Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
CARBONDALE — In early 2018, former Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Carlo Montemagno was accused of nepotism for improperly hiring Melissa and Jeffrey Germain, his daughter and son-in-law. But an investigation into the hirings by the Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General has found Montemagno’s superior, former Southern Illinois University President Randy Dunn, was at fault.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
There’s a $2 billion gas tax increase on the table at the statehouse to pay for infrastructure projects, but some warn such a move will hurt lower-income families the hardest. There’s also an effort to give municipalities more ability to impose their own gas taxes.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Illinois farmers face planting delays due to wet autumn
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Michael “Mike” A. Edwards, 66, of West Frankfort, passed away at 9:46 p.m., on Sunday, March 24, 2019, at Helia Healthcare of Benton.
He was born on April 4, 1952, to Lloyd and Virginia Edwards in DuQuoin, IL. He was a graduate of Pinckneyville High School and then went on to graduate with a Bachelors in Forestry from SIUC. Michael retired as a Park Ranger at Rend Lake for the United States Army Corp of Engineers after 25 years.
Michael was a member of Redemption Church in Johnston City, IL. He was a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed being outdoors , sharing the Lord’s Gospel, and helping others.
Michael is survived by his loving son, Joshua Edwards and wife Cassandra of Christopher, IL; two grandchildren, Nevaeh and Jaxon; and one brother, Steve Edwards.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Virginia Edwards.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019, 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robbey Smith, officiating.
Memorials contributions may be made to Redemption Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Rosie Ann Gaither, 79, of Thompsonville, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at the Kindred Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
She was born on August 27, 1939, to Everette and Maude (McClintock) Isaacs in Benton, IL.
Rosie was a member of the Thompsonville First Baptist Church. She was a loving sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. On Tuesday’s Rosie enjoyed sewing and making quilts at the church with her dear friends.
She is survived by her three sons, Kenny Isaacs, Wayne Gaither and wife Kim, and Tracy Isaacs; three daughters, Patricia Bowers, JoAnn Roberson and husband Dan, and Michelle Shaw; five brothers, Ben Isaacs, Everette Isaacs, Aden Isaacs and wife Mary, Fred Isaacs and wife Lola, Justin Isaacs; two sisters, Ruby Arview and Ronda Taskoski; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.
She was preceded in death by father, Everette Isaacs; mother, Maude Isaacs; husband, Kenneth Gaither; grandson, Ryan Michael Isaacs; daughter-in-law, Sherry Isaacs; son-in-law, Evert Bowers; and a brother-in-law, Ron Taskoski.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 22, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019, 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Rev. John Robinson, officiating.
Burial will take place in the Plasters Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Thompsonville First Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Carlton Ray Owens, age 41, of Thompsonville, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room in Benton.
Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be announced at a future date.
Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, has been entrusted with the cremation services.
Carlton Ray Owens was born on January 29, 1978 in Houston, TX, the son of Gayle Lucille Owens. He was engaged to Melissa Linger of Thompsonville.
Mr. Owens was an over-the-road-truckdriver with Merica Logistics, of Fort Wayne, IN.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran. And, he was of the Catholic Faith.
Carl enjoyed hunting and fishing. He took pride in his family and his work’ and especially loved spending time with his family.
Surviving is his fiancé Melissa Linger of Thompsonville, four sons: Darion Owens of Sullivan, MO, Hunter Warren, Ranger Owens, and Parker Owens all of Thompsonville; his mother Gayle Hinkle of Sullivan, MO; two sisters: Theresa Guhr and husband Eric of Versailles, MO, Regina Scheffer and husband Kit of Eldon, MO; Melissa’s family including her father: Jeff Warren and Faye Mason of Thompsonville; mother: Sheri Downey and husband Charles “Chuck” of Wayne City; three sisters: Jennifer Risinger and husband Bill of Clarksville, TN, Kimberly Downey and partner Laura McGill of Fairfield, Chelsea Trusty of West Frankfort; a brother: Jason Warren of West Frankfort.
Carl was preceded in death by his father.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Carlton Ray Owens, and, may be sent to Leffler Funeral Home 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Carl, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Roy Eugene Rone, 57, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Herrin Hospital.
