Freddie Gene Seiler-Sesser, IL

Freddie Gene Seiler, 88, of Sesser, Illinois, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 2, 2025.

Born on May 8, 1936, to Clarence and Mary (Cantrell) Seiler of Sesser, Freddie was the embodiment of faith, family, and hard work. On July 17, 1955, he married the love of his life, Carol Eubanks. Their 69 years of marriage served as a beautiful testimony of devotion and love to all who knew them. Together, they were blessed with one daughter, Cheryl (Lonnie) Garner of Sesser.

Freddie’s career reflected his dedication and strong work ethic. He was employed at Blue Bell Packing in DuQuoin and later worked as a coal miner at Inland Steel. A long-time member of Sesser First Baptist Church, Freddie lived his faith daily, inspiring those around him with his kindness and humility.

He was a loving husband, proud father, devoted grandfather, and cherished uncle. His family brought him immense joy and they all spent many wonderful times together. Freddie is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Cheryl, and grandsons Craig (Melodee) Garner and Shane (Bethany) Garner. His legacy also lives on through his great-grandchildren Maty (Derek) Parvin, Jaycee (Logan) Giles, Caleb Lewis, Cru Garner, Ellie Garner, Cala Garner, Croix Garner, and his great-great-grandson Waylen Giles. He will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law, Lonnie Garner, and his beloved brother, Deon Seiler.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, officiated by Pastor Chris Hottensen. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser First Baptist Church Youth Department or to Sprouts, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Bill Barnfield-Benton, IL

Bill Barnfield, 93, of Benton passed away Tuesday evening, December 31, 2024.

Bill was born in Benton, IL on October 24, 1931 the son of Clyde & Pearl (Hobbs) Barnfield.
He married Phyllis Jane Wallace on July 9, 1955 and she preceded him in death on January 20, 2022.
Mr. Barnfield was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church. He proudly served in the US Army and was a Korean War Veteran. Mr. Barnfield retired from Rice Foods. His family and his faith were the most important things in his life. Even though Mr. & Mrs. Barnfield may have had only one year of schooling beyond high school, they knew an education would provide one with limitless opportunities. They were so proud that all of their children graduated college.

Mr. Barnfield is survived by his:
4 Children:
Deidre Rea & husband Richard of Signal Mountain, TN
Dr. Terry Barnfield & wife Glynis of Salem
Clydette Barnfield of Benton
Dr. Marda Voss & husband Travis of Weldon Spring, MO

7 Grandchildren:
Jesse Rea & wife Caroline
Dr. Libby Ownby & husband Kirby
Dr. Rayla Bolton & husband Major Aaron Bolton
Ford Barnfield
Jennings Barnfield & wife McKenna
Eva Voss
Elise Voss

5 Great-Grandchildren:
Jacob & Emily Claire Rea
Ethan & Kaden Ownby
Niam Bolton

Mr. Barnfield was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, 2 Brothers-James & Richard Barnfield and Sister-Bette Carlton.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Immanuel Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Rea officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to: Residential Hospice, 4215 State Route 159, Glen Carbon, IL 62034.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

James Michael Webb – Benton, IL

James Michael Webb, 60, of Benton passed away on Tuesday afternoon December 31, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon with his family by his side.

He was born in St. Louis, MO on March 17, 1964 the son of James Raymond & Charlene Hope (Baumgarte) Webb.

He married Cynthia Ann Clark on November 21, 1987.

Mr. Webb owned his own Semi and loved driving. He was passionate about his family, he was very family oriented, the epitomy of a family man. He loved to joke and kid around.

