Evelyn Jean Furlow, 85, of Christopher, passed away on Friday August 6, 2021 at her home.

She was born on June 19, 1936 in Benton, IL to Henry Johnson and Edna Evelyn (McDonald) Herbert. She married Bill Furlow on August 23, 1958 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her son Rodney (Karen) Furlow of Mulkeytown; granddaughters Brittney Boner, Alexandra (Aaron Gonzalez) Boner, Katie (Cullen) Matthews and Lily Furlow & John Davey; great grandchildren Olivia Gonzalez, Damien Gonzalez, Harrison Matthews, Amelia Matthews and Nathaniel Hayes; one sister Judy Doxsie of Benton and one brother Joe (Carolynn) Herbert of West Frankfort.

She loved to travel, crochet, and most important she loved spending time with her family. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter Pamela (Furlow) Dunmyer.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday August 10, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Entombment will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Victoria Theresa Brachear, 76 , of Benton, IL, peacefully passed away on August 2nd, 2021, surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult battle with cancer.

Vicki was born on March 26th, 1945 to Victor and Cora Cavatorta, in Taylorville, IL.

On June 24, 1968 she married Warren Brachear. They shared 36 years of marriage prior to his death in 2004. Together they raised six children: Tamara Green of Taylorville, IL, Michael (Darla) Brachear of Benton, IL, Kevin (Nordela) Scott of Fort Worth, Texas, Greg (Joyce) Brachear of Decatur, IL, Tracy (Steve) Brown of DuQuoin, IL and Jackie (Mark) Taylor of Benton, IL. Additionally, she is survived by 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Other survivors include her sister Brendina Vandeventer of Tovey, IL, Jim (Maralyn) Cavatorta of Tovey, IL, Josephine Wingo of Perry, Florida and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, sister Zoey Hunter, and brother Victor Cavatorta.
For many years, Vicki served as a homemaker for the large family. Later she worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Wal-mart in Benton and Macomb IL where she enjoyed spending time with her co-workers and regular customers. She enjoyed her Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church in DuQuoin and serving as a volunteer in the nursery there.

Vicki loved taking care of her family and always was there to listen, support, encourage and provide advice. She loved visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was especially fond of fishing with her great grandson.

Vicki loved fresh flowers and enjoying the nature surrounding her country home. Late in life, Vicki enjoyed traveling with her adult children. She was passionate about spending time with family and creating loving memories.

Private funeral services will be held on Wednesday at the Morton Johnson Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Wagner officiating. Graveside service will follow at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton, IL.

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

Speranza “Frances” Sluzevich, 100, of Benton, Illinois went Home to be with the Lord at 12:30 A.M. on August 2, 2021.

Frances was born on April 6, 1921 in Coello, Illinois. On March 29, 1942, she married Sam Sluzevich who preceded her in death in May 1986. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Eride Bial, brother John Gasparini and son-in-law Don Neal. Frances was a faithful servant of the Helps Ministry and Seniors Ministry at Whittington Church where she was a long-time member. She was also an avid Cubs fan who finally got to see her beloved Cubbies win the World Series. For her 100th birthday this year, she was blessed to have a dream come true and was able to celebrate it at Wrigley Field with her family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling, reading, crocheting and working crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her two sons and daughter: Sam Sluzevich and wife Belinda of Jacksonville, Florida, David Sluzevich, and wife Carol of Parrish, Florida, and Kay Neal of Benton, IL; four grandchildren, Dr. Jason Sluzevich of Jacksonville, Florida, Aaron Sluzevich of San Antonio, TX, Debbie Crawford, and husband Doug of Benton, IL, Cassie Gilliam and husband Tyler of Minnesota City, Minnesota, Ginny Phillips and husband Brandon of Bradenton, Florida, and Kristina Coleman, and husband Justin of Franklin, TN; five great-grandchildren, Landon Phillips, Callie Phillips, Journey Coleman, Julia Coleman and Grant Sluzevich.

Services will be held at Whittington Church, Whittington, IL on Wednesday, August 4th at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Mark Minor & Rev. Greg Shelton officiating. Burial will be in the Maonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, Frances requested that donations be made to the Helps Ministries or Senior Ministries of Whittington Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Linda Faye Reaney, age 71, of Mulkeytown, IL, passed away on July 28, 2021.

She was born in Benton, Illinois, to Walter and Allene (Kirchner) Berner. She is survived by her husband, Larry Reaney of Royalton; children Angela Hill of Royalton and Scott Reaney of Delta Junction, Alaska; and grandchildren Brooklyn Allene Reaney and Taylor Rae Reaney. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Robert Berner.

