David R. Upchurch of Cincinnati, OH (formerly of Benton, IL) passed away September 27, 2021, at the age of 76.

David, loving husband of Shirley F. Upchurch (nee Duckworth), beloved father of Anthony D. (Robin) Upchurch, Annette D. (Gary) Gardner, Alan D. (Jodi) Upchurch, Albert D. (Susan) Upchurch, and Andrea D. (Bill) Bellis, devoted brother of Jerry (Kaye) Upchurch, twin sister, Diana (Ron) House, of Benton, IL and the late Donald Upchurch.

He was the son of the late Eugene and Wilma Upchurch and is survived by 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held in Cincinnati, OH, on Sunday, October 3, 2021, with Kilwinning Lodge #356 A.F. & A.M. rites, and a Scottish Rites Ring ceremony.

Memorials may be made to the Al Boebaum Scholarship Fund c/o Kilwinning Lodge #356 A.F. & A.M., 8040 Eagle Creek, Cincinnati, OH 45247

James Britt Towers, 59, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday October 10, 2021 at his home.

He was born on January 4, 1962 in Christopher to James “Jim” Brooks and Ruth (Flowers) Towers Stritzel.

He is survived by his daughters Rachel (Brad Hall) Towers of Valier and Austin (Joe) Hargraves of St Louis; grandchildren Holden Jace Towers-Frost, Beau Brooks Hall, Anthony Hargaraves and Eleanor Hargraves and several other extended family members and friends.

Britt enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and guns. He was proud father and a prouder Papa.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday October 16, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Valier.

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

Joyce Ann Ashmore, 88, of Herrin, passed away on Saturday October 9, 2021 ather home.

She was born on April 1, 1933 in Cobden to Ernest Walker and Thelma (Fann) Laffoon. She married William Ashmore on October 28, 1950 and he preceded her in death on October 25, 1993.

She is survived by her children Dixie (Bob) Ventura of Herrin, Steve (Sandy) Ashmore of Benton, Bridgett Townzen of Herrin and Shawna Ventura of Herrin and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers Ernest Walker and Robert Walker.

Funeral services for Joyce will be on Thursday October 14, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ken Petty officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday October 14, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Hallidayboro Cemetery in Elkville.

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

David E. Easley, 74, of Benton, passed away at 9:10 a.m., on Friday, October 8, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 26, 1947, to Clyde and Nadine (Cantine) Easley at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL. He attended school at Benton Consolidated High School. On October 6, 1986, he married the former Olga M. Webb in Benton, IL. To this union they had 6 children. David started his career as a truck driver hauling gravel, he then went to work for Old Ben Coal Company as a coal miner for 23 years, following that he would retire from E.T. Simonds Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator.

David was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Benton, IL., and the Benton Eagles. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. David enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing pool and spending time on his side by side.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 35 years, Olga M. Easley; six children, Kevin (Gena) Easley of Buckner, IL, Berry Easley of West Frankfort, IL, Jerry (Carol) Easley of AL, Lisa Easley of West Frankfort, IL, Jamie (Robbie) Williams of Benton, IL and Mary Sloan of West Frankfort, IL; eight grandchildren, Brittany Easley, Preston Easley, Bridget Easley, Cody Easley, Issac Parcell, Jade Parcell, Brandon Williams and Abby Williams; one brother, Alan Easley of AK; and one sister, Connie Easley of Benton, IL.

David was preceded in death by his parents Clyde C. and Nadine B. Easley.

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

Per David’s wishes cremation will take place, a private family memorial gathering will be held his residence.

David’s family would like to express their appreciation to Bill and Viola Edwards and Stacye Key for all the care and support.

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

Hazel H. Page, 97, of Sesser, passed away on Thursday October 7, 2021 at her home.

She was born on May 31, 1924 in Waltonville, IL to Dow and Ethel (Hall) Roberson. She married Evan Page and he preceded her in death on October 21, 1979.

She is survived by her son Lloyd (Peggy) Page of Macomb, IL; daughter-in-law Shelley Page of Sesser; grandchildren Brian (Natalie) Page of Sesser, Heather (Ben) Rice of Sesser, Brent Page of Sesser and Damon Page of Macomb, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Danny Page, one Sister Alberta Page and two Brothers Lloyd Roberson and Clyde Roberson.

Graveside services for Hazel will be on Wednesday October 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Dr. Billy G. Dixon passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021, with his wife and children at his side. He was born on October 25, 1935 to John and Stella Dixon. He was a proud “Pop” of three and Great-Grand-Pop of one. He was also owner and father to his favorite “son”, BJ.

Dr. Dixon graduated with four degrees in the fields of math and education. The final degree earned was a doctorate in 1967 from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He then worked for SIU-C from 1958 until his retirement in 2001. His career was devoted to education and the process of teaching students how to teach. He was active in the Association of Teacher Educators, serving as President in 1988-89 and Director of Meetings from 1989-2020.

