Melba Lois Darnell, 84, of Akin, IL passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021, surrounded by her loving children.

She was born on December 6, 1936, to Charlie and Hazel (Wright) Warren in Hamilton County, IL. On April 23, 1955, she married Carl Dean Darnell and he proceeded her in death on February 12, 1993.

Melba was a member of the Akin Missionary Baptist Church and looked forward to attending church as much as possible. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Melba enjoyed cooking, canning vegetables, mowing the lawn, shopping at Wal-Mart, going to rummage sales, attending horse shows, family get togethers and a good meal.

She is survived by her two daughters, Debbie (David) Link of Macedonia, IL and Janet Rone of Akin, IL; one son, Keith (Bobbi) Darnell of Akin, IL; seven grandchildren, Jason (Amanda) Rone, Travis Rone, Dr. Chad (Dr. Jamie Davison-Link) Link, Ryan (Kelli) Darnell, Brandi (Ryan) Sauerhage, Mallory Rone and Brody Rone; seven great-grandchildren, Brennan Link, Kathryn Link, Tristan Link, Emma Rone, Brantlee Sauerhage, Hadley Sauerhage, Allie Darnell; a soon to be eighth great-grandchild, Rylyn Darnell; and her dearest best friend and cousin, Dorothy Patterson.

She was preceded in death by parents, Charlie and Hazel Warren; husband, Carl Dean Darnell; daughter, Amy Lynne Rone, great granddaughter, Addyson Rone; and son-in-law, Roger Rone.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, March 12, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., on Friday, March 12, 2021, at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Jeff Pulliam, officiating. Burial will follow services at Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL.

Memorials may be made to Akin Missionary Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Lowell “Bud” Cook, 87, of Benton, IL passed away Monday evening March 1, 2021 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

Mr. Cook was born on September 16, 1933 in Whittington, IL the son of Alva and Pearl (House) Cook.

Bud was a farmer for many years and also worked for many years selling farm and livestock equipment. In later years he mowed Crab Orchard Golf Course & worked at the Wooly Wash in Marion. He enjoyed drinking coffee, square dancing and socializing with his friends.

Mr. Cook is survived by his: Pam Minor, and husband Mark, of Ewing, IL, Gary Cook, and wife Doris, of Benton, IL and Kristi Picklesimer, and husband Ward, of Ewing, IL; grandchildren Brian Minor, and wife April, Nathan Minor, and wife Amy, Emily Skibo, and husband Ryan, Erin McCommons, and husband Casey, Elizabeth Roberts, and husband Rex, Amy Cook, Amber Brayfield, and husband Billy, Craig Cook, and wife Emilee, Josh Picklesimer, Bryden Picklesimer and Jaron Picklesimer; several great-grandchildren; a brother Bobby Joe Cook, and wife Janet; special friend Carol and one step-daughter Tracy.

Mr. Cook was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Louise Kramer, Mary Lou Kramer, Elaine Lucini and Peggy Womble and by a great-granddaughter, Sienna Faith Skibo.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. with Pastor Richard Lance officiating. Burial will follow. 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

Justine Lewis 96, passed away peacefully at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Benton, IL on February 27, 2021.

Justine was born October 20, 1925, in Benton Township to Roy and Josephine (Aaron) Uhls. Justine married Harry Andrew Lewis, on March 29, 1943. He preceded her in death on September 19, 2005.

She was a homemaker and a member of the Valier 1st Baptist Church. She is survived by four sons, Dan and Peggy Lewis, of
Prescott, AZ; Keith Lewis & Karen Barcus of Effingham, IL; Bruce and Vicki (Hicks) Lewis of Valier; Kevin and Karla (Newsom) Lewis of Sesser; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law; Ethel Jean and Lester Glenn; two sisters-in-law, Marie Uhls and Shirley Uhls; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; three brothers, Don, Bob and Lanny Dean; one granddaughter, Lacey, and one daughter-in-law, Rose.

Funeral services will be on Thursday March 4, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Valier First Baptist Church with Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will be at the Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Valier 1st Baptist Church.

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

Phyllis June Holleman, 87, of Benton, IL passed away Saturday afternoon, Feb. 27, 2021 at her home.

She was born in West Frankfort, IL on June 29, 1933, the daughter of Seth and Nellie (Bryant) Holleman.

