Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Coach Gillespie on the sidelines. (Ann Beckett, Marshall County Daily photo)
Marion High School this evening has named former Marshall County KY coaching legend Gus Gillespe as their new boys head basketball coach. I will share when more comes available. -sd
Clinton Ray Woodfin passed away peacefully at his home Thursday morning, April 6, 2017, surrounded by his children.
Clinton was born on October 29, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri to John and Nellie (Shell) Woodfin.
On November 1, 1947, he was married to Monzelle Harkey in Piggott, Arkansas. They spent almost 69 wonderful years together until her death in August of 2016.
To this union was born 4 children. One son, Steven and wife Sue of Benton, Illinois, three daughters, Lynne Edwards of Benton, Illinois, Karen Reinhold and husband Don of Tampa, Florida, and Kris McClard and husband Steve of Bolivar, Missouri.
He was so very proud of his grandchildren, Marci Woodfin Glover and husband, Daniel of Benton, Illinois, Mica Woodfin Roundcount and husband Matt of Bethalto, Illinois, Brent Edwards of Largo, Florida, Ben Edwards of St. Louis, Missouri, Jonathan Edwards and wife Natalie of Benton, Illinois, Joshua Reinhold and wife Kristina of Austin, Texas, Daniel Reinhold of Los Angeles, California, Andrew and Parker McClard of Bolivar, Missouri.
His 5 great grandchildren, that he lovingly referred to as his little scoundrels are Keegan and Kinley Glover of Benton, Illinois, Evan and Madelyn Roundcount of Bethalto, Illinois, and Kane Edwards of Benton, Illinois.
Before going into the ministry, Clinton supported his young family by working at Wagner Electric in St. Louis,Missouri. During his 30+ years in the ministry, he served churches in Meadowbrook and Benton, Illinois and Advance, Missouri.
Upon retirement, he accepted a position as Associate Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, Illinois. He then went on to do interim pastoral work in churches at Royalton and Zeigler, Illinois. His genuine love of people and quick wit endeared him to many.
Clinton is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by sister-in-law, Helen Woodfin of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. two brothers-in-law, Walter Harkey and wife Peggy of Meadowbrook, Illinois and Howard Harkey and wife Dorothy of Shipman, Illinois, sister-in-law June Becraft and husband Barney of Keyesport, Illinois and sister-in-law Donna Harkey of Moro, Illinois; He was also an uncle to many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law, Ivan and Gavada Woodfin, brother Leonard Woodfin, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Gerald Retherford, brother-in-law Jack Harkey, his special father and mother-in-law Elmer and Ruby Harkey and special nieces and nephew, JoAnn Rice, Joyce Jarman and David Harkey.
The family will receive visitors Sunday, April 9th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois.
A Celebration of Life Service will be Monday, April 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, Illinois, with visitation at 10:00. The service will be officiated by Rev. Gene Ellis, Pastor Sammy Simmons and Music Minister John Odle.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or CMH Hospice in Bolivar, Missouri.
For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
William “Bill” Smothers, 59, of Benton IL, passed away at 12:28 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL, surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born on September 25, 1957, to Clarence “Doc” and Mildred (Scrutchfield) Smothers in Benton, IL. Bill lived in Benton for most of his life. He loved his family and friends to fullest and always enjoyed spending his days with them. Especially his grandson Brendon.
His generosity, love for others and playful nature is what will always be remembered by his family and friends. He was a loving father, grandfather and brother and will be dearly missed. A mark of a truly great man is one that touches the life of others and leaves them better for knowing him. Bill most definitely did that.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman and an exceptional pool player.
William is survived by his daughter, Lacey Smothers of Benton, IL; one grandson, Brendon Jones; two sisters, Sandi (Tom) Schmidt, Debra (Lenny) Holthaus; and one brother, Randy (Linda) Smothers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence “Doc” and Mildred Smothers, two brothers, Gary Smothers and Jim Smothers and one sister, Susan Wilson.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 31, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Roger Webb, officiating.
Burial will take place in the Jones Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Pate Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Special Weather Statement…correction National Weather Service Paducah KY 112 PM CDT THU MAR 30 2017 ILZ080-084-088-092-KYZ001-MOZ087-111-112-114-301845- Perry IL-Alexander IL-Jackson IL-Union IL-Fulton KY- Cape Girardeau MO-New Madrid MO-Scott MO-Mississippi MO- 112 PM CDT THU MAR 30 2017 …
SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EASTERN PERRY…WESTERN UNION… EASTERN JACKSON…ALEXANDER…WESTERN FULTON…WESTERN MISSISSIPPI… SCOTT…NEW MADRID AND EASTERN CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTIES UNTIL 145 PM CDT… At 108 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 8 miles northwest of Ware to near Portageville. Movement was north at 40 mph. Half inch hail and winds of 40 mph, up to 50 mph will be possible with these storms. Locations impacted include… Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Sikeston, Murphysboro, Du Quoin, Charleston, Scott City, Anna, Portageville, East Prairie, New Madrid, Jonesboro, Lilbourn, Miner, Benton, De Soto, Cobden, Elkville, Bertrand and Hurst.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service office in Paducah. && A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for southern and south central Illinois…western Kentucky…and southeastern Missouri. LAT…LON 3643 8974 3750 8954 3822 8921 3821 8917 3821 8915 3809 8912 3795 8918 3784 8915 3650 8939 3646 8947 3650 8953 3643 8955 3640 8967 TIME…MOT…LOC 1808Z 200DEG 35KT 3750 8953 3651 8971 $$ Smith
Timothy Shawn O’Brien passed away on March 16, 2017 in Huntington Beach, CA. Shawn was born on June 18, 1965 in Benton, Illinois. He resided in Huntington Beach, CA with his family.
