Wade Roy Lemons, 76, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at his home.

He was born on July 19, 1948, in Scheller, IL, to David and Amanda Lemons. He married Gloria (Zettler) Lemons on August 6, 1977, and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughters, Sara (Tony) Wetherbee of Zeigler, IL; Amanda (Ron) Lemons of North Las Vegas; and Rachael (Jeff) Hamburger of Sesser, IL. His stepsons, David Smith of Sesser, IL, and Robin Smith of Metropolis, IL, also survive him. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Lemons of Sesser, IL; and three sisters, Carol Wilkerson of Tennessee, Charlotte Lemons of Sesser, IL, and Shirley Davis of Royalton, IL. His grandchildren include Malissa Green, Maranda Lemons, Wade Lemons, Bethany Smith, Alicia Green, Zenida Perez, Ofelia Perez, Austin Smith, Gio Lemons, Gage Ragland, Amilya Ragland, Ethan Hamburger, and Sierra Moore. He is also survived by his beloved fur babies: Vixen, Ozzy, Paul, and Sheba; as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many adopted family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, wife, daughter Marsha Green, granddaughter Matyson Ragland, grandson Timmy Green, siblings Rosa Cobb, Loyd Lemons, Norma Haley, Doris Stinson, and several nieces and nephews.

Wade was a proud 1st Cavalry Army veteran who served in Vietnam, achieving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart.Wade was the former commander of the Cox Post 4753 VFW in Sesser, IL. He was an active member of the community, serving on the zoning board and as a delegate for the Veterans Assistance Commission of Franklin County.Wade was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, being on the lake, playing his guitar, and singing Puff the Magic Dragon to his children and grandchildren. Wade was an extraordinary individual who loved everyone with unwavering dedication. His selfless love and compassion inspired countless individuals who were fortunate enough to know him. To know him was to love him.

Per his wishes, he was cremated. Wade’s celebration of life will be held at the Sesser VFW on Saturday, June 7th, starting at 4 P.M., and graveside service with military rights on June 8th at 10 A.M. at Dryden Cemetery in Scheller, Illinois.

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

Mrs. Nola F. Massey, age 89, of Benton, passed away at 2:43 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Helia Healthcare of Benton.

Nola was born on February 7, 1936, in Plato, Missouri; the daughter of Lee Kent and Ollie (Barton) Kent. She was married to Bob Massey, and he preceded her in death in 2005.

She was a member of the Forest Baptist Church of Benton, and she was a homemaker.

She enjoyed worshipping the Lord and cherished the days when she was able to attend church.

Nola enjoyed taking walks, reading and especially enjoyed time spent with her family.
Surviving is a son Danny Burgess and wife Lea of Benton; three daughters: Diane Goff of Benton, Renee Ozbourn and husband Tim of Logan, Crystal Balota of Benton; eleven grandchildren including: Deena Shepard, Chad Hutchison, Clinton Goff, Mike Burgess, Shane Burgess, Amanda Burgess, Brandon Romani, Nikki Collins, Ashley Weddle, Zachary Ozbourn, and Shelby Ozbourn; sixteen great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son Marty Burgess, a daughter Sheila Burgess, two great-grandchildren: seven brothers and three sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. A Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions be made to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Nola, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Ellen McGloria Funk Wakefield 79, originally from Beaver Dam, Kentucky, and formerly of Benton, IL, passed away on Friday, May 23,2025 in Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Nashville, IL.

She was born on January 15,1946 to the late McGlone and Grace Poole Funk. She married Lloyd Eugene Wakefield on January 28,1962. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Thompsonville, IL, where she loved to sing in the choir and served as secretary and treasurer. In addition to being a wife and mother, Ellen worked at a nursing home in West Frankfort and loved being a personal care giver to elderly people in the Thompsonville area. She was a cook at several area restaurants and at Thompsonville Grade School, which is where she retired. She loved music and singing and had a beautiful voice! She loved sewing, creating and crafting all things, including beautiful teddy bears. She loved gardening, reading and collecting teddy bears of all shapes, sizes and materials…she literally had hundreds! But above all, she loved God and her family! She loved her grandkids so much & always did special things for them!

Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Wakefield; two sisters: Shirley Wells and Eileen Wilson; three brothers: Billy Funk, Jimmy Funk and Gail Funk.

She leaves behind to cherish many memories, her four Children: David (Sheila) Wakefield of Benton, IL; Richard (Christy) Wakefield of Benton, IL; Sandy (Todd) Falzone of Spokane, WA; and Michael (Peggy) Wakefield of Benton, IL ; a Sister: Amy Sue (Terry) Crane of N. Judson, IN ; two Brothers: Carroll (Patti) Funk of Indianapolis, IN; Bobby Funk of Beaver Dam, KY ; nine Grandchildren: Hope Wakefield, Nathan (Robin) Falzone, Becca Falzone, Tyler Falzone, Eric Wakefield, Rick Wakefield, Jacob Hammonds, Jennifer Hammonds Cozart and Craig Hammonds; and a host of very special nieces and nephews.
Visitation is 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 31st at Caldwell Baptist Church, 4630 Deering Road West Frankfort, IL. 62898. Service at 1:00 Pastor Richard Wakefield Officiating. Place of Internment Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Thompsonville, IL. Arrangements by Morton & Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

For years, Alzheimer’s Disease has slowly taken Ellen away from her loved ones. In her final years, Ellen traded her love of sitting in a comfy chair, reading for hours on end, for walking for literally hours on end! Other residents and staff at Friendship Manor, as well as family & visitors upon arrival, were urged by Ellen to join her in walking (sometimes hand in hand). In lieu of flowers, consider donating to, or joining a charity walk fundraising for Alzheimer’s care, support and research such as the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s http://alz.org/Walk or any other Alzheimer’s charity you feel is worthy: IN MEMORY OF ELLEN and other family and friends affected by this terrible disease!

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

Kent Dale Hodge, age 85, of Sesser, Illinois left this life on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois surrounded by his family and went to live his eternal life with Jesus in Heaven.

Kent was born in Nason, Illinois on October 19, 1939 to Delbert and Ethel (Sigwerth) Hodge. On August 12, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart Joyce Stubblefield. After graduating from Southeast Missouri State University with a teaching degree in 1962, Kent began teaching and coaching at Akin Grade School where he taught for the next 32 years, including two years as the principal. During that time, he also earned his Masters in Education degree from Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, Kentucky in 1971. He loved his vocation, the students he taught, and developed a wonderfully close relationship with those he worked with. He also served our country in the Illinois National Guard. He was a member of the First Christian Church and loved his church family and taught adult Sunday school classes. Kent loved to play baseball and participated in track and football in high school and was football captain his senior year. He enjoyed his many collections, loved to travel the country to visit historical sites, especially forts, battlefields and historical cemeteries (sometimes in the middle of nowhere). Kent loved spending time outside working in his yard, planting trees, and gardening.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert Renzo Hodge and Ethel Genevieve Hodge, grandson Miller Ray Davis, brother, Merlin Hodge and wife Carolyn, sister, Maxine (Hodge) Darnell and husband Warren, sisters-in-law Carolyn Stubblefield and Bette (Stubblefield) Reynolds, brother-in-law, Richard Garner, nieces, Sara Stubblefield and Danielle Reynolds.

Kent is survived and missed by his loving wife, Joyce of 63 years; his daughters, Michelle Davis and Lenise (Steve) Sgutt of Herrin, grandchildren, Morgan (companion Wes) Davis of Herrin, Mason Davis of Marion, and Dr. Emilie (Matthew) Mueller of Indianapolis, great-grandson, Echo Smart of Christopher, brothers-in-law, Richard (Carolyn) Stubblefield and Gary Reynolds, sisters-in-law, JoAnn Garner and Gayla Stubblefield, nieces, Brenda (Tom) Martin, Kara (Karl) Silge, Carla (Vic) Daiber, Jennifer (Ed) Lobenhofer, nephews, Drs. Kevin (Myjal) Garner, Brian (companion Doli) Hodge, Kendall (Claire) Garner, and Brandon Reynolds.