She was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by her six children, Eddie Perkins, and wife Joni, of Christopher, IL, Sherry Rose, of Troy, IL, Roxanne Perkins, of Benton, IL, Melissa Taylor, and fiancé Kelley Cocke, of Benton, IL, James Perkins, of Spillertown, IL and April Piper, of Benton, IL; grandchildren Chyann Jones, Dakota, and Chris Conder, Jesse Perkins, Barry Piper, Seth Bradley, and wife Jessica, Ian Perkins, and wife Candace and Jacob Perkins, and wife Misty, Tracy Cavender, Casey Cavinder and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, by a son, Eddie Perkins; one great-granddaughter, two sisters, Nora Cameron and Burldean Drysdale; four brothers, George, Fred, Joe and Bryant, and by her best friend, Doris Ramsey.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Lance Cockrum officiating. Burial will be in the Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

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

Mary Josephine Kaminski died on Saturday February 27, 2021 at the age of 97 in the home she purchased just after WWII with her first husband, Alfred Davis. They shared 14 years of marriage, and Alfred preceded her in death in 1957. She married Julius Kaminski in October 1962. They shared 42 years of marriage and one daughter, and he preceded her in death in September 2004.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Mary B. Nemetsky, her son-in-law John Nemetsky, and one grandson, Peter David Nemetsky, all of Carbondale, many nieces and nephews, and her devoted caregivers, Cathy, Brenda, Gail, Evelyn, Jackie, Mary Lee, and Lynne.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Frank Fourez Sr. and Mary (Bial) Fourez, one brother, Frank “Bunny” Fourez Jr. and his wife, Lawanda, one nephew, Larry Fourez Sr., and one niece, Julie Ames Anderton.

Mary worked at Family Outfitters and then at Kirk’s Pharmacy in Christopher, from where she retired in 1987 after 30 years.

In lieu of flowers, Mary’s wish was that memorials be made to St. Andrew Catholic Church, Chapel Fund, or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday March 3, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Christopher. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery. Please note: Covid-19 recommendations will be strictly observed; facial coverings and social distancing are required.

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

John Bertice “Bert” Keelin , age 95, of Benton, IL passed away at 6:45 a.m., Friday, February 26, 2021 at his daughter’s home.

Bert Keelin was born in Saline County on June 12, 1925, the son of Bertice Ray and Ora Elsie Smith Keelin.

In younger years, Bert was raised and was active on the family farm. He married Ruth Droit from Thompsonville 68 years ago. They moved to Benton, IL and had three children. Bert received an auto mechanics technical degree by going to night school in Mt. Vernon. Then, he opened his own auto mechanics shop. In 1963, Bert expanded into the auto parts business and moved to the Jackson Street location. There, he started Franklin Auto Parts, continued with the machine shop and to expand the auto parts store, best known for selling American and NAPA parts. He was a pilot and co-owner in two airplanes, which he would use for pleasure and business. He was known to fly as far as Virginia to pick up a part that one of the coal mines needed immediately.

In 1980, Bert sold Franklin Auto Parts to Linkon Auto Parts from Centralia. He served as a consultant and sustained the Franklin Auto Machine Shop. In 1986, his son, Darrell, continued the legacy by owning and operating the machine shop and building, now known as Franklin Auto Parts and Machine. Bert assisted the Franklin County Sheriff’s department occasionally in evening hours and had a passion for crappie fishing. Most importantly, Bert Keelin was active in church, First Church of God, First Free Will Baptist Church, and Immanuel Baptist Church. He was strong in his faith and loved his family.

Surviving is his wife, Ruth Janice Droit Keelin and three children with their families as follows:
Surviving is daughter: Patricia (Pat) Keelin Kern, her children/Bert’s 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, Bert’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/Bert’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/Bert’s great-grandchildren: Addison Harrison, Houston and Sebastian Arrington, Jayda and Kierra Harrison, Bryce and Brysa Lindsay, Brandt Ramsey, Joey and Cole Copple. Deceased is: grandson, Jason Harrison.

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

Surviving are two sisters, Velma Keelin Hall of St. Charles, MO and Vurble Keelin Mahoney, and her husband, Robert “Bob.” Deceased are Bert’s parents and sisters: Verna Keelin Gaddis and her husband Raymond, Dena Lawrence and her husband, John, and Brother-In-Law, Bob Hall.
Surviving are many nieces and nephews. Deceased is one nephew, John Gaddis.
Private family services will be held Monday, March 1, 2021 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery Benton.
Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, visitation and funeral services are limited to 50 people at one time, facial coverings are required and social distancing should be observed. If you are sick, please stay at home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks consideration of memorial contributions. Donations may be made to the following charities: Rend Lake College Foundation: Bert Keelin Memorial Fund or Immanuel Baptist Church: Building Fund.

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

James E. Frost, age 85, of West Frankfort, passed away at 8:50 a.m. Monday, February 22, 2021 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Rick Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in the Logan Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our funeral home at a time, masks are required. If you are sick, please stay at home.

