Beatrice Sharpton Cottle – Benton, IL

October 20, 2020 By Leave a Comment

BEATRICE SHARPTON COTTLE, 89, of Benton passed away Saturday afternoon, Oct. 17, 2020 at the Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN.

She was born in Cullman County, Alabama on July 10, 1931, the daughter of Oliver Richard & Bertha (McCurdy) Sharpton.

She married James H. Cottle on June 11, 1955 in Cullman, AL.

Mrs. Cottle was a graduate of Cullman High School, and then attended Trevecca College in Nashville, TN, and attained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She was a Schoolteacher for many years, but her greatest and most rewarding achievement was being a faithful and supportive Pastor’s wife.

Mrs. Cottle is survived by her:

Husband: Rev. James H. Cottle of Benton, IL
Son: Jim Cottle & wife Kerri of Benton, IL
Grandson: Brad Cottle of Benton, IL
Granddaughter: Bethany Cottle of Benton, IL
3 Great-Grandchildren: Braxton Cottle, Kalib & Addie Mayberry
1 Sister: Mary Ruth Guthrie & husband Edwin of Logan, AL
3 Brothers: Edwin Sharpton of Logan, AL
Billy Sharpton of Crane Hill, AL
Harold Sharpton & wife Diane of Cullman, AL
Several Nieces & Nephews

Mrs. Cottle was preceded in death by her Parents, by a Daughter-Debbie Cottle, by a Sister-Mavis Sharpton and by a Sister-in-law-Peggy Sharpton.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 P.M. WEDNESDAY, October 21st at the First Church of The Nazarene in Benton, IL

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, Oct. 23rd at the Moss Funeral Home in Cullman, with a

Visitation from 12 Noon until the funeral hour at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Public Cemetery of Cullman, AL.

At the Visitation on Wednesday evening, due to local health requirements, there will be a limit of 50 people in the Church at one time, and masks are recommended to be worn by those in attendance.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The day I killed Lewis Cushman on the front page of the Benton Evening News

October 19, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: (This column appeared in the Southern Illinoisan on February 10, 2004 and it remains to this day one of my all-time favorites.)
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Lewis Cushman died last week and even though I read the obituary in the newspaper I still attended the wake just to make sure.

I’m certainly not making light of the matter, but I have every reason to be a little bit apprehensive about the death of Lewis Cushman. Medically speaking Cushman has only expired once, but journalistically speaking he’s died twice and the first time I was responsible.

The 84-year-old Cushman and his wife Angie ran Benton Baking Company for more than three decades, an old fashioned bakery that made great homemade bread and an assortment of other fine pastries.

Several years ago when I was working at the Benton Evening News I wrote a story about the Cushman’s daughter Connie (Peterson) who is married and lives in central Illinois. The story revolved around a prestigious award that Peterson and her husband had won on their farm/ranch and a news article that had appeared in a national magazine.

I conducted the interview over the phone and still recall that it was a story that was easy to write, a feel-good feature that are frequently in newspapers about a small town girl making good. The only problem I experienced with the story was that I forgot to ask Connie Peterson if both her parents were still alive.

After several unsuccessful attempts to reach the Petersons and the Cushmans and with a deadline bearing down on me I conferred with Danny Malkovich, managing editor, and we decided that Angie was alive but that Lewis had passed away a couple of years earlier. So, the story ended by saying: “Connie Peterson is the daughter of Angie and the late Lewis Cushman.”

The day the story ran I was out of the office in the early afternoon and returned around 3 p.m., about an hour after the paper hit the street. The first thing I noticed was a note on my desk written in bold letters that were underlined: ‘CALL LEWIS CUSHMAN!” The phone number was listed, also in large print.

I can still recall the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and the cold sweat on my forehead as I dialed Cushman’s number to take the scolding and the heat that I knew was forthcoming.

To my amazement though, Lewis and Angie Cushman proved to be good-natured and took my mistake quite well, even making a few jokes about it. They did ask me to correct the mistake the next day, though.

