Frederick Earl Draper JR – Fairfield, IL formerly of Christopher

December 16, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Frederick Earl Draper JR, 78, of Fairfield, IL, formerly of Christopher passed away on December 14, 2020 at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born on July 7, 1942 in Christopher to Frederick and Barbara (Sanks) Draper.

He is survived by his children Margaret (Chris) Songer of Danville, IL, Candy (Jimmy) Person of Rantoul, IL, Martha (James) Galloway of Coello, IL, Susan (Jimmy) Lance of Boonville, IN, Freddie (Michelle) Draper of Allerton, IL, Mary (Jerry) Bruner of Knobel, AR and Samantha (Shawn) Nunley of Chandler, IN; also survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; nine brothers and sister Dixie Brownfield of Indiana, Barbara Kay Adair of Indiana, Maryellen Draper of Kentucky, Teddi Cross of Oregon, Lillian Fred of Illinois, Lynda Castro of Oregon, Sharryl (Roger) Vorpahl of Oregon, Darryl (Darlene) Draper of Indiana and Randy (Mary) Draper of Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Barbara Brownfield, one grandson Blake Gray and one sister Claude Reffett.

Fred’s wishes were to be cremated. The family will have a memorial service at a later date.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Luis J. Camarillo — Benton, Illinois

December 11, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Mr. Luis Juan Camarillo, age 63, went to his Heavenly Home at 8:50 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Luis’ wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

He was born on April 23, 1957 in Elgin, Illinois; the son of Jesse Camarillo and Englentina (Gonzalez) Camarillo. He married the former Malinda Marie Loera on April 24, 1999, and she survives.

Luis was a former drywall finisher and painter. He loved helping others and served his Lord in ministering to those in need spiritually. He was an assistant men’s director as a Missionary.

He loved cooking for his church family and helping others get through hardships. He loved watching his Chicago sports teams, especially the Bears and the Blackhawks.

Luis is survived by his loving wife of 21 years Malinda Marie Camarillo of Benton; a daughter Liza Camarillo of Illinois; his God children: Xavier Gonzalez, Adeline Chavez, Natalie Chavez and Liana Marley all four of California; his three siblings: Armando Camarillo of Sesser, Illinois, Donna Carrasco of Chicago, Illinois, and Olga Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers.

Memorial contributions may be made In Memory of Luis Camarillo to the
SIH Cancer Institute
1400 Pin Oak Drive
Carterville Illinois 62918

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

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Filed Under: Obituaries

The tight-knit communities of Sesser and Valier are grief-stricken after the death of 14-year-old Luke Thery

December 11, 2020 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

The upcoming holiday season and an unseasonably warm and sunny December week has done nothing to lessen the sadness and grief gripping the small, tight-knit communities of Sesser and Valier as friends and students try to come to grips with the tragic death of 14-year-old Luke Thery.

Thery, a popular freshman at Sesser-Valier High School, died Wednesday afternoon from injuries sustained in a truck-four-wheeler crash at the intersection of East Center Road and Peach Orchard Road, located south of Sesser.

Thery was traveling south on East Center Road and struck a pickup truck that was traveling east on Peach Orchard Road. Thery was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jerry Travelstead, a Sesser native and S-V graduate who now serves as superintendent at Pinckneyville No. 204 Grade School, is youth leader at Valier First Baptist Church where Thery attended.

Travelstead said he has known Thery all his life – literally.

“I really can say that I’ve known him all his life, because I remember when he was born,” said Travelstead. “Luke came from a great family and his parents are outstanding people.”

Travelstead said Thery was a three-sport athlete, playing football, baseball and running track at S-V. He added that Thery “had never met a stranger” and was “friends with everybody.”

“He was a red-head and I always thought that his red hair matched his outgoing personality,” said Travelstead. “He had this great big personality and he liked to share it with people. Luke liked to talk and he talked to everybody. He was just a fun kid to be around, he loved riding four-wheelers, he liked to act goofy and have fun and he was 100 percent all-boy. Luke was just a joy to be around and he was certainly a leader and not a follower. This is a real tragedy for the community and the S-V school.”

