CARBONDALE — Two pillars of the Carbondale and SIU communities died over the weekend — Harvey Welch and Seymour Bryson.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Illinois lawmakers have short window for approving gambling expansion plans
May 7, 2019 By Leave a Comment
The city of Rockford is ramping up its efforts to land a new casino.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Kody Michael Vanfossan – Christopher, IL
May 6, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Kody Michael Vanfossan, 24, of Christopher, died doing what he loved, on May 5, 2019 while battling a 6 alarm commercial fire in Christopher, IL.
Kody idolized his father and followed in his footsteps by becoming a third generation volunteer fire fighter. They trained and fought fires side by side. Kody became a Cadet at the age of 16 and had a total of 9 years of service on a fire department. He worked at Nascote in Nashville.
He was a devoted father and soon to be husband, a beloved son, brother, grandson, and nephew. Kody’s kind heart and willingness to help others earned him countless friends, both in and out of the fire service. He was born in Carbondale to Brent and Mindy Vanfossan on November 15, 1994.
He is survived by his fiancé Casey Garrett, 5 month old son Erik Michael Vanfossan, his parents Brent & Mindy Vanfossan, brother Garrett Vanfossan, and sister Paige Vanfossan all of Christopher. Grandparents Gary and Kathy Bartolotti of Christopher, Lisa Wilkerson of Georgia, Terena Kash of Whittington, and Great Grand Mother Doris Adams of Huntsville, AL. His Uncle Michael (Susie) Bartolotti of Christopher. Several Cousins and Great Aunts and Great Uncles.
He is proceeded in death by his grandparents Libero & Delphine Bartolotti, Mitch Wilkerson, Bob Adams and Tom Vanfossan.
Funeral services will be on Friday May 10, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Christopher High School Gymnasium #1 Bearcat Drive Christopher, IL 62822 with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday May 9, 2019 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Christopher High School Gymnasium with a Firefighter Walkthrough at 7:30 PM. Visitation will also be on Friday from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM with a Firefighter Walkthrough at 10:45 AM. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to an educational fund for his son, checks can be made payable to Erik Vanfossan care of Mindy Vanfossan and will be accepted at any State Bank of Whittington Bank, Christopher City Hall or the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Envelopes will also be available at the Christopher High School Gymnasium
Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Ardus R. Shepard
May 3, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Ardus Rosalee Shepard, age 99, of Thompsonville, passed away at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2019 in South Carolina.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will be in the Liberty Cemetery, east of Thompsonville. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to the funeral hour on Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Mrs. Shepard was born on July 6, 1919 in Corinth, Illinois, the daughter of John Isaacs and Ethel (Welborn) Isaacs. She was married to Ernest E. Shepard, and he preceded her in death on July 21, 1984.
She worked as an L.P.N. at the Franklin Hospital in Benton where she retired in 1993 at the age of 74.
Mrs. Shepard was a member of the Liberty Methodist Church of Thompsonville. After it closed, she became a member of the Antioch Methodist Church of West Frankfort. Ardus was also a member of the Eastern Star.
She was a foster parent and she loved and was loved as a mother to all.
Mrs. Shepard is survived by a daughter Lynn Metzler of York, SC; two sons: Michael Burke Shepard and wife Jacklyn of Christopher, William F. Shepard and wife Tammy of Benton; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; a brother George Isaacs of Phoenix, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter Rhonda Steed; two brothers: James and Johnny Isaacs; and a sister Naomi Craine.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Cemetery of Thompsonville and will be accepted at the cemetery.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mrs. Shepard, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Carl Sheridan Leek-McLeansboro, IL
May 3, 2019 By Leave a Comment
On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, Carl Sheridan Leek, beloved father and grandfather, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 85.
Carl was born September 23, 1933 in Valier, IL, to Jesse and Matilda Leek. He served his country in the Korean War, and on October 23, 1953, married the love of his life, Janet Viola Williams. Together they raised three children, Sherilyn Bundy, Geri Owen, and Jeffrey Leek. Carl answered the call to ministry on Easter Sunday, 1962, and became the pastor of Coello Baptist Church where he and Jan served for 18 years. He then went on to pastor several churches over the course of his 55-year ministry.
He was a mentor, a teacher, a father, and a scholar. He was known for his compassion, his unshakable faith, and his vast love of his family. His patience and love formed the bedrock of a legacy that touched countless lives, continuing the message of hope by which he lived.
Carl is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Janet Leek, his mother Matilda, his father Jesse, his brothers Charles and Earl Leek, and his sister Lucille LeVault. He is survived by his daughters Sherilyn and Geri, and his son Jeffrey (Robin), his grandchildren Rhonda (Chris) Gore, Stacey Young, Robbie Edwards, Lauren Edwards, Jordan Leek, Austin Leek, Madison Leek, his great grandchildren Allison (Mark) Jett, Aleah Gore, Vali Gore, Staley Alvis, Alexandria Drew, and Vedder Mount, and his great-great granddaughter Viola Jett.