Using a lead I’m certain has been used many times by other harried newspaper writers the following day’s paper had a front page correction that began: “Much like Mark Twain, news of the death of Lewis Cushman is greatly exaggerated…”

Perhaps one of the funniest lines I’ve ever heard came a few days later when Angie Cushman called to tell me about the reception Lewis received from the elderly gentlemen that he drank coffee with every morning at a local restaurant.

She said the second Lewis walked in one gentleman commented about the speed at which he’d returned to life after his demise was reported a day earlier in the local newspaper.

“You know Lewis, it took Jesus three days to resurrect,” he said. “But you made it back for coffee the next morning.”

Since that forgettable day 10 years ago I’ve seen the Cushmans on countless occasions and we always shared a laugh about the glaring mistake that I made. And in the event that I would see Angie without Lewis I would always inquire, with somewhat of an exaggerated worried tone, how her husband was feeling.

“Lewis is ALIVE and doing quite well,” Angie would always reply with a wide smile.

While I’ll readily admit that I’ve made an occasional mistake with dates, places, and times during my tenure as a writer, reporting the erroneous death and subsequent resurrection of Lewis Cushman remains my biggest blunder.

And while it might be a small token, I hope it’s some source of comfort to readers to know that in the event that I mistakenly kill you on the front page one day … I can bring you back to life within 24 hours.

I stood at Lewis Cushman’s casket last week only a few minutes before the start of his funeral and talked with Angie and her children and we once again recalled and shared a laugh about that infamous day more than a decade ago when I reported his very premature death.

After I exited the church that day the thought crossed my mind that all those laughs and smiles through the years that I enjoyed with the Cushmans happened solely because they had a forgiving nature and a keen sense of humor. If they had blasted me and held a grudge, all those smiles and friendly greetings and even this column would never have happened. We should all be so fortunate when we pass on that people would remember us for those two qualities.

As an epitaph to this story I feel that I should say thanks, Lewis, for taking it easy on me after I erroneously reported your death on the front page of the local newspaper. But more importantly thanks for a classic story for the ages and the warm memories and the many smiles we shared.

Filed Under: Featured

Blake Sullivan — Bonnie, IL

October 17, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Blake Sullivan, age 53, of Bonnie, passed away at 9:55 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2020 at his mother’s home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2020 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Brandon Houseworth officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery East of Akin. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Due to Health Concerns related to COVID-19: Visitation and Funeral services are limited to 50 people at one time; facial coverings are required; and social distancing should be observed. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Blake was born on March 7, 1967 in Benton; the son of Melvin Sullivan and Pam (Morgan) Sullivan.

He was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1985. He served his country in the U.S. Army, and he was a construction worker.

Blake was an avid sports fan, enjoyed music, playing strat-o-matic baseball; but most of all enjoyed spending time with his daughters and granddaughter.

Surviving is his loving mother Pam Tippitt and husband John of Bonnie; his father Melvin Sullivan and wife Linda of West City; three daughters Chelsea Sullivan and fiancée Matt Johnson of Wheaton, IL, Paige Sullivan of Royalton, Peighton Sullivan of Benton; a great-granddaughter Hadley Blake Sullivan; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Floyd Morgan and Patsy Connor; and his paternal grandparents Howard and Bertha Sullivan.

Memorial contributions in memory of Blake, may be made to the ALS Association, and will be accepted at the funeral home, or if donor’s wish to give electronically at donations@alsa-national.org.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

William Harold Howe – Macedonia, IL

October 14, 2020 By Leave a Comment

William Harold Howe, age 91, of Macedonia, passed away at 10:20 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2020 at the VA Medical Center in Marion.

Mr. Howe’s wishes were to be cremated with no public services.
Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Howe was born on September 9, 1929 in Watseka, IL; the son of Wayne Harold Howe and Bernice (Conner) Howe. He married the former Louella Hamlin on April 19, 1974, and together they shared 46 years of marriage.

