Doris Faye Bullock – Herrin, IL

Doris Faye Bullock , 57, of Herrin, IL passed away May 27, 2015 at Herrin Hospital.

doris

She was born June 16, 1957 in Pinckneyville, IL, the daughter of Noel Brayfield and Mary (Phillips) Brayfield.

Doris was a member of West Monroe Apostolic Church in Herrin where she loved to praise the Lord. She was a volunteer waitress at the House of Hope in Herrin where she was every time the door were open, when she was able. She had a big heart and a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor and full of spunk. She loved her grandchildren to the moon and back.

She is survived by her children, Suzanne and Charles Stein, Royalton, Il and Robert Bullock, West Frankfort, IL; grandchildren Christopher Smith, Jessica Stein, Cheyanne Morris, Austin Perjenski, Emma Morris, Kara Jo Stein; brother Noel (Vicky) Brayfield, West Frankfort; niece Crysta Brayfield; two great nephews Hunter and Stetson Brayfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Debbie Deuschler, Tina Lawrence and Julie Ann Brayfield.

There will be a memorial service conducted at a later date.

Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher IL in in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Obituary – Remington James Cambron – Mulkeytown, IL

Remington James Cambron, infant son of John R. and Jamie Cambron, of Mulkeytown, IL was stillborn May 19, 2015 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

He is survived by his parents, grandparents James and Donna Jones, of Mulkeytown and Don and Dawn Wilkins, Buckner and John Cambron, Sr. of Benton; one sister, Alexis Cambron, Mulkeytown, IL.

Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday May 22 at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diana Carol (Gunn) Read-Eldorado, IL

On April 12, 2015 Diana Carol (Gunn) Read passed away from her temporary home on earth to meet her Lord and Savior.

Diana was born October 4, 1958 in Rockford, IL and currently resided at Magnolia Manor in Eldorado, IL.

Her survivors include her father John T. Gunn and wife Fran Gunn of Bradenton, FL, mother Bonnie A Mace and husband Robert E. Mace of Sesser, brothers John D. Gunn and wife Michele of Benton, Justin C, Gunn of Creve Coure, IL, sisters Bonnie McNeal Clark of Christopher, Allie Cosma and husband Jon Cosma of Damascus, OH, Elizabeth Gunn of Sesser, Sara Gunn Pedigo of Sesser, Karen R. Clark and husband Rennie Clark of Christopher, and many nieces and nephews.

Rev. 14:13 “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their Labours: and their works do follow them.”

Diane was a very thoughtful person, who loved her family very much. She was one of the most generous people you could know and was known for giving her last dollar to someone in need. She grew up in Rockford, IL a happy child who loved to play outside, ride bikes, climb trees, and her most favorite of all to jump rope. She graduated high school from Elpaso High School in Elpaso, IL and furthered her studies in later years in cosmetology and veterinary assistance. After she was diagnosed with schizophrenia in later years she had many struggles of which required much caretaking and treatment but remained virtually positive through it all even to the end. She loved her family very much and they loved her, she will forever be in our thoughts and fondest memories, until we meet again,

It was Diana’s wishes to be cremated with a service at a later date.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral in Sesser is handling the arrangements.

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

Obituary – Walter Underwood

Walter Underwood 72, passed away into the hands of our Lord on Thursday February 26, 2015 at 4:30 A.M. from stomach cancer.

underwood picHe was born December 23, 1942 in Derby, OH to the late William B. and Minnie E. (Fast) Underwood.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 23 years Wanda (Behm) Underwood, five children John Harold Underwood, David Allen Underwood, and Teresa Jett all of Ohio, Jacob Walter Underwood of Christopher, and Joshua Lee Underwood of Christopher.

Grandchildren Nicole, Danny, Bradley, and Bethany.

Also one loyal sister Sue “Virginia” Jahn and her husband Lester of Harrisburg, OH, and two sisters-in-law Ella Underwood and Linda Underwood of Ohio. Father-in-law John Behm of Valier, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. And special friends Jerry and Betty of Christopher.

Walter was a Vietnam veteran of the Marine Corp. He was retired from the Grove City Ohio Police Department. He was also a member of the Valier United Methodist Church.

Walter will be remembered as a devoted and loving father and husband.

He was preceded in death by five brothers Emery, Carl, Harry, Bill, and Jim, and one sister Betty.

Funeral services will be on Sunday March 1, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. with Brother Bert Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday March 1, 2015 from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be in the Zeigler City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Kristeen Renee Long – Christopher

Kristeen Renee Long, 60, of Christopher, IL passed away Feb. 13, 2015.

She was born on Nov. 5, 1954 in Bethalto, IL, the daughter of Grover Fielder and Evelyn (Cruz) Fielder, who both preceded her in death.

She worked as a nurse at West Side Health Care, in West Frankfort.

Kristeen was married to James Furlow then to Mike Long and both preceded her in death.

She is survived by two children, Morgan Furlow, of Mt. Vernon and Garrett Furlow, of Mt. Vernon and by four grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Steve Fielder, of Bethalto.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements. For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

 

If you have tax questions – Benton’s H & R Block has the answers

Staff Report

Regardless if you have a question or if you’re ready to file your taxes Benton’s H & R Block is your one-stop location for all your tax preparation needs. H & R Block can provide you guidance in making the decisions that go along with annual tax preparation.

Laurie Smith is one of the longtime employees at the Benton H & R Block. I In all H & R Block employees have more than 140 years experience in tax preparation.