He was born on November 26, 1961, to Robert and Shirley (Thomas) Rone in Chicago, IL.
Roy loved his family dearly. He enjoyed playing his guitar, listening to music, painting, and fixing cars.
He is survived by his son, Ryder Rone; daughter, China Rone; one grandchild, Rue Rone; two brothers, Roger Rone and Robert Rone; one sister, Roberta Bayless; and his loving companion, Lisa Capobianco; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Rone; mother, Shirley Rone; two brothers, Ronnie Rone and Ricky Rone; a step-son, Dominic Logioco and his ashes will be buried with Roy per his request.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL, 62812.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019, 2:00 pm at Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL.
Memorials contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Joyce Blondell Watkins, 85, of Benton, IL passed away Monday, March 18, 2019 at her home.
She was born in Trenton, Tennessee on February 21, 1934, the daughter of Elonzo & Pearl (Abbott) Smith.
Mrs. Watkins was a member of the Fires of Revival Church in Benton. She was was retired from the Rock Island Arsenal.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Carroll, and husband Jack, of Columbia, MO; brother Joseph Schelsky, and wife Sandy, of St. Louis, Mo; grandson Joshua and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Watkins was preceded in death by her Parents, by a Daughter- Donna Johnson, by a Son-Eddie Dean Watkins, by a Sister-Janet Marie Parker, by a Sister-Edith Baumhardt, by a Brother-James Schelsky & by a Brother-Rusty Burns.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, March 22nd at The Fires of Revival Church in Benton with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, and after 12:00 Noon on Friday until the funeral at the Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Delmar Jones, 94, of Sesser, passed away on March 18, 2019.
He was born on February 6, 1925 in Sesser to Stanley and Thelma Pauline (Webb) Jones. He married Sarah (Bowlby) Jones on February 14, 1946 and she preceded him in death on November 14, 1997.
He is survived by his children Linda (Michael) Schoener of The Villages, Florida and Thomas Jones of Chatham, IL; grandchildren Gina (Greg) Risley, Tara Martin, Joshua Jones, Zachary Jones; great grandchildren Martin (Stephanie) Tregoning, Austin Risley, Leo Jones and Rory Jones; great great grandchildren Aubree Rae and Paetyn Joelene Tregoning.
He was a WWII veteran serving in the United States Army. He was a member of the American Legion Bates Post # 560, V.F.W. Cox Post # 4753, NRA and Quail Unlimited. He was a Barber in Sesser for over 60 years and will be greatly missed by the community of Sesser.
Funeral services will be on Saturday March 23, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Military Rites will be performed by the Sesser VFW and American Legion. Visitation will be on Friday March 22, 2019 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 Pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser VFW or to the Southern Illinois Honor Flight and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
(Editor’s Note: This story was written in 2004 and appeared in the Southern Illinoisan. Delmar Jones, who passed away Monday night at age 94, had just retired after completing a barber career that spanned 63 years.)
By Jim Muir
The barber tools have been sold, the small portable building has been moved from its familiar location on Sesser’s north side and the curtain has dropped on a Sesser tradition that spanned more than eight decades.
In short, Delmar Jones has dusted off his last haircut.
The 79-year-old Jones remembers the last haircut he gave, it took place a couple of weeks ago, but the new retiree also showed a keen memory by recalling the exact date of the first haircut he administered back when he was a 16-year-old youth learning the barber trade from his father, Stanley.
Together the father-son duo spent 84 years keeping men and boys in the Sesser area looking dapper.
“I remember when I gave my first haircut, it was on August 6, 1941,” said Jones. “My dad was registered with the state and even though I was still in high school I could study under him. At that time you could do that.”
With the United States at war Jones enlisted in the Army during his senior year of high school in 1943 and actually had to have his entry date into the military pushed back in order to graduate.
“I registered on my birthday on Feb. 6 and they called me on March 23 and I had to go to the veteran’s association to get an extension in order to stay in high school until I graduated,” said Jones. “I graduated in late May and on June 8, 1943 I was in Chicago.”