He proudly served his country first in the U.S. Coast Guard, later he transferred to the United States Army Air Corps, and later the U.S. Air Force.

He was the self-employed owner and operator of Howe Body Shop, where he enjoyed working and tinkering on cars.

After suffering a stroke that forced his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed their daily trips to McDonald’s to visit with friends.

Surviving is his loving wife Louella Howe of Macedonia; his biological children: Michael Howe of Benton and his children Gene, Veronica, Natalie, Jessica, and Jennifer; William Howe of Herrin and his children Holly, Garrett, and Craig; Claudia Moore of West Frankfort and her children Amy, Stacy, Michael and Joshua; Louella’s three children: David Franklin of Benton, Paul Franklin of Pureyear, TN, and Tracy Howe of Akin; two grandchildren: William C. Burcham and Wayne H. Howe; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Robert Howe.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Howe, may be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mr. William H. Howe; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

James Isom-Christopher, IL

October 13, 2020 By Leave a Comment

James Norman Isom 64 passed away Monday October 12, 2020 at his home in Christopher Illinois with his wife , son, daughter in law and special friends by his side.

James was born July 18, 1956 to Betty Ann (Spencer) Isom. James spent most of his life working as a brick mason, he was an avid outdoorsman and loved to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycles.

James ( Jim) leaves behind his wife Carol A (Hayes) Isom , son Charlie James Isom and wife Andi Jo of Christopher IL, son Daniel Furlong and wife Shannan of Chesapeake VA, grandchildren Brandon Isom, Stephanie Isom, Gavin Price and Cannon Furlong as well as other family and friends. James is preceded in death by his mother Betty Ann Isom , sister Julie D Isom and granparents Norman and Georgia Spencer.

It was James’s wishes to be cremated with no funeral service. James’s wife Carol plans to hold a celebration of life gathering for family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Gilbert’s funeral home to assist in final expenses.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Maria Sophia Adamson – Valier, IL

October 13, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Maria Sophia “Sophie” Adamson, 93, of Valier passed away on Sunday October 11, 2020 at StoneBridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Benton, Illinois.

Sophie was born in Dresden, Germany on October 6, 1927. Born to Maria Launhardt and Heinrich Stock. She grew up in Germany where she was a proof reader at a publishing company. On April 9, 1952 she married Henry M. Adamson of Greenup, Illinois, who preceded her in death September 27, 2000. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. As a naturalized citizen of the United States and the wife of a career military soldier, she assumed the roles of mother and father during Henry’s deployments overseas. Sophie moved with her family to Valier and had resided there since December 1964. After moving to Valier, she was employed as a seamstress in Country Set sewing factory in Du Quoin, Illinois and later began her home sewing business. As a professional seamstress, she made everything from everyday clothing to creating gowns for proms, homecomings, and weddings. She also made cheerleading uniforms for many of the local schools. She enjoyed raising many farm animals, gardening, and canning. Later in life, she enjoyed reading, flower gardening, sewing, knitting doilies, and embroidery. Throughout life, Sophie engaged in travel adventures in the United States and the world, including Germany, Australia, Turkey, and Thailand to name a few.
Sophie’s brother, Gunther preceded her in death and his wife Desley resides in Brisbane, Australia

Sophie had two daughters and two sons:
Dorothee “Dee” Merkle, who preceded her in death, husband Phillip Merkle, Boone, Iowa
Emily and husband, Steve Mickelwait, Haymarket, Virginia
Michael Adamson, Valier, Illinois
Thomas “Tom Tom” Adamson, who preceded her in death.
Grandchildren include:
Michael Kelly and wife, Sarah and their children; Kilian and Keira
Katherine Mackenzie and husband, Patrick and children; Hayden, Andrew, and Will
Julie Greonig and husband, Jake and children; Erin and Louis
William Merkle
Kyle Mickelwait and wife Rae and children; Hayley, Owen, and Adam
Leigh Anne Mullins and husband Matt and children; Madison, Max, Millie, Morgan, and Maverick
Nikolette Burgett and husband David and children; Aurora, Bridget and husband Dalton and their children: Channing, Delilah, and Isabella
Mitchell Adamson and wife Rasheal and daughter Samantha
Megan Adamson and wife Ashley

