Kenneth Leon Lewis-Sesser, IL

June 6, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Kenneth Leon Lewis, of Sesser, Illinois, was born on August 30, 1929 and died June 3, 2022 at Greentree in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Born to the late Thurman and Verna (Graham) Lewis, he was the seventh of eight children. He grew up in rural Sesser, Illinois. Kenneth married Vivian Wilson of Bonnie, Illinois in Arkansas in 1950. They celebrated 71 years of marriage last June 18.

Kenneth loved Jesus and his family. Having accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior when he was a child. He was a long time member of Valier First Baptist Church. He served in several positions within the church including serving as a deacon and chairman of the building and grounds committee. Kenny and Vivian faithfully entertained the senior adults each fall with a wiener roast.

His working career included being a technician for Southern Illinois Breeding Association, later consolidated with Illinois Breeding Cooperative. Following, he worked for World Color Press in Sparta, Illinois. He always enjoyed farming and being outdoors in the field or gardening. Many commented about his beautiful weed free garden.

Kenneth is survived by his sons; Roger (Frances) of Ozark, Missouri; Steve (Tricia) of Pinckneyville, Illinois; Terry (Cheryl) of Sesser, Illinois, and David (Debi) of DuQuoin, Illinois. He is also survived by her grandchildren Angela Hester, Becky Halloran, Crystal Jones, Jennifer Norris, Brian Lewis, Laura Alte, Kelly Marden, Alison Wiswasser, Kristi Dinges, Kenneth (Kent) Lewis, Nathan Dinges, Tarah Davis, and Adam Lewis. He is survived by 30 great-grandchildren. One brother, Harl Ray Lewis of Valier, Illinois, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife Vivian and their son Kendall Lewis, parents, Thurman and Verna Lewis, Sisters: Eileen Veach and Mable Cockrum, Brothers: Everett, (twins) Darrel and Farrel, and Leslie.

Friends and family may call Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Valier First Baptist Church, with service to follow immediately at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Horse Prairie Cemetery, Sesser, Illinois. Memorials may be sent to Valier First Baptist Church, 212 W. Main St., Valier, IL 62891.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Jennie L. Braden – Benton, Illinois

June 2, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Mrs. Jennie Braden, age 91, of Benton; passed away at 4:25 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2022, at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab Center of Benton.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Jennie was born on January 15,1931 in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of William C. Craddock and Goldie M. (Baines) Craddock. She married Guy H. Braden in September 1972, and he preceded her in death on September 2, 1990.

She was a member of Whittington Church, where she enjoyed worshipping her Lord.

Jennie formerly worked with General Electric, and later enjoyed being a childcare provider for Bob and Brenda Rea’s daughters Hillary and Scarlett.

She enjoyed reading books until she acquired macular degeneration, from this point on she enjoyed audio books. She also enjoyed attending church events, and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving is her loving son Nathan Larrabee and wife Janet of Corpus Christi, Texas; two step-daughters: Barb Vanosdal & husband John of Sterling, Illinois, Bonnie Uber of Indianapolis, Indiana; seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and twelve brothers and sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Thelma Nadine (Austin) Norris – Benton, IL

June 2, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Thelma Nadine (Austin) Norris, 76, of Benton “Went to be with the Lord” on Thursday, June 2, 2022.

Mrs. Norris was born in Granite City, IL on August 24, 1945, the daughter of Curtis & Elisa (Orrick) Austin.

She married Grant Norris on September 23, 1967, and he preceded her in death on October 22, 2006.

Mrs. Norris was a member of the West City Church of God. She loved doing crafts, she loved her church & her family and spending time with them and working in the yard. She really enjoyed genealogy.

Mrs. Norris is survived by her:
2 Daughters:
Kim Wyant & husband Terry of Benton
Susan Atkins of Benton

2 Granddaughters:
Ashley Atkins of Benton
Brittany Atkins of Carbondale & fiancè Thomas Meier
Twin Sister: Velma Perryman of Thompsonville
Sister: Evelyn Heath of Paducah, KY
Sister-in-law: Freda Austin of Berwick, IL
Brother-in-law: Jerry DeWitt of Rockford, IL

She is also survived by several Nieces & Nephews

Mrs. Norris was preceded in death by her Parents, 5 Brothers-Curtis Eugene, Charles, Duane, Glenn “Bud” & Lloyd, and 2 Sisters-Naomi Ruth & Duene.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 4th at the West City Church of God with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at the church.
For more information or tosend online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Rose Mary Fitzpatrick – Benton, IL

May 28, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Rose Mary Fitzpatrick, 92, of Benton (Rend City), passed away Friday, May 27, 2022 at StoneBridge Senior Living Center in Benton.

