Kenneth Ray Richardson, age 81, of Benton; passed away at 3:27 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Memorial Medical Center of Springfield, Illinois.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. National Guard Honors will be at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will be at a future date at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
Kenneth was born on January 16, 1940, in a small farmhouse built by his father, approximately one mile West of Snowflake. His parents were Roy and Martha (Beaty) Richardson.

On August 2, 1957, Kenneth enlisted in the National Guard at West Frankfort. From there he would report to Fort Leonard Wood Missouri for basic training. Upon graduation from basic training, he was sent to Fort Knox Kentucky to attend supply school, where he was on active duty for six months from September 1957 thru March 1958.

After returning home he had two things on his mind: women and airplanes. He completed flight school, after six-and-one half hours of training he and his brother Donald bought their first plane (a 1943 Aeronica Champion). He had a friend get him a date with a very lovely girl Shirley Ann Gulley. Everything was going great. He had a girlfriend and an airplane. He crashed the plane and married the girl. He and Shirley were married on Sunday, June 19, 1961, had two sons Stephen on August 1, 1962, and Barry on December 29, 1963. Shirley would get sick with cancer in January, of 1972, and passed away on May 24, 1973.

After Shirley’s death, he became very lonely and sad; at the age of thirty-three with two young children to raise as well as make a living. Kenneth once wrote that this was the worst period of his life. His career would overtake his life and he would later regret not being able to be with his two sons on a regular basis.

After a couple month’s mourning, he would start dating again. A friend of his arranged a date with a friend of hers named Marleen McLain, Kenneth met Marleen, her parents and Marleen’s son Brent. Six months later, on February 14, 1974, he and Marleen would be married in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of West Frankfort.

His military career would continue until August 22, 1994. During this period-of-time, he held every enlisted grade in the Army up to and including Command Sergeant Major. He retired with 38 years of creditable service. He was stationed in West Frankfort from August 1957 to August 1985, where he was the Unit Administrator. In August 1985 thru August 1990, he was stationed in East St. Louis Illinois as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major and Military Personnel Technician. After five years of driving 186 miles per day, he transferred back to Mt. Vernon Illinois as the Unit Administrator. During these 38 years of service, he attended forty-five annual trainings, including Alaska in 1983, Germany in 1988, Honduras four times and Panama three times in 1990. He would receive thirty-four letters of appreciation, commendations and twenty-five military decorations. He served in fifteen different states on active- duty mobilizations, ranging from floods to student riots and civil unrest.

He would retire from the Military and relax, until February 1995 when his friend Mark Kern, President of Rend Lake College offered him a part-time job in the security department. He accepted the job and by September of 1995 it developed into a full-time job. He enjoyed his time at Rend Lake College, because he got to once again, work with young people, as well as very-good close working companions, that he never forgot.

Kenneth continued to serve in various capacities, including politics, and various boards and committees. He was the Past Chairman of the Franklin County Democrats, a member of Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. and A.M., current member of the Franklin County Housing Authority Board, former member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery Board, past Democrat Precinct Committeeman.
He attended the Immanuel Baptist Church

Kenneth enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, working on projects with his family and neighbors, woodworking, and watching NASCAR. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife Marleen and his family.

Surviving is his loving wife of 47 years, Marleen Richardson of Benton; three sons: Stephen Richardson and wife Sherry of Benton, Barry Richardson and wife Toni of Macedonia, Brent McLain of Benton; 12 grandchildren: Jason Richardson of Christopher, Brittany Richardson of Bloomdale, MO, Autuam Prater and husband Kyle of Princeton, IN, Colton Hiestand and wife Sierra of Kinmundy, IL, Bailey Hiestand and Corey of McLeansboro, IL, Taylor Walden of Macedonia, Gus Walden of Macedonia, Sidney Walden and fiancée Lane of McLeansboro, Amelia McLain and twin sister Madilyn McLain, Gabe McLain, Analisse McLain all of Benton; 8 great-grandchildren; a brother Dale Richardson and wife Janice of Ewing; two sisters-in-law Brenda Richardson of Benton, and Jamie Richardson of Marion; several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Martha Richardson; his first wife Shirley Ann Richardson; a sister Lois June Greenwood and husband Dale; three brothers: Charles Richardson, Donald Richardson, and James Richardson.

The family would prefer memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Kenneth, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com

Barbara Sue (Rone) Wilderman, 75, of DuQuoin, IL, passed away on Friday July 23, 2021 at her home.

She was born on June 2, 1946 in Benton, IL to Delmont “Dink” and Marcella (Coffel) Rone. She married Jerry Wilderman on September 21, 1996. She is survived by her husband Jerry Wilderman of DuQuoin; children Kendra Burgess of Sesser, Diane Goff of Benton, Melissa Higgans of DuQuoin and Shane Wilderman of DuQuoin; grandchildren Isabel Burgess, Cullen Higgans, Braden Higgans, Zachary Wilderman; and one brother Pete (Linda) Rone of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Lana Wilson and one brother Dennis Rone. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday July 30, 2021 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.

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

Dale Allen Pinkham, 54, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Thursday July 22, 2021.

He was born on December 29, 1966 in Herrin, IL to Allen and Heather (Naylor) Pinkham.

He is survived by his children Dustin Pinkham of Mulkeytown and Maddy Pinkham of Buckner; parents Allen and Heather Pinkham of Mulkeytown; five grandchildren Regan, Bronson, Gavin, McKenna and Darryl; one sister Dawn (Kevin) Brown of Mulkeytown and their children Noah and Kirsten; fiancé Sandy Voice of DuQuoin and his mother’s fur baby Daisey that Dale referred to as his sister.

