Christi Lynn Kirkman, age 74, of Benton, passed away at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Stonebridge Memory Care of Mt. Vernon, IL.

Christi was born on May 14, 1951, in Christopher, Illinois; the daughter of Alva Bowlin, Jr. and Jessie Ellen (Lunsford) Bowlin. She married Dwayne Kirkman on October 3, 1970, and he survives.

She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, and was a former Coder at the Franklin Hospital, until she retired to spend more time with her family.
She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Benton Elks.

Christi enjoyed playing golf, knitting, and traveling. Her family said she was a great gardener and cookie baker, and that she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving is her loving husband of 54 years, Dwayne Kirkman of Benton; two sons: Jonathan Dwayne Kirkman and Korby Eugene Kirkman both of Benton; a granddaughter Kailey and husband Jamey Fowlkes, a grandson Zackry Kirkman and fiancée Katie Ramsey; seven great-grandchildren: Zaedyn McCain, Roxzyn McCain, Lynlee McCain, Tyler Fowlkes, Cailyn Fowlkes, Brynix Fowlkes and Harmyn Fowlkes; a sister-in-law Gay Bowlin of Benton; a niece and nephew Adena Bowlin Clark and husband Jeff; very special friends “The Friday Night Group” and many other friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Alva “Bud” and Jessie Bowlin; and a brother Cyril Eugene Bowlin.
Private Funeral Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial followed in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, or the SSM Hospice, or the Franklin County Animal Shelter; and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Christi, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Todd Whittington, age 52, of Benton, passed away at 8:26 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room of Benton, IL.

Todd was born on September 7, 1972, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Loria Thomas Whittington and Sue Alice (McKean) Whittington. He married the former Lorrie Ann Hale on March 13, 2010, and she survives.

He received an associate’s degree in GIS and GPS from Hocking College of Nelsonville, Ohio. He was employed as a Project Manager with Phoenix Logistics and Investors.
Todd loved his family and especially time spent with his parents and grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing golf and RC Cars. His family said he was always there to help and assist others.

He loved his wife Lorrie, and was a great Dad and an excellent Pa Pa.
Surviving is his loving wife Lorrie Whittington of Benton, IL; his parents Tom and Sue Whittington of Benton, IL; Lorrie’s children that he loved dearly: Amanda Lynn Prince and husband Taylor of Madisonville, KY, Bryan Dwayne Walker and Dakota of Christopher, IL; two grandchildren: Hailey Jo Prince and Mylah Rose Walker; sister-in-law Melissa Valleroy and husband Dave of Benton, IL; special friends John Owens, Billy Owens and John Zinzilieta.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Eugene and Virginia McKean, paternal grandparents Loria and Pearl Whittington, father-in-law and mother-in-law Gary and Donna Hale.

Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Shiloh Cemetery of Whittington, IL, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry; and will be accepted at the Graveside Service on Wednesday.

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

Larry Gene Tate was born in Steel City on August 24, 1945, and passed away on June 19, 2025. He was 79 years old.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

He was the fifth of six kids born to Clarence and Beulah (Cole) Tate. With the exception of his 6 years served in the United States Army Reserves, he was a life-long resident of Franklin County. In his early years he worked at Page’s Grocery Store and later at Petroff’s before becoming a State Meat Inspector for 35+ years. He retired from the State in 2000.

Larry loved the outdoors and was an avid quail hunter. He spent most of his vacation time every year chasing Bob Whites. In his later years he could always be found at one of Benton’s coffee shops or town gossip halls.
He is survived by two sons Jason & Lisa Tate of West Frankfort, IL, and Andy & Megan Tate of Herrin, IL, two grandkids Austin Tate and Madison Tate both of West Frankfort, a sister Alice Schablowsky and husband Rick of Mulkeytown, IL, and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Clarence Tate and Charles “Bud” Tate, two sisters Beulah Overturf and Marie Williams, and a nephew Tom Tate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Larry, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Norman R. Fitzpatrick, fondly known as Stormin Norm or Norm, 68, of Ewing, passed away at 12:36 p.m., on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL.

He was born on October 23, 1956, to Jack and Sonia (Hammers) Fitzpatrick in Benton, IL. Stormin Norm worked at KS Bits in Benton, Il as a welder on oil drill bits. On September 10, 1974, he married Kathy Ann and she preceded him in death on January 4, 2020.

He was a member of Ewing First Baptist Church in Ewing, IL.

He was a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his family. Norm also enjoyed fishing and watching sporting events.

Norm is survived by his loving children, Brianna Fitzpatrick, Katelynn Fitzpatrick, Robert Howell; three brothers, Mike Fitzpatrick, Jackson Fitzpatrick and Elvis Fitzpatrick and his sister, Yolanda Patton and his good friend, Ed Shelton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Sonia Fitzpatrick, his wife, Kathy Ann Fitzpatrick and two brothers, Jerry Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Fitzpatrick.

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

Per Norman’s wishes, cremation will take place.

Services for Norman will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Norman’s honor, may be made for the education fund of Brianna and Katelynn Fitzpatrick, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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