She was born in Rend City, IL on April 29, 1930, the daughter of Charles & Agnes Gertrude (Russell) Freeman.

She married Bill Fitzpatrick on October 6, 1946 in Rend City, and he preceded her in death on August 27, 2017.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick is survived by her children:

Bill Fitzpatrick & wife Shirley of Sunnyvale, CA
Brian Fitzpatrick & wife Patti of Benton
Joy Luster & husband Jim of Adairsville, GA

9 Grandchildren
16 Great-Grandchildren
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Mrs. Fitzpatrick was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 2 Sisters-Agnes & Helen and 1 Brother-David

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 30th at the Rend City Baptist Church with Rev. John West officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M on Monday at the church.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Mike Kramer – Benton, Illinois

May 27, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Phillip Michael Kramer, age 73, of Benton, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at his home.

Mike was born on March 10, 1949, in Benton; the son of Fred Kramer and Mary Lou (Cook) Kramer. He was married to the former Ramona Craft; and they were married for 10 plus years, until their divorce.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the Shiloh Cemetery of Whittington, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
He was a retired coal miner, last working for Crown 2 Mine of Farmersville, Illinois; and he was a member of the U.M.W.A.

Mike enjoyed watching NASCAR, his favorite drivers were Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt. He liked his firearms; and enjoyed having a beer with his friends. Most of all he enjoyed having breakfast with his grandkids.

Mike was also known for many years for hosting 4th of July pickings at his home.

He is survived by his son Mathew Kramer and wife Kailyn of Logan; two grandchildren Mattilyn and Brayden Kramer of Logan; a step-son Shane Craft of West Frankfort; special cousin John Kramer of Benton; two nieces: Maria Medders of Benton, Marina Baine of Ewing; three great-nieces: Erica DePoister, Molly Bird, Holly Bowlder; a great-nephew River Kearney; and his ex-wife Ramona Rice and husband Chuck of Benton; several other cousins, friends and families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Kandis McGraw.
Memorial contributions in Memory of Mike, may be made to the family.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Ann Smart-St Peters, MO

May 26, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Ann Smart, 86, of St Peters, MO, passed away on May 23, 2022 at Barns-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, MO.

She was born on December 15, 1935 in Sesser, IL to Victor and Venetta (Menzel) Yung. She married Donald Ray Smart and he preceded her in death on November 13, 1986.

She is survived by her daughter Sherry (Paul) Behle of Weldon Spring, MO; two grandsons Tom (Katrina) Behle of Lake St Louis, MO and Bob (Lauren) Behle of Ballwin, MO; five great grandchildren Karissa, Chase, Trent, Brooke and Ryan and one brother Robert Yung of Bourbonnais, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister Mary Lou Hammonds and one brother Woody Wilson.

Funeral services for Ann will be on Tuesday May 31, 2022 at Noon at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Varlyn Verlane Bruce Stanley – Marion, IL (formerly of Benton, IL)

May 26, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Varlyn Verlane Bruce Stanley, 82, of Marion and a former Benton resident passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Parkway Manor in Marion.

She was born in Benton, IL on September 25, 1939, the daughter of Cleadus & Dena Mae (Baldwin) Gosnell.

She married William Henry Bruce, and he preceded her in death on June 19, 1986. She then married Vernon Stanley and he died November of 2012.

Mrs. Stanley enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She loved the outdoors, her dogs, birdwatching, hunting and traveling.

