Martin Howard Buchanan, 87, of Valier, passed away on January 19, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on October 18, 1933 in Valier, IL to Martin J. and Isabel (Haywood) Buchanan. He married Phyllis (McDonald) Buchanan on June 27, 1958.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis Buchanan of Valier; one sister Elizabeth (Bill) Whittington of Valier; brother-in-law Bill Gulley of Valier; sister-in-law Joyce Pearce of Marion; nieces and nephews Mike (Lisa) Gulley, Dwayne (Laurie) Whittington, Penny Davis, Scott (Jennifer) Pearce, Joe (Sally) Pearce, Cindy (Art) McDonald and John (Angie) McDonald.

He was the Mayor of Valier for 54 years, he was also a Deacon of the Valier First Baptist church and served in the United States Air Force for four years.

Because of the concerns about the spread of the covid-19 virus, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Michael “Mike” Todd Hammers, 53, of Shiloh, IL, passed away at 4:06 a.m., on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the St. Louis University Hospital in St Louis, MO.

He was born on January 27, 1967, to Leonard and Ramona (Norman) Hammers in West Frankfort, IL. Michael worked as a Utilities Operator for Anheuser-Busch. On July 28, 1990, he married Lori Roach at the Logan Church of God, in Logan, IL, and she survives.

Mike served in the United States Navy. He was a member of the local Teamsters Union. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed watching football. Mike loved spending time with his family, friends and his pets.

Michael is survived by his loving spouse of 30 years, Lori, three sons, Michael (Britney) Hammers of Cobden, Cody Hammers of Mansfield, OH and Reider Hammers of Shiloh; one grandchild, Hunter Hammers and three brothers, Steve (Leslee) Hammers, Curt (Rhonda) Hammers and Eric (Danna) Hammers.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Dean.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, with Chris Hammonds, officiating.

Following the service, burial will take place in the Logan Church of God Cemetery, with military rites performed by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Ashley Dawn Rivett, 34, of West Frankfort, passed away on January 17, 2021 at her home.

She was born on January 5, 1987 in West Frankfort, IL. She married Robert John Rivett on June 11, 2016.

She is survived by her husband Robert John Rivett of West Frankfort; son Greyson Rivett of West Frankfort; mother Robin (Darnell) Bullock of Christopher; father Michael Kirkendoll of Waltonville; step-father Thomas Bullock of Royalton; brother John (Nicole) Bullock and their son Henry of Carmi; mother-in-law Sue Rivett of Marion; grandparents Ralph and Linda Willis of Christopher and Harry and Carolyn Summers of Coello; two brothers-in-laws Jayson and Amy Rivett and their children Kaylee, Kade and Kylee of Creal Springs and Ryan Rivett of St Louis, MO; aunt Marsha and Randy Venegoni of Christopher; two uncles Danny Furlow of Coello and Scott Kirkendoll of Christopher; three cousins Nick, Kyle and Kayson and numerous friends.

Ashley was a Kindergarten Teacher at Denning Elementary School in West Frankfort, IL.

Graveside services for Ashley will be on Friday January 22, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Wayne Purdie officiating. Visitation will be on Friday at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 10 a.m. AM until 1:30 p.m. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Greyson Rivett College Fund, checks made payable to Robert John Rivett, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Frank Marshal Dallape Passed away late in the evening on January 16th, 2021 in Carbondale IL at the age of 82.

He was born in Benton, IL to T. Frank Dallape and Dorothy Rice Dallape. Frank graduated from Benton Community High School. He received his under-graduate degree and master’s degree from Southern Illinois University.

Frank was a Veteran of the U. S. Army where he served his country in Nuremberg Germany. Upon his return to the US, Frank wed Ruth Ann Carlton of Benton, IL whom he met through her sister while both worked at Ben Franklin on the Benton Square. From this union, two children were born, Craig Dallape and Kyle Dallape, both of Atlanta, GA

Frank married Jan Doty and moved to California in the summer of 1973. From this marriage came two Stepsons: Duane Doty of Carterville and Wade Doty of Herber City, UT.

In 1976, the four of them moved back to Carterville Illinois where Frank taught woodshop and building trades at Zeigler Royalton High School. Frank finalized his career by working for the City of Carterville Water department and serving on their board. Over his many years, Frank’s hobbies included, ballroom dancing, brewing beer, camping, refinishing old furniture, boating, and helping to organize many Benton class reunions. He was a member of the Carterville Water Board, Kiwanis-Boneyard Bocce Ball Club in Benton and the Benton American Legion.

Frank is survived and cherished by his four sons and their wives, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

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

Funeral services will be held at later date.

Per Frank’s wishes were to be cremated.

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

Mary Lou Toney, 91, of LeRoy, passed away Saturday January 16, 2021 at Carle BroMenn, Normal, IL.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday January 23, 2021 at 2 p.m. in Mulkeytown Cemetery, Mulkeytown, IL with Mr. Glendall Toney officiating. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home LeRoy oversees local arrangements. Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, IL oversees services at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Lincoln Christian College.

Mary was born January 25, 1929 in Sesser, IL to Jesse and Mary Ellen (Saulcer) Minor. She married Norman E. Toney of Mulkeytown, IL on July 3, 1950. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by daughter Marilyn Sue (Christian) Chestney of LeRoy; son Michael (Jennifer) Toney of Ellsworth; grandchildren Jason Moreland, Christopher Chestney, Jesse Moreland, Rachel Moreland, Colton Toney, and Tristan Toney; great granddaughters Kyleigh Moreland, Katelynn Moreland, and Kinlee Moreland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Carlos Minor and Melvin Minor and great-granddaughter, Kacey Moreland.

