Alex Steve Sakonyi , 91 years, and former resident of Robinson, died Thursday, December 3, 2020, of pneumonia.

Alex was born July 14, 1929, in Orient, IL to Charles Sakonyi and Anna (Vrtel) Sakonyi. After graduating from Frankfort Community High School in 1947, Alex was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served his country as a combat engineer during the Korean Conflict. Using the GI Bill, he obtained a degree in chemical engineering from the Missouri School of Mines, which is now Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO. He then went to work at Marathon in Robinson, IL, in the maintenance department, where he stayed for 28 years until he retired. In retirement, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Master Gardeners, and St Elizabeth Catholic Church, where he was a 4th degree Knight. He enjoyed gardening, playing guitar at church/venues, walking his dog, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He married Marian Kernosky in West Frankfort, IL on September 1, 1956. They were married for 48 years before she preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Frank W. Sakonyi and John J. Sakonyi, and by his son-in-law, Tracy Wade.

He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Wade of Orlando, FL, and Stephanie and Gordon Herron of Bel Aire, KS; his grandchildren, Dylan and Johanna Wade of Palm City, FL, Kendall Wade of Huntington Beach, CA, Madeline Herron and Robbie Chouffot of Bryan, TX and Carl Herron and Emlee Brown of Newark, OH; his great-grandson, Jacob Wade of Palm City, FL; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Due to the newly-increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, services will be private. Alex will be laid to rest in the Robinson New Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the “Crawford County Humane Society” or to “Habitat for Humanity”.

The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.

Stephen Lampley, age 66, of Benton; passed away at 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 27, 2020 at the home of his brother.

His wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Stephen Lee Lampley was born on October 26, 1954 in Christopher, Illinois; the son of Clarence Everett Lampley and Mary Lou (Poynor) Lampley.

Steve formerly worked as a boat builder and later worked for Heritage Trailers.

He enjoyed music; including playing drums and guitar, and he loved classic rock. He was also an artist and could draw just about anything.

Surviving are four children: Jeremy Lampley of Herrin, Illinois, Adam Lampley of Kansas City, Missouri, Danielle Lampley of Kansas City, Missouri, and Stephen Lampley of Herrin, Illinois; a grandchild on its way; two brothers: Tike Lampley and wife Cindy of Benton, Keith Lampley and wife Christine of Benton; several nieces and nephews; a uncle Paul Lampley and wife Diane of Buckner; and an aunt Mary Summers and husband Wayne of West Frankfort; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother David Lampley; three uncles: Donald Lampley, Sr., Archie Lampley, Sr., William Thomas Lampley, Sr.

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

Wallace Eugene (Gene) Miller went to meet his heavenly father at 8:35 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020 at Deaconess Mid-town Hospital in Evansville, IN, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on June 9, 1944 in Christopher, IL as the son of Lyle and Denzil Miller of Sesser. He married the love of his life, Patricia (Svanda) Miller in holy matrimony on June 19, 1976.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Charles Dean Miller. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years and two sons, Troy (Amanda) Miller of Benton and Tim Miller, of Marion, IL. He is also survived by one brother, Mark Miller of Sesser, IL. He leaves behind 3 grandchildren: Matthew and Isabella Miller and Emalee Miller and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gene attended and graduated from Sesser High School in 1962. He attended Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1966. He began a long teaching career of 35 years in Benton, where he taught 5th grade starting at Washington Grade School and then the Benton Middle School until his retirement in 2001. He will be fondly remembered by all of his former students and the lasting impact he had on their lives during his teaching career. He was always there for his students, no matter if it was in the lunchroom or classroom or even keeping the scoreboard at junior high basketball games.

During the summer breaks from school, starting in 1982, he worked at the Benton Community Park. You could always see him mowing grass and lining the ball fields. He enjoyed working in the park and in the community until his retirement in 2016.

He was an active, lifelong member of the Rend City Baptist Church, ringing the church bell without fail. He served as a church deacon. He also served as custodian of the church for the last 38 years. He was a member of the Sesser-Goode Masonic Lodge #744 and a member of the Ainad Shriners.

