Larry Dale Flowers, age 85, passed away on May 24, 2018 at Parkway Manor in Marion.

He was born on June 13, 1932 to Dale and Irene (Brown) in Mulkeytown.

On November 23, 1950, he married his red-headed girl, Vera L. Hiller in Christopher.  They shared over 66 years of marriage until her death on May 28, 2017.

Larry was active in the community and served on the Zeigler Fire and Police Department Auxiliary, was a member of the Christopher Saddle Club, Zeigler Saddle Club, Zeigler Masonic Lodge and was an active Shriner.  He announced many horse shows throughout Southern Illinois in the 1970’s and 1980’s and enjoyed watching his young sons participate in horse shows.  He was a member of the First Christian Church in Christopher where he served many years as an elder and board chairman.

Larry supported his young family by working at Allen’s and Country Set as a sewing machine mechanic.  He was the proud owner of Larry’s Trailer Sales in Zeigler serving the area for over 50 years.  He and his family also own Flowers Farms.  Larry and Vera enjoyed traveling all over the world and he loved the hunting trips with his friends.

He leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Gayla Flowers, grandchildren, Lacy Holt, Larry A. Flowers, Courtney, Chad and Chase Flowers, great grandson A.J. Holt, daughter–in-law Pricilla Flowers, brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Carolyn Flowers, several nieces and nephews as well as many business and personal friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Vera Flowers, and son Larry Allen Flowers.

Graveside services will be on Saturday May 26, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with brother Denny Bush officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday May 25, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Saturday May 26, 2018 from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Lillie Adkins, 94, passed away at 7:45 AM, Thursday, May 24^th, 2018, at her home in Benton, Illinois. The first child of Marion and Lelia (Martin) Stephens, Lillie was born August 5, 1923 in Harveyton, Kentucky.  She married James Adkins in Fleming, Kentucky on December 23, 1939 and over the years they were blessed with eight healthy children.

Mr. and Mrs. Adkins moved to Benton from Kentucky in October 1961 and settled into the community with their active children. While Mr. Adkins was busy working at Freeman Coal Orient #5 mine and later at Inland Steel Coal in Sesser, Mrs. Adkins focused her time on her children as they actively participated in sports and activities sponsored by their schools and community.

In addition to Lillie’s eight children she was blessed with fourteen grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, and four great, great grandchildren. Spending time with each was a great pleasure for her and her mothering instincts extended not only to her own children but to their friends as well, as she offered food, love, encouragement and sage advice to all. She most recently delighted in spending a weekend with her newest six-month-old great grandson and having a four-generation photo taken.

Lillie was an avid reader and was often seen visiting the Benton Public Library. She was also an enthusiast of all televised sports, with a keen interest in watching basketball, especially following the career of her favorite star and announcer, Doug Collins.

Survivors include five daughters, Mary Lou Shockley, West Frankfort, Brenda Doty (Tod) and Vickie Willis (Bruce), both from Benton, Sharon Merwin, Dallas, Texas, and Rhonda Cockrum (Curtis), Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  Sons, Richard Adkins (Kathy), Middletown, Ohio, James Adkins (Deborah), Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Roger Adkins (Glenna), London, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Adkins, her parents, Marion and Lelia Stephens, three brothers, John, Gordon, and Robert Stephens, and sons-in-law, Jack Shockley and Davis Merwin.

The family extends special thanks and much gratitude to Leotta Burbank, an incredible Care Angel whose ever present pleasing personality and warmth brought comfort, peace, joy, and friendship to our mom and family.   To Rachael Janello, mom’s physical therapist whose kindness, understanding, warmth, and laughter led to an endearing friendship.  Thanks also to the following Care Angels who have helped and supported us over the last few months:  Emily Harris, Ruth Zeboski, Kendra Murphy, Gayla Porritt, and Janice Biggs. A special thanks also to Hospice of Southern Illinois whose support and guidance brought comfort and peace to our family.

Funeral services will be at Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St, Benton, Illinois on Saturday at 11:00 AM.  We welcome all who wish to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to Benton Public Library, 502 South Main Street, Benton, IL  62812 or Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL  62959, and will be accepted at the funeral home. 

LaVera L. Spilman, 62, of Benton passed away May 20, 2018 at her home.

She was born in Christopher, IL on July 9, 1955, the daughter of John & Pauline (Piazza) Spilman.

She worked for as a registered nurse at Heartland Regional Medical Center until failing health.

LaVera is survived by two sons, Damian Dawson and wife Kelly, of Benton and Derek Dawson, of Benton; four grandchildren Mayci, Cameron, Makenzie and Taylor; three brothers, Merv Spilman, John Spilman and Ronnie Corbin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Paul DeGroff.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 24th at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. There will be no visitation and those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.