James was born on January 29, 1936 in Franklin County, Illinois; the son of Vice Frost and Katherine (Willett) Frost. He was married to the former Myrna Bounds and she preceded him in death.
He was a retired mechanic with Tile Tech in Chicago, Illinois.

Mr. Frost formerly attended the Logan Church of God,

James enjoyed watching NASCAR and football, working in his yard and gardening, spending time with his family and his two Chihuahuas Sugar and Sweet Pea.

Surviving is his children: Carolyn Chaney of West Frankfort, James V. “Bo” Frost of Orient, Michelle Miller of Carbondale, Becky Price of Chicago, Daniel Bounds of Arkansas; grandchildren: Joseph Armes, Jeffery Armes, Travis Hargett, Chelsea Lawrence, Jackie Bounds, Billie Jo Bounds, Jonathan Bounds, Brandi Bounds, Steven Osborne, Shelly Osborne, Debra Viravonga, Chad Conaway; great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Bock, Emerson Frost, Wyatt Bryant, Damian Hargett, Joy Hargett, Danika Hargett, Jada Hargett, Dakota Conaway, Alex Armes, Tyler Darnell, Cody Armes, Chad Armes, Cameron Viravonga; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Janet Frost of Logan; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three children: Julie Osborne, John Bounds, Vernon Bounds; a sister Susie Shockley; two brothers: Albert Frost, and Jack Frost.

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

May L. Marshall, 64, of Christopher, IL, passed away on February 18, 2021 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, Mo.

She was born on April 25, 1956 in Louisville, KY to Earl H. and Cecille (Colomb) Miller. At a very young age she was adopted by Robert Lee and Marie Miller. She married George Marshall on November 22, 1975 in Murry, KY.

Mary is survived by her husband George Marshall of Christopher; three daughters Angela and husband Michael Sharp of Indianapolis, IN, Melissa and husband Josh Leedle of St. Louis, MO and Jessica and husband Wes Beaty of Coello, IL; grandchildren Mckenzie Sharp, Megan Sharp, Logan Beaty, Dylan Leedle and Bailey Leedle; one sister Linda Coggeshall of Ft. Pierce, FL. and two brothers Paul L. Miller of Louisville, KY and Earl H. Miller of Bardstown, KY and many aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, adopted parents, one sister Susan Miller, uncle and aunt Cletus and Agnes Fair as well as many other relatives.

Mary was a member of the Christopher Church of Christ. Prior to being physically disabled in 1999, Mary had worked as a CNA in area nursing homes, as well as a Teacher’s Aide for special education children at the Benton School District #47 in Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be on Friday February 26, 2021 at 12:00 PM at the Ivy Hills Cemetery in Hardinsburg, KY with Brother Roy Plumlee officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday February 25, 2021 at the Gilbert Funeral home in Christopher, IL from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Mary devoted her life to serving God, His Son Jesus Christ, the Lord’s Church and her children and grandchildren. She is greatly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

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

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

Ronnie Sloan, 81, of West Frankfort, IL, passed away on February 20, 2021 at the Veteran’s Hospital, in Marion, IL.

Ronnie was born November 11, 1939, the son of Leroy and Julia Sloan. He was a lifelong West Frankfort resident.

Ronnie married Sandi Williams in 1961 and together they shared 59 years of marriage.

Ronnie proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1961 as a Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division.

He is survived by his wife Sandi, of West Frankfort; three sons, Jeff Sloan, of East Prairie, MO, Brett Sloan, of Harlingen, TX and Jason Sloan, of Benton, IL. Ronnie was also survived by many other extended family members and close friends.

Ronnie was a devoted Christian. He loved his family and trusted in the Lord.

As per Ronnie’s wishes he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Leida Ellen (Bates) Downen, 98, of Sesser, passed away on Friday February 19, 2021 at Helia Healthcare in Benton, IL.

She was born on July 19, 1922 to Edmond and Sybil (Harrison) Bates.

She is survived by her three sons Jimmy (Glenda) Downen of Ina, Ernie (Vicki) Downen of Scheller and Steve Downen of Sesser; one daughter Susie Miller of Sesser; 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Freddie Downen, one daughter Patsy Eubanks, grandson Kent Eubanks, brothers Harry, Elmer, Dale and Howard Bates. Sisters Arcada Prior, Edna Hamilton, Juanita Dilliner and Mary Lou Hoofer.

She was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She retired from the dietary department of the Franklin Hospital.

Graveside services will be on Wednesday February 24, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Brother Mark Wells officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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