Mrs. Stanley is survived by her Children:

Duane Bruce of Benton
Penny Bruce Wisely of Benton
Anita Bruce of St. Charles, MO
Renee Bruce Walther & spouse Annie of Denmark
Bobby Bruce of Benton
Megan Holderfield & spouse Dylan of Marion
10 Grandchildren & 9 GreatGrandchildren
1 Brother: Garel Dean Willis & wife of South Carolina

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husbands, by a Son-Billy, by a Sister-Gladys Mae Shaw & by a Brother-Glendell Gosnell.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. TUESDAY, May 31st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 1 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Sadly…10 years later and nothing has changed…including my opinion

May 25, 2022 By Leave a Comment

(Editor’s Note: I wrote this column in 2012, a decade ago, on the day following the shooting deaths of 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown, Connecticut. In the list of those killed, 20 were first grade students. Reading today about yet another shooting massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, this column came to mind. As I read through these emotional words early this morning I sadly realized that nothing has changed in the past decade. Replace the name of the school, the name of the shooter and the location and everything is exactly as it was 10 years ago. However, as I read the words I wrote 10 years ago I realized my opinion has not changed one bit. Some will read this and agree and some will strongly disagree, but it’s a given and I believe we can all agree that unless something drastic changes across our nation that the “red line of the unthinkable (another school shooting) will be moved again. Thanks for taking the time to read this. JM)

By Jim Muir

“The red line of the unthinkable has been moved again.”

Those 10 poignant and chilling words by a psychologist discussing the massacre of 26 people – 20 of them six and seven-year-old children – at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, sums up the world that we live in nowadays.

This event coupled with a never-ending 24-hour news loop on cable television prompts the same reaction that we have become accustomed to when there is yet another mass killing – revulsion, anger, fear, dread and the inevitable finger-pointing about why.

The bodies of the victims had not been identified on Friday before suggestions on how to prevent another mass shooting started. Talking heads on television, people on message boards and social media and of course politicians always looking to further their cause and re-election all had a variety of answers on how to make life in the 21st Century safe.

And of course passing tougher and more stringent gun control measures is as always at the top of the list. Others want to have an armed security guard at every school and every business in America while some believe that arming school officials, teachers and employees is the answer. Others say add prayer back to our schools and into our daily life and these horrific mass killings will stop.

While all these issues merit discussion I believe attempting to find an answer to what is happening in our country lies much deeper.

Let me explain.

Several years ago I wrote a series of columns about what I called the subtle erosion of America. Certainly, this point of view will be looked at by some as simplistic because I’m from a generation that grew up before Columbine, West Paducah, Pearl and now Newtown. The list of places where a mass shooting can take place has now grown to include any business, any church, any mall, any movie theater and any town, big or small. Close your eyes, point your finger to a location on a map … and that could be the next location for mass murder.

The way this erosion works is a simple two-step process. You see, what once shocked us and made us gasp and recoil in horror now barely merits a raised eyebrow. What once was considered perverse and bizarre is now considered the norm and oftentimes even celebrated. And what once was looked at as outlandish, unheard of and over-the-top is now considered to merely be routine. And this has happened because a silent majority has failed to speak up and voice their opinion and take action when necessary.

The second step in this erosion takes place when every person that does have the courage to offer a differing view is quickly shouted down and labeled as judgmental, moralistic and bigoted … and, of course let’s not forget the pet word of those leading this erosion – intolerant. Not wanting to meet the wrath of this group, who by the way, might be the most intolerant and judgmental crowd that exists, most people do as they’re told and shut up.

And that’s allowed the erosion to take place, one small step at a time. The direct result of this erosion is that we are now a country where God has been booted from the courthouse, the schoolhouse and virtually every other aspect of life. After all, we’ve been told, we must be tolerant and not offend anybody.

Now, here we are in 2012 looking for reasons why a 20-year-old man who has no conscious or value of life could open fire at close range on a group of innocent babies. While all the arguments being tossed out might be symptoms of what is taking place the disease that is causing young men to kill at will I believe, is a cultural issue.

Consider this.

During this erosion we have allowed a culture where a generation of young people have embraced songs that talk about killing, rape and shooting police officers and its celebrated as freedom of expression.

We have allowed a culture of violent video games where people are massacred and slaughtered and these are then gobbled up by parents for their childrens’ entertainment and as a babysitter. Again, freedom of expression.

We have allowed a culture where children think reality television is real, where teen pregnancy is glamorized, where a ‘gangsta’ lifestyle is a goal for some and where 90-plus percent of what is on television is trash and not fit for any eyes, let alone the eyes of troubled young people.