S-V District Superintendent Jason Henry issued a statement Friday morning concerning the impact on the school.

“We are hurting,” said Henry. “Luke was a fantastic young man. He was high-spirited, energetic, and a fierce competitor with a relentless work ethic. Underneath his mental toughness was a caring, gentle soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thery family at this time.”

Henry said Thery’s death is doubly-hard for school personnel, as his mother, Jennifer, is a veteran math teacher in the District.

“Our students and staff have been shaken, but we’re strong,” said Henry. “We realize that, although we don’t understand why these things happen, we must stay positive and focus on supporting and encouraging Luke’s family. We’re trusting that this untimely accident will somehow strengthen our school, families, and community for years to come. That’s what Luke’s family would want us to do, and we’re going to honor that to the best of our ability.”

Henry said the school will have extra counseling personnel available for students and staff members as needed through its partnerships with Franklin-Jefferson Special Education District, the Sesser-Valier Ministerial Alliance, and Centerstone.

Sesser Mayor Jason Ashmore called the fatal accident “just a terrible tragedy.” Ashmore said much of the community revolves around what happens with students and school activities, noting the impact and sadness that Thery’s death has had on the entire community.

“Certainly, it impacts the S-V students and the school family, but it also has a big impact on the community as a whole,” Ashmore said. “Luke was friendly and outgoing and well-loved by everyone. At a time like this I want to encourage everyone to lift up this family in prayer during their time of need. I am proud to be a part of a community that comes together to help, like the residents of Sesser and Valier always do.”

The Rev. Kevin Bradley is pastor of the Valier First Baptist Church, where Thery has attended since he was born.

“Luke was just a fine young man and he didn’t just attend church, he was active in the church,” said Rev. Bradley. “I will always remember how much he loved our youth group and our annual Christmas pageant.”

Rev. Bradley said his main focus will be to encourage those grieving to not focus on “why this accident happened.”

“There are no words that we can say that will ease the pain of this family, but we just have to hold them up in prayer,” Rev. Bradley said. “We know that Luke is with the Lord and we have to hang on to the promises that the Bible gives us that our hope is in Jesus Christ.”

Travelstead said Thery and his son, Landon, were good friends, adding another layer of grief to the situation for him. Travelstead recalled another December death nearly 26 years ago involving a Sesser teenager that will forever be seared in his memory. Travelstead was best friends and neighbors with Brandon Dame, who was critically injured in a two-car crash south of Sesser on December 27, 1994. The 16-year-old Dame died the following day at a Cape Girardeau hospital.

“I am not a trained pastor or a grief counselor, but the best words I can offer to the hundreds of young people that are hurting right now comes from personal experience,” said Travelstead. “I lost my best friend, Brandon, in a car wreck when I was 15 years old, and I can tell these young people that they are never going to get over this completely. It will affect them the rest of their lives. I know that firsthand.”

Travelstead was choked with emotion when talking about the way he will approach Thery’s death with young people.

“My advice will be to make your life count and do things and accomplish things that would make Luke proud,” said Travelstead. “If there is a lesson to be learned in this, it’s to tell your family and friends how important they are to you. Why wait … before it’s too late. I learned that lesson the hard way at age 15, and I decided right then I wasn’t going to waste any opportunity to tell people I love and appreciate them. I will miss Luke dearly and so will hundreds of his friends and family.”

Graveside services for Luke will be on Sunday December 13, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the Union Primative Baptist Cemetery located north of Sesser by the old Inland Steel Mine with Brother Kevin Bradley officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Featured

Luke Edward Thery – Sesser, IL

December 10, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Luke Edward Thery, 14, of Sesser, passed away on Wednesday December 9, 2020.

He was born on February 23, 2006 in Carbondale, IL to David and Jennifer (Cherry) Thery.

