Charles Miller, Jr., age 73, of Benton, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. Miller’s wishes are to be cremated. Private family services will be held with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Charles was born on May 15, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Charles Miller, Sr. and Helen (Carlson) Miller. He married the former Patricia Ann Dover on October 10, 1975, they shared just shy of 49 years of marriage.

Mr. Miller retired from Timberline Fisheries of Marion, Illinois.

He enjoyed raising pigeons and waterfowl. His greatest enjoyment was time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving is his loving wife Patricia of Benton, Illinois; children including: Valerie West and husband Joshua of West Frankfort, Illinois, Jamie Miller and wife Heather of Carterville, Illinois, Patty Miller and husband James of Benton, Illinois, Chris Miller and wife Angie of Christopher, Illinois, Charlie Miller of St. Louis, Missouri, Missy Younger and husband Brad of West Frankfort, Illinois; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and a sister Alice Deboard of Marissa, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Charlotte May.

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

Eddie Dean Keeling, age 76, of Christopher, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Select Specialty Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Eddie was born on May 9, 1948, in Herrin, Illinois, the son of George Keeling and Mary (Foley) Keeling. He married Karin L. (Kane) Engel on September 10, 1983, and she survives.

Mr. Keeling was a former over the road truck driver with E.B. Brown Trucking. He also formerly worked as a metal decorator.

Eddie was a U.S. Army veteran, having served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Benton American Legion Post #280 where he served with the Honor Guard.

He enjoyed television, especially watching Westerns and War Movies. One of his all-time favorite Westerns was Gun Smoke.

Surviving is his loving wife of 41 years Karin L. Keeling of Christopher, Illinois; three children: Victoria Daniels and husband Jacob of Goose Lake, Illinois, Daniel Engel of Chicago, Illinois, Anthony Engel and wife Megan of Plainfield, Illinois; granddaughters Lennox and Spencer Daniels, Stephanie Chaidez and husband Johann; a grandson Gavin Engel; a great-grandchild Adrian Chaidez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother George Keeling and a sister Alice Keeling.

His wishes were to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Services will be held starting at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Benton American Legion Post #280, 311 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, with Chaplain Liam Mungovan officiating. Military Honors will be observed, and provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280 and the V.F.W. Post #2671.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post#280

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

Steven Davis Downen, 73, of Sesser, passed away on Thursday September 12, 2024 at his home.

He was born on January 8, 1951 in Scheller, IL to Charles and Leida (Bates) Downen.

He is survived by his siblings Jimmy (Glenda) Downen of Ina, Ernie Downen of Scheller and Susie Miller of Sesser.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Steven’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Terry D. Hall, 83, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Wednesday September 11, 2024 at DuQuoin Nursing and Rehab.

He was born on October 2, 1940 in Burtram, MO to John and Helen (Adkesson) Hall. He married Carol (Treadwell) Hall on April 9, 1960 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his daughters Terry Dawn (Randy) Redding of Mulkeytown and Cindy Hall of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Nick Redding and Becca Redding; one great granddaughter Arylnn; one sister Kathy (Danny) Ketton and one brother John Hall.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a member of the UMWA and was a proud coalminer. He enjoyed a casual lifestyle.

Funeral services will be on Saturday September 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Dennis Ward 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 Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Suzanne Roule, 80, of Christopher, passed away on Monday September 9, 2024 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on March 21, 1944 in DuQuoin to Frank Anderton and Pauline (McDonald) Faytok. She married Rudy Roule on December 31, 1963 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her children Rudy (Janette) Roule, Cheryl (Shane) McKenzie, Steven (Rhonda) Roule and Michele (Barry) Swenson; grandchildren Justin (Jenny) Roule, Jared Roule, Ryanne McKenzie, Wesley McKenzie, Sidney (Jacob) Worley, Ian Swenson and Anya Swenson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers James Anderton and Brent Anderton.

Funeral Mass will be on Friday September 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benton, IL with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

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

George Albert Butz,II, 72, of Marion, IL, passed away at 11:03 a.m., on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Herrin Hospital, in Herrin, IL, surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 4, 1952, to George Butz, I and Wavie (Whitesell) Butz at Barksdale AFB , LA. Before retiring, George was a driver for Brinks Security. On August 3, 2019, he married Amy Groves, nee Draper, and she survives.

George was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a big Ranger Football fan. He loved watching his granddaughters play golf, volleyball and basketball. He had a life long love for motorcycles. He enjoyed refurbishing antique pocket watches, gardening and especially watching all the wildlife at Lake Egypt.

George is survived by his loving wife, Amy, one son, Ben Maclaurin; one step-son, Justin (Bryann) Groves; one step-daughter, Sarah Halley; one sister, Margo Butz; seven grandchildren and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Albert Butz I and Wavie M. Butz and his brother, Greg Butz.

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

Per George’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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