Larry Jay Gwaltney passed away, surrounded by family, at his home in Benton, IL on Monday, February 16, 2026, ending a lengthy battle with cancer.

Larry was born on August 18, 1948, in Evansville, Indiana to J.T. and Helen (Darnell) Gwaltney. He grew up in the Mill Shoals area of White County, Illinois. He graduated from Mills Prairie High School in 1966 and from SIU-C in 1970 with bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Ag Education.

After serving in the Army (1971-73), he worked as a welder for a few months before beginning his teaching career at Centralia High School. Through the years, he obtained additional degrees and training to equip him for coaching and a variety of teaching positions in English, journalism, graphic arts, industrial technology, and photography, as well as school guidance counselor. He worked in photography at SEMO in Cape Girardeau and taught at Fairfield High School, Allendale High School, Gillespie High School, Webber High School in Bluford, and Carmi-White County Middle School. He retired from teaching in 2009 and then worked as a night custodian at USI until 2013. While teaching, he also served as bi-vocational pastor/supply preacher in several rural churches. Since retirement, he has used his teaching skills with youth classes at North Benton Baptist Church.

Larry is survived by his wife of 37 years, Brenda (Seibert) Gwaltney, the couple’s one son, Jonathan Jay Gwaltney, his wife Cassandra and their daughter Juliette. Other survivors include one sister, Brenda Kay Pyle, brother- and sister-in-law Larry and Sandra Richmond, 3 nephews and 1 niece and their spouses, 2 great nephews, 6 great nieces, and numerous cousins.

Larry’s favorite things were time spent with family and friends, personal Bible study and prayer (especially in “his corner” of the sunporch), “the HILL” (farm where he grew up), gardening, and southern gospel music. Larry was known for his generous heart and his care of others. He enjoyed sharing his garden produce.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, J.T. & Helen (Darnell) Gwaltney; his in-laws, Ralph and Louise Seibert; infant sister Ruth Ann; brother Jimmie Gwaltney; and his brother-in-law, John Pyle.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, followed by a celebration of life service at 1:00 P.M. at the Morton & Johnson Funeral Home in Benton, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN or Adult Teen Challenge Mid-America (directed for Deborah’s House, the new facility for women) in Cape Girardeau, MO and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Anna Mae Loucks, 96, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on February 15, 2026, at her home with her family at her side.

Anna Mae was born on May 17, 1929, in Du Bois, Illinois, to Elda Miller Zettler and Geroge Zettler. She married Carl Loucks on November 19, 1949. They were blessed with two children, Doris (Randall) Worley and Carl “Gene” Loucks, all of Scheller. Carl and Anna Mae shared almost fifty-four years of marriage before his passing on September 20, 2003. Their son, Gene, also preceded Anna Mae in death on February 13, 2024.

In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, Anna Mae is survived by her six grandchildren: Tammy (John) Launius, Brent (Becky) Loucks, Chanda (Edvis) Taylor, Andrea (Keith) Trader, Bryce (Heather Kelly) Worley, and Amanda (Eric) Gajewski and eleven great-grandchildren: Preston (Madison) Launius, Seth (fiancé, Haden Harmon) Loucks, Quinn (Alyssa Dawson) Gajewski, Pearson (fiancé, Jillian Shaneyfelt) Launius, Wyatt (Patrice Laur) Loucks, Sophie (Caleb Hall) Trader, Addie Trader, Shaelyn Taylor, Hagen Gajewski, Easton Trader, and Pearl Worley. She is also survived by her sister, Edna Morgan of Kansas City, Missouri, and her sister-in-law, Barbara Loucks of Sesser, Illinois, and many special nieces and nephews.

Anna Mae was of the Baptist faith and a member of White Oak Baptist Church. She was an example of love and sacrifice. She worked hard her entire life and cared for others. She and Carl opened their home to help many family members. Anna Mae worked alongside Carl on the farm, and she worked at Decca Records. Anna Mae and Carl enjoyed going to country dances. They also enjoyed planting a large garden. Anna Mae continued gardening and canning as long as she was able. She valued a simple life and believed in making do with what you were given. She kept her love for farming throughout her life. She enjoyed talking to her friend, Bill Sulcer, about the crops and sitting on her porch watching Bill farm her land after Carl’s passing.