He lived his life as a humble disciple of Christ and was a shining example of genuine self-less love. He treated others with patience, kindness and goodwill in accordance to the example of Jesus. He was always ready at a moment’s notice to help his family or anyone in need, without a second thought. He supported his family and grandchildren, cheering with pride on the sidelines during many basketball, softball/baseball and football games, as well as music concerts and many other activities. He believed in giving back to the community and to always see the good in everyone. He leaves behind a legacy of everlasting love and fierce devotion.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Rend City Baptist Church with the Rev. John West officiating and with Masonic rites. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Rend City Baptist Church is located at 11264 Rend Road, Benton, IL. Interment will follow at Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Memorial contributions may be made out to the Rend City Baptist Church. Face masks are suggested and social distancing will be encouraged.

Larry Gene Jones, 77, of Zeigler, passed away on Saturday November 28, 2020 at his home.

He was born on July 18, 1943 in Mulkeytown, IL to Herbert Gene and Elnora (Kunkel) Jones. He married Vicky (Poole) Jones on December 31, 2004 and she survives of Zeigler.

He is also survived by his son Mike (Shirley) Jones of Zeigler; Step-daughter Friar Poole of Elkville, IL; one granddaughter; three grandsons; three step granddaughters; three step grandsons; five great grandsons; one future great granddaughter; favorite sister Rita (Dwight) Hitt, of Mulkeytown, and favorite sister Gayla (John David) Prather, of Mulkeytown, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Marsha Benson, one son-in-law Tim Benson, step-son Justin Sparks, and two brothers-in-law Clifford Kent Batson and Evan Sink.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday December 2, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser with Brother Denny Bush officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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

Max Ray Crain of Sesser, IL went to be with his Lord and Savior November 24, 2020.

He was born in Waltonville on October 24, 1933. His parents were Orville “Pete” and Alreva (Laur)Crain. He was married to Pauline Long on June 6, 1952. She preceded him in death. Together they had two children, Meindy (Glenn) Hamilton, Terry (Brad)Kirk all of Sesser. He married Donna Simpson on February 14, 1994. She has two children Shannon (Mike)Avery of Opdyke and Gary Vancil of Oklahoma. He had 5 grandchildren and 3 step-gandchildren, Lacy (Bryan) Woosley, Doug (Keri) Hamilton, Afton (Chad Szczeblewski), Dusty (Shea) Hamilton, Jordan(Brittany) Kirk, Amelia Avery, Joshua Avery and Tristen Vancil. He had 6 great-grandchildren Gabe and Carson Woolsey, Ryder Szczeblewski, Brantley, Harper and Kenzi Hamilton. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Maxine Rowley of Sesser and Mary Ann Evilsizer of Baytown, Texas, 3 nieces (Janet, Judy, Melody and 3 nephews (Steven, Bruce, Carl). Preceding him in death were his two brothers-in-law, Howard Rowley, Brad Evilsizer and nephew, Brian Evilsizer.

He was a hard working man. He retired after 35 years from the Illinois Department of Conservation. He was a farmer and a proud breeder of Red Poll cattle. He showed cattle in 13 different states, winning many awards. He was instrumental in the formation of Sesser Community Unit School and later the Sesser-Valier School District and served as one of its original board members. He was honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017. He,also, was at the forefront in establishing the Sesser Fire Protection District and served as one of its original board members. He was a member of the Sesser Masonic Lodge and served as its Worshipful Master. Many people will remember him as the man that drove their school bus.

His church life was important to him. He attended Sunfield United Methodist Church. He served the church in many capacities. His family we miss his prayers before Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

A memorial service will be held on December 1 at 11:00 in the parking lot of Eternal Friends in Christ, route 154 east of Sesser. Because of the threat of Covid, everyone is asked to remain in their cars and turn their car radio to 90.1 FM. His pastor, Bill Wiggs will officiate. Interment will follow at Union Primitive Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Sunfield United Methodist Church or SSM Health at Home Hospice of Illinois.