Funeral services will be on Sunday May 5, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Jacob Gray officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday May 4, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhome.com
Audrey Faye Gilliam — Benton, IL
May 2, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Audrey Faye Gilliam, 74, of Benton, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019, at Herrin Hospital.
She was born on May 8, 1944, to Troy and Vevia (Threewitt) Knight in Benton, IL.
Audrey was a member of Greater Life Church in Benton, IL. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to many. Audrey enjoyed listening and singing Christian music, crafting, sewing, tending to flowers, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and attending Friday night game night with her loving sisters.
She is survived by her four loving children, Vevia Tindall and husband Greg, Keith Williams and wife Jennifer, Randy Williams and wife Tammy, and Robin Goodwin; six granddaughters, Heather Mitchell and husband Scott, Ashley Tindall, Britney Tindall, Rylan Williams, Keesha Kern and husband Caleb, Amber Williams; five grandsons, Brice Clark, Colin Clark, Mason Williams, Devin Williams, Josh Goodwin; great-grandchildren, Josie Mitchell, Maddox Mitchell, Siersha Mitchell and one on the way; three sisters, Joyce Duchene, Judy Green and Linda Summers; eleven nieces, Sheila Hightower and husband Paul, Eva Boonstra and husband Hank, Sandy Newbolds, Tammy Salomon, Rhonda Bush, Lisa Rodriquez and husband Tony, Kim Summers, Kristie Ruthland, Heather Summers, Laurie Barrientes and husband Simon, and Lindsey Vessels and husband Steven; eleven nephews, Troy Knight and wife Kelly, Freddie Parkhill and wife Norma, David Summers, John Summers, Jerry Summers, Jeff Summers and wife Crystal, Stephen Chirch and wife Brittany, Tim Summers, Kevin Summers, Mark Stelle and Ron Williams and wife Lisa.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Vevia Knight; three sisters, Kathy Gulley, Shirley Summers and Marilyn Knight; two brothers, Donnie Knight and Eddie Knight; four brother-in-laws, David Green, Ronald Summers, Art Duchene and Gene Summers; and a son-in-law, Bill Goodwin.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be on Saturday, May 4, 2019, from Noon to 2:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Pate Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mark Fitzpatrick, officiating services.
Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Greater Life Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Darla Jane Rogers-Mulkeytown, IL
April 30, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Darla Jane Rogers, 77, of Mulkeytown, passed away on April 28, 2019.
She was born on October 22, 1941 in Chicago, IL to Herbert and Ruby (Copeland) Silkwood. She married Jimmy Rogers on December 23, 1960 and he survives of Mulkeytown.
She is also survived by her daughter Lisa DeMunbren of Chesterfield, MO and one granddaughter Jessica DeMunbren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Allen Silkwood.
Her wishes were to be cremated with no services.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Wanda Lea (Rice) Bush-Pocahontas, AR
April 30, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Wanda Lea (Rice) Bush, 89, of Pocahontas, AR was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 28th, 2019 at Franklin Hospital in Benton, IL.
Wanda was born on April 17, 1930 in Dalton Community, AR to Jasper Monroe and Laura Emmaline (Looney) Rice. Wanda married Edward Richard Bush on Sept 4, 1947 in Corning, AR.
Wanda’s hobbies included quilting, sewing and fishing with Edward. She also loved watching westerns and listening to bluegrass, southern gospel and older county music. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward one son Kendal Bush; a son-in-law Furlin Allison and all 9 siblings. Wanda is survived by one son Micke Bush of Pocahontas and a daughter Bonnie (Roger) Flatt of Buckner, IL; three grandchildren Jared (Trinity) Allison; Miranda (Jeremy) Young all of Benton, IL, and Debbie (Jamie) Davis in Springfield, MO. 6 great grandchildren Morgan Young, Austin Young, Travis Allison and Meryl Allison all of Benton IL and Lanora Davis and Owen Davis of Springfield, MO and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
It was Wanda’s wish to be cremated and her remains will be placed at Antioch Cemetery in Hamil Community near Pocahontas, AR. A memorial service may take place later but at this time there will not be any services pending.
Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is assisting the family with arrangements.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
While Pritzker touts minimum wage increase, job losses, price increases skyrocket in other blue minimum wage states
April 29, 2019 By Leave a Comment
While Illinois’ Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker lauds increasing the state’s minimum wage incrementally to $15 an hour, other states report job losses and price increases after implementing such wage hikes.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
