Marilyn Jane Brookins – Whittington, IL

Marilyn Jane Brookins, 77, of Whittington passed away Friday morning May 18, 2018 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born in Benton, IL on October 12, 1940, the daughter of Vernon and Mary (Williams) Rose.

She married Elmer M. Brookins on November 30, 1958 and he survives.

Mrs. Brookins was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church, her passion was assisting others trough Immanuel Helping Hands Ministry. She was co-owner Brookins Donut Shop in Charleston, IL. She was also the manager of Burton’s Cafe for 10 years.

She is survived by her husband, Elmer Brookins, of Whittington; two sons, Dale Brookins and wife Penny, of Whittington and Ron Brookins and wife Susan, of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren, Mallory Gibbs and husband Alex and their children Cali and Keaton, Chelsea Brookins, Whitney Brookins, Tyler Brookins and Chandler Brookins; one brother, Dale Rose and wife Judy, of Sesser, IL.

Mrs. Brookins was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 21 at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Burial will be in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mrs. Brookins memory may be made to The Helping Hands Ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church.

For more information or to leave online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Eugene “Bluegrass” Dwyer, age 82, of rural Marion, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 4:25 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at his home.
He was born on Monday, July 29, 1935 in Drakesboro, KY of Muhlenberg County the son of Robert Virgil Lee “V.L.” and Mary Susan (Scarbrough) Dwyer.
He was first united in marriage to Sue Willoughby in Kentucky and to this union three children were born; Steve, Debbie and David. He later was united in marriage to Marjorie Richey in Indiana and to this union a daughter Genea was born. He later was united in marriage to Margaret Louise (Turnage) Montgomery on Thursday, July 2, 1987 in Marion, IL and together they have shared nearly 31 years of marriage.
Early in his working career he worked for Inland Steel Mill in Hammond, IN for about 15 years. In the mid 1960’s he moved to the area and began his coal mining career. He worked for several mines of the area including; Bluebird Mine near Dykersburg, IL, Harrisburg Coal Mine near Harrisburg, IL, Peabody Eagle No. 2 Mine near Shawneetown, IL, Zeigler Coal No. 4 Mine near Johnston City, IL, Morris Coal No. 5 Mine near Pittsburg, IL, Inland Steel Coal Mine near McLeansboro, IL and Brushy Creek Coal Mine near Galatia, IL. When the Brushy Creek Mine closed in 1995 he decided to end his career in mining. He also was involved in farming and raising cattle most of his lifetime.
Eugene loved the LORD and was a faithful Christian always willing to witness to those he came in contact with. He was a member and trustee of the Marion Freewill Baptist Church and currently was attending with his family at Arnold View Freewill Baptist Church located southeast of Marion. He was actively involved in the development and management of Camp Jericho located near Goreville, IL. He also was a member of the United Mine Workers District 12 Local Union No. 2420 and a member of the Williamson County Farm Bureau.
In his spare time when he was younger he enjoyed waterskiing, coon hunting and bird and deer hunting. He also enjoyed gardening and traveling to many areas of the country pulling his 5th Wheel Camper to camp and making many new friends who he met. His large family was a very important part of his life. He was always interested in all of their many activities and enjoyed going to all of their events. The many memories created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Louise Dwyer of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Robbie (Blumenstock) Dwyer of Marion; daughter and son-in-law, Genea and Scott Allred of Fredericksburg, VA; four grandchildren, Brandon Dwyer and his wife Bethany of Pittsburg, IL, Jason Dwyer and his wife Heather of Marion, Christinia Brisson and her husband Chad of Benton, IL and Christopher Roberson and his wife Alisha of Fredericksburg, VA; five great grandchildren, Lucianna Isabel Dwyer, Allie Jane Dwyer, Mya Roseanna Dwyer, Skyler Lewis and Selena Brisson; brother, Robert Dwyer of Galatia, IL; three sisters, Betty Crick of Madisonville, KY, Maggie Phelps and her husband Mike of Greenville, KY and Ruby Vance and her husband John of Earlson, TX; stepdaughter, Rowena Montgomery of Paducah, KY; stepson, James “J.C.” Montgomery of Pinckneyville, IL; step daughter-in-law, Pam Montgomery of Marion; ten step grandchildren, Staci Vess and her husband Chase of Frederiksberg, VA, Sarah Forby of Goreville, IL, Aaron Smith of Goreville, IL, Rindi Brainard and her husband Josh of Warrensburg, MO, Mandi Goins and her husband Ben of Herrin, IL, Caleb Montgomery of Goreville, IL, Danny Montgomery and his wife Marie of Jacksonville, FL, Leah June Sadlo and her husband Andrew of Orange Park, FL, Jonathon Montgomery of Anna, IL and Michelle Montgomery of Marion; fourteen step great-grandchildren, Shea Forby, Emma Forby, Shanley Smith, Tealy Smith, Aiden Brainard, Haven Randolph, Elijah Brainard, Leyton Goins, Lexi Goins, Dakota Montgomery, Guilianna Montgomery, James Morales, Anthony Morales, Joseph Morales, many nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Dwyer; daughter, Debbie Dwyer; two sisters, Bessie Ryhe and Nell Davis and stepson, Duco Montgomery, III.
Arrangements for Eugene “Bluegrass” Dwyer have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.
The visitation will be on Friday, May 18th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Ivan Ryan presiding.
Interment will follow in Cana Cemetery located on Route 166 southeast of Marion.
For those who prefer memorial contributions may be made to “Camp Jericho” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For additional information, complete family information or to leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2018/05/16/30465/