Linda graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in biology. She retired as a special education teacher, having devoted her career to serving disadvantaged populations.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, caring for her cats, and stamping cards with her friends.

Memorial service will be on Friday August 6, 2021 at 6:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 6:00 p.m.

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

Timothy R. O’Brien passed away July 26 in Davis, CA at the age of 81. Tim was born October 31, 1939 in West Frankfort, Illinois.

His parents were William and Peg (Dawe) O’Brien, of Valier. He graduated from Valier High School in 1957 and attended Southern Illinois University, graduating in 1961. He then attended the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, graduating with a DVM in 1965.

He met the love of his life, Janet Bradley, a young girl from Christopher, Illinois at the most popular place in town, the Maid Rite. They married in September 1962…moving to Urbana, Illinois to complete his degree in veterinary medicine at the U of I.

Tim not only got his DVM degree June 1965, but the day before graduation, their first child, a son, Shawn, was born. Tim, Janet and newborn son, Shawn, moved to Washington State Veterinary School in Pullman to do a year’s residency. After completion of his residency he entered into a Masters and PhD program at Colorado Veterinary School in Fort Collins. Their second son, Michael, was born while residing in Colorado. With Tim’s residency, advanced degrees, board certification in veterinary radiology, he accepted a teaching position in the Department of Radiology at the University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis in 1969.

Tim started his career in small animal radiology, but within a short period of time, developed an equine radiology program at the veterinary school. He taught, traveled to veterinary schools in the United States and many countries, lecturing in equine medicine. He also was in administrative and research programs at UCD veterinary medicine. He serve as an Associate Dean, and Department Chair of Radiology for many years at the veterinary school. He and his wife Janet held an annual Equine Conference at Lake Tahoe for 41 years for equine practicers. Practitioners received continuing education credit and also got to enjoy skiing and the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe.

Tim taught, did research, and lectured worldwide for 49 years, retiring in 2008. He continued to reside with his wife Janet in Davis after retirement. They never lost their love for their roots. Southern Illinois and their family, friends that still lived in Valier, Christopher area. Yearly trips with their sons were made back home. The Maid-Rite was the one special place they always frequented on trips home…the place they first met in 1958. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, brother and the loss of his son, Shawn. He is survived by his bride Janet…who would be celebrating their 59th anniversary in September, his son Dr. Michael O’Brien and wife Melissa and their two children William and Sophia of Denver, Colorado. His son Mike, followed in Tim’s footsteps into radiology …but interventional radiology …and his patients were human! Also he is survived by Shawn’s two daughters, Christina and Kelly, Huntington Beach, California, nephews Doug Omer (Wendy), Rockford, Illinois, Dirk Omer, Saratoga, Florida.

Tim was a quiet man, a man who was so proud of his sons, grandchildren. The times he loved and enjoyed most were having his beloved O’Brien clan gather…having favorite recipes from Southern Illinois served, watching his favorite sport teams on TV. His devoted love for family made his life complete. Tim’s love for his St. Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini never wavered…his wardrobe has always consisted of multiple, multiple Cardinals and Illini tee shirts, sweatshirts, anything wearable with their logo on it! Janet and Tim’s never lost or forgot where they came from…their beloved devotion for their home…Southern Illinois. They always planned one day to return for their final visit.

Tim’s burial services are handled by Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, Illinois. Funeral services will be on Saturday August 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Visitation is from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

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

Dora Lee Hutchins, age 93, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 8:18 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 2, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Rod Joplin officiating. Burial will follow in the Logan Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Dora was born on May 29, 1928, in Benton, the daughter of William Pearl Frost and Sadie Fae (Denham) Frost. She married Herman Eugene “Gene” Hutchins and he preceded her in death on July 23, 1975.

She was a former hairdresser. She also formerly worked as bookkeeper for Neal & Sons, INC of Benton; and was a former teller with Boatmen’s Bank of Benton.

She was a member of the New Life Church of God of Benton, where she enjoyed worshipping her Lord and Savior.

Dora enjoyed to crochet, use to bowl in a women’s bowling league, enjoyed baking, especially baking pies for her friends and family. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.

Surviving is a daughter Nany Kay Hutchins of Herrin, IL; a son Derek Hutchins and wife Tina of Foley, AL; grandchildren: Gina Lee Cooper of Benton, IL, Andrew Jacob “A.J.” Hutchins and wife Veronica of Schaumburg, IL, Autumn Jenae Hutchins of Foley, AL; great-grandchildren: Justin Cooper of Herrin, IL, Chelsey De Armey and husband Michael of Cambria, IL, Lauron Kirkpatrick and husband Josh of Oklahoma, Atticus Wayne Ellis of Foley, AL; great-great-grandchildren: Lydia Anne Cooper, Kai Daniel Kirkpatrick, Kora Lee Kirkpatrick; a sister Patricia Overturf of Stiritz, IL; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and three brothers: Woodrow Frost, Kenneth Frost, Carl Frost.

