Cynthia “Cindy” Dawn Ray, 49, of Zeigler, passed away on August 29, 2019, at her residence.

She was born on December 2, 1969, to Carl Travelstead and Beverly Ray in Carbondale, IL. Cindy previously worked as a Overnight Stocker for Walmart.

Cindy was a dear friend to many with a large caring heart. She enjoyed listening to music, karaoke, and loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

She is survived by her sister, Shelly Watkins; two aunts, Barbara Rolla and Betsy Hurley; and one uncle, Roger Lee Ray.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Cremation will take place per Cindy’s wishes. The family is planning a memorial service for Cindy at a later date.

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

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Carroll Gene Barrett, 69, of Benton, formerly of Christopher, passed away on September 2, 2019 in Springfield, MO.

He was born on February 4, 1950 in West Frankfort to James Henry and Zenith Mae (Ramsey) Barrett. He married Patsy Sue (Conner) Barrett and she survives of Benton.

He is also survived by his three sons John Robert (Ashley) Barrett of Sesser, Jason Bradley Barrett of Mulkeytown and Justin Michael Barrett of Benton; five grandchildren Logan Robert Barrett, Lillian Renea Barrett of Sesser, Jacob Michael Barrett of DuQuoin, Madelyn June Barrett of DuQuoin and Brooklyn Dawn Barrett of DuQuoin; one brother James “Jim” (Ida) Barrett of Highlandville, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Carroll was a retired Army Veteran serving for 23 years. He did three tours in Vietnam, earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After his time in the Army he then went on to work for Brinks Security and retired after working 23 years for Brinks.

Funeral services will be on Saturday September 7, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Ward Cemetery in Mulkeytown.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Benton-West City Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Douglas “Doug” A. Erwin, 54, of Benton, passed away at 12:40 a.m., on Sunday, September 1, 2019, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 24, 1965, to Dwight and Mildred (Mangrum) Erwin in McLeansboro, IL. On April 10, 1989, he married the former Tammy M. Urban in Benton, KY.

Doug was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He enjoyed fishing, camping, farming, taking care of live stock, and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 30 years, Tammy M. Erwin; two sons, Eric Michael Todich and wife Miranda and Douglas Bradley Erwin; five grandchildren, Lillieann Marie Todich, Alexis Marie Todich, Kyra Brook Paynter, Kaydence Page Todich and Layla Elizabeth Erwin; four sisters, Deloris Mayberry, Phyllis Erwin, Brenda Beasley and Joyce Bennett; and three brothers, Kenneth Erwin, Curtis Erwin, Ronnie Erwin.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight K. and Mildred E. Erwin; a son, Brent Erwin; two sisters, Sharon Gilbert and Audry Mircle, and a nephew, Brian Snider.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, September 6, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019, 1:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, with the Reverend Eddie Paul Davis, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Middle Creek Cemetery, Dalhgren, IL.

The Erwin family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Terry Ray Forsyth, Jr., 57, of Ewing, passed away at 12:25 p.m., Friday, August 30, 2019, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 13, 1962, to Terry Ray and Helen (Rockich) Forsyth, Sr., in Oak Park, IL. Terry was a custodian at Rend Lake College.

Terry was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ewing, IL. He was a loving son, brother and friend to many. Terry was and avid Chicago Sports fan. He enjoyed fishing, racing, spending time with friends and having an occasional beer, and was always up for the challenge of a good video game.

Terry is survived by his loving parents, Terry and Helen Forsyth, Sr. of Ewing, IL; and one sister, Christine Vondras of Ewing, IL.

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

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, September 9, 2019, at the First Baptist Church, 201 East Main Street, Ewing, IL.

Memorials contributions may be made to the family, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a heart felt thank you to the caring staff at Hospice of Southern Illinois.

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

William “Bill” Elza Sample, 85, of Sesser, IL, passed away on September 1, 2019, at home surrounded by his family. Bill was born on April 12, 1934 in Sesser to Elza Mitchell and Mae Irene (Kirkpatrick) Sample. He married Theresa Marie (Undiener) Sample on November 7, 1959 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Edward (Veronica) Sample of St. Charles, MO, Michael (Pat) Sample of Sesser, and Bradley Sample of Jacksonville; grandchildren Katie Sample, Patrick (Kristy) Sample, Kayla (Cannon) Gowdy, Hunter Sample, Kyle (Elizabeth) Sample, Danica Rich, and Austin Sample; 6 great grandchildren; two sisters Joan Earnheart and Martha Hargis; two brothers Larry Sample and Danny Sample. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Douglas Sample and one brother Roy Sample.

Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 as a supply clerk. He then spent time as a semi-truck driver, car salesman, and other occupations prior to becoming a coal miner in Sparta, IL. His joy was becoming employed by Inland Steel Coal Company where he spent the majority of his 23 years in their maintenance department and finished his coal career as assistant superintendent of maintenance.

He thoroughly enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, hunting and fishing, as both were life-long passions. Equally, throughout his life, he found great pleasure in lending his time, energy, and skills to help anyone who asked or was in need. Bill also served his community as a school board member for ten years and its President during the construction of the new school. He was also an active and long-time member of the Benton Elks, American Legion Post 0560 Bates in Sesser and a member of the Sesser Masonic Lodge.

Funeral services will be on Thursday September 5, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Cannon Gowdy officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser-Valier Outdoorsmens Club or to SSM Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Elmer M. Brookins, 81, of Whittington, IL passed away Saturday morning, Aug. 31, 2019 surrounded by his family.

He was born Nov. 27, 1937 in Charleston, IL, the son of Jasper & Kathryn (Strader) Brookins.

He married Marilyn Jane (Rose) on Nov. 30, 1958, and she preceded him in death on May 18, 2018.

Mr. Brookins was owner & operator of Brookins Small Engine Repair. He was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. He was a retired coal miner, retiring from Consolidated Coal Co, and had been the owner of Brookins Donut Shop in Charleston, IL. Mr. Brookins enjoyed tending to his livestock, welding and gardening.

Mr. Brookins is survived by his sons, Dale Brookins, and wife Penny, of Whittington and Ron Brookins, of Marietta, GA; grandchildren Mallory Gibbs, and husband Alex, and children Cali and Keaton, Chelsea Brookins, Whitney Pulliam, and husband Chris, Tyler Brookins, Chandler Brookins; sister Cleta Webster, of Charleston, IL; sister-in-law Jacki Brookins, of Tuscola and brother-in-law Dale Rose, and wife Judy, of Sesser, IL.

Mr. Brookins was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, Janet Warpenburg and by two brothers, Freeman Brookins and Carroll Brookins.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019 at the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Those attending the service on Thursday are requested to meet at the cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Mr. Brookins name may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church-Outreach Program.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mary Lou Lewis, 85, of Christopher, passed away on August 30, 2019.

She was born on November 29, 1933 in Akin, IL to Asa and Jessie (Waller) Williams. She married Harold Lewis and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son Michael (Joyce) Lewis of Christopher; two grandchildren Adrian Lewis and Jace Lewis; one sister Sandy (David) Vukadinovich of Christopher; and three brothers Richard (Valerie) Williams of Christopher, Kenneth (Robbie) Williams of Livonia, MI and Carl Williams of Belleville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and three brothers C.H. Williams, Dalton Williams and James Williams.

Funeral services will be on Thursday September 5, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Danny Norman officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, IL.

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