Visitation for Kent will be on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Funeral services will be at 1pm with pastors John Plunkett and Eric Lam officiating, and there will be a time of reflection if anyone would like to share a story about Kent. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Jude Research Hospital, and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, P O Box 624, Sesser, IL 62884.

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

Gregory Scott Furlow, 60, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday May 24, 2025 at 9:00 PM at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, MO with several family members by his side.

He was born on Saturday January 23, 1965 in Centerville, IL to Loretta Fay (Rice) Furlow and Charles Furlow.

He is survived by his siblings sisters Eva (Joel) Hopp of Pinckneyville and Connie (Randall) Bush of Zeigler and one brother Charles Furlow Jr. of Mulkeytown, IL; step-mother Ruthie Furlow of Tamaroa, half-brother Clinton (Andrea) Furlow of Tamaroa and his family; nieces and nephews Jason Houghland, Mason Hopp, Leah (Conner) Baugh, Amber Hopp, Best Buddy Lisa Bush, Lauren (Lucas Lingle) Bush, Jennifer Furlow, Doug Furlow and Leslie Furlow; great nieces and nephews Aiden Furlow, Micah Furlow, Elijah Furlow, Alexis Craig, Chloe Craig, Rhiannon Craig, Logan Borum, Eli Schmidt and Ewan Schmidt and his Best Friend and brother Greg Lampley and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Fay Furlow, father Charles Furlow, one sister Lisa Elaine Furlow, nephew Bradley Bush and brother-in-law Jackie Houghland.

Greg was employed at the S & S Tavern and the Casino Lounge where he met several acquaintances who would not only become his friends and buddies but also became family.

Greg’s legacy will continue on as he chose to be an organ donor which his family honored his request.

Funeral services will be on Thursday May 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Rob Mathis officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday May 28, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown.

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

Donald Lee Baine, 60, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday May 23, 2025 at his home.

He was born on September 2, 1964 in Benton, IL to Thomas and Phyllis (Cole) Baine Jr. He married Shelley (Johnson) Baine on September 27, 1997 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his daughters Madison Baine of Mulkeytown and Katelynn (Slaton Mathis) Baine of Martin, TN; two brothers Thomas (Debbie) Baine III of Valier and Bobby (Jennifer) Baine of Missouri; mother Phyllis Baine of mother-in-law Gloria Jenkins of Christopher and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Baine Jr. and father-in-law Jim Jenkins.

Donnie loved his family and spending time in the outdoors with his girls and his friends, and he loved to cook. He was a member of the Sesser Ducks Unlimited and was inducted into the Ducks Unlimited Hall of Fame. He was an Alumni of the 4-H and the FFA.

Funeral service will be on Friday May 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Chris Hottensen. Visitation will be on Thursday May 29, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Kenneth Alan “Kenny” Conner, 74, of Benton, IL, died the morning of May 10, 2025 in his beloved home after a long battle with physical illness.

He was born on August 16, 1950 to Edgar “Red” Conner and Lillian Lucille Mabry.

Kenny worked as a plumber and retired from the Facilities Management Department at SIU Edwardsville.

Kenny and his former spouse, Cheryl Whittington Conner, had one child, Molly (Conner) Novak.

Kenny loved cars, The Rolling Stones, fly fishing, and tinkering in his yard in his spare time. He was an avid Cubs fan until they traded the dream team of Rizzo, Baez, and Bryant several years ago, but you’d never see him wearing a Cardinals shirt.

Kenny spent many weekend nights at the drag strip. He always felt Lee Iacocca should have run for president. He holds the drag racing record of 115 mph from Dairy Queen to the Benton square in a 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner and also ran 147 mph around Rend Lake in his brother’s Dodge Charger. Kenny said he thought the wheels would fall off that car. He was a member of the 750K mile club, having driven his Volvo station wagon back and forth to work 2 hours one way, everyday. He had a flair for license plate creation, as many of you have seen his legendary plates rolling through town.

As much as Kenny loved speed and power, there is something, rather someone, he loved above everything else. Kenny’s beloved granddaughter, Callie Novak, came into this world in 2009. The love that “Popsie” had for Callie was immeasurable. To the moon and to Saturn, from here to infinity, and as they liked to say to each other, “more than apple pie and ice cream.” He was a wonderful father, a tremendous grandfather, and a great friend to all those who knew him.

