William Dale Rothgeb-Sesser, IL

William Dale Rothgeb, 51, of Sesser, passed away on October 3, 2025 at his home.

He was born on June 27, 1974 in Chicago, IL to Harlan and Camilla (Baugus) Rothgeb.

He is survived by his parents Harlan and Camila Rothgeb of Sesser; daughter Lilly “Aeron” Rothgeb of Chicago; siblings Sheri Finney of Sesser, Eric (Ron Pajak) Rothgeb of Chicago and Jennifer (Saul) Castillo of Sesser; three nieces and one nephew Jacob Bohannon, Hannah Rothgeb, Jasmine (Keaton House) Castillo and Alyssa Castillo and one great nephew Kyzer Bohannon.

His wishes were to be cremated and a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Lee J. Toler-Benton, Illinois

Lee Toler, age 59, of Benton, IL died September 30, 2025, at his home.

Per his wishes he will be cremated, and a private family service will be held at a later date.

Lee was born on January 12, 1966, in North Chicago, IL, son of Larry and Phyllis Toler.

He served in the US Navy and was currently employed by Eaton Corporation. He served as the financial secretary for the United Steelworkers Union for the past five years.
Lee is survived by his mother, Phyllis Toler, siblings Bryan (Susan) Toler, Lori Toler, and lifelong friend and honorary Toler, Bob Babczak. Also surviving are his nephew Matthew Toler, niece Kaitlyn (Eric) Anderson, and their children Emelia and Jacob.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Toler.

Lee had a clever sense of humor ensuring that family gatherings were full of laughter and helping us through Larry’s illness and death ten months ago.

Lee adored Matt and Katie and planned to be a favorite great-uncle to Emelia and Jacob as soon as they were old enough to tell him what they wanted.
Lee rescued and found homes for many cats and would do anything for an animal in need. In his honor, please consider adopting a pet, volunteering, or donating to an animal shelter.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.
To leave condolences online to the family or to share memories of Lee, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Mark McIntosh-Benton, Illinois

Mark Eugene McIntosh, age 64, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 4:05 p.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room.

Mark was born on August 29, 1961, in Benton, Illinois; the son of George McIntosh and Marty (Smith) McChesney.

He re-built bits and was last employed with RLC Bits of Benton.

Mark enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Surviving are three children: a daughter Tamara McIntosh of West City, Illinois, two sons: Wesley McIntosh and Daniel McIntosh; three grandchildren: Hailey McIntosh, Haiden McIntosh and Joey Nowak; four half-brothers: Dennis Richardson of Christopher, Illinois, Gary Richardson and wife Deronda of Benton, Illinois, Edward Richardson and wife Laura of Benton, Illinois, Laren McIntosh of Alton, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his adopted parents: John and Thelma Richardson, and a grandson Connor McIntosh.

Cremation services will be accorded through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mark may be made to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, to assist with funeral expenses.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mark, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Cecilia “Jane” Brayfield-Christopher, IL

Cecilia “Jane” Brayfield, 89, died peacefully at the DuQuoin Nursing and Rehab in DuQuoin, IL on September 28th, 2025.

Jane was a homemaker as well as the proprietor of “Aunt Janes Treasures” antique store in Christopher Illinois. Jane was born in Christopher IL to Carl and Lela (Jones) Webb, the oldest of three children.

She married John Robert Brayfield of Sesser, and they had two sons, John Steven and Robby Webb Brayfield. For a generation of kids from the Christopher area she was known as “Aunt Jane” from her story hour reading program at the Christopher Public Library as well as her gifts of stuffed animals for kids and seniors at Halloween and Christmas. Jane was known to be funny, kind, generous, outgoing and the type of person to have never met a stranger or a garage sale she didn’t like. She was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need. In her free time, Jane enjoyed garage sales, antiquing, and traveling, having traveled to Ireland, England, and Italy as well as throughout most of the United States.

Jane is survived by her sons John and wife Betsy Brayfield, of Valier, IL, and Rob and wife Cathy Brayfield, of Maineville, OH, three grandchildren, John Steven Brayfield Jr., Sarah Jo and Kody Rathert, and Kaylee Brayfield and great grandchildren Bowen and Caroline Brayfield and Skylar and Dawson Rathert. Jane was preceded in death by her husband John, parents Carl and Lela, one brother Dean Webb and one sister Leann (Webb) Stritzel and brother-in-law Richard “Dick” Stritzel.

Jane will be cremated and there will be a graveside service for Jane and John to be laid to rest together on Saturday October 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery, as well as a celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, to honor Jane’s memory, please donate to http://www.canscanbenton.org which is a non-profit ministry that provides programs and resources to underprivileged southern Illinoisans.

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

Robert J. Nolan-Benton, IL

Robert J. Nolan, 87, of Benton, passed away at 4:44 a.m., on Monday, September 8, 2025, at his daughter’s home in Benton, IL.

He was born on June 19, 1938, to Joseph and Eleanor (Castagnola) Nolan in San Francisco, CA. Robert worked as an electrician in electrical safety training and inspector.

Robert served three years in the United States National Guard in San Francisco, CA where he was a Specialist 4th Class and earning the Honor of Sharp Shooter.

He enjoyed traveling, cooking and building models.