He is survived by his parents David and Jennifer Thery of Sesser; one brother Matthew Thery of Sesser; Grandparents Ada and “Dubby” Flatt of Benton, IL and George and Rebecca Cherry of Sesser; great grandfather Gene Eubanks of Sesser; two uncles Louie and Carol Thery of Christopher, IL and Jeff and Renda Cherry of the United Kingdom.

Luke loved to be outdoors, jiu jitsu and walking on his hands, but most of all he loved his family and his friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather Eugene Thery, grandmother Clelia Eubanks and great uncle Louie Thery.

Graveside services for Luke will be on Sunday December 13, 2020 at 2 PM at the Union Primative Baptist Cemetery located north of Sesser by the old Inland Steel Mine with Brother Kevin Bradley officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 4 PM until 8 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Sunday from 9:00 AM until 1:45 PM at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Matthew Richard Andrew – Thompsonville, IL

December 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Matthew Richard Andrew, 67, of Thompsonville, passed away at 7:37 p.m., on Monday, December 7, 2020, at the Three Angles Broadcasting Network Guest Home in West Frankfort, IL.

He was born on December 14, 1952, to Raymond and Anna (Housley) Andrew in Toledo, OH. Matthew worked from 2003 to 2020, as a Video Editor for Three Angles Broadcasting Network. On June 25, 1988, he married Phyllis W. Frederick, and she survives.

He was a member of the Marion Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he was a former deacon, elder and teacher. He served as lay pastor of the DuQuoin Seventh-day Adventist church for five years. He also was a former lay pastor of the Sandusky Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ohio.

Matthew is survived by his loving spouse of 32 years, Phyllis, one daughter, Rachel Ann, one step-daughter, Michelle M. and one step-son, Scot Allen Andrew, all of Ohio; two brothers, John Andrew of Whitehouse, OH and James Andrew of Perrysburg, OH and two sisters, Nancy Andrew and Barbara Andrew of Columbus, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond G. and Anna Mae Andrew.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Per Matthew’s wishes, cremation will take place. Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, American Cancer Society or Three Angels Broadcasting Network. Cards of condolences may also be sent to Three Angels Broadcasting Network.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Virginia F. Browning – McLeansboro, IL

December 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Virginia F. Browning, 96, of McLeansboro and formerly of Benton passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at McLeansboro Rehab & Health Care Center.

She was born in Benton, IL on December 10, 1923, the daughter of Henry & Ruth (Shetler) Lipe.
She married Kenneth E. Browning on December 25, 1942 and he preceded her in death on June 28, 2018.
Mr. & Mrs. Browning attended the Mt. Zion Church until it closed and then moved their membership to Immanuel. She was a stay at home Wife & Mother and helped her husband with farming. She loved to be with her grandkids, gardening, sewing & was an excellent cook.

Mrs. Browning is survived by her:

3 Daughters:
Janel Brown & husband Jeff of McLeansboro
Melba Browning of Ina
Cheryl Riley & husband John of Milton, FL
4 Grandchildren:
Amy Bridges & husband Robbie
Stacie Zoph & husband Josh
Misty Adkins
Bryan Sweetin & wife Brenda
5 Great-Grandchildren: Zeke, Demetrius, Maleigha, Ian & Emily

Mrs. Browning was preceded in death by her Parents and by her Husband.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, December 11th at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 12:45 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
We are limited to 10 people in our building at a time. We ask everyone attending to be considerate of others and practice social distancing and masks are recommended.

In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or to a Charity of the Donor’s choice.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Mary Louise Brown – Benton, IL

December 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Mary Louise Brown, 83, of Benton, went to be with the Lord at 2:32 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at the Franklin Hospital, Benton IL.

She was born on April 25, 1937, in Thompsonville, IL the daughter of Jim and Roxie (Duckworth) Reed. Mary Reed and Clyde Barnhill were married for 27 years, when he passed away. On June 10, 1995, she married Eugene L. Brown and he preceded her in death on May 17, 2008.

