Brenda M. LeVault, 72, of Sesser, IL, passed away at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, October 18, 2019, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL.

She was born on January 27, 1947, to Ellis and Velma (Thomason) Bradley. She married Tom LeVault on July 27, 1963, together they shared 56 years of marriage.

Brenda was a member of Grace Awakening Church in Benton, IL.

The world became a little quieter with her passing. Her sassy, fierce, no-holds barred approach meant she left this world in true Brenda Fashion, her way and on her terms. You never had to question where you stood with her. She loved deeply and openly. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She never turned those in need away. Her door was always opened and you were always welcomed. She was the only women we knew who could take a meal for a few, and turn it into a meal for plenty. Her children’s friends became her kids. Brenda played many roles, but her favorite was just being Nanny to her grandchildren.

Brenda is survived by her loving spouse, Tom LeVault, one son, Larry LeVault of Sesser, IL; three daughters, Tawana Pitchford and husband Bill, of Valier, IL, Lisa Rapp and husband Paul, of Belle Rive, IL and Jackie Halley and husband Erin, of McLeansboro, IL; 12 grandchildren, Erica (Dawn) Bird of Sesser, IL, Holden (LeyCosta Clark) LeVault of Desoto, IL, Ashlee Ann LeVault of Pensecola, FL, TyAnn LeVault of Sesser, IL, Cody (Kacey Rasnic) Pitchford of Valier, IL, Cheyenne Pitchford of Valier, IL, Clay Rapp of Belle Rive, IL, Noah Rapp of Belle Rive, IL, Raegan Halley of McLeansboro, IL, Dylan Halley of McLeansboro, IL, Kenadee Halley of McLeansboro, IL and Larry Ellis LeVault of Benton, IL; two great-grandchildren, Deana and Mason; two brothers, Gale Bradley of Sterling, IL and Farell Bradley of Sesser, IL and two brother-in-laws, Richard (Iris) LeVault of Sesser, IL and Jim (Peg) LeVault of Sesser, IL.

She was preceded in death by parents, Ellis and Velma Bradley; brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Ruth Bradley; brother, Carlos Bradley; brother, James Bradley; sister-in-law, Elsie Bradley; father and mother-in-law, H.G. and Lucille LeVault; a granddaughter, Nikole Ann LeVault; and great-grandchildren, Pitchford Infant Twins.

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

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Grace Awakening Community Church, 313 North McLeansboro St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at Grace Awakening Community Church, Benton, IL, with Brother Ken Petty, officiating. Following the funeral service, burial will take place in Hammond Cemetery, Sesser, IL.

Memorials may be made to the American Breast Cancer Society or to Hammond Cemetery.

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

Billy David “Bub” Hammond, II, 52, of Benton, passed away on at 3:06 p.m., on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on January 4, 1967, to Billy David Hammond, Sr., and Betty J. (Lingo) Hammond in Benton, IL. He was a 1985 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School. Billy was Co-Owner of the family paving business. He worked as a paving operator.

Billy was a member of Benton Church of God, Benton Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd Degree Mason, Shiner and member of the Knights Templar.

He was a loving son, father and brother. Billy enjoyed walks with his son, riding ATV’s with his brother, raising goats and wild game birds. He loved working in the yard, spending time and watching movies with his fiancée, grilling out for family and friends, was a prankster and loved making people laugh, and was a dear friend to many.

Billy is survived by his father, Billy David Hammond, Sr; mother, Betty Hammond; one son, Billy David Hammond, III, of Benton, IL; one daughter, Olivia Rutland of Benton, IL; a brother, Tommy Joe Hammond of Benton, IL; a grandson, Bentley; his loving Fiancée, Clara Poe; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Timmy Hammond; one aunt, Gloria Hanner; and three beloved pets, Petey, Dugan and Babydoll.

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

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019, 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Chaplain Ron Davis, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Franklin County Second Chance Rescue and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Barren Township Road Commissioner, Roy Lynn Miller, 69, passed away at 4:30 A.M. Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by the loving care of his family.

Roy was born May 17, 1950, to Harold Glenn and Wanda Miller, in Christopher. He grew up in Rend City with his brothers Jim and Evan Miller. The son of a coal miner and farmer, his childhood was that of a typical, working-class American youth. The work ethic and values he learned in his childhood remained with him throughout his life, and he worked hard to provide for his family and instill those lessons to the future generations of his family.

Roy married his wife of 51 years, Signa (Page), on July 6, 1968. They put down roots in Sesser near their respective families, where they remained for the remainder of their life together. They had three children, Russell, Carrie, and Lane. Much like his father, Roy began a life of a coal miner and farmer. Although he retired from mining after 35 years, he continued to operate his family farm with his son Lane for the remainder of his life. Roy truly loved farming and raising cattle. Roy was also passionate about drag racing with his sons Russell and Lane. While he thoroughly enjoyed working on the car and prepping it for the drag strip, he enjoyed watching his boys win even more.

Anyone who knew Roy will recall the twinkle in his eyes after a great weekend at the track. If you asked him how they did at the track over the weekend, he would reply “we put ‘em all on the trailer and sent ‘em home.”

Anyone who knew Roy also knew that he could repair or restore absolutely anything. Roy’s mechanical skills and abilities were second-to-none. Friends and neighbors knew where to go if they needed help with a repair that may have been a bit more than they could handle on their own. Roy’s workshop in his barn was probably his favorite place to be. It is easy for many of us to picture him working in his shop wearing his well-worn and well-loved Carhartt coveralls. Throughout his life, some of Roy’s various achievements include 33 years as a Barren township Road Commissioner, member of Goode Lodge 744 and a lifelong member of Rend City Baptist Church.

Roy is survived by his wife, Signa; his daughter Carrie Miller, his son Lane Miller and wife Joanna, granddaughter Jordan Miller Evrard and husband Brandon, two very dear grandsons Keaton and Brantley Miller; one beloved great-granddaughter Madalyn Evrard, his brother Jim Miller and wife Carolyn, sister-in-law Dixie Miller, and father-in-law Olen Page. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. Roy was preceded in death by his son Russell Miller, his father, Harold Glenn Miller; his mother, Wanda Veach Miller Coffman; his brother Evan Miller; his nephew, Jimmy Miller, mother-in-law Alberta Page, his stepfather Floyd Coffman, and brother by heart Dan Page.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday October 19, 2019 at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m.

Roy will be laid to rest in Masonic-Odd Fellow Cemetery in Benton, Illinois. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
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