Dale was an outgoing person that loved the St Louis Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved NASCAR races, traveling and boating but most important was spending time with his family especially when him and Dustin would go dirt bike racing and watching Maddy play volleyball.

He was preceded in death by one son Brayden Scott Pinkham.

Funeral services will be on Thursday July 29, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with the Rev. Bill Wiggs officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Mulkeytown.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family. Checks can be made payable to Heather Pinkham.

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

Clara Lu Vise, 88, of Benton, IL passed away Wednesday evening July 21, 2021 at her home.

She was born in Benton, IL on November 14, 1932, the daughter of Otis Miles & Lucille (Burkitt) Keener.

She married James M. Vise on July 24, 1955 at the First Christian Church in Benton, and he preceded her in death on November 15, 2018.

Mrs. Vise was a beloved kindergarten teacher, and a member of the First Christian Church in Benton.

Mrs. Vise is survived by two daughters, Linda Maddox, and husband Keith, of Chesterfield, MO and Susan Brookins, and husband Ron, of Ellijay, GA; grandchildren Emily (Maddox_ Wissman, and husband Taylor, Lindsey (Maddox) Gross, and husband Ryan, Whitney (Brookins) Pulliam, and husband Christopher, Tyler Brookins and Chandler Brookins; great-grandchildren, Koa, Hudson and Nash Wissman and Cohen and Maevry Gross

Mrs. Vise was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the First Christian Church in Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mrs. Vise’s Memory to the First Christian Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Harold Lee Moore, 94, of Benton, IL passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at his home.

He was born in Benton, IL on August 26, 1926 the son of Ernest Lewis & Mary Louetta (Webb) Moore.

On October 21, 1953 he married Wynona Jeannine Samples and she preceded him in death on December 11, 1980. He then married Helen Partin on September 2, 1988, she also preceded him in death on November 19, 1989.

He was a graduate of Benton High School Class of 1944. Mr. Moore was a retired Farmer.

Mr. Moore is survived by a daughter, Sheree Falkenberry, and husband Greg, of Benton; granddaughters Amanda Kay Moore McKee, and husband Ryan, of Mt. Vernon, IL and Danielle Lynn Moore Hatfield, and husband Josh, of West City, IL; four great-grandchildren, two nieces, four nephews.

Mr. Moore was preceded in death by his parents, wives, son, Gary Alan Moore, daughter, Teresa Kay Moore and siblings, Dorothy Rice, Helen Woodland and Carl Moore.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021 at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Elder James Stearns officiating. There will be no visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

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

Rev. Charles William Davis, age 92, of Benton; went to be with his Lord and Savior at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Brushy Cemetery of Harco with Pastor James Clardy officiating. Military Honors will take place at the graveside services. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Charles was born on November 23, 1928, in Hurst, Illinois, the son of Charlie Davis and Elosie (Carnahan) Davis. He married the former Helen Fay Trent on March 30, 1960 and she preceded him in death on November 17, 2006.

Mr. Davis was a Pentecost-minister, having served for many years at the Ward Street Full Gospel Church of Benton.

He was a retired die-setter with Norge Industries of Herrin.

Rev. Davis enjoyed preaching the gospel, reading his bible, playing the guitar, and worshiping his Lord and Savior.

Surviving are three children: Dwight Davis & wife Diana of Tamaroa, IL, Vivian Lynn Sutliff and husband Ron of Olive Branch, MS, Thelma Sullivan of California; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; a brother Jesse Davis of Creal Springs, IL; two sisters: Sara Baxter of Bascan, FL, Marilyn Tuttle of Sharon, TN; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a daughter Mary Devonda Davis; a grandson Mark Davis; a granddaughter Christy Simpson; two brothers Dewel and Allen; and three sisters: May, Zora and Addie.

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

Mary Havlovic, 101, of Sesser, passed away on Monday July 19, 2021.

She was born on May 11, 1920 in Rosemont, IL to Benjamin and Hilda (Behrends) Truax. She married Donald Havlovic on April 2, 1949 and he preceded her in death on April 11, 1995.

She is survived by nephews James (Deborah) McCoy and Roy Truax and numerous neices nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers and one sister.

Graveside services for Mary will be on Thursday July 22, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Mt Auburn Cemetery in Mt Auburn, IL with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Shirley Rose Wilkerson, 78, of Johnston City passed away Sunday afternoon, July 18, 2021.

She was born in Franklin County, IL on Dec. 26, 1942, the daughter of Raymond and Oveda (Neal) Gulley.

She was first married to Jim Hutchens and later married Bobby Wilkerson. Mr. Wilkerson preceded her in death on April 25, 1998.

Mrs. Wilkerson was retired as a caseworker for the State of Illinois, and was a member of the North Benton Baptist Church. She liked to travel and visit family. She enjoyed her plants and her garden.

Mrs. Wilkerson is survived by her son, Eric Hutchens and wife Lynn, of Greenwood, SC; a daughterm Karen Pickering, and husband Bill, of Christopher, IL: grandchildren, Alecia Davis (Brian), Ashley Hutchens, Matt Hutchens (Taylor), Brandi Alexander (Lee), Ryan Miller (Brandon); great-grandchildren, Skylar, Riley, Alaina, Emric, Kane and Gavin; a sister, Judy Border, of Benton, IL.

Mrs. Wilkerson was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bobby Wilkerson, and by a sister, Sharon Trill.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

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