Laurie Smith is one of the longtime employees at the Benton H & R Block. In all H & R Block employees have more than 140 years experience in tax preparation.

Some commonly asked and important questions are:

Should I itemize or use the standard deduction?

It depends. Choose the method that results in the largest deduction for you.

The value of your itemized deductions might be more than the amount you’ll receive as a standard deduction. If so, you should probably itemize. If you’re subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), you might want to itemize even if the standard deduction is more.

Otherwise, it’s usually better to claim the standard deduction. Don’t forget to take the state’s tax results into consideration when making your choice.

block adWhich homeowner deductions are available this year?

Some deductions available for homeowners include:

  • Mortgage interest deduction
  • Real property tax deduction
  • Mortgage insurance deduction

Each deduction requires you to pass certain tests. Review each deduction to ensure you qualify for it.

You might make improvements to your home to increase energy efficiency. If so, you might qualify for an additional credit.

If I claim the standard deduction, should I also report my itemized expenses and donations?

Yes. You should tell us your itemized deductions, including donations to charitable organizations. This helps determine if the standard deduction is the most beneficial to you.

You should also keep a record of your itemized deductions. You can carry over deductions to future years if your adjusted gross income (AGI) isn’t high enough use the whole amount this year.

Which items qualify as other itemized deductions?

Other itemized deductions that you can claim include:

  • Gambling losses, but only to the extent of gambling winnings reported on Form 1040
  • Casualty and theft losses of income-producing property from Form 4684 or Form 4797
  • Loss from other activities from Schedule K-1 (Form 1065-B)
  • Federal estate tax on income in respect of a decedent
  • Amortizable bond premium on bonds acquired before Oct. 23, 1986
  • Deduction for repayment of amounts under a claim of right if over $3,000
  • Certain unrecovered investment in a pension
  • Impairment-related work expenses of disabled person

How does depreciation affect itemizing deductions?

h & r 1 - 2-09Depreciation shouldn’t affect your itemized deductions if you’re either of these:

  • Sole proprietor
  • Farmer

This applies whether you itemize on Schedule A or claim the standard deduction.

If you’re a sole proprietor, report your depreciation deduction as a trade or business expense. Report it on your Schedule C.

If you’re a farmer, use Schedule F.

You’ll claim depreciation as an itemized deduction if both of these apply:

  • You’re an employee.
  • You’re claiming depreciation as an unreimbursed employee business expense.

You’ll use Schedule A to itemize. Your depreciation deduction is subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income (AGI) limit. So, use depreciation when deciding whether to itemize or claim the standard deduction.

Benton’s H & R Block, located at 101 West Main St., is ready to help you with your taxes regardless if you have questions or if you’re ready to file. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Call the office at 618-439-4641.

 

 

 

Obituary – Trinity Allen Sutton – Christopher

Trinity Allen Sutton, of Christopher, was stillborn December 23, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center, in Marion.

Trinity is the child of John Sutton and Crystal (Snyder) Sutton.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher.  Visitation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary – Wayne S. Callender –

Wayne S. Callender, 87, succumbed to his battle with cancer on the morning of December 11, 2014, at Del Mar Gardens Nursing Home in O’Fallon, MO.

He was born on October 20, 1927, in Independence, IL.  He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVera Parkinson Callender, his parents, Arthur Olan Callender and Erma Crystal Conkright Callender, one brother, Victor Harold Callender, one sister, Bernadine Bradshaw Gerdes, and a niece, Shirley Glover Middleton.

As a young man he was drafted into the U.S. Army, doing his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and sent to Japan for his service.  At the end of WW II he returned to Chicago, IL and was wed to Vera on March 22, 1952.  His chosen profession was an accomplished carpenter with the Chicago Regional 80 Carpenter’s Union. He was a member in good standing from September 1, 1952 through September 30, 1982. On his own he built five beautiful homes in the Chicago suburbs while his wife of 50 years decorated them and then resold them.  He and his wife were well traveled – taking trips throughout the United States to Europe, Asia, and the Orient.

Wayne was always interested in sports, hunting game from pheasant to deer and took many trips to Canada with his father, mother, family, and friends.  He also loved playing cards, coffee and conversation, gambling, and was an avid golf enthusiast, achieving a hole-in-one.  He belonged to the American Legion Post No 0528 in Christopher, IL.  In their retirement years, Wayne and Vera returned to her hometown to live and weathered the winters in Benita Springs, Texas, with friends and family.

His final resting place will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Valier, IL.  Services will be at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL, on Monday, December 15 at 11 a.m., with interment following the funeral. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.  For more information visit our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Saluki football team to participate in annual Souper Bowl of Caring on Saturday

Jan. 30, 2014

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Football will be participating in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring at various locations in Carbondale and Murphysboro this Saturday, February 1.

Saluki wide receiver LaSteven McKinney (left) and defensive end Calvin Belts (right).

Saluki wide receiver LaSteven McKinney (left) and defensive end Calvin Belts (right).

The Salukis will assist the Good Samaritan Ministries and the Murphysboro Food Pantry in their quest to combat hunger in southern Illinois by collecting donations outside local businesses from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m at the following locations:

Carbondale: Kroger, Schnucks, Walmart, The Neighborhood Co-op
Murphysboro: Kroger, Walmart

Donations collected will benefit both the Good Samaritan Ministries and the Murphysboro Food Pantry.

Region goes into ‘shut-down’ because of snow, frigid temps

Here’s a link to the list or area closures caused by the weather compiled by WSIL.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News