We live in a culture where small children are routinely given anti-depressants and psychotropic drugs even though the effects of those drugs are many times violent, irrational and unpredictable behavior. We live in a culture where mental illness is still talked about in hushed tones and in many instances completely overlooked. Out of sight … out of mind, right? Well, out of sight that is until a mentally ill person opens fire in a first grade classroom, a church or a busy retail shopping center. Again … any town, any place.

In short, what shattered the tranquil setting of the small New England town of Newtown is a cultural issue caused by the erosion of America and no amount of gun control legislation or armed security guards can protect any of us from a deranged shooter hell-bent on killing. Shootings in malls, movie theaters, crowded street corners and even churches is proof of that. Ironically, the morning after the shooting I read a story in the Chicago Tribune with the headline: 10 people including four teens shot overnight on South Side.’ And Chicago has the strictest gun laws in the nation.

As a footnote, let me add that I think the prayer in school issue certainly adds irony to what has taken place in Newtown. In my life I have watched as God was literally booted out of the schoolhouse by a small minority of people – part of the erosion of America group. And again this erosion has taken place because the majority stood back and allowed it to happen. And perhaps the Christian community is the most at fault because they have sat on their collective hands and ‘shut up’ as they were told.

But, isn’t it ironic that nearly every comment and every plea from everybody involved in the Newtown massacre has asked that the victims of this horrific and senseless act be remembered in prayers. I also found it interesting that when the crazed gunman was in the building that teachers and children turned to God and prayer to protect them and in the days since the killings there have been countless prayer vigils. There used to be a saying that stated ‘there are no atheists in foxholes.’ I guess the 21st Century version of that is that ‘there are no atheists in schools and its OK to pray in the classroom when a deranged gunman is hunting for somebody to shoot.’

Gun control, armed guards, armed school administrators, prayer in schools and beefed up security are all items that merit attention but only after the cultural issue — the root of this problem — is addressed. Because, if this is life in the 21st Century there is no place of safety — let me emphasize that again– there is NO PLACE OF SAFETY — that exists and God help us all.

If we continue on the path we are on, as horrific as it is to imagine, that ‘red line of the unthinkable’ will move again one day – because the erosion will continue.

Filed Under: Featured

Charles Linn – Benton, IL

May 25, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Charles Linn, 89, of Benton passed away on Monday evening May 23, 2022 at Carrier Mills Nursing & Rehab.

Mr. Linn was born in West Frankfort, IL on May 7, 1933 the son of Charles O. & Maudie (Sanders) Linn.

Charles married Jeanine Page on November 3, 1955 in Chicago, IL. He was a loving husband, wonderful companion and best friend. They enjoyed 66 1/2 years together.

Mr. Linn was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving during the Korean War.

Mr. Linn is survived by his:

Wife: Jeanine (Page) Linn
Daughter: Lana Kay Bain
Several Nieces, Nephews and Grandchildren
6 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Charles was preceded in death by his Parents, 4 Brothers & 1 Sister.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Friday, May 27th at 10:00 A.M. at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Ray Minor officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion Post #280 & VFW Post #2671. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Jennetta Fay Gouge – Valier, IL

May 21, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Jennetta Fay Gouge, 79, of Valier, passed away on May 18, 2022 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.


She was born on July 14, 1942 in Hurst, IL to Damon and Beatrice (Cooper) Harrison. She married Robert Gouge on October 25, 1961 and he survives of Valier.

She is survived by her husband Robert Gouge of Valier; her children Michael (Janice) Gouge of Greenville, IL, Robin (Vince) Akin of Akin, IL and Joseph Gouge of Buckner; son-in-law Tim Robinson of New Minden, IL; grandchildren Jacob, Sarah, Holly, Katie and Christina; two sisters Lynetta Watkins and Karen Feltmeyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Stella Robinson and two sisters Sandy Valco and Libby Fenton.

Jennetta loved her family very much and was a member of the Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher, where she taught Sunday school. She also volunteered at Shawnee Christian Nursing Home in Herrin.

Funeral services will be on Monday May 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher with Pastor Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at Blairsville Cemetery in Blairsville.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries
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