Jeffrey Dean Whitlow – Benton, IL

February 24, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Jeffrey Dean Whitlow, 60, of Benton, passed away on Saturday February 22, 2020.

He was born on February 11, 1960 in Christopher to Noble Boyd and Betty Louis (Gilbreath) Whitlow. He married Mary Ingram (Sartor) Whitlow on August 12, 1979 and she survives of Benton.

He is also survived by his children Chase Logan (Amber) Whitlow of Peoria Heights, IL and Drake Thomas Whitlow of Royalton; three grandchildren Ryan Logan Whitlow, Jeralynn Brooke Whitlow of Benton and Koby Cross Shipp of Benton; one sister Melody (Frank) Mercer of Valier and one brother Noble (Melissa) Whitlow of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Brenda (Whitlow) Crews and Pat (Whitlow) Thompson.

Private graveside services will be held at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.
Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Elmo Lee Kelley, Jr. – West Frankfort, IL

February 23, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Elmo Lee Kelley, Jr., 56, of West Frankfort, IL, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, in Florrisant, MO after a long battle of fighting esophageal cancer.

He was born on June 19, 1963, to his parents, Elmo Lee Kelley, Sr., and Lillian (Winniger) Kelley in Benton, IL. Lee was the owner and operator of Lee’s Asphalt in West Frankfort, IL.

Lee was a loving son, father and grandfather. He was very outspoken, had a huge sense of humor, always known for being a prankster, and a hard worker. Lee enjoyed fishing, watching Turner Classic Movies, listening to old country music, and playing pool.

He is survived by his father, Elmo Lee Kelly, Sr., and wife Lois of West Frankfort, IL; mother, Lillian Kelley of Benton, IL; a daughter, Lacey Lee Joann Kelley and companion Derek Holland of Sesser, IL; two grandsons, Whyatt Allen Gene Holland and Alonzo James Boker, both of Sesser, IL; a granddaughter, Elly Elizabeth Holland of Sesser, IL; a sister, Bobbie Gayle Ruffino and companion Angie Leshinski of West Frankfort, IL; two uncles, Faron Kelley and wife Carmel of Sesser, IL., and Ronnie Kelley of West Frankfort, IL; two aunts, Lisa Absher of Benton, IL., and JoAnn Helvey and Husband Ron of Pinkneyville, IL; and may other family members.

Lee was preceded in death by his fraternal grandfather, Arnold “Doc” Kelley; fraternal grandmother, Maggie “Funny” Kelley; and one uncle, Glen Kelley.

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

Per Lee’s wishes cremation will take place and the family will have a memorial service at a future date.

Memorials contributions may be made to Pate Funeral Home in care of funeral expenses.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Robert James Howe – Thompsonville, IL

February 20, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Robert James Howe, 75, of Thompsonville, passed away at 2:43 a.m., on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on November 11, 1944, to Robert and Jean (Hutchinson) Howe in Chicago, IL. On July 10, 1965, he married Sherry Griffin and she survives.

Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, building and being outdoors.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 54 years, Sherry Howe, one son, Brett (Yolanda) Howe; one daughter, Laura Howe; three grandchildren, Mandy, Robert & Mikey; one brother, David Howe; and two sisters, Susan (Vernon) Sterchele and Jeanne (Bob) Barnes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Alexander and Jean Olive Howe, one daughter, Tricia Howe and one brother, Gary Howe.

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

Per Robert’s wishes cremation will take place.

Memorial may be made to Debra.org and will be accepted at the funeral home or mail directly to 75 Broad St., Suite 300, New York, NY 10004, or at www.Debra.org

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Sharon “Sherry” McKee — Benton, Illinois

February 19, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Mrs. Sharon “Sherry” (Parkhill) McKee, age 81, of Benton, passed away at 4:20 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab of Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2020 at the First Baptist Church, 201 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois; with Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the church. Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the services.