Filed Under: Obituaries

Norman L. Leonard – Benton, IL

October 12, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Norman L. Leonard, 72, of Benton passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Mr. Leonard was born in Delbarton, West Virginia on May 4, 1948 the son of Wallace Elmo and Wilda Dorine (Kirk) Leonard. Norman married Gretchen (Skibo) on October 5, 1968 in Delbarton, West Virginia.

Mr. Leonard was a member of the West City Church of God, and he deeply loved his God. He dearly loved his family, they were everything to him, especially his two grandchildren. He was a coal miner, after leaving the mines he retired from Royal Brass & Hose.

Norman is survived by his wife Gretchen Leonard, of Benton; daughters Kendra Leonard, and fiancé Jeremy Noelle, of Marion, IL and Kelli Sullivan, and fiancé Travis Wyant, of Benton; grandchildren Parker Williams and Peighton Sullivan; brothers Philip Leonard, and wife Linda, of Starke, Florida and Charles Leonard, and wife Karen, of Hatfield, KY.

Mr. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and by two sisters, Della and Stephanie.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at the West City Church of God with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the West City Church of God.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Can’s Can Ministries.
During this time please observe social distancing. There will be 50 people allowed in the church at a time. The family askes that everyone attending refrain from hugging and hand shaking and masks will be required in the Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Chrystal Edith Hale – Benton, IL

October 12, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Chrystal Edith Hale, 99, of Benton, passed away at 6:25 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2020, at Benton Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Benton, IL.

She was born on November 27, 1920, to Howard and Kate (Johnson) Biddle in Macedonia, IL. Chrystal married Roy Eugene Hale and he preceded her in death.

Chrystal is survived by her loving children, Roy Lee Hale of Benton and Helen Farkas of West Frankfort; four grandchildren, Kevin Farkas, Debbie Schultz, Cindy Rundloff and Randy Hale; and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Kate Biddle, her husband, Roy Eugene Hale, a son, Paul Dean Hale, a brother, Harry Dean Biddle, a daughter, Shirley Holdren and a sister, Lois Waller.

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

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 12:30 p.m., at the Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL, with the Reverend Derrik Cairel, officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Rend Lake College earns national recognition for trade program

October 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. Rend Lake College’s trade programs rate among the best in the nation, according to a recent ranking from education website Learn.org.

Learn.org recently published its list of the 50 Best Trade Schools Programs for the 2020-21 school year and RLC landed in the No. 18 spot. The website’s editorial team considered hundreds of universities across the country and selected RLC based on academic and career resources, the quality of education, faculty, and more.

While RLC is not exclusively a trade school, the college does offer a variety of technical programs where students can receive hands-on training to help prepare them for a career. RLC offers occupational certificates, which focus on skill competencies and allow students to enter the workforce in a short amount of time. Or students could learn a trade along with general education content to earn an associate degree. RLC also offers an apprenticeship program allowing students to receive on-the-job training from a local company and earn a wage while they learn.

Learn.org highlighted RLC’s variety of certificates and degrees available, including options like a Certificate in Certified Production Technician or a Certificate in Phlebotomy. The website also emphasized RLC’s use of the Focus 2 career planning system that allows students to figure out what career works best for them.

Since 2003, Learn.org has helped students and working professionals research different schools, degrees and careers.

RLC has more than 100 degrees and certificates available. To learn more about the college, or to enroll, visit rlc.edu

Filed Under: Breaking News
October 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2020/10/09/covid-19-numbers-nationally-and-worldwide/

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