL; a sister Phyllis Delaney of Benton, IL; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a sister Corene Mitchell.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Earlene, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Julia Mae (Towle) Gostowski, 91, of Benton, IL passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, IN.

On October 25, 1929, she was born to Chalon and Carrie (Booten) Towle in Hamilton County, IL. She was the youngest of four children. Julia graduated from Benton High School in 1948 and married WWII Naval Veteran Teddie “Ted” Frank Gostowski who preceded her in death on February 11, 2005. They ran several successful retail businesses in the Benton/Carbondale area. Following Ted’s passing, Julia took over Ted’s Motor Sales in Benton with nephews Charles Adrian Walker and Marvin Walker, selling preowned vehicles. Julia enjoyed watching the birds in her backyard sanctuary, watching old westerns, and spending time with family. Her home was always open for fun family gatherings, sharing lots of laughs and great food. She attended the First Baptist Church of Benton.

Julia is survived by her:

Son: Rudy & wife Christine (McIntyre) Gostowski of Chicago, IL

Grandchildren: Rachel (Gostowski) & Husband Jim Valosik of Nashville, TN, and Jason & wife Kate (Lasley) Gostowski of Nashville, TN

Nieces and Nephews: Charles Adrian & wife Linda (Adams) Walker of Benton, Marvin Walker & Glenna Sutton of McLeansboro, Brenda (Walker) & husband Michael Spence of Benton, Carrol & wife Linda Kay (Cook) Walker of Benton, Gennie (Walker) & husband Art Rice of Benton, Kathy (Towle) Meier of Davenport, IA, David & wife Karla (Koch) Towle of Cedar Falls, IA, Marsha (Towle) & husband Jerry Ludden of Davenport, IA, Marsha (Gostowski) Hiatt of Peoria, Mark Gostowski of Dallas, TX, Marvin & wife Vicki Gostowski of Lincoln, IL, Daryl Gostowski of Benton, Stephen Gostowski & wife Judy of Glenshaw, PA, Deborah (Gostowski) & husband Michael Biggers of Springfield, IL, and Diane (Gostowski) & husband Craig Thorpe of Glenarm, IL

Cousins: Barbara Ann (Booten) Winnett of Chesterfield, MO, Alex Towle Junior of McLeansboro and the Dean family of McLeansboro

Sister-in-Laws: Virginia Gostowski of Benton and Pat (Rice) Towle of Benton

Julia was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings: Annis (Towle) & husband Ellis Bliss, Charles Chalon Towle, Virginia (Towle) & husband Adrian Walker, niece Martha (Gostowski) Troxell, and cousins Jeanette (Booten) Trotter and Donnie Booten

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 29th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Jim Jenkel officiating. Burial will follow at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on the same day at the funeral home.

The family insists that everyone attending the services practice social distancing, and masks are required. KN95 masks will be provided.

Julia loved wildlife. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people donate to the animal rescue: Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitation at https://juliagostowskimemorial.blogspot.com.

Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitation
4029 Big Muddy Rd
Carterville, IL 62918
Tel: (618) 988-1067
Web: http://www.freeagaininc.org/

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

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