Shawn was raised in Davis. He attended the Davis Schools and was a 1983 graduate of Davis Senior High. He was involved with the Davis Blue Devils football and he was on the Davis High Ski Team for four years. Shawn was an excellent skier and brought the DHS Ski Team to many victories on the mountains of Lake Tahoe.
Shawn is a graduate of the University of California at Davis. He was employed by Yusen Logistics, being General Manager in the Sales Division of Global Business Development. His employment and business travels took him extensively to Hong Kong, China, and Europe. Shawn was transferred to Hong Kong with his family for a two year period. He was then transferred back to the United States where he and his family resided in Huntington Beach, CA.
Shawn is survived by his wife, Yumiko, daughters Christina and Kelly. He is the son of Dr. Timothy and Janet O’Brien, Davis. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Michael O’Brien and His wife Melissa of Denver Colorado, his nephew and niece William and Sophia
Shawn also is survived by his aunts, and uncle, and cousins
Shawn had a larger than life personality, always a big grin on his face. He loved to travel, explore and was quite the “Grill Master” on his grill. He took over the major grilling, menu planning, on the many family gatherings. When first employed by his company, the family lived in Gillette, New Jersey. There he became a great New York Yankee fans, this continued to be his team. He always said he was probably the only resident in Southern California with a NY Yankee plate around his car license!
Shawn will be greatly missed. Our family has lost a major link in the family circle of love. This can never be replaced and he will be in our hearts forever. We will always miss comments like “hey what’s for dinner and what do you want me to cook.”
Memorial services will be on March 25 at 11:00 am at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, Illinois. Visitation will be on Saturday March 25, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Interment will be at the family burial site, Maple Hill Cemetery, Sesser, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: THE 0’BRIEN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP TRUST. Please mail any donation to: Timothy and Janet O’Brien, 2614 Anza Avenue, Davis, CA 95616.
Press Release from Matt Troha- Illinois High School Association
Special Olympics Illinois athletes, Unified Partners and coaches from across the state will gather at the March Madness Experience inside the Exhibition Hall at the Peoria Civic Center, this Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18, as part of the IHSA State Basketball Tournament for the first ever Illinois High School Association/Special Olympics Illinois State Unified Basketball Tournament.
Game schedules are as follows:
FRIDAY, MARCH 17
Game 1 – 1:00pm on Court 1: Mt Vernon vs. Metea Valley
Game 2 – 2:30pm on Court 1: Hononegah vs. Homewood Flossmoor
Game 3 – 1:00pm on Court 2: Salem vs. Thornton
Game 4 – 2:30pm on Court 2: Plano vs Princeton
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
Game 5 – 1:00pm Division 1 3rd Place Game on Court 1
Game 6 – 1:00pm Division 2 3rd Place Game on Court 2
Game 7 – 2:30pm Division 1 Championship Game on Court 1
Game 8 – 2:30pm Division 2 Championship Game on Court 2
Special Olympics Unified Sports is a fast-growing initiative that brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team to compete. Over 500,000 people worldwide take part in Unified Sports, which helps to break down stereotypes about people with intellectual and promote social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences.
Unified® sports include players with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team competing against other Unified teams. Teams are comprised of people of similar age and ability.
Special Olympics Illinois and the IHSA have joined forces for the 2016-2107 school year and they share a common goal to promote athletic opportunities for student athletes.
The IHSA and Special Olympics Illinois jointly offer Unified Bass Fishing and now, Unified Basketball.
To compete in the tournament, athletes must have trained for at least eight weeks. Senior/Male and High School teams qualified through one of nine district tournaments in the state. All teams will play at least two games, and the tournament will be played according to IHSA rules.
The public is welcome to attend this tournament. Tickets are $2.00 or free with a ticket to the IHSA Class 3A/4A games.
Wilma Darlene Haas, 91, of Wapakoneta, OH., formerly of Benton, IL., passed away at 1:45 p.m., on January 31, 2017, at Vancrest of St. Marys in St. Marys, OH.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Wilma enjoyed spending time her family, traveling, and skiing the snowy slopes. She also had a love and passion for animals.
Wilma is survived by her daughter, Dorothea (David) Hayman of Saint Marys, OH; two grandsons, David E. (Vanessa) Hayman and Garrett M. Hayman; two great-grandchildren, Olivia Marie Hayman and David Paul Hayman; three nieces, Jan Conci, Carmen (Jeff) Conci and Helen (Beecher) Williams; and two nephews, Frank (Ellen) Conci and Terry (Kim) Conci
She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolf and Myrtle Conci; and brothers, Gene Conci and Frank Conci.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Burial will follow services in Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.
Memorials maybe made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or Second Chance Rescue.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