Kenny is survived by his daughter, Molly (Conner) Novak, granddaughter, Callie Novak, and very special sister in law, Brenda (Stacey) Whittington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, “Red” and Lucille Conner, sister, Jackie (Conner) Murphy, brother in law, Michael Murphy, nephews Christopher Murphy and Timothy Murphy, and brother, Donald Conner.

An open house celebration of life has been planned for June 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Palestine Baptist Church, which Kenny frequently attended and found his church family.
In lieu of flowers, Kenny would ask for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Gloria Diane Fraulini, 82, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Gloria was born September 30, 1942, in Beckley, West Virgina, to the late William Coolock and Ann Kish. Her family later moved to Benton, IL where she graduated from Benton High School. After graduating, she completed beauty school, worked as a carhop at the Band Box Drive In and was a long term employee for Walmart.

On July 8, 1961 she married Jerry Fraulini. The young couple started a life together near Chicago, Illinois before moving back to Southern Illinois. They were blessed with 3 beautiful children: Lisa, Jerri and Mike. The couple was married for almost 61 years, before Jerry passed away in 2022.

Gloria was a member of the Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Royalton, IL. Her love for the Lord was evident by her faithfulness, love and compassion.

She enjoyed working for Sam Walton’s Walmart and loved her Walmart family. This is where she met her best friend, Carol Hall, who became like a sister to her. They enjoyed crafting and going on short adventures to musicals and local events.

Gloria enjoyed living on her family’s farm. She spent many hours taking care her yard by making sure it was landscaped beautifully with all of her favorite flowers. She spoiled each and everyone of her outdoor cats with all kinds of special treats. However, one cat named Mouse, won over her heart and became her treasured companion.

Above all, she loved her family. No matter what, she always put family first. She spent countless hours attending events that her children, grandchildren and great grand children participated in. Gloria was their biggest fan. She kept all of these memories bundled away in scrapbooks and photographs. She loved sharing all of her experiences and memories with her family, friends and even strangers.

Less than a year ago, Gloria was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. She decided to undergo chemotherapy treatments, so that she could have more time to spend with her family. Her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her cat Mouse were her world and what kept her fighting to the very end.

Gloria is survived by her children, Lisa (Harry) Sauerhage of Benton, IL, Jerri Hethmon of Benton, IL and Mike (Shelly) Fraulini of Ironstone, MO; 5 grandchildren; James (Sarah) Hethmon of Webb City, MO, Ryan (Rachel) Fraulini of Akin, IL, Michael (Micah) Fraulini of West Frankfort, IL, Ryan (Brandi) Sauerhage of Akin, IL and Whitney Sauerhage of Shiloh, IL; 5 great grandchildren: Easton & Paisley Fraulini, Meryl Ore, soon to arrive Beckett Fraulini and Brantlee & Hadley Sauerhage

Brother in law: Gene Fraulini of Everett, MA; Nephews: Gene (Tia) Fraulini of Lynnfield, MA, Wayne (RoseAnn) Fraulini of Stoneham, MA Niece Cheryl (Joe) Bellante of Everett, MA; Cousins: Kay Fraulini Chicago, Illinois, Sandi Lauden of South Carolina and Rick Philyaw of South Carolina and many other cousins and friends

Special Friends: The Smith Family (Alex, Amanda, Alivia, Allie, Audrie, Alden), The Walters’ Family (Chris, Kate and Adeline), Ruth Walters and Ryan Bleichner

A special thanks to all of the doctors and nurses at Barnes Jewish Hospital that had a part in Gloria’s healthcare, Father John for praying with her and all of her family & friends that took the time to help whenever they were needed.

There will be a graveside service at Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery on Saturday, May 31st at 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will take place immediately after at Gwen Wynn Senior Center. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

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

On Thursday, May 15th, at 8:30 pm, Jeffry “Jeff” Presutti Sr. Age 70, of Christopher, IL, went home to meet our Heavenly Father.

