Pearl VanHoorebeke, 79, of Benton, formerly of Christopher, passed away on November 29, 2019.

She was born on March 29, 1940 in Christopher, IL to Odie and Cynthia (Davis) Shaw. She married Frank VanHoorebeke and he preceded her in death on January 1, 2005.

She is survived by her children Earelen Zeboski of Sesser, Sherry (Mike) Boling of DuQuoin, Gary (Rhonda) Keller of Benton, Randy Keller of Florida, Cynthia Keller of Benton, George Keller of Benton, Georgia Chrostoski of Benton, Steven Keller of South Carolina and Shay Doty of Benton; step children Betty Lou Hopkins of Missouri, Clarence VanHoorebeke of DuQuoin, Shirley Worrle of Oklahoma, Charles VanHoorebeke of Benton, Sharon Plasters of Mississippi, Mary Jo Murry of Waltonville, Elmer VanHoorebeke of Texas, David VanHoorebeke of Texas, Loren VanHoorebeke of Mt Vernon and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Alice Patterson, one step-son Randy VanHoorebeke and six brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday December 3, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

James Michael Thompson, 57, of West Frankfort, formerly of Sesser, passed away on Monday November 18, 2019.

He was born on September 22, 1962 in DuQuoin, IL to James Monroe and Joyce (Sink) Thompson. He married Pamela (Fisher) Thompson on December 28, 1991.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Thompson of West Frankfort; Mother and Father James and Joyce Thompson of Sesser; his children Jennie Burke of California, Brandi Thompson of West Frankfort, Travis Thompson of West Frankfort, Dillon Thompson of Sesser; one great granddaughter Kenna Thompson; three brothers Mark Thompson, Scott Thompson and Bob Thompson.

Military rites will be given by the Sesser VFW on Saturday November 30, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Maple Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Michael’s life will be on Saturday November 30, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Stephen Matthew “Beaver” Hensgen, age 62, of Mulkeytown, passed away at Friday, November 22, 2019 at his home.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be planned for a future date.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Stephen Matthew Hensgen was born on May 30, 1957 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Wilbur J. Hensgen and Eunice (Sheldon) Hensgen.
He formerly worked with Pepsi Mid-America as a bottle filler. Prior to working with Pepsi, he worked at Maytag.

Beaver enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, camping, and going to the “country house”. He was a good storyteller, and song writer. His family said that he could write lyrics to a song about anything. He loved family events and spending time with family, but most of all, he loved being with his grandkids.

He is survived by his three daughters: Amber (Hensgen) Koloroutis and husband Adam of Kileen, TX, Ashley (Hensgen) Turner and husband Scott of West Frankfort, Chelsea Hensgen of Minnesota; seven grandchildren: Nolan Koloroutis, Brynlee Koloroutis, William Turner, Tyler Craft, Jordan Turner, Jadelynn Turner, Paisley Hensgen; a sister Patricia Wilson of Marion, IL; a brother James Hensgen and wife Carla of Carterville, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents; a brother-in-law Dale Wilson; and a nephew Eric Hensgen.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Stephen Matthew Hensgen, to the family to assist with the cremation expenses, and may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Dorothy Mae Brooks, 92, born October 15, 1927, in West City, IL, passed away at 5:36 p.m., on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Stonebridge Senior Living Center, Benton, IL.

She married Bill Brooks, who served in the United States Army during active military war time of the Korean Conflict. The couple moved from Illinois to Oklahoma where Mr. Brooks was employed by NOMECO and Haliburton Oil companies over the next two decades. Dorothy moved to Branson, MO after the passing of her spouse in 1997, and enjoyed her leisure years entertaining friends and family on Lake Tanycomo in Branson.

Dorothy is survived by her brother, David Kearney of Austin, TX; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Delmar and Della (Johnson) Kearney; husband, William C. Brooks; infant son, William Roy Brooks; three brothers, Vernon Kearney, Carl Kearney and Leonard Kearney.

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

Per Dorothy’s wishes cremation will take place. Burial will follow at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be given at www.patefh.com