David Allen Hatchett, 55, of Benton, IL died Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at his home. David was born December 24, 1965, in Murphysboro, IL the son of Donald and Elaine Hatchett. He served in the United States Army with an honorable discharge after graduating Benton High School.

David was a thoughtful brother and son and enjoyed music, forensic documentaries, old movies, and a good laugh in his pastime. When it came to culture, he frequently mentioned that he had always felt he had been born in an era too late. David was a cancer survivor of recent years.

Surviving relatives include his brothers, Jon Hatchett and wife Becky of West Frankfort, IL, Daniel Hatchett and wife Perlen of Benton, IL, Jeremy Hatchett of Benton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents. David was a gentle man who was loved and will be greatly missed.

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

Visitation will be from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2021, at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. July 20, 2021 at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Todd officiating. Burial will be in the Plasters Grove Cemetery, Thompsonville, IL.

Online condolences may be made at www.patefh.com

Elaine LaVerne Hatchett, 86, of Benton, IL, died at 8:04 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt Vernon, IL.

Elaine was born on July 10, 1934, in Chicago IL the daughter of Ceasar “Jimmy” and Monica “Melba” Shimkus. She married Donald Lewis Hatchett in Chicago on June 13, 1959 and they were married for 55 years until Donald’s death in 2015. Elaine attended and graduated from the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago from 1957-1960. She moved with Donald to Fenton MO and then to Benton IL and said goodbye to the city-life from then on. She worked as a registered nurse at Franklin Hospital in Benton as floor supervisor and of the emergency room until taking the school nurse position at Thompsonville Community School from 1989-92. She later worked as a nurse in home health care services until her retirement in 1996.

Elaine was a loving, devoted and faithful wife, a nurturing and compassionate mother, and a strong woman with an opinion that she wanted people to hear, with “listen” being one of the favored words in her vocabulary. After becoming accustomed to life in Southern Illinois, she took a liking to gardening and canning the produce of the garden and the fruit of the orchard trees on her property. She enjoyed collecting and learning recipes to add to the variety of homemade meals she enjoyed preparing for her family. She enjoyed traveling and visiting new unfamiliar places across the United States, Canada, and abroad.

She loved, honored and obeyed God and His law, and was a faithful and devoted servant toward God in prayer daily.

Surviving relatives include her children, Jon Hatchett and wife Becky of West Frankfort, IL, Daniel Hatchett and wife Perlen of Benton, IL, Jeremy Hatchett of Benton, IL, brother Richard Shimkus and wife Patricia of West Frankfort, IL, one grandchild Rachel Eckles and husband Sam of Goreville, IL, two great-grandchildren Mason Hatchett of Herrin, IL, and Dominick Eckles of Goreville, IL, and one great-great-grandchild Kyrie Hatchett of Herrin, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald Hatchett, two infant sons, one infant daughter, grandson Scott Hatchett, and most recently her son David Hatchett. Elaine was loved and will be greatly missed.

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

Visitation will be from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2021, at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. July 20, 2021 at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Todd officiating. Burial will be in the Plasters Grove Cemetery, Thompsonville, IL.

Online condolences may be made at www.patefh.com

Clifton Dean Cogdill, age 87 of Logan, passed away at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the Benton Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Graveside Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2021, at the Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, with Tom Judd officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Cogdill was born on October 29, 1933, in Corinth, Illinois; the son of Herman Samuel Cogdill and Bessie (Walker) Cogdill. He married the former Virginia M. (Grimes) Brock in 1994, and she preceded him in death on July 19, 2000.

He was a jeweler and watchmaker and formerly operated Cogdill’s Watch and Repair Service of Harrisburg, IL.

Mr. Cogdill was a member of the Caldwell Baptist Church of Benton; and in recent years attended the Benton Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Cliff enjoyed playing the piano, especially classical music and church hymns. He also enjoyed to crochet.

Surviving are two brothers: Jack Cogdill and wife Kim of McHenry, IL, Cletus Cogdill and wife Ruth Ann of Port Charlotte, FL; step-children: Eddie M. Brock and wife Elizabeth of St. Peters, MO, , Dennis Brock and wife Mary of Logan, Dale Brock and wife Lutricia of Logan, Mary Sue Perry and husband Jerry of High Ridge, MO; thirteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; a niece Ann Field and husband Robert of Johnston City, IL; a nephew David Cozadd and wife Marjie of Tacoma, WA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a brother Don Cogdill; a sister Wilma Carter; and a step-son Bobby R. Brock and his wife Diane.

Memorial contributions in memory of Clifton Cogdill, may be made to the Amazing Truth Missionary Society, P.O. Box 68, Thompsonville, IL 62890.

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

Danny Quillman, 58, of Coello, passed away on July 11, 2021 at 6:53 P.M. at his residence. He was born September 26, 1962 in Christopher, Illinois to Squam Quillman and Emma Jane (Spann ) Quillman.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy Shurtz of Christopher, 2 nieces, Elizabeth Patalano of Herrin and Sarah Ranzinger of West, Texas. Also surviving are 2 great nieces ,2 great nephews his special friend, Wilma and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, David Shurtz and by his former wife, Terri.

Danny was self employed and loved his dog, Pickels.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Monday at the funeral home. Burial of ash’s will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery

Paula Ann Merkel, 57, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, formerly of Sesser, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born August 25, 1963 in Chester, Illinois to George Merkel and Joyce (Rhine ) Merkel.

She is survived by her mother, Joyce Cox of Sesser; 3 daughters, Kassie Stroud of Maryland, Ashley Stroud of St. Louis, Mo. and Alexis ( Joel ) Klenke of Union, Mo.; step children, Jessica LeVault of Jackson, TN; Garrett (Molly) LeVault of Jackson, TN. and Colin LeVault of Jackson, TN.

Also surviving are 3 brothers, George Merkel of Corkland,Tn; Bob (Cynthia) Merkel of Mt. Vernon and Chris (Jennifer) Cox of Carlyle as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her biological father, George Merkel, her father who raised her, James E. Cox and by a grandson, Gili Zion.

Paula was a member of the West Salem Trinity United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the West Salem Trinity United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon.

Gilbert Funeral Home In Christopher is in charge of arrangements.

Therefore I tell you don’t be anxious about your life….. Look at the birds of the air…. consider the lilies of the field how they grow…. If God clothes the grass of the field…. how much more will he clothe you? ….

Matthew 6:25-31

Donna Marie (Basso) Harrison, 88, of Sesser, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 12, 2021 at the Herrin Hospital. She was surrounded by her family. Donna was born July 12, 1933 in Sesser, Illinois to Domenico Basso Jr. and Allene (Lance) Basso.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Robert Harrison. They were married on December 30, 1950.

In addition to her husband Bob, she is survived by her children, David (Karen) Harrison of Sesser, Cheryl (David) Mishler of Bonnie and LeAnn (Russell) Miller of Sesser; grandchildren, Alyssa Lewis, Douglas Harrison, Amy Willis, Chad Mishler, Kyle Miller and Kaleb Miller and 8 greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Donald (Beverly) Basso of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Gloma Harrison.

Donna was a faithful member of the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church. She loved teaching the “Little Followers” Sunday School class for over 50 years. Donna took great joy in caring for others. She will be remembered by those who knew her best for her generous spirit, “matching” outfits, and above all, her boundless love.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Cutis Smith, Rev. David Mishler, and Rev. Harl Ray Lewis. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Friday at the funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church.

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.