The family would prefer Memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Church of God and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Kenneth Ray Richardson, age 81, of Benton; passed away at 3:27 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Memorial Medical Center of Springfield, Illinois.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. National Guard Honors will be at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will be at a future date at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
Kenneth was born on January 16, 1940, in a small farmhouse built by his father, approximately one mile West of Snowflake. His parents were Roy and Martha (Beaty) Richardson.

On August 2, 1957, Kenneth enlisted in the National Guard at West Frankfort. From there he would report to Fort Leonard Wood Missouri for basic training. Upon graduation from basic training, he was sent to Fort Knox Kentucky to attend supply school, where he was on active duty for six months from September 1957 thru March 1958.

After returning home he had two things on his mind: women and airplanes. He completed flight school, after six-and-one half hours of training he and his brother Donald bought their first plane (a 1943 Aeronica Champion). He had a friend get him a date with a very lovely girl Shirley Ann Gulley. Everything was going great. He had a girlfriend and an airplane. He crashed the plane and married the girl. He and Shirley were married on Sunday, June 19, 1961, had two sons Stephen on August 1, 1962, and Barry on December 29, 1963. Shirley would get sick with cancer in January, of 1972, and passed away on May 24, 1973.

After Shirley’s death, he became very lonely and sad; at the age of thirty-three with two young children to raise as well as make a living. Kenneth once wrote that this was the worst period of his life. His career would overtake his life and he would later regret not being able to be with his two sons on a regular basis.

After a couple month’s mourning, he would start dating again. A friend of his arranged a date with a friend of hers named Marleen McLain, Kenneth met Marleen, her parents and Marleen’s son Brent. Six months later, on February 14, 1974, he and Marleen would be married in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of West Frankfort.

His military career would continue until August 22, 1994. During this period-of-time, he held every enlisted grade in the Army up to and including Command Sergeant Major. He retired with 38 years of creditable service. He was stationed in West Frankfort from August 1957 to August 1985, where he was the Unit Administrator. In August 1985 thru August 1990, he was stationed in East St. Louis Illinois as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major and Military Personnel Technician. After five years of driving 186 miles per day, he transferred back to Mt. Vernon Illinois as the Unit Administrator. During these 38 years of service, he attended forty-five annual trainings, including Alaska in 1983, Germany in 1988, Honduras four times and Panama three times in 1990. He would receive thirty-four letters of appreciation, commendations and twenty-five military decorations. He served in fifteen different states on active- duty mobilizations, ranging from floods to student riots and civil unrest.

He would retire from the Military and relax, until February 1995 when his friend Mark Kern, President of Rend Lake College offered him a part-time job in the security department. He accepted the job and by September of 1995 it developed into a full-time job. He enjoyed his time at Rend Lake College, because he got to once again, work with young people, as well as very-good close working companions, that he never forgot.

Kenneth continued to serve in various capacities, including politics, and various boards and committees. He was the Past Chairman of the Franklin County Democrats, a member of Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. and A.M., current member of the Franklin County Housing Authority Board, former member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery Board, past Democrat Precinct Committeeman.
He attended the Immanuel Baptist Church

Kenneth enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, working on projects with his family and neighbors, woodworking, and watching NASCAR. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife Marleen and his family.

Surviving is his loving wife of 47 years, Marleen Richardson of Benton; three sons: Stephen Richardson and wife Sherry of Benton, Barry Richardson and wife Toni of Macedonia, Brent McLain of Benton; 12 grandchildren: Jason Richardson of Christopher, Brittany Richardson of Bloomdale, MO, Autuam Prater and husband Kyle of Princeton, IN, Colton Hiestand and wife Sierra of Kinmundy, IL, Bailey Hiestand and Corey of McLeansboro, IL, Taylor Walden of Macedonia, Gus Walden of Macedonia, Sidney Walden and fiancée Lane of McLeansboro, Amelia McLain and twin sister Madilyn McLain, Gabe McLain, Analisse McLain all of Benton; 8 great-grandchildren; a brother Dale Richardson and wife Janice of Ewing; two sisters-in-law Brenda Richardson of Benton, and Jamie Richardson of Marion; several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Martha Richardson; his first wife Shirley Ann Richardson; a sister Lois June Greenwood and husband Dale; three brothers: Charles Richardson, Donald Richardson, and James Richardson.

The family would prefer memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Kenneth, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com