Sharon Imogene McKee was born on October 19, 1938 in Taylorville, IL, the daughter of Paul West and Naomi (Lewis) West. She would marry Loren Parkhill on November 10, 1956, and he preceded her in death on September 9, 1996. She would later marry Garey Dysart McKee on May 25, 2002, and he survives.

Sherry formerly worked for Rend Lake College in the Mining Department, Old Ben Coal Company and Zeigler Coal where she was a CPR Instructor of Emergency Treatment. She also worked as an EMT and was an EMT Instructor where she also taught CPR and other emergency treatments throughout Southern Illinois. Her last employment before she retired was as a Teacher’s Aide at Benton Grade School District 47.

Sherry was a proud, active member of the First Baptist Church of Benton, where she was the Choir Director for 25 years, having directed many Christmas and Easter Cantatas; retiring from her duties in 2016. She was a member of the Franklin County Arts Association.
She enjoyed working and worshiping with her church family, and she enjoyed cooking, especially for Garey.

Surviving is her husband Garey D. McKee of Benton; a son Danny Parkhill and wife Tammy of West Frankfort; a daughter Jennifer Keener and husband Jeff of Murphysboro; three grandchildren: Dustin Parkhill and wife Alisha of Benton, Brandy Parkhill of Benton, Andy Johnson and wife Paige of Vienna; six great-grandchildren: Hattie Claire, Brecken Hawk, Adrien, Serenity, Kennedy, and Loraline; two sisters: Paula Fulenwider and husband Ron of Jonesboro, IL, Gaye Adams of Vicksburg, MS; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Loren Parkhill; and a brother-in-law Mike Adams.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 201 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812; and will be accepted at the church.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Minnie Rose Hairston – Thompsonville, IL

February 18, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Minnie Rose Hairston, 85, of Thompsonville, passed away at 10:30 p.m., on Friday, February 14, 2020, at her residence.

She was born on May 23, 1934, to James and Alice (Taylor) Lavelle, Sr., in Boise, ID. Minnie married George Hairston, and he preceded her in death.

Minnie loved being a Grandma. She enjoyed painting artwork, attending auctions, antiques, bowling and horses.

She is survived by her three daughters, Edith Flannigan of Thompsonville, IL, Yvonne (Kim) Wohlfeil of Benton, IL, and Teresa (Eddie) Fedrick of Thompsonville, IL; five grandchildren, Charity (Drew Henson) Wohlfeil, Aaron (Melinda) Carroll, James Schwei, Sherrie Heist, and Stacey Carroll; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Minnie was preceded in death by father, James Mitchell Lavelle, Sr; mother, Alice Victoria Lavelle; husband, George Hairston; three brothers, James Mitchell Lavelle, Jr., William Randolph Lavelle, and Robert Allen Lavelle; two grandchildren, Kathy Thurston and Ann Fields.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, February 21, 2020, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Kitty Faye (Busse) Rhodes – Benton, Illinois

February 18, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Kitty Faye (Busse) Rhodes, age 65, of Benton, Illinois and formerly of Greenville, Illinois, passed away at 11:08 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2020 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Ms. Rhodes’ wishes were to be cremated. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.
Kitty Faye was born on July 2, 1954 in Litchfield, Illinois, the daughter of Edward “Bud” Busse and Leona (Rusher) Busse.

She formerly worked as a Direct Support Professional with a care facility in Greenville, IL.
Kitty enjoyed going fishing, listening to music, having coffee with friends, and she loved to cook.

Surviving are three sons: Michael Westcott of Benton, Jim Busse of Springfield, IL, Donald Huddleston of Freeburg, IL; three grandchildren: Austin Gieselman, Grace Huddleston, and Emma Huddleston; a sister Tami Wells of Springfield, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two siblings: Thomas Busse, and Karla Morgan.
Memorial contributions may be made to GoFundMe Final Expenses for Kitty Rhodes
To leave online condolences to the family, or share memories of Kitty, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Robert Hutchens – Benton, IL

February 18, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Robert A. Hutchens, age 96, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 3:06 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2020 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Graveside services, with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Illinois National Guard, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Hutchens was born on November 1, 1923 in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas, the son of Herman Hutchens and Alice (Moss) Hutchens. He would first marry the former Mary Scrutchfield on April 5, 1942, and she preceded him in death on July 28, 2005. He would later marry the former Elizabeth Johnson in September of 2012, and she survives.