He retired in 2016 from being a commercial pump mechanic which took him all over the country working for nearly two decades. Before that, he worked and lived in Ellensville NY, and Deltona FL, as a supervisor for an Aluminum Extrusion and Manufacturing Company. Jeff was an avid outdoorsman, who loved digging roots, hiking, camping, hunting, and had a short span as a BassMasters Pro Fisherman, including a 1990 Rookie of the Year and at one time held a few lake record largemouth Catches. Jeff was a Patriot and a Veteran of The U.S. Army, as he proudly served his country, the same as his Father.

He was the son of August & Lorena Presutti. Born on October 10th, 1954, in Murphysboro, IL. He attended Murphysboro School District, until graduating and joining the Armed Forces in 1971. Jeff married his first wife, Renie (Ellis) Presutti, in 1975 and together they had 2 sons, Jeffry Presutti Jr. and Jacob “Jake” Presutti, both of Pomona, IL. Six years after their divorce, in 1986, Jeff Married Bertha Weimer, of Carterville, IL, which they had a long and successful marriage until Bertha’s sad passing in 2017. While married to Bertha, and becoming a stepFather to Bertha’s son, Mark Weimer, Jeff and Bertha became foster parents, and saw many children come across their homes threshold, several of those children remained with them as they aged out of childhood and into their own individual lives as successful adults. The final three children they fostered, all since birth, were so much part of the family, they would be adopted, making Jeff & Bertha’s parental path, happily start all over again. Jeff spent his early retirement days caring for Bertha and their adopted children. After Bertha’s passing, Jeff met Lauri, and for the past seven years, they travelled together, spent time exploring and Jeeping through the countrysides of the local Midwest, and Lauri was by his side, helping care for Jeff through his last few years. He spent his final days at home with family & loved ones and his fiancee Lauri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August & Lorena (James) Presutti, older brother, Steve, older sister, Joyce, stepson Mark, and wife Bertha. Jeff leaves behind two biological sons, Jeffry Presutti, Jr. and Jake Presutti, both of Pomona, three adopted children, Taylor Presutti, Kaylee Presutti, and Brayden Presutti, of Christopher, sister Patti Proctor and Family of Murphysboro, brothers David and Peter Presutti, fiancee Lauri Swinyer Stanger and her grandson Nehemiah. Granddaughters (Jeff Jr) Miranda Hale, (Jake) Laycee Presutti-Murillo, her husband Leo, of Ramstein, Germany, Jayclynn Presutti, Ashlynn Presutti, Maebry Presutti, Mykell Presutti, all of Murphysboro, Kaleigh Arnsmeyer, and her three children of Jackson, MO, one great grandson (Laycee) Malakye Andres Murillo of Ramstein, Germany and Many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. Graveside Service will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Pomona, IL on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 3pm.

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

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Cordell Michael Ray Rose, who left this world on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Cordell was born on December 3, 2020, the son of James Paul Rose and Alyssa Nicole Drenckpohl.

Cordell loved anything with wheels. He loved trains, especially Thomas the Tank Engine. Another enjoyment was playing with his toy dinosaurs. Cordell loved going fast and chasing the chickens. He also liked watching Bluey.

Left to grieve are his parents James Paul Rose and Alyssa Nicole Drenckpohl of McLeansboro, IL; a sister Alana Drenckpohl; a brother Jackson Rose; grandparents including: Brenda Rose of Centralia, IL, John and Judy Rose of Benton, IL, Jeff and Kathy Drenckpohl of Centralia, IL; Great-grandparents: Peggy Scott of Centralia, IL, Barbara Cairel of Benton, IL, Merrill Rose and Diane of Benton, IL; aunts and uncles: Amanda Gates and husband Justin of Benton, IL, Scott Rose and wife Rebecca of Boliver, MO, Kelsei and Paul Roberts of Carlyle, IL, Lindsay and Travis Pendley of Mt. Vernon, IL; and numerous other relatives.
He joins in Heaven, his Great-grandparents: Cordell Cairel, Bill and Jeanette Heser, Merle and Wilma Drenckpohl, and Harold Scott.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Ryan Mulvaney officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Burial will take place in the near future at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL.

Please continue to uplift this family in your daily prayers.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Cordell, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.