Jones was in the service until February 1946 when he returned to Sesser and within a matter of days was married.
“I lived on love for a few weeks but then I decided I was going to have to eat and I went to work with my dad on March 1, 1946,” said Jones.
Counting the two years that Jones cut hair prior to his stint in the military, he cut hair in Sesser for 58 years.
Jones recalled that his father opened a barber shop in Sesser in 1920 and cut hair for 44 years before retiring.
“My dad cut his last head of hair in December 1964 and died in February 1965,” Jones said. “So, you can pretty much say that he worked right up until the time he died.
Jones said he “wouldn’t even attempt to guess” how many haircuts he’s given in his lifetime, but did remember a quite memorable day when he was in the Army.
“One day in the Army I cut 54 heads of hair at 40 cents a head,” said Jones. “I got to keep 30 cents of it so it wasn’t a bad day.”
Delmar Jones, seated left, passed away this evening at the age of 94. Jones and his dad combined to cut hair is Sesser for parts of eight decades. In this picture I had just walked in the Sesser Homecoming parade last June and happened to see Jones and his lifelong friend Leroy Spotanski enjoying a shade tree across the street from the Sesser City Park. The City of Sesser lost an icon and a pillar of the community with Jones’ passing.
Jones said when he first began his career on Sesser’s Main Street a haircut cost 35 cents and when he retired the price was $8. However, the cost of his labor is only one of many changes he witnessed throughout his lengthy career. After his father passed away Jones had four different partners that helped him man his two-chair shop.
He noted that barbershops were once a hotbed of discussion and on occasion he played both psychologist and referee.
“The conversation was the most enjoyable part of the job,” said Jones. “I loved all the conversation, every minute of it. And there was always plenty of it. I’ve heard it all, the good times and the bad times. And there was a time years ago when the barbershop was a gathering place and a good spot to hang out and get the news. A lot of times guys just came in to visit.”
Jones said putting a group of men with varying opinions in close quarters could sometimes be interesting and occasionally alarming.
“There was some pretty lively discussions an occasionally things could get a little heated,” said Jones. “I had two guys get into it one time about politics, they were talking about President Reagan and unions and one of the guys almost jumped out of the chair.”
Jones said he first noticed a sweeping change in men’s hairstyles in the mid-1960s and said that is also when many men started going to beauty shops for a haircut.
“After the Beatles came over here everything changed,” said Jones. “There was a real decline in business because young boys didn’t get their hair cut as often, if they got it cut at all. Before the Beatles a lot of young guys got their hair cut every two weeks but that all changed. I’m not a friend of the Beatles.”
Jones said he has literally watched generation after generation of Sesser families move through his barber shop.
“I have seen six generations of the Buntin family in my barber shop,” Jones said. “And there are several families in Sesser that I’ve cut five generations of hair.”
Jones said he has also had steady customers that have spanned his entire career. Keith Ward, 65, said Jones gave him his very first haircut and added that he is not entirely enthused about the retirement and the prospect of looking for a new barber.
“Unless he was sick or I happened to be on vacation, nobody else has ever cut my hair. I can easily say that he has been my barber my entire life,” said Ward. “And the toughest thing about this for me is that nobody can cut my hair like Jonesy. I’ll never be satisfied with another haircut.”
Ward said Jones value to the city of Sesser went far beyond his barber skills.
“He’s just an asset to the city; you just don’t find people like him anymore,” said Ward. “And anytime there has been a military funeral in Sesser during the past 60 years he’s been there. He’s the guy that gets everybody together and when they march to the cemetery every year on Memorial Day, Jones is there. He’s just a just a great guy and I hope he has a great retirement, but I’m still not happy that he won’t be my barber anymore.”
Despite the countless hours on his feet Jones said his legs have held up well during his long career.
“My hips and my shoulders have really started bothering me and that’s what caused me to retire,” said Jones.
Jones said he also remembers a few mishaps along the way, especially with children.
“There were a few nicks along the way and you always had some little guy that couldn’t sit still and would turn his head when he wasn’t supposed to and that includes the guy that’s writing this story,” Jones said. “I still remember that one.”