Bob was a retired coal miner, having worked at Old Ben #24. He also was a farmer and raised cattle. His family said he was known to all as a hard worker.
Bob was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II where he specialized as a fire fighter. While in the service he also became a boxer.

He enjoyed quail and rabbit hunting, dancing, and adored his grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife Elizabeth Hutchens of Benton; his brother Kenneth Hutchens and wife Betty of Benton; three grandchildren: Lori A. Baum of Murphysboro, IL, Robert Scott Slayton and wife Pam of Beckemeyer, IL, Mary E. Johnson and husband Adrian of Belleville, IL; six great-grandchildren: Joshua Baum, Heather Baum, Kaitlyn O’Quinn and husband John, Cole Johnson and wife Veronica, Jack Johnson and Emma Johnson; five great-great-grandchildren: MyKayla Baum, Macie Baum, Tenley Baum, Michelena and Aubreen O’Quinn; a sister-in-law Dora Hutchins of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; a daughter Sherry Slayton; a sister Ethel Gunter; two brothers: Gene Hutchins and Raymond Hutchens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fires of Revival Chapel of Benton and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Mildred L. Eubanks – Benton, IL

February 18, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Mildred L. Eubanks, 83, of Benton passed away Sunday afternoon February 16, 2020 at SSM Health Good Samaritan in Mt. Vernon.

She was born in Franklin County, IL on October 31, 1936, the daughter of John & Juanita (McCann) Lampley.
She married Harry Eubanks on June 12, 1959 in Chicago, and he preceded her in death on March 25, 2015.
Mrs. Eubanks is survived by her:
2 Daughters:
Judy(Mike) Clark of Benton
Norma(Bill) Uhles of Benton
6 Grandchildren:
Christopher(Brooke) McCann
Jeremiah McCann
Alisha(Bryan) Craddock
Jennifer McIntosh
Matthew Uhles
Mark(Molly) Uhles
Great-Grandchildren:
Raley & Tenley McIntosh
Gavin & Callie McCann
Khloe, Oliver & River Uhles
Logan Craddock
Brother: Bill Lampley
Mrs. Eubanks was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Great-Grandson-William Michael McIntosh, by a Brother-John, Brother & Sister-in-law: Gene & Shelva Lampley, Sister & Brother-in-law: Helen & Glendale Gulley.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 18th at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton with Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Betty N. Payne – Benton, IL

February 17, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Betty N. Payne, 100, passed away on Friday, February 14th, 2020 at Helia Healthcare in Benton, Illinois.

Born February 3rd, 1920, Betty was the only child of Verble and Evan Neal. She married the late Roy Faughn Payne on April 27, 1941 in Cape Girardeau and celebrated 71 years of marriage before his passing in 2012. She is survived by her only child, Evelyn Browning and husband Joe of Mesa, Arizona. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Kelly Robertson and wife, Lori of Benton; Chelsea Bailey and husband, Randy of Mt. Vernon and Samantha Glascock and husband, Joe of Mesa, Az., and three step-grandchildren: Steven Joe Browning of Benton, Kimberly Browning of Mesa, AZ and Jonathan Browning of Pacific Grove, Ca. She has eight surviving great-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Betty dedicated her whole life to the family farm where five generations have lived and worked. She also found time to work in the community of Benton at the Franklin Hospital, Taylor Motor Company and Tyler’s Auto Agency. Betty and Roy spent many happy years showing quarter horses and camping with their fellow members of the Shawnee Sams Camping Club. She was an active member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton and will always be remembered as a loving Sunday school teacher of young ladies, who paid a great tribute to her recently on her 100th birthday.

