Donald Edward Dalby, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 16th, surrounded by his family.

Donald was born on December 11, 1938, in Jefferson County, Illinois, to Charles Edward Dalby and Bertha Francis Dalby, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Osceola Faye (Pinson) Dalby, and their four children: Benjamin Edward Dalby and his wife Marybeth of Benton, Illinois; Sarah Jane Doty and her husband Charles of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Elizabeth Anne Leggins and her husband Thomas of Benton, Illinois; and Robert James Dalby and his wife Melony Kay (whom proceeded Donald in death) of Benton, Illinois.

Donald was a proud grandfather to Malory Elizabeth Dalby of Lexington, Kentucky; Olivia Anne Saunders and her husband Andrew of Benton, Illinois; Benjamin Robert Doty and Daniel Edward Doty, both of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Robert Ryan Doty of Chicago, Illinois; Katlyn Mikel Conners of Carterville, Illinois; Faith Marie Wyant of Benton, Illinois; Peyton Leigh Robinson of Carbondale, Illinois; and Hannah Grace Gibson of Alto Pass, Illinois. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Luke Edward Saunders, Julian Daniel and Riley James Conners, Wynonna Kay and Kasey Robert Gibson.
Donald is survived by his sister, Mary Zinzilieta of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and his brother, David Dalby of Greenville, South Carolina, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Donald lived a full and vibrant life. He graduated from Benton High School in 1956 and went on to attend Shelbyville College, where he studied business. Over the years, he worked in various occupations until he found his true passion as the founder of Dalby Tool Company, where he manufactured percussion hammer drill bits used in oil and water wells, as well as in coal, gold, and diamond mines. Through this business, Donald traveled worldwide, making many close and lifelong friends along the way.

Donald loved horses and owned and bred many thoroughbred racehorses throughout his life. After retirement, he became an avid golfer and fisherman, spending much of his time in Florida.
Donald Edward Dalby lived a life full of love, compassion, joy and understanding. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, who cherished and loved that he was all these things to the people in his life. We all will miss Donald so very much.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, June 21st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

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

Katherine Joyce Young, 64, of Christopher, passed away on Monday June 16, 2025 at her home.

She was born on June 23, 1960 in Chicago, IL to Leroy and Joan (Isom) Dees. She married Roger Young and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her son Michael Richardson of Christopher; step-children Eric (Angelle) Richardson and Jolee Young of DuQuoin; two grandchildren Wyatt and Waylon; one sister Syble Pitts of Clarksville, TN; one brother Terry (Maggie) Dees of Waltonville and nieces and nephews Chris (Sharon) Pitts, Jazmine (Mitchell) Usry, Renee Pitts, April (Harry) Morales and Don (Kim) Dees.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Don Dees.

She attended Rend Lake College and made the Dean’s List and was a secretary, Election Judge and a Homemaker.

Her wishes were to be cremated and there will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

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

James Warren Gause Sr., 89, of Sesser, passed away on Monday June 16, 2025 at his home.

He was born on November 25, 1935 in Marine, IL to Carl Liles and Lorraine (Thurnau) Gause. He married Anastasia “Anna” (Latta) Gause and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children James Warren Gause Jr., Lynn Eilers, Kim Gause and Anastasia Davison; several grandchildren and great grandchildren and one brother Fred Gause.

James loved to fish and was a truck driver.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday June 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Ron Davis speaking. Visitation will be on Monday from Noon until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

Leslie R. “Bud” Carter, age 84, of Benton, went home to see the woman he loved on Saturday, June 14, 2025. He passed peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital, in St. Louis, MO.

He was born on December 17, 1940, to Willie and Ethel Mary (Warren) Carter in Benton, IL. He married Gloria Mae Summers and, after 57 years of marriage, she preceded in death on March 17, 2024.

Leslie was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed membership in the Southern Illinois Earth Science Club.

He worked hard throughout his life and had a wide variety of skills. He was a problem solver who never stopped learning.