Mr. Webb is survived by his:
Wife: Cynthia Ann Webb of Benton
James & Cynthia had 2 children together:
Ashley Marie Webb & Carle Todd of Marion
Amberley Nicole Webb & Daniel Melton of Benton
Brother-in-law: Rick Clark Jr. & wife Nancy of Ashley
Sister-in-law: Amy Marie Brachear & husband Donald of Ewing
3 Nephews:
Austin Erthall & wife Briana and thier son Marshall
Logen Erthall
Cameron Brachear

Mr. Webb was preceded in death by his Parents, and his Father-in-law & Mother-in-law: Richard Clark & Wanda Hammers.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, January 3rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Bill Uhles officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the Webb Family.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Tom Dart

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2025/01/02/44363/

As sheriff pushes to end electronic monitoring, some critical of no-cash bail

(The Center Square) – A former Illinois state legislator says their fears about the end of cash bail are now coming true as Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart pushes to end the department’s electronic monitoring program over concerns about safety.

Here’s a link to the story at Center Square.

New changes designed to strengthen Illinois’ Move Over law

(The Center Square) – In the wake of another Illinois state trooper’s death, officials continue to attempt to strengthen the state’s Move Over law, or Scott’s Law.

Here’s a link to the story at Center Square.

Charles Lambert – Christopher, IL

Charles Lambert passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, at age 98, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 5, 1926, to Stanley and Hattie Lambert in Valier, IL where he spent his childhood years. After high school graduation and one year of college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 3, 1944. After basic training and before deployment to the South Pacific during World War II, he married Imogene Bradley, and they remained married until her death on February 18, 2018. He was honorably discharged on January 29, 1946, and returned to Christopher, IL.

Charles and Imogene had two sons, Alan Lambert (deceased 1992) and Brad (Kathy) Lambert of St. Charles, MO. Other survivors include grandsons Ryan (Kate) Cavanaugh of Grays Lake, IL, and Dylan (Autumn) Lambert of Lake St. Louis, MO. Great-grandchildren include Owen, Finn, Jack, and Vanessa. Charles loved education and chose teaching as his profession. He received both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial education from Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale. He continued teaching in both the Christopher and Zeigler-Royalton school districts until his retirement in 1987.

Charles loved the Lord and served as a deacon for many years at both the First Baptist Church of Christopher and later the Valier First Baptist Church. He enjoyed his final years residing at the Fifth Season Assisted Living Center in Benton, IL being with friends and his loving companion Erma Simmons. Visitation will be Saturday January 11, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Valier First Baptist Church.

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

Wanda Spotanski-Scheller, IL

Wanda Lou Spotanski, 91, of Scheller, passed away on Monday December 30, 2024 at Crossroads Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.

She was born on August 6, 1933 in Bonnie, IL to Lester Dial and Margueritte (Hayes) Keller. She married George L. Spotanski on June 12, 1950 and he survives of Scheller.

She is also survived by her children Karen Miller of McLeansboro, Wayne Spotanski of Scheller and Laura (Leroy McDuffie) Page of Scheller; grandchildren Stacy (David) Webb, Kassie (Adam) Magsig, Jeremy Spotanski, Adreanna Harvey, Vanessa Leek, Mandi (Robert) Whitlow and Cody (Kyle) Levanti; great grandchildren Dalton, Dacey, Andrew, Hazel, Ransom, Presleigh, Hendrix, Lennox, M.J., Mavrick, Kayla, Lane and Bronx and one brother Ken (Mary) Keller of Carbondale.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one infant daughter Mary Susan Spotanski and two brothers Don Keller and Miek Keller.

Wanda was a school teacher and loved teaching, going to church and she especially loved her family.

Funeral services will be on Saturday January 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Sesser with Pastor Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the Church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Former Ald. Daniel Solis leaves Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after testifying in the corruption trial of former Speaker Michael Madigan.

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2024/12/30/44347/

Madigan’s lawyers want to call witnesses to show ex-Ald. Daniel Solis cheated IRS during his cooperation

Lawyers for former House Speaker Michael Madigan want the jury in his corruption trial to see evidence that then-Ald. Daniel Solis allegedly cheated on his taxes while cooperating undercover with the federal government.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News