Mary was a homemaker. She enjoyed singing and playing the piano, organ and accordian for the work of the Lord.

Mary is survived by her loving family, one daughter, Aleshia Graves; two sons, Clyde (Marlene) Barnhill and Rodney Barnhill; two grandsons, Chris (April) Graves and Dewayne (Tina Langley) Graves; one granddaughter, Robyn; five great-children, David Graves, Dustin Graves, Dylan Graves, Emma Langley and Keegan Langley; one brother, Bobby (Mary Lou) Reed of Hendersonville, TN; one brother-in-law, Jack Crider; many nieces and nephews; and a dear friend John White.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Roxie Reed, her first husband, Clyde Barnhill, second husband, Eugene L. Brown, brother, James Reed, two sisters, Norma Lance and Phyllis Crider, brother-in-law, Rosco Lance and nephew, Scotty McDonough.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Brady Cemetery in Akin IL, with the Rev. Jim Jines officiating services.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Stanley J. Radavich — Benton, IL

December 8, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Stanley J. Radavich, 62, of Benton, passed away at 12:35 p.m., on Sunday, December 6, 2020, at his residence.

He was born on September 15, 1958, to Stanley and Florence (Stefaniak) Radavich in Chicago, IL.

Stanley is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Holle; a son, Steve Radavich; eights grandchildren; two brothers, Richard and Ken; five sisters, Janice, JoAnne, Judy, Jean and Joyce; and companion, Sherry Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Florence Radavich.

Per Stanley’s wishes cremation was held and a burial will follow at a later date.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Lisa Kay Plumlee — West City, Illinois

December 7, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Lisa Kay Plumlee, age 52, of West City and formerly of Altamont; passed away at 9:32 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020 at her home.

Her wishes are to be cremated; a Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date in Altamont, and graveside services with burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery of Whittington also at a future date.
Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Lisa Kay Plumlee was born on September 30, 1968 in Effingham, Illinois; the daughter of Larry Crum and Launa Jean (Ingle) Crum. She married Dwain Dale Plumlee on October 8, 2016, and he survives.
Lisa was a homemaker. She was a member of the VFW Post# 7676 Ladies Auxiliary of Altamont, and she attended the New Life Church of God in Benton.

She enjoyed game night with family, cooking, volunteering, and spending time with family.

Surviving is her loving husband Dwain Dale Plumlee of West City; her two sons: Brady Crum and wife Morgan of Altamont, Brandon Crum and fiancée Alyssa Fulk of Altamont; two step-sons: Bryan Plumlee and wife Tosha of Valier, Justin Plumlee and wife Stacey of Christopher; two step-daughters: Amber Plumlee and fiancée Josh Foist of Tamaroa, Sierra Plumlee of St. Elmo; a grandson Atticus Crum of Altamont; three step-grandchildren: Landon Foist and Paityn Snyder of Tamaroa, and Nyla Plumlee of Valier; a sister Kari Larimer and husband Noble of Altamont; a brother Jamie Crum and wife Angie of Watson; her step-father Robert Sonny Fair of Altamont; several in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Larry Crum; her mother Launa Jean (Ingle) Crum-Fair; and a niece.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 678572, Dallas, TX 75267-8572
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Lisa Kay, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Paula Jean Saul-Zeigler, IL

December 7, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Paula Jean Saul, 73, of Zeigler, passed away on December 5, 2020 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on October 19, 1947 in DuQuoin, IL to Paul Jerome and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Space. She married Mike Saul and he survives of Zeigler.

She is also survived by her children Sally Saul of West Frankfort and Mike Saul of Vandalia; five grandchildren Mary Bolte of Marion, Aaron Saul of West Frankfort, Andrew Saul of Texas, Skylar Martin of Benton and Thomas Halloway of West Frankfort; three great grandchildren Luke, Elizabeth and Aiden.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday December 16, 2020 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries
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