Her family is at peace knowing she lived a very long, full and meaningful life.

No formal services are planned at this time.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Betty, may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Thoughts on salty social media comments, the F-Bomb and the definition of profanity

February 16, 2020 By Leave a Comment

When it comes to profanity, I’m not a prude, in fact far from it. I also want to add that my ears will not wilt and my eyes won’t melt if I hear or read a curse word.

I worked 20 years in the coal industry and spent time daily around men who, as my late mother Geraldine would say, ‘could cuss a blue streak.’ Admittedly, I’ve also uttered my fair share of curse words.

But, lately I see a change in the way people talk that troubles me. While my detractors will say I’m just old, I believe it goes hand-in-hand with the world we live in where everything is right and nothing is wrong, everybody wins and nobody loses and some people feel compelled, liberated or they’re just plain old stupid enough to believe they can say or write anything, anywhere, anytime – and that includes the F-bomb.

In recent months I’ve witnessed, in restaurants, at convenience stores, at ballgames, people who seem to believe that it’s their right to fill the air with expletives even when children are within earshot. I grew up in an era when men were often warned to ‘watch their language’ in front of women and children. These days some of the women and children need to have a bar of Lifebuoy shoved in their mouth.


One of the most glaring areas involving profanity involves social media. I recently read a post on Facebook where a young teenage girl that I know made a post, obviously trying to make a point. And there for all the World Wide Web to see was the F-bomb used over and over again. Unlike the iron-heads dropping the F-word in mixed company inside businesses this example just made me sad.

My first reaction when I read the post was to go on a rant that I often see on Facebook’ and threaten to remove all those who post inappropriate comments. After thinking about that for about three seconds I realized that would be a self-righteous, holier-than-thou move on my part. And given my life-list of mistakes and personal failings I clearly and definitely have no reason to put myself on a judgmental pedestal. So, instead of ascending to my Ivory Tower and ridding myself of all social media potty-mouths, I decided instead to offer some advice.

First, I want to note that on social media I see more young people than older folks posting inappropriate things. But, regardless of age I want to point out that going on a profanity-laced tirade is not cool, impressive or a way to show your intelligence.
But, in all fairness to youth and the trials of growing up, let me offer a challenge. The English language is a wonderful, marvelous, fun and challenging thing to learn and expand. And there is no greater satisfaction that being able to get your point across than by displaying a vocabulary that does not include a single expletive.

On the other hand, trying to make a point with a string of curse words is juvenile, childish and weak. It’s also just downright boring. So, my advice for young folks on social media is expand your vocabulary, learn a new word and what it means every day. It also would be a good idea to install a speed-bump between your brain and your keyboard.
These instances of people dropping the F-bomb in public places reminded me of an incident I witnessed many years ago while working in the coal industry. There was a group of guys underground at the ‘dinner-hole’ and one miner was on a rant telling a story and every other word was an F-word or an MF-word with an assortment of other salty curse words sprinkled in for good measure.

When he finally finished an old miner who had quietly listened asked the ‘cusser’ a simple question: ‘Do you know the definition of profanity?’ With a dull look on his face the man who had filled the air with curse words said ‘#@$%# no.’
The old miner told him, ‘profanity … is ignorance made audible.’ And again with a dull look, the cusser said ‘I don’t get it. Showing the power of words, the old miner simply said, ‘of course you don’t.’

Obviously, since I still remember that definition 40 years later, those five simple words left a lasting impression on me. Oh, the power of words!

While I hold on to the belief that there is hope for young people to learn that social media is not the best place to air their dirty laundry in a curse-filled tantrum, there will always be those, for shock value or pure stupidity, who will continue to fill the air – regardless of where they are or who they are around – with foul language.

To that group, I simply say again that ‘profanity is ignorance made audible.’

Filed Under: Columns
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