Roger Rentfro – Mulkeytown, IL

Roger Rentfro, 64, of Mulkeytown passed away on Tuesday May 15, 2018. 

He was born on November 14, 1953 in Peoria to Robert and Anna (Nieukirk) Rentfro.

Survivors include his special friend Kim Roberts; children Rachel Rentfro of Bartonville, IL and Melissa (Jade) Miller of Dixon, MO; step-children Ryan Pfordresher of Collinsville, IL, Tory (Drew) Hulse of Minneapolis, MN, and Jennifer (James) Roberts of Medford, MA; grandchildren ShayLyn, Arianna, Jeremy, Caleb, Joshua, Abigail, and Rowe; two great grandchildren Koby and Waylon; brothers and sisters Roberta (Frank) Wiese of Washington, IL, Daniel (Susan) Rentfro of East Peoria, IL, Donna Fargher of Washington, IL, Patrick (Tracy) Rentfro of Aledo, IL, Patricia (Gary) Hooker of Murfreesboro, TN, and David (Lyn) Rentfro of Royalton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Jillanna Rentfro, and one great granddaughter Serenity.

Roger’s wishes were to be cremated.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

John R. “Bob” Williams — Valier, IL

 

John R. “Bob” Williams, 84, of Valier, IL, passed away on May 10, 2018.

He was born on March 21, 1934 in Macedonia, IL. He was a loving Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He was friendly and good natured. He always had a smile for everyone he met. He was funny and would do anything for anyone just to see them smile. He loved talking with people, he could talk for hours. He had so many great stories. He served the United States army in Germany for 21 months as a medic. He loved fishing, hunting, animals especially horses and dogs, camping, telling stories and spending time with his friends and family. He had numerous jobs in his life but the one he liked best was his Heating and Air Conditioning Business. He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Irene Williams, brother Eddie Williams and sister Sharon (Ron) Mabry. He is survived by his two children, Kevin Williams and Deb (Williams) Gabriel. Four grand-daughters, Christine (Lamone) Whitfield, Kaylee (Derek) Hillinger, Jordanna Marsh and Karissa Marsh. Two great-grandchildren Max Whitfield and Arya Scott. Several siblings: Charles (Janis) Williams, Carl (DeeAnn) Williams, Karen (Jim) Sanson, Brenda (Jim) Hewlett, Norma Bollinger, Linda (Ken) Aldridge and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Funeral services will be at Valier First Baptist Church on Friday May 18 at 4:00 PM with visitation from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. There will be a luncheon at the church immediately following the ceremony. Memorial fund is being set up with National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV).

Francis “Eick” Eickelman – Valier, IL

Obituary – Patty Sue (Winemiller) Hastings – Creve Coeur, MO

Patty Sue (Winemiller) Hastings, 79, of Creve Coeur, MO and a former Cape Girardeau resident passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2018 in Creve Coeur, MO.

She was born in Whittington, IL on May 25, 1938, the daughter of Richard & Louise (Clinton) Winemiller.

Patty married Warren Steven Hastings on August 29, 1959 and he preceded her in death on August 21, 1996.