Les is survived by his loving daughters – Paula (Jesse) Hansen, of Buckner, IL, Mary (Mike) Price of Benton, IL and Amanda (Jarred) Ellis of West Frankfort, IL; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Cassandra) Carter of Buckner, IL, Jessi Holt (Jeremy Adams) of Flagstaff, AZ, Tessa (Joey) Gerth of West Frankfort, IL, JR Myers of Benton, IL, Jared (Alicia) Myers of Pueblo West, CO, Aidan Ellis of West Frankfort, IL and Madelyn Ellis of West Frankfort, IL; ten great-grandchildren, Shawn Carter, Saige Carter, Savanna Carter, Scarlet Carter, Eliana Gerth, Archer Gerth, Michael Gerth, Cam Myers, Rilyn Myers and Lexa Myers; his sister, Ruby Summers and three half-brothers, Poncho, Shorty and Butch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Ethel Mary Carter, his wife, Gloria Mae Carter and three brothers, Howard Lee Carter, Donald Carter and Willie H. Carter,Jr

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL, with Brother Ryan Carter officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the National Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.

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

Steven L. Workman, 72, of Benton, passed away at 6:28 a.m., on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, surrounded by his family.

He was born on August 27, 1952, to Nelson E. and Anna Joyce (Casteen) Workman in Beardstown, IL. Steven worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as a Signal Maintainer.

Steven was a graduate of Brown County High School, class of 1970. He graduated from SIUE with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Archaeology. He attended railroad signal school and retired after a long career with BNSF.

Steven was a lifelong rockhound and an avid collector of gems, minerals, and artifacts. He was a member of the Southern Illinois Earth Science Club, serving as president for several years. He volunteered and helped to organize local Gem and Mineral Shows and was a seen as a valuable member of his community. He was an animal lover and advocate and was a long-time member of the Audubon Society and the World Wildlife Foundation. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Benton.

Steven loved music and it always played a huge part in his life. He shared his passion and joy for music with his family and friends and enjoyed singing, dancing, and going to concerts. He played guitar and listened to a huge array of different genres – from classic rock to classical music and everything in between. Some of his favorites were The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.

Steven was a huge history buff who loved to learn and was always ready to discuss his latest book and offer recommendations for your next read. On weekends you would usually find him out rock hunting, working in his garden, or enjoying a good sports game. He was a fan of St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, St. Louis Blues Hockey, and the Chicago Bears Football teams.

Steven is survived by his loving daughters, Virginia (Nathan) LeeAnn West and Melissa Rose Workman; his former wife, Stacia Ann Workman, the mother of Virginia, Melissa, George, and Jeffery; his brother, John (Denise) Workman and his nephews Joe and Sam Workman; his sister, Janice K. Langford, his niece Becky McWilliams, his nephew Eric Aden, and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Anna Joyce (Casteen) Workman, his sons, George Thomas Workman and Jeffery David Workman, and his brother, Nelson E. Workman, Jr.

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

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Jessie Hinds, officiating.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Mary Lou Clark, 92, of Ewing passed away Tuesday afternoon June 10, 2025 at her home.

She was born in Ina, IL on November 12, 1932 the daughter of Theodore & Mary Louise (Leonard) Beaty.

She married John Arthur Clark, Jr. on December 23, 1948 and he preceded her in death on March 19, 2008.

Mrs. Clark was a member of Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church and attended the Whittington Church. She worked as a cook until she was 80 years old and had to retire because of a light stroke.
Mrs. Clark is survived by her:
4 Children:
Teresa Flack & husband Frank of Hamilton, Ohio
Shela Page of Ewing
Sherry Webb of Ewing
Scott Clark & wife Lisa of Camden, Arkansas

Grandchildren:
Patty & Mark Lowrance
Chris & Patty Flack
Stephanie Webb Smith
Larry & Melanie Webb
Heather & Alex Elk
Jeffrey & Adena Clark
16 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Grandchild

Mrs. Clark was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 2 Sons-Terry Clark & John Kevin Clark, 3 Brothers-Lester, George & Bill and 5 Sisters-Doris Jean Carroll, Linda Beaty, Lois Mae Beaty, Katie Johnson & Shirley WIlson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 12th at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery in Ina. Visitation will be after 12:00 Noon on Thursday at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

Linda J Eller Lewis Kman, of Sesser, IL, passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, on June 6, 2025, at 9:17 PM in Good Samaritan Hospital, Mount Vernon, IL., surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 14, 1943, to the late Harry R and Hazel E Eller, in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

On October 20, 1965, she married Eddie B Lewis of Sesser. They had 4 children and raised them on their farm, located just east of Sesser, Illinois. They instilled strong family values and roots, creating a very close-knit family, who remains very close to this day. After 32 years of marriage, Eddie preceded her in death on March 31, 1997. Linda lived on and worked the farm she and Eddie built together for over 60 years. She loved the farm and all the memories attached to it. She vowed she would not leave that farm until her death, and she kept that vow.