Anna Mae’s greatest joy was her family. She loved large family gatherings. She enjoyed evening rides with her daughter to look for deer and visit her grandchildren. Each night she wanted to make sure that her family was home safe before she rested. She was the center of her family and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, husband, and son, she was preceded in death by her siblings, and their spouses: Harold Dean (Ruth) Zettler, George (Wilma) Zettler, Loretta (Craig) Gladson, Viola (Mickey Allsup) Dublo, Bob (Helen) Zettler, and Tommy Glascock. She was also preceded in death by special in-laws, Ira Morgan, Carson (Nellie) Loucks, Harold Dean Loucks, James (Jackie) Loucks, Mary (Ernest) Panzier, Dorthy Panzier, and Velma Robinson.

Funeral services will be on Friday February 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday February 19, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home and on Friday morning from 8:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Donnie James Trogolo, 78, of Coello, passed away on Saturday February 14, 2026 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.

He was born on August 15, 1947 in Christopher to Dominic and Lola (Smith) Trogolo. He married Linda (Dawson) Trogolo and she survives of Coello.

He is also survived by his children Donna (John) Ley of Apache Junction, AZ, Deanne (Mark) Winter of Asheboro, NC and James Trogolo of Coello; four grandchildren Hunter, Hendrik, Haven and Deonna.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army and had worked at the Christopher Elementary school and Rend Lake College.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Lyle Gene Utlaut, 85, of Sesser, passed away on Monday February 16, 2026 at Stonebridge Nursing Center in Benton.

He was born on February 27, 1940 in Greenville, IL to Harold and Orvetta (Ulmet) Utlaut. He married Marilyn Sue (Wingo) Utlaut on July 15, 1972 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Rick (Teresa) Utlaut of Sesser, Starla (Tim) Jay of Johnston City, IL, Jason (Joni) Utlaut of Sesser and Mark Utlaut of St Louis, MO; grandchildren Ashley Williams, Courtney Utlaut, Brianna (Shawn) Gilbreath, Hannah Utlaut, Wyatt Utlaut, Adalynn Utlaut and Sylvie Utlaut; great grandchildren Kiley Williams, Malakai Cavins, Gabriella Delgadillo, Graciella Delgadillo, Kayden Stone, Ares Utlaut, Mia Utlaut, Brayden Miller, Braylee Utlaut and Braxton Wilson and one special little buddy Lilly Rose Hittle.

He was a coal miner and was a United States Army Veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Donald Utlaut and brother Sterling Utlaut.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday February 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Walter Rexing officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Mr. Harley Turner Roehm, age 78, of Thompsonville, passed away at 5:24 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Benton.

Graveside services with Military Honors by the Orient American Legion Post #1961, the US Navy Honors Team and Pastor Howard Johnson will officiate at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the New Hope Cemetery of Belle Rive, Illinois. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, is in charge of the arrangements.

Harley was born on July 22, 1947, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois; the son of Harley Fischer Roehm and Geraldine Delores (Carson) Roehm. He was married to Evelyn (Carter) Roehm, and she preceded him in death on January 11, 2006.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

Harley formerly worked as a press operator with Maytag for twenty-six plus years.

Mr. Roehm enjoyed riding motorcycles and collecting NASCAR memorabilia.

He is survived by two nieces: Tanya Massengill of Benton, Illinois, and Lisa Ann Cowan of Salem, Missouri; a nephew Michael Alan Butler of Benton, Illinois; great-nieces and nephews including: Brett Butler, Derek Butler, Patrick Massengill and Nykki Nelson; great-great-nieces and nephews: Jaycie, Graycie, Clara, Skylar and Henry; two sisters: Patricia Ann Gant of Benton, Illinois and Linda Sue Webb of Valier, Illinois.
Mr. Roehm was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his significant other that he loved dearly, Betty Davidson.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Harley, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Mary Jeanette Tate, age 79, of Benton, passed away at her home at 11:58 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Mrs. Tate was born December 25, 1946, in Buckner, Illinois the daughter of James Neal Morrison, Jr. and Della (Stalorites) Morrison.
Jeanette was a member of the West City Church of God. She enjoyed going to church and worshipping her Lord and Savior.

Her working career consisted of 25 years working as a legal secretary for Bill Hart, 20 years with IBEW Local 702, and with Attorney Paula Newcomb.

Jeanette enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and attending her church.

She is survived by two sons Jason & Lisa Tate of West Frankfort, IL, and Andy & Megan Tate of Herrin, IL, two grandchildren Austin Tate and wife Mallory of St. Augustine, FL, and Madison Tate of West Frankfort, a brother James Morrison, III and wife Karen of Benton, IL, and several nieces, nephews, and her church family.
Mrs. Tate was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Rebecca Roberts.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the West City Church of God, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday at the West City Church of God. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Organization for Breast Cancer at www.komen.org or will be accepted at the service on Saturday.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jeanette, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Cynthia “Cindy” Lynn (Whaley) Livesay, 69, of Benton, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in West Frankfort, IL.

She was born on March 22, 1956, to Donald and Betty (Wilkerson) Whaley in Benton, IL. Cynthia was divorced at the time of her death.

Cindy had been a CNA caregiver her whole life. She loved to sew, home making and she especially loved her two special great-grandchildren.

Cynthia is survived by her loving daughters, Dawn Renee Vandom of Benton, IL and Stacy Lynn Mclaughlin of Thompsonville, IL; her grandchildren, Whitney Chloe Whaley (Zach Vallow), Ty Michael Miller and Austin Dale Miller; her great-grandchildren, Phoenix Tyler Beal and Maverick James Vallow and one brother, Ronald Dale Whaley and his wife, Julie, of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Lee and Betty Lou Whaley, grandparents, Ray and Chloe Wilkerson and one grandson, Leyan Michael.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Per Cindy’s wishes, cremation will take place.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pate Funeral Home, and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.

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

Guy Williams, age 87 of Benton passed away peacefully in his sleep at 9:54 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

He married Jan Marie Malkovich on May 6, 1967, had two children, and remained together until her death in 2009. He looked forward to seeing her again.

Guy was born August 26, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana to Sadie Irene Cavins and Ora Stanford Williams. He had three siblings; Norma Irene, Fern Evelyn, and Gary Richard, all of which preceded him in death.

In 1955, Guy relocated to Sesser, Illinois where he was blessed with a second family; his siblings also included brothers Stanley, David, Andy, and Terry, sisters Jeanita and Rita, and stepmother Mary (Woody).

Guy served honorably in the United States Navy as a gunner’s mate attached to the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was able to travel the world, was proud of his service, and continued until his death to share sea stories with whomever would listen.

Guy was a bricklayer and was introduced to the profession by his father, Uncle Clifford, and cousin Tom. He was a 50-year member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local #8. A true tradesman, he worked on countless sites around the region which provided a huge canvas to show off his work. His enthusiasm and lifelong study of the trade led to frequent talks with coworkers who eventually bestowed on him the nickname “professor” while building the Big Muddy Prison.

Guy’s love of golf was legendary and was formed when as a kid he began working as a caddy at Helfrich Golf Course in Evansville, Indiana. He was a member for many years at the Rend Lake Golf Course. Some of his fondest memories included being a part of Rend Lake’s men’s league and taking golf trips with family and friends to Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Guy is survived by his children; Gary Williams and wife Lauren Bonner, granddaughters Mimi and Joni; Gyla and Mike Myers, granddaughters Lauren and Lola; siblings, Stanley and wife Jean Ann Williams; David and wife Debbie Williams; and Rita and husband Kevin Acieri; brothers-in-law John and wife Tracey Malkovich; Mark and wife Apryl Malkovich; and Tom and wife Eileen Malkovich. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Guy’s final wish was to be cremated. There are no plans for a memorial service at this time.

The Leffler Funeral Home, in Benton, is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
The family prefers memorial contributions in memory of Guy Williams be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Guy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Marjorie Mae Mannino-Lindow born August 17, 1938 died Sunday, February 6, 2026 in Huntsville, Alabama from a long illness.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband Edwin Louis Lindow, Sr., her parents, Mildred Norris Mannino and Vito Mannino, a brother, Donald Lee Mannino of Illinois, and a sister, Marilyn Janet Mannino Pate of Houston, Texas. She is survived by one son, Michael Alan Lindow and wife Patti, of Madison, Alabama, a grandson, Aaron Lindow and wife Amanda, one great granddaughter Ashlyn Lindow, all of Harvest, Alabama, another grandson, Daniel Lindow and wife Crystal of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ms Lindow is also survived by four step children, Elizabeth Lindow Beck of Sandwich, Illinois, Leslie Lindow of Palm Harbor, Florida, Eddie Lindow of Joliet, Illinois, and Courtney Lindow Koske of Dunedin, Florida.

Being born in 1938 she was a child of the Great Depression growing up in DuQuoin, Illinois through World War II and 1950’s. Marjorie was a Property Manager in Houston,Texas professionally. She moved to Christopher, Illinois later in life to be with her husband Edwin. After his passing she resided in Athens, Alabama.

Graveside service will be on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 11:00 at Mulkeytown Cemetery, Mulkeytown, Illinois.

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