She went to SIU-Carbondale, was awarded a scholarship and received her Bachelors Degree and became an Elementary Teacher in Cario. While in College she was a member of Delta Zeta, and in Cape Girardeau of Beta Sigma Phi. After marrying Steve they moved to Cape Girardeau and did alot of travelling. When Steve passed away Patty moved to St. Louis and became a doting grandmother.

Mrs. Hastings is survived by her daughter, Jamie Hastngs-Omahen and husband Michael of Creve Coeur, MO; sister Phyllis Whittington and husband Marvin of Whittington, IL; nephews Robert Whittington and wife Anita and Robert Whittington and wife Melissa and one niece, Christy Deputy.

Mrs. Hastings was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. There will be no visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Junita “Pat” Beasley – West Frankfort, IL

Junita “Pat” Beasley, 90, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away Wednesday May 9, 2018 in her residence at 11:56 a.m.

Pat was born May 24, 1927 in Marion, Illinois to Sherman and Minnie (Holmes) Thompson.  She is a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church – West Frankfort, Illinois.  Pat enjoyed quilting, sewing, and crocheting.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Beasley; parents; brothers:  Mel and Bob Thompson; sister, Esther Milligan.

Pat is survived by son:  Gary (Cathy) Beasley and Stan (Sherry) Beasley; daughter, DeeAnn (Joe) Arview; grandchildren:  Alana (Dwayne) Nation, Nikki (Rob) Stecher, Becky (Josh) Bailie, Kristen (Eddie) Crain, Rick (Keina) Beasley, Patrick (Lisa) Arview, Jay (Uvanna) Arview, and Shannon (Sarah) Arview; step grandchildren, Melissa (Rick) Boughton and Shawn (Amy) Southard; great grandchildren:  Ciara Duke and fiancé Jarred King, Lucas Bailie, Kaelyne Beasley, Coleman Bailie, Hadley Stecher, Emma Stecher, Alex Stecher, Joseph Arview, and Noah Beasley; step greatgrandchildren:  Kyle Nation, Emily Andres, Cole Andres, Cole Williams, Seth Nation, Danny Nation, Megan Joedicke, Logan Southard, and Jace Southard; special friend, Connie Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00p.m. Friday May 11, 2018 at Union Funeral Home – West Frankfort, Illinois with Joe Arview officiating.  Burial will be in Denning Cemetery on the Orient Road.  Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

Online condolences of sympathy, visit www.unionfh.com.

Donald C. Griffith – West Frankfort, IL

Donald C. Griffith, 85, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away Monday May 7, 2018 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale at 2:37p.m.

Donald was born November 29, 1932 in West Frankfort, Illinois to Herbert and Nellie (Cox) Griffith.  He loved his family, gardening, and walking.  He was an avid Cardinals fan.  Donald was in the U.S. Army during the Korean era.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria “Vonnie” Griffith; parents; brothers:  Norman, Bob, and Joe Griffith; sisters:  Marge Riggle and Gladys Ellis.

Donald is survived by sons:  Kevin (Helen) Griffith, Kurt (Debbie) Griffith, and Keith (Kellie) Griffith; daughter, Kimbra (Steve) Newton; brothers:  Danny, Kenny, Eddie (Darlene) Griffith; sisters:  Corrine (Victor) Cluck and Jane Hartline; grandchildren:  Josh (Alisha) Newton, Jeremy (Lara) Newton, Alycia (Jason) Stephenson, Chais Griffith, Nick (Morgan) Griffith, Morgan Griffith, and Paxton Griffith; great grandchildren:  Kole Newton, Bella, Sofia, and Desi Stephenson; special nephew, Wayne Clover; several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 1:00p.m. Thursday May 10, 2018 in Union Funeral Home – West Frankfort, Illinois with Pastor Guy Webster officiating.  Visitation will be held 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. prior to the service.  Military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 1961, VFW Post 5764, and Zeigler Post 177.

Memorials may be made to the FCHS Athletic Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family would like everyone that attends the service to please wear their Cardinal shirts in honor of Donald.

 

Saluki Men’s Basketball to make foreign trip to Cuba in August

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois men’s basketball team will make its first foreign trip in 10 years when the Salukis travel to Cuba, Aug. 5-11, to play three games versus players from the Cuban National Team.