Robert is survived by his children, Timothy Joseph Nolan of CA; Kimberly Ann (Nolan) Hayes of CA and Colleen (Nolan) Marsinko, and husband Randy of Benton, IL; and two grandchildren, Bryan Hayes and Christopher Hayes, both of CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph James and Eleanor Elina Nolan and his son, Joseph Robert Nolan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Robert’s wishes, cremation will take place.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
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Jeffrey Michael Hanner-Valier, IL

Jeffrey Michael Hanner, 45, of Valier, passed away on Monday September 22, 2025 at Franklin Hospital.

He was born on August 19, 1980 in DuQuoin, IL to Lennie and Diana (Razer) Hanner.

He is survived by his parents Lennie and Diana Hanner of Valier, his two daughters Jaylyn Hanner and Matilda Hanner; one brother Timothy Hanner and two nephews Chase Hanner and Zane Hanner.

Funeral services will be on Saturday October 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother David Heath officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

Betty Hackleman-Mount Carmel, Illinois

Betty Jean Hackleman, age 57, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, at her home.

Betty was born on October 10, 1967, in Perry County, Illinois; the daughter of Larry Hackleman and Nancy Kathleen (Dunmyer) Hackleman Denham.

She was a former LPN of twenty years, having mostly worked in nursing homes and doctor’s offices.

Betty enjoyed the outdoors, especially hiking and fishing. She enjoyed writing poetry, and she loved sitting outdoors on the porch reading a book with a cup of coffee.

Surviving are four children including: Jessica Rodenhofer and husband Tyler Blades of Benton, Illinois, Brittany Hunt and husband Corey Hunt of Herrin, Illinois, Adam Morton and wife Amanda of Raleigh, Illinois, four legged fur baby Harley; grandchildren: Nihl Morton, Devan Furlow, Ellyana Blades, Zaid Hunt, Izzy Eubanks; siblings: Carrie Griffin and husband Bart of Yemassee, South Carolina, Larry Hackleman and wife Carol of Chicago, Lori Osinga and husband Doug of Murphysboro, Illinois, Kay Robey and husband Todd of Johnston City, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and a grandchild Ethan Hunt, a niece Rebekah Griffin.

Betty’s wishes are to be cremated, with a private family Celebration of Life, to be held at a future date.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Betty, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Roy Earl Thomas-Swansea, IL

Roy Earl Thomas, 95, of Swansea, IL, passed away on Friday September 19, 2025 at his home.

He was born on August 27, 1930 in Christopher to Adam Earl and Alta (Overturf) Thomas. He married Yvonne (Ridley) Thomas on November 28, 1952 and she preceded her in death on August 31, 1992.

He is survived by his children Jeffrey (Sandy) Thomas of Millstadt and Barbara Thomas of Swansea; grandchildren Amanda (Josh) Taylor, Adam (Olivia) Thomas and Sumer (Nick) Blackner; great great grandchildren Kaili, Ayden and Cowan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son Adam Thomas, one brother Bill Thomas; sisters Margie Aimonette and Betty Brayfield.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday October 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:30 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Knight Cemetery in Buckner, IL.

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

Pennie A. Williams Mabry-Benton, IL

Pennie A. Williams Mabry, 69, of Benton passed away on Monday evening September 22, 2025 at the Herrin Hospital.

Pennie was born in Christopher, Illinois on July 9, 1956 the daughter of Roy & Shirley (Good) Marvel.

Pennie was married to James E. Williams and then to Frank Mabry.

She was of the Baptist faith and a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Pennie is survived by her:
Children: Amanda, Christina, Sarah, Chad, Kyle & Tyler
3 Step-children: Scott, Troy & Darik
10 Grandchildren
1 Brother: Steve Marvel of Benton

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Grandparents, Husbands, 2 Sisters Nancy Wright & Julie Marvel and Brother Danny Marvel.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 26th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

David Michael Cox-Sesser, IL

David Michael Cox, 77, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on September 16th, 2025.

David was born on December 17th, 1947, to Clyde (Boss) and Neva Cremeens Cox in Duquoin, IL. He was a member of the graduating class of 1966 at Benton Consolidated High School. Following graduation, David served in the United Stated Army before starting a lifelong career in coal mining. He dedicated many years underground before serving as an MSHA inspector. David officially retired from the mining industry in December 2009 after 40+ years of service.

David was a member of Valier First Baptist Church, the Rend Lake Masonic Lodge, and The Road Rebels Car Club. He was a classic car enthusiast who enjoyed traveling to local car shows. Many of his days were joyfully passed in the garage, where he loved working on projects. David loved spending time outdoors—whether mowing the yard, cheering on his grandkids at their baseball games, or relaxing by the shore at Panama City Beach. Most of all, David cherished his family, who were the center of his world and the source of his greatest pride. He will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and the love he so freely gave. His legacy lives on through his friends and family.

David is survived by his wife at heart of 15 years, Dixie Miller; two daughters, Jana Cox and Gretchen Pool; Also survived by, Tonya Cloe, Michael (Lori) Miller, and Chad (Valerie) Miller, all of Sesser; grandchildren, Kennedy (Connor) Cloe, Kassedy (Tristan) Cloe, Evan Miller, and Beckett Miller; and one great-grand princess, Kollynns House. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Dolores Schutt, his wife, Cindy Cox, and his close friend and cousin, Keith Ward. Visitation will be held on Monday September 22nd, 2025 from 10:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm at Brayfield- Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL with Richard West officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hammond Cemetery or SSM Hospice of Mt. Vernon, IL.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News