She married Ronald Kman of Carlyle, IL on December 3, 2003. She and Ron enjoyed making crafts together and taking them to flea markets to sell. Ron preceded her in death on March 18, 2024.

To know Linda was to love her. She enjoyed her farm, gardening, shopping, sewing, crafts, 50’s music, and playing Bingo. Many of her bingo friends still carry the bingo bags she has made over the years. She never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with almost anyone she saw. Often, you would find her handing out her hand-made keychains, crosses, bag holders, and other items she had made, to acquaintances and sometimes, even strangers. She wouldn’t take any money for them but would say the payment for the item was a “hug and a smile.” She always got the hug and the smile, and even a little conversation which always made her happy. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved watching basketball and other sports events on television.

Linda was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sesser, having accepted Christ as her Savior more than fifty years ago.

She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her four children: Rhonda R (Lindsey) Aldridge of Okeechobee, FL, Johnnie R Lewis of St. Petersburg, FL, Nancy A (William) Brown of Sesser, IL, and Teresa D (Derrick) Raney of Swansea, IL.

She also leaves behind six grandchildren, Adam W (Amy) Cash of Volo, IL, Ellis M (Abbie) Aldridge of Rancho Cordova, CA, Rebecca L Brown and Sandy Mae Brown of Virginia, Jared A Raney and Jordan M Raney of Swansea, IL. She also leaves behind one great grandson, Jackson W Cash of Volo, IL.

Additional survivors include several nieces, nephews, friends, and a dear family friend, Father Oliver Nwachukwu of Dubois, IL.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands Eddie and Ron, her sisters and brother in-laws, June (Jack) Sullivan, Esther (Larry) Leffler, Iris (Eddie LaFave), her brothers, Floyd (Betty) Eller, Charles (Earlene) Eller, Marvin Eller, and infant brothers Harry, Dickey, and Bobby. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her Father in-law and her Mother in-law John and Edith Lewis, her sister in-laws and brother in-laws, Florine Lewis, Erma (Jesse) Simmons, Maxine (Lindell) Conner, Margaret (Bob) Purdy, Leota Curry-Guthrie (Lowell Curry & Charlie Guthrie) and Eva Lewis. She was also preceded in death by a son in-law, Dwayne B (Lewis) Tillman, JR., and a great nephew, Michael Burja.

Visitation for Linda will be on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 9 AM to 11 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, located at 102 West Callie Street, in Sesser Il. The funeral service will commence at 11:00 AM, in the Funeral Home Chapel, immediately following the visitation. The Burial Service will take place at Horse Prairie Baptist Church Cemetery in Sesser, IL, immediately following the funeral service. There will be a pot-luck reception following the burial service.

Georgian M. Jasinski-Sinn, 81, of Energy, passed away at 4:43 a.m., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Helia Healthcare in Energy, IL.

She was born on July 20, 1943, to Matthew and Marie (Misztas) Jasinski in Chicago, IL. Georgian worked as a office manager for Leynold, Inc.

Georgian is survived by her brother, Clyde (Virginia) Jasinski; her nieces and nephews, Barbara (Lawrence) Naas, Robert Wilkins, Patrick (Linda) Wilkins, Donald (Dawn) Wilkins, Earl (Robin) Kanady, Dawn Ventura, Lisa Stanley and David Jasinski; and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Marie Jasinski, her daughter, Kimberly Maziarz, her brother, Richard Jasinski and her sister, Charlotte Wilkins-Kanady.

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

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 506 West Main Street in Benton, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church with Father Urban Osuji, officiating.

Following the funeral Mass, burial will take place in the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to St. Francis Animal Shelter in Murphysboro, Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Laurence Leo Bailey, 75, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away on May 23, 2025.

He was born on November 26, 1949 in Mt Vernon to Ralph and Bernadine Alma (Rash) Bailey.

He is survived by his significant other of 50 years Cynthia Wesemann; children Tammy Finke and Lonny Bailey, daughter-in-law Pamela Bailey; grandchildren Amber, Ariel, Jeremy, Daniel, Larissa, Rodney, Lonny Jr. and Jeffrey and 13 great grandchildren and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Gailon Bailey and one great granddaughter Nellie Bailey.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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