The tour was booked through Sports Tours International, which has guided Coastal Carolina and Louisiana on previous summer trips to Cuba. The team will be accompanied by three interpreters, including Sports Tours president Lee Frederick, and visit the cities of Havana and Varadero.

The games will be played in the 12,000-seat Havana Sports City Coliseum versus teams consisting of older players who are currently members of the National Team, and younger players who are trying out for the team. SIU’s coaches and players will also conduct two teaching clinics for Cuban youth players.

“This trip provides student-athletes with an extremely rich experience,” said Frederick. “In addition to the basketball games, players will take a walking tour of historic Old Havana and make several excursions, such as visiting the U.S. Embassy, a craft market and cigar store, and taking a salsa lesson from professional Cuban dancers.”

The Salukis could return up to seven seniors and all five starters from last year’s team that finished 20-11. Southern lost Tyler Smithpeters and Jonathan Wiley to graduation, but expect a boost from senior center Thik Bol, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, plus three incoming freshmen — Darius Beane, Sam Shafer and Amadou Fall.

Once every four years, college basketball programs are allowed to embark on a foreign trip and given 10 extra practices in the summer to prepare. The last time Southern took a foreign tour was in August of 2008, when the team traveled to Windsor, Canada.

“This is a great opportunity for us to get better on and off the court as a unit and lay the foundation for the upcoming season,” said SIU head coach Barry Hinson. “We are especially grateful to Roger and Sally Tedrick for their financial support that will make this trip possible.”

Benton Rangers’ baseball wins SIRR Ohio outright with 8-2 mark

Southern Illinois River to River Conference Current Standings – Baseball Ohio Division, 2017-18

Team Record
Benton 8-2 **1st Place
Harrisburg 7-3
West Frankfort 6-4
Massac County 3-6
Murphysboro 3-6
Herrin 2-8

Schedule, Scores and Results:
Apr. 2 Massac County at Murphysboro (Rainout, 5/10/18) Herrin at Benton (Rainout, 4/24/18) West Frankfort at Harrisburg, 7-6 (10 innings)
Apr. 3 Murphysboro at Herrin (Rainout, 4/27/18) Harrisburg at Massac County (Rainout, 4/4/18) Benton at West Frankfort (Rainout, 4/27/18)
Apr. 4 Harrisburg at Massac County (Rainout, 4/24/18)
Apr. 5 Harrisburg at Benton, 10-0 (5 innings)
Apr. 6 West Frankfort at Murphysboro, 1-11 Herrin at Massac County, 7-4
Apr. 9 Murphysboro at Harrisburg, 4-1 Massac County at Benton, 1-0 West Frankfort at Herrin, 9-3

Apr. 10 Benton at Murphysboro, 5-2 Massac County at West Frankfort, 11-9 Harrisburg at Herrin, 11-9
Apr. 12 Benton at Herrin, 10-1 Harrisburg at West Frankfort, 3-2
Apr. 13 Murphysboro at Massac County, 11-8
Apr. 16 Herrin at Murphysboro (Cold Temperatures, 4/18/18) Massac County at Harrisburg, 9-1 West Frankfort at Benton (Cole Temperatures, 5/4/18)
Apr. 17 Murphysboro at West Frankfort, 7-2 Massac County at Herrin, 5-3 Benton at Harrisburg, 2-1
Apr. 18 Herrin at Murphysboro, 5-2
Apr. 19 Herrin at West Frankfort, 4-0
Apr. 20 Harrisburg at Murphysboro, 4-0 Benton at Massac County, 10-0 (5 innings)
Apr. 23 Murphysboro at Benton (Rainout, 4/26/18) West Frankfort at Massac County (Rainout, 4/26/18) Herrin at Harrisburg, 5-1
Apr. 24 Herrin at Benton (Rainout, 5/1/18) Harrisburg at Massac County (Rainout, 4/25/18)
Apr. 25 Harrisburg at Massac County, 12-2
Apr. 26 West Frankfort at Massac County, 2-0 Murphysboro at Benton, 5-4 (8 innings)
Apr. 27 Benton at West Frankfort, 3-2 Murphysboro at Herrin, 8-4
May 1 Herrin at Benton, 7-3
May 4 West Frankfort at Benton (Rainout, 5/8/18)
May 8 West Frankfort at Benton, 7-2
May 10 Massac County at Murphysboro

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News