Bill was also very instrumental in the founding and development of the Benton Community Park District – writing numerous grants to obtain funding for the beautiful park we have in Benton today.

Bill is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Valerie Potts; and son, Clark (Alicia) Dixon. He was most proud of his grandchildren Bryson (Alexa) Potts, Sydney Potts and Sara Dixon and their many accomplishments. His excitement was evident at the addition of a Great Grandson, Hudson Potts. He is also survived by numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by parents, John and Stella Dixon, and brother, John Robert Dixon.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Benton.

Graveside visitation will be Saturday, October 9, at 9 a.m. with services following at 10 a.m. at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton.

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

Larry Edwin Gilman, 81, of Coello, passed away on Sunday October 3, 2021 at his home.

He was born on November 24, 1939 in Muncie, IN to Franklin and Thelma (Harrison) Gilman. He married Mamie Ethel (Farris) Gilman on September 10, 1993.

He is survived by his wife Mamie Ethel Gilman of Coello; children Brenda (Don) DuBravec of Coello, Donna (Michael) Calloni of Mulkeytown, IL, Randy (Loida) Aaron of Energy, IL, David (Kim) Aaron of Mt Vernon, IL, and Linda (Hagle) Summers; grandchildren Doug (Addie) DuBravec, Michelle (Jason) Watson, Taylor (Kirstin) Calloni, Sierra (Dakota) Gregge, Nicole Shelton, Ashley (Geoff) Hammonds, Neil (Sarah) Brown, Alan Aaron, Samantha (Zach Hurt) Aaron, Steven (Casey) Summers, Rachael (Jeremy) Spencer and Joni Tims; 20 great grandchildren; two cousins Beverly Spann, of Florida, and Nancy Snider, of Florida.

Graveside services will be on Thursday October 7, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother George Marshall officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Christ of Christopher. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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

Frederick Ivan Berner, 77, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday October 1, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on November 4, 1943 in DuQuoin, IL to Ralph and Bertha (Cook) Berner. He married the love of his life Gloria Fiorenzi.

He is survived by his wife Gloria Berner of Mulkeytown; grandson Dakota (Haley) Berner of Coronado, CA; special great granddaughters Amelia Rose and Piper Jane; two brothers-in-law Clyde (Kathy) Furlow of Mulkeytown and Mike (Judy) Fiorenzi of Herrin; nieces and nephews Christy (Paul) Douglas, Bradley (Christian) Furlow, Nellie (Christian) Baril, Ben (Courtney) Fiorenzi and Joe (Janice) Fiorenzi; great nieces Andrea, Chelsea, Heather(Curtis) Rentfro, Jorja; great nephews Bryson, Stirling, and Sheldon; great great nieces Lily and Emma and many close friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Brian Berner, twin infant brother, one sister Evelyn Furlow, father-in-law and mother-in-law Darell and Angel Fiorenzi.

He was a machinist by trade and had worked at Carmet Mine Tool in Christopher and then worked for Old Ben Coal. He served for two years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a lifetime member of the Franklin County Farm Bureau and served on the board for 32 years. He was a devoted Christian and was raised and baptized in the Mulkeytown Christian Church and was currently serving as an Elder and President of the church board. He has also worked on the farm since he was a child, starting out working with his grandfather and his father.

Graveside services will be on Wednesday October 6, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the West Franklin Historical District or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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

Lonnie Paul Hart, 61, of Benton passed away on Friday October 1, 2021.

He was born on October 15, 1959 in Sedalia, MO to Lamon Deon and Francesca (Shovan) Hart. He married Mary (Haney) Hart on August 7, 1982.

He is survived by his wife Mary Hart of Benton; two sons Andrew Paul Hart of Chicago and Taylor Sidney (Abbie) Hart of Benton; grandchildren Cooper Lee Hart, Vincent “Vinny” Rowland and twins Max Taylor Hart and Sage Paul Hart; one sister Lori Dawn (Chris) Dillman of Marion; one nephew Ryan (Tina) Beighley of Marion and their daughter Aura.

Lonnie and Mary met in 1976 when Mary called 106.3 WQRX to request The Ocean by Led Zeppelin, where Lonnie worked as a Radio DJ. Lonnie worked for Old Ben Coal before starting Hart Insurance Agency in 1995; the agency is still serving Southern Illinois today. Lonnie loved sailing with his family on Kentucky Lake, taking vacations to Florida, camping at Rend Lake and sitting on the deck with the family dog, Lucky. He enjoyed teaching photography to his sons, guiding his eldest son, Andrew, through his radio career and teaching his youngest son, Sidney, how to work on classic cars and inspiring him to continue the family tradition of working in the mining industry. Sidney continues to carry on many of the family traditions with his four sons that Lonnie brought to the family.

Lonnie’s wishes were to be cremated with a private graveside service at a later date

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