Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
News of the Bears inking a $197.2 million agreement to buy a giant parcel of land in Arlington Heights shook Chicago awake early Wednesday like a frigid gust off the lakefront during a January game at Soldier Field.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
YouTube will remove videos spreading misinformation about any approved vaccine, not only those aimed at preventing Covid-19, the company announced in a blog post Wednesday.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
HERRIN — Last year, Black individuals driving in Herrin were 2.1 times more likely than white individuals to be pulled over for a traffic stop, according to an analysis by The Southern of Herrin Police Department data.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Rural Americans are dying of COVID at more than twice the rate of their urban counterparts — a divide that health experts say is likely to widen as access to medical care shrinks for a population that tends to be older, sicker, heavier, poorer and less vaccinated.
Here’s the link to the story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Warren Jeffery Johnson, Jr., age 60, of Akin, passed away at 10:06 a.m. Friday, September 24, 2021, at his home with his loving wife and family by his side.
Visitation services will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 30, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Per Jeffery’s request, after visitation services, he will be cremated, with burial to take place at a future date in the Brady Cemetery East of Akin.
Mr. Johnson was born on March 25, 1961, in Chicago, IL; the son of Warren Jeffery Johnson, Sr. and Carol Yvonne (Blanton) Johnson. He married the former Darla Yvonne Briley on July 10, 1990, and she survives.
He worked for Ricky Nix Tire and was a painter.
Jeffery enjoyed fishing, camping, swimming, spending time with his family, and especially enjoyed being with his grandkids.
Surviving is his loving wife of 31 years, Darla Johnson of Akin; four children: Michelle Johnson of Carpentersville, IL, Christina Johnson of Zeigler, IL, Linnea White and husband Joey of West Frankfort, IL, Jeffery Watkins of Thompsonville, IL; thirteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters: Karen Johnson of North Carolina, Patricia McDaniel and husband Joey of Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Warren Jeffery Johnson, Sr.; his mother Carol Yvonne (Blanton) Brewer; step-father: George Brewer; a brother Donnie Johnson.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Warren, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Due to the mandate issued on August 26, 2021, by Gov. J.B Pritzker masks must be worn at all times while inside the funeral home.
Robert “Bob” Norris, 69, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday September 28, 2021 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, MO.
He was born on July 25, 1952 in DuQuoin, IL to Jossie and Dorothy (Harris) Norris. He married Pamela (VanZandt) Norris and she survives of Sesser.
He is also survived by his daughter Carrie (Jason) Threewitt; mother-in-law Billie VanZandt of Christopher; one aunt Imogene Harris of Herrin and many special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Dena Pardue and one brother Wayman Norris.
Bob loved to shoot trap, collecting guns, collecting coins, throwing dart and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
A memorial service will be on Sunday October 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Sunday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at a later date at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Waltonville, IL.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Darts for Kids. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Kathy Sue Perkins, 62, of Thompsonville, passed away at 10:49 a.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2021,at her home, surrounded by her family.
She was born on October 7, 1958, the daughter of Mary (Gossage) Haynes in Mount Vernon, IL.
Kathy was a loving companion, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed cooking and gardening and especially loved spending time with her grandson, Trace.
She is survived by her children, Connie (David King) S. Green of Louisburg, NC and Richard (Michelina Rossi) A. Green of West Frankfort, IL; grandson, Trace Alan Green, her special companion of 22 years, Maurice “Butch” J. Crotty; two brothers, Alan Haynes of Mt. Vernon, IL and Buck (Lisa Law) Haynes of Thompsonville, IL; two nephews, Giovanni Fosko of Chicago, IL and Anthony Rasmason of Chicago, IL; several nieces and nephews living in theTexas area and her dear friend Donna Perkins and her son, Scott Perkins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Maxine Haynes, two sisters, Judy Hayes and Mary Rasmason, and her brother, Billy Haynes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Per Kathy’s wishes cremation will take place.
Kathy’s family would like send a special thank you to Talk of the Town, Thompsonville Cafe staff and patrons for all your continued support, throughout her brief illness.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Connie Hamm, 65, of Sesser, passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021 at her home.
She was born on November 22, 1955 in Canton, IL to Lewis and Lucille Harn. She married Kenneth A. Hamm on June 23, 1994.
She is survived by her husband Kenneth A. Hamm; father Lewis Harn; children Amy (Tim) Bays, Marty Hamm, Kenneth L. Hamm and Gregory Hamm; 12 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; three sisters Jan, Judy and Lisa and two brothers Dave and Richard.
She was preceded in death by her mother and one son Joseph Hadsall.
Her wishes were to be cremated with no services.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Mrs. Frances Jean Collins, age 92, of Carmel, IN, passed away at 10:17 p.m. Monday, September 13, 2021, at St. Vincent’s Hospital of Indianapolis, Indiana.
A Graveside Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2021, at the Brady Cemetery, East of Akin, with Rev. Ron Cremeens officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.
Mrs. Collins wishes were to be cremated. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Frances was born on September 3, 1929, in Akin, Illinois, the daughter of Chalon Hungate and Mary Ellen (Cardwell) Hungate. She was married to Elmer Eugene “Rip” Collins, and he preceded her in death on January 31, 1989.
She was a retired retail salesclerk.
Mrs. Collins formerly attended the Akin Missionary Baptist Church.
She enjoyed the Hungate Historical Society, playing BINGO, arts and crafts, playing slot machines.
Through her husband’s military service in World War II, and her sons time served in the Vietnam War; she was an active supporter of the V.F.W. and their Ladies Auxiliary.
Most of all she enjoyed her time spent and visiting with family.
Surviving is her son Kevin Collins and wife Gerda of Zionsville, IN; grandchildren: Jonathan David Collins of Indianapolis, Deborah Ruth Collins of Indianapolis, Scott Fenech, Theresa Ellenwood; great-grandchildren: Emmarie, Audra, Amanda, Megan and Alex; a brother: Randell Hungate and wife Carol Sue of Benton, IL; best friend Shirley Dial of West Frankfort, IL; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons: Michael David Collins, Phillip Lee Collins; two sisters: Sandra Fay Hungate Skinner, Leatrice June Benedetto; and a great-granddaughter Lily Johanna Collins.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Frances Jean Collins, may be made to V.F.W. Auxiliary and will be accepted at the services, or can be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mrs. Collins, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