Mary Lou was a devout Christian and her kindness will be missed by all that knew her.

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

Rose Mae Purdie, 97, of Christopher, passed away on Friday January 15, 2021 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born in Christopher on October 9, 1923 to Henry and Ethel (Grove) Henson. She was the second of seven children. She married William Paul Purdie and he preceded her in death on April 19, 1999.

She is survived by her children Karla Purdie of Christopher, Wayne Purdie of Mulkeytown and John (Carol) Purdie of Lakewood, WA and one sister Patricia Ulrey of Pearl, MS. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends and family.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul Purdie, her sisters Hazel and Vivian and three brothers Marion, Paul and Carl Eugene “Dean” Henson.

he enjoyed family and friends and her weekly outings to the casino for dinner and entertainment.

Graveside services for Rose will be on Tuesday January 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner with her son, Brother Wayne Purdie officiating.

Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery. For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Scott P. Walden, 43, of Thompsonville, passed away at 7:55 a.m., on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at his residence.

He was born on June 6, 1977, to Larry and Shirley (Schaefer) Walden in West Frankfort, IL. Scott worked in the oil field for 26 years, and was a Tool Pusher for Precision Well Services for the past 3 1/2 years. On July 5, 2005, he married Tara Mercer at the Pleasant Hill Church in Thompsonville, and she survives.

Scott was a loving husband and father. He enjoyed camping, horseback riding, farming and feeding his cattle. He especially loved spending time with his family.

Scott is survived by his loving spouse of 15 years, Tara, two daughters, Samantha Walden and Jamie Walden; two sons, Austin Kessler and Tyson Kessler, all of Thompsonville; siblings, Larry (Melissa) Walden, Jr. of Thompsonville, Mike (Penny) Rone of Grove City, OH and Marcie Rone of West Alice, WI; special cousin, Steve (Diana) Trapper of Thompsonville and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry Eugene Sr. and Shirley Ann Walden and one sister, Robyn Neal.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

For service information and details, please contact the family. In Lieu of flowers and other gifts, the family request that memorial contributions be made to the family.

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

Dale Edward Adams, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 6:55 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Private family visitation will be held.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Due to Health Concerns related to COVID-19: Visitation and Funeral services patrons are required to wear facial coverings and observe social distancing. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Dale was born on January 23, 1934 in Benton; the son of Arthur Adams and Gladys (Summers) Adams. He married the former Lois Mae Davis on October 9, 1954, and she preceded him in death on January 30, 2018.

He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Benton; and was a member of the North Benton Missionary Baptist Church.
Dale enjoyed quail hunting, deer hunting, woodworking in his shop, and St. Louis Cardinal Baseball.
Dale was a member of the Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M., where he was a Past Worshipful Master. He was also Past Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master. Dale was also a Grand Lecturer and he was an honorary member of numerous Masonic Lodges throughout Southern Illinois. He will be greatly missed amongst the Masonic Fraternity.

Surviving are two sons: Robert “Bob” Adams of Benton, David Adams of West Frankfort; a grandson Toby Adams of Marion; a sister Doris June Beningus of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son Phillip Gene Adams, and a brother Ron Adams.
Memorial contributions in memory of Dale Adams, may be made to the Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M., and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

David Walker Warren, age 63, of Thompsonville; passed away Friday, January 8, 2021 at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

He was born in Pratt, Kansas on February 7, 1957. David was the son of James H. Warren and Eileen (McNitt) Warren.

David formerly worked for the railroad and in recent years worked in coal mine repair and fabrication.

He was a member of the Polk Lodge #137 A. F. & A. M., McLeansboro, IL and a member of the Ten Mile Baptist Church.

David enjoyed spending his extra time fishing, bird and deer hunting and motorcycling.

David is survived by his brother; Jeffery Warren and companion Faye Mason of Thompsonville, IL and sister; Kristina Cavaness and husband Mike Cavaness of Thompsonville, IL.

David is proceeded in death by his parents James H. Warren and Eileen (McNitt) Warren; two brothers Herbert Thomas Warren and James H. Warren, Jr.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children; and may be sent to Leffler Funeral Home 401 East Main Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

George Earl Martin, 81, of Marion, IL “Went home to be with his Lord” Thursday morning, January 14, 2021 from his home with his wife of 51 years and his dog Noah, at his side.

He was born in Benton, IL on January 12, 1940, the son of Leon and Betty (Glover) Martin.

He married Carol Jean (Adams) on Feb. 15, 1969.

Mr. Martin was a Cardinals fan, and enjoyed golfing. He loved his family & especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Mr. Martin was a Navy Veteran, serving from Sept. 26, 1961 to Aug. 19, 1965, and a retired coal miner.
Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, Carol Jean Adams, of Marion; daughter Jennifer Yonaka, of St. Jacob; son Brandon Martin, of Marion; two grandchildren, Holden Yonaka and Karsen Yonaka, both of St. Jacob; sister, Ginger Hogan, and husband Larry, of West Frankfort.

Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, Michael Martin.

Graveside services will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021 at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton with the Rev. Gary Brown and the Rev. Ron Cremeens